Optimize your inputs
The way you tell your Mac what you want it to do has an impact on the result
Technology has come a long, long way since the first Mac was launched way back in 1984. One thing that hasn’t changed though, is how we interact with it. While some people use voice commands and dictation software, for most of us, telling our Mac what we want it to do involves a keyboard and either a mouse or a trackpad.
When it comes to choosing which keyboard to use, most Mac users stick with the one that came with their Mac (unless you use a Mac mini or Mac Pro, in which case you’ll have to supply your own). But that’s not always the best idea. The same is true of your mouse or trackpad. For example, if you use a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air predominantly at a desk, you’d be much better off putting your laptop on a stand and using an external keyboard and mouse or trackpad. That way you won’t be hunched over the screen all day. Better still if you can hook up a larger display.
Even if you use an iMac, the supplied keyboard and mouse may not be the most productive for you. For example, if you’re a gamer, you might be better off with a mechanical keyboard and a mouse with multiple buttons and a low response time. Choosing the optimal set–up for your situation will not only make you more productive and cause you to make fewer mistakes, it will also improve your posture and therefore your overall health.
SET IT RIGHT
Whichever keyboard, mouse, or trackpad you use, you should set it up in macOS so that it does exactly what you need it to do. We’ll show you how to do that in this section by using the options available in System Preferences. If you use a third–party mouse or keyboard, it may come with its own software, which you can use to customize how it works, so check out the literature for that device.
Check out our handy "Shortcuts" reference guide (left) for the keyboard shortcuts you should learn and commit to memory to help you get more done in less time when you’re in front of your Mac. Do that, and you have more time to take breaks. And that’s something else that’s good for your health.