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Why the custom computer keyboard? Why not practice on a real soroban? They cost about US$10. You need to practice the finger motions, after all. They're not bad
by Animats 1y ago
Why the custom computer keyboard? Why not practice on a real soroban? They cost about US$10. You need to practice the finger motions, after all. They're not bad for addition and subtraction. For adding up small numbers, such as at a store checkout, a soroban is still useful. Multiplication, division, don't go there.
With a soroban and a slide rule, you can do most basic engineering problems.
- whacked_new 1y agoI wanted to track my progress to the highest level of detail possible. The motor motions are somewhat similar, but slightly more complex, than typing on the keyboard. But since I already type fluently I wouldn't be able to get as fresh data, so the soroban was a nice other task. The main goals were to track learning progress and truly experience what it meant to have a virtual abacus in my mind's eye. Honored to get a comment from you!
- Animats 1y agoI haven't had to use a soroban in many years, but I did use one, along with a slide rule, in high school physics.