I'm looking for a second input device to attach to workstations used for pair programming. I'm not looking to multi-input (two people typing at the same time), but just the ability for the second person to quickly take over for a short time without having to trade places.
My thought is that the device should be a keyboard with a built-in mouse capability so the second person can operate without having a desktop surface.
Anybody doing this? What hardware are you using?
You could consider a trackball for the mouse, as that doesn't require any space to operate. Trackballs are not for everyone however.
I use a Razer Lycosa keyboad, which has an USB port at the back. Unfortunately, it eats up two USB ports at the back of my computer. Still, it would allow you to attach a second keyboard to this one and if this second keyboard has a build-in mouse (or if you add an USB hub) then two people could work at the same time. (And you don't have to go to the back of the PC to connect an additional keyboard.)
There's a company "Adesso" that makes some nice products that integrate mouse and keyboard functionality into one. I use a WKB-4000US with my car PC which is wireless and has an integrated touchpad and I've found it to be quite good.