I find most (maybe except for 'space') standard keyboard shortcuts more than awkward.  Using the mouse is so necessary that I end up keeping my right hand on it most of the time.  This leaves only my left hand free.  Something like Shift-F12 is impossible.  Even "P" isn't easy and it's often needed.  So I've been assigning my own shortcuts to keys that fall naturally under my left hand.  Things like [X = whatever is to the left of '1' on your keyboard] for rewind to beginning, or TAB for search backward, or shift [X] to open the PRV.  My hands don't move and I don't have to look.  The assignable Control Bar buttons are great as well since my right hand is already on the mouse.  Foot switches would be great for Shift-like modifiers but that 450$ pricetag is crazy.
 
There are too many things to enter and not enough limbs.
 

The pok key-combo pedal is selling for under $150 now. Behringer has a 10 switch rig with two cc pedals for about the same price. Just decide which you want to control: PC keys or MIDI data...or better yet, get one of each for leas than $300...I know, I'm not made of money either.

"the "Give All Keystrokes" button is something you need to learn and use if it is causing that much distress (which it would if you are not aware of it)"
 
"Give all keystrokes to plug-in"  does not work for MMultiAnalyzer and Amplitube 4 which are the only plug-ins I need it for.  Often I need to adjust patches and re-name them for these two plug-ins inside Sonar Platinum.  (I am on Lexington)  Is this feature working for anyone else?  I submitted the bug to product support-- the ticket is CWBRN-33588.  Under status information it says, "submitted to development" back in June 2015.  After every Sonar update, I re-check this feature and it still is not fixed.

Dumb question and OT but I gotta know. would it be possible, or be any advantage, to using one of those new Lenovo pc/tablets or any laptop for a touch screen, and still be using desktop for Sonar program? I don't know if the HDMI is 2 way or not, meaning would accept input from video card.....There must be a way........ or not

charlyg
Dumb question and OT but I gotta know. would it be possible, or be any advantage, to using one of those new Lenovo pc/tablets or any laptop for a touch screen, and still be using desktop for Sonar program? I don't know if the HDMI is 2 way or not, meaning would accept input from video card.....There must be a way........ or not

HDMI is as far as I know is one way. I don't think there is a way to have another computer control Sonar without a network involved. 

I could do that.....I think.

This is a very useful conversation, thanks to the OP for getting things started.  I am one of those who uses the mouse almost exclusively and use the keyboard only when necessary.  Having used touch screens on tablets and netbooks for some time now it does seem to me it would be useful for replacing buttons and sliders but wouldn't be suitable for the fine work (e.g. automation, midi editing) which is often a large part of my workflow.  After reading the posts above regarding CW's future focus (touch screen and no MIDI editing mentioned) I am now considering augmenting my system capabilities with either Cubase or Studio One to improve my MIDI editing capabilities since it would be unfair to expect that CW change their plans to suit me.
 
Cheers,
Richard

charlyg
Dumb question and OT but I gotta know. would it be possible, or be any advantage, to using one of those new Lenovo pc/tablets or any laptop for a touch screen, and still be using desktop for Sonar program? I don't know if the HDMI is 2 way or not, meaning would accept input from video card.....There must be a way........ or not

PC touchscreens use a USB link as well as HDMI. The USB handles the touch side of things.

You can already control Sonar to an extent from a tablet or a separate PC with a touch-screen, obviously all devices have to be on the same network and able to access each other.

V-Control gives control over a lot of Sonar using the Sonar control surface interface. It's available for iOS and I think Android. There are other, similar apps.

Microsoft's free Remote Desktop application allows control over any Windows computer running the "pro" (not home) version of Windows. It mirrors the screen onto whatever device Remote Desktop is tunning on. There's a few downsides, including it blanks the screen of the "host" PC while running because it redirects the video from the graphics card to the remote desktop server. On the plus side it works pretty well and is available for Windows amd iOS at least.

There are also USB mini-touchscreens which operate like a second monitor, though I've no experience of using them.

RD9
I am now considering augmenting my system capabilities with either Cubase or Studio One to improve my MIDI editing capabilities since it would be unfair to demand that CW change their plans to suit me.
 

Not just you ! although it might be better to say pretty please.  I don't need touch, but midi editing can get as much attention as possible.  I certainly can't afford to add another daw.
 

My pc/tablet has usb when the keyboard is attached......and I would just as soon see both monitors..... no equivalent Windows app to V-control?