I just realized that I have been using the Dvorak simplified keyboard layout for well over a year now. I am pleased to say that I love this layout and I could never see myself switching back to the standard Qwerty layout even though I am still fairly proficient with it.

It is a shame that the Dvorak layout has not had a larger adoption rate. In my experience the majority of people who make an attempt to learn it don't make it past the first week. People seem to think that their normal typing speed will return instantly and quit when it doesn't work out that way.

If you ever plan on making the switch you should make sure it is done when you have two weeks of free time to absolutely devote yourself to learning it with no distractions.

Are there any other Dvorak users within the reach of my humble blog?

I figured it was about time I gave my promised update regarding my switch to the Dvorak keyboard layout.

It has been almost three weeks since I switched and I am typing at a decent speed and slowly getting back to my normal typing speed.

I stopped using the tutors after the first week and have been learning by doing my normal routine (e.g. chatting on irc, instant messaging, etc). I do have the occasional mix up and hit the wrong key but that is to be expected..

I like Dvorak and I have no plans to go back to the Qwerty layout.

I decided to switch over to the Dvorak keyboard layout last night.
I switched simply because I wanted to try something different and thus far I must say that I like Dvorak.

To become fluent with the layout I am currently using the dvorak7min typing tutor.
When I am not using the tutor, I have a small image of the layout sitting on the bottom of my screen.

Needless to say, both of these have proved to be very helpful..

I'll probably post an update on my status within the next two weeks.