Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

[Michael Czeiszperger <michael AT czeiszperger.org>]

On Dec 31, 2003, at 11:34 AM, Carol Scheible wrote:

> I am in desperate need of making my work area ergonomic (read: aches 
> and
> pains).
>
> Can anyone recommend a place to buy things like ergonomic keyboards /
> keyboard trays, mouses, footrests, etc.   I've seen some stuff online, 
> but
> have no idea where to start.

In my experience the biggest ergonomic problem with computers is the 
desks aren't designed to be adjustable for height, so you end up with 
keyboards and computers at the wrong height, which throws your arm and 
neck angles off, which causes pain. Or you adjust the chair for the 
right height for either the keyboard or the monitor and then you're out 
of alignment with the floor.

One workaround for desk height is the keyboard tray, but most of the 
time the height of the tray isn't adjustable-- its just a sliding tray, 
which is useless.

So I guess the bottom line is the typical ergonomic gadgets don't 
really work, and the ones that are functional only work within the 
context of total proper ergonomic system, i.e. good posture, properly 
aligned monitor and keyboard, etc.

The extras I've found useful are:

1. Monitor stand to bring the monitor up to eye level so I don't have 
to look up or down to do most of my work.
2. A small, long piece of wood to place at the leading edge of the 
keyboard to give it a reverse tilt. This is required in order to 
facilitate a straight line along my forearms to fingers, i.e. neutral 
wrist angle.

___________________________________________________________________
michael at czeiszperger dot org
Chapel Hill, NC