[Geeks] Experiences, opinions and recommendations for ergonomic keyboards and mice?

[David Brownlee]

Dear Computists,

The keyboard and mouse are critical points of contact, but reducing stress
elsewhere in the body can have many trickle down comforts.  Some
options/opinions...

- Avoid using laptops at all costs.  Laptops on desks will be comfortable
when we humans see out of our bellybuttons.  Laptops can easily be
supported with something such as the Ergotron LX Desk Mount Notebook Arm
(http://www.ergotron.com/Products/DeskMounts/tabid/71/ctl/Product/mid/396/PRDID/69/language/en-CA/default.aspx)
and used with an external keyboard & mouse.

- Raise the top of the monitor to above eye level and use a foot rest.
This forces good (and comfortable) back posture in a somewhat reclined
postion.  The goal is to mimic a dentist's chair.

- Tablet computers are excellent (and fun) for surfing or lengthy reading,
but are fairly clunky for anything involving input.  Mozilla add-ons
"Mouse Gestures" and "Grab and Drag" work well with a stylus.

- An exceptionally good chair is a sound investment and like a garbage
can, a critical piece of office furniture.  With a good tilt, one may
recline fully and rest their feet on the desk.  This is handy for, as
above, tablet surfing and reading.

- Without personal experience, I can't vouch for wrist gyros
(http://www.powerballs.com/rehab.php?m=Benefits) but they are a
possibility.


-David Brownlee