Re: [OT] ergonomic setups
On (07/06/03 15:44), Pigeon wrote:
> On Sat, Jun 07, 2003 at 02:07:29AM -0700, Paul Johnson wrote:
> > On Fri, Jun 06, 2003 at 12:27:37PM -0400, Nori Heikkinen wrote:
> > > i'd like your opinions/feedback about what kind of ergonomic setups
> > > you use at home and in the office. as i mentioned a couple of days
> > > ago, i've been issued a laptop at work, and i can barely use it for
> > > the wrist strain.
> >
> > Best way to solve wrist strain with any computer is to position the
> > keyboard and mouse or the laptop in a manner that keeps your wrists as
> > straight as possible, and avoid resting your hands on the keyboard.
> >
> > If you're using a mouse, keep your wrist fairly straight, and try to
> > use your whole arm to move the mouse. Using your wrist alone is just
> > begging for carpal tunnel syndrome; just your forearm for tennis elbow.
>
> Ah, mice... another oddity of fashion... I ditched mine for a
> trackball and find that a great improvement. I can control the pointer
> with small movements of one finger, I don't need a large clear space
> to use it in, making precisely-located clicks is easier as the pointer
> doesn't joggle when you press the button, I can find a convenient
> place to leave it next to the keyboard so it's less awkward switching
> between input devices in GUIs. The finger movement required is similar
> in magnitude to that required by a laptop's track pad, but the
> tracking is much more precise and controllable.
>
> The trackball I have, a Trust Ami Track Dual Scroll, is a sort of
> elongated dome shape that fits into the palm of the hand, with the
> ball at one end and paddles on either side for left and right buttons.
> The thumb operates one paddle, the little finger the other, and the
> first finger rests on the ball. (Middle button, right behind the ball,
> is a little awkward.) It is symmetrical, so just as easy to use with
> either hand - an important feature which many pointing devices lack.
>
> Its only disadvantage is that its mechanical operation makes it
> vulnerable to finger grease. Unfortunately, the only optical ones I've
> seen have been highly asymmetrical, which is no good. I suppose I
> could always do a gut transplant though.
>
> And what is a trackball but an upside down mouse that was invented
> first? Fashion is an odd thing...
FWIW, my partner acquired a MS Optical Trackball a year or so ago and was
very impressed. In spite of my preference for Macs, when I acquired a
G4 earlier this year, I decided I needed more than one button.
Furthermore I found the little round Mac mouse pretty uncomfortable after
a while. So I swallowed my prejudice and added to Bill Gates' coffers
by buying an optical trackball and it is the best piece of kit I've ever
seen from MS ;-).
Fast, comfortable (with wheel scroll) - I wonder how I ever managed with
a single button. This has 5 but I only use three currently.
Regards
Clive
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