Ergonomics Made Easy Blog
Resources and solutions for people in pain that could use help with ergonomic products.
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Thursday August 25, 2011
Adjusting to a New Keyboard
Not too long ago, we had our our laptops stolen
(and wallet, phone, keys, and car!) while we slept. I posted some tips about how to avoid and
deal with such a life-altering event.
Besides the overall feeling of violation, as well as the massive amount
of paperwork and leg work one has to do to file a police report and make insurance
claims, there is also the adjustment of life without said items. Even if you do get compensation for your
laptop or car or whatever else has been stolen, there is still the waiting
period in which you, well, wait, to see if the taken items can be
recovered. Then, there is the waiting
period where you wait longer for the insurance claims to be made and to find
the right replacements- there might not be the same deal you previously got, so
you have to wait.
So much waiting can really put a
strain on you, especially if you are a student or work from home. My husband is a doctoral student and I work
from home. Thus, this has been a very
trying time for us as we try to get the usual studies and tasks done without
our usual resources.
We are very fortunate in that we
have a generous
community of friends willing
to help by loaning us all kinds of equipment while we wait for our own to be
found or re-purchased. Interestingly, we
have found that we like (and don’t like) certain features in laptops, keyboards,
and mice as we have been trying to adapt to new set-ups.
We like our own stuff. Everyone likes what they’re used to. Thus, many times trying a new device is more
of an adjustment issue. Typing
on a laptop is one thing-
actually typing on your own laptop is one thing; typing on someone else's is
quite another. The keys might be in different places, they might be
touchier and only require a swift tap, or conversely, as with older models,
they may be rather hard-headed and need a good, firm press-down. In
general there's not an ideal keyboard that all people want- it's typically
whatever you're used to and everything else requires time to get used to.- My husband and I are both struggling
to get used to using a netbook, which may be the tiniest thing I've ever seen.
I feel like Vector in Despicable Me and this laptop done got shrunk.
Even though I have relatively small hands, I still am somewhat like a
bull in a china shop, hitting keys I never meant to and generally taking too
long to type a normal document s as I have to study the keyboard to see where
the short-cuts are and adapt my usual protocol. My husband found that plugging
in an ergonomic
keyboard really helped him stretch out again and find the keys more easily.
- We both miss an external mouse. For the sake of ease, it’s just nice to have a
wireless mouse that you don’t accidentally maximize or minimize the screen
with. When your laptop screen is the
size of a kindle, you can’t really afford to enlarge the screen shot accidentally.
Every typist is different and
therefore has different needs in a keyboard. The important thing about
choosing an ergonomic
keyboard and even mouse is to
find the right fit that makes sense with your head, too.
Posted in
adjustability
, ergonomic keyboards
, ergonomic mouse
, laptop
, mini keyboard
, wireless
|
Tuesday July 12, 2011
Why to Go Ergonomic with Your Mouse
Many people wonder if it's worth going ergonomic with any of their gadgets or everyday tools. When considering an ergonomic mouse, a good indicator to go ahead and get one is if you find that your forearms, wrists, or any part of your hand {including your fingers}hurt after longer periods of mousing. It's pretty common to feel aches and pains with a laptop touchpad and even a standard mouse because of the way they force your arm and wrists to twist to conform to their shape. Alternatively, an ergonomic mouse should conform to fit your hand.
How to Choose an Ergonomic Mouse {hint: ergonomic is more important than wireless!}
There are a lot of wireless products out there- when choosing a mouse, the most critical factor to consider is how it fits your hand. You may see a crazy cool-looking, shiny, top of the line mouse that all your cool, techy friends have...but if it doesn't fit your hand, it's not for you. To know for sure if a mouse fits your hand, just see how it feels when you grip it. Most mice force you to twist your hand unnaturally to hover over it. However, there are a lot of ergonomic mice that are designed for a more natural, more comfortable fit.
Here are 3 great ergonomic mice:
Evoluent- a wired mouse that offers a handshake grasp which keeps your arm from twisting as you mouse.- Aerobic- a wired mouse thatcomes with right and left-handed options and a comfortable handshake fit for your hand.
- Renaissance- a fabulous wireless option with a joy stick grip. Great for ergonomic comfort and ease of use without wires.
I will say that ergonomic comfort, namely avoiding straining your arm, wrist, and even fingers, found in a good fit is the most important factor to consider. Going wireless is simply an added bonus. If you work from the road a lot or have small children, getting rid of extra wires can be a great move. Thus, I love the Renaissance mouse for boasting of both.
If you're looking for a better mouse, try an ergonomic mouse for comfort and ease of use.
Posted in
ergonomic mouse
, Uncategorized
, wireless
|
Thursday May 5, 2011
Going Wireless
I have recently really been wanting a wireless mouse for my laptop. I have a touch pad that I am capable of using, I just am not as efficient with, nor do I prefer over a separate mouse. Thus, if I'm going to spring for a mouse, I want to make the most of it- why not go ergonomic and wireless?
Why I wanted a wireless mouse
There are actually several reasons why I wanted a wireless mouse.
- As I mentioned above, I work from a laptop, and as savvy as I try to be, I really don't like touch pads. For short periods of time, touch pads are fine, but after a longer stretch of typing/mousing, my right thumb and forefinger are usually very sore and prone to cramping from awkward mousing.
- A wireless mouse would allow me to mouse from any surface, even the couch if I'm just emailing while watching a movie or relaxing. There's no point in having the portability of a laptop if you're wired in with your mouse.
- I don't like cords and the tangled mess that inevitably occurs with a bunch a wires. Thus, a wireless mouse would also be convenient on my desktop. Plus, I have kids, and the fewer wires you have, the better- believe me.
Choosing a Wireless Mouse
Choosing a wireless mouse is another thing altogether. Here's what I looked for.
- Joystick hold
- Right or left-handed compatibility. You might as well get a mouse that goes with your specific handedness.
- A low impact style- palm-down mice are not ideal ergonomically. Look for a handshake, joystick, or other position for your hand- the best ones are usually those that put your hand in the most natural position possible- ie not palm-down. The Renaissance mouse is a great option because it has a joystick hold and is also available in a wireless model.
When choosing a wireless mouse, be sure to look for comfort, fit, and design.
Posted in
ergonomic mouse
, portability
, wireless
|
Thursday April 28, 2011
Designing Your Dream Ergonomic Space
People often go to Home Depot, Lowe's, or even IKEA to get creative, practical ideas and tips for their dream kitchens, bathrooms, and house projects. I frequently find myself dreaming about my ideal ergonomic set-up in the space I currently have. You see, I wasn't always a stay-at-home online writer- in fact, I used to teach high school Spanish. In those days, I would have designed a completely different work space because I had more space and different needs. For example, I would have loved a wireless presentation keyboard or even a mobile stand for my laptop as I presented new concepts and vocabulary.
However, now that I now that I work from home 7 days a week, my needs and wants are quite different. I don't have a classroom I can leave behind at the end of the day- I have to live with my choices 24/7. So, if I could pick anything, here is what I would choose after a year+ of researching and writing about ergonomic products.
My Actual Work Station {Computing}
I mentioned last time that I would design around the Sit or Stand WorkStation and the Body Bilt Ergonomic Chair. With a great ergonomic desk and ergonomic chair in place, I can consider my computing needs.
Wireless Ergo Wave Ergonomic Keyboard- I do work on a laptop, but we all know that for sustained periods of typing, we should dock our laptops. {We do all know that, right? ;)} The reason for this is that the lowered position of a laptop on the lap is not ideal for ergonomic posture in that we tend to drop our heads {thus straining our necks} and cock our wrists {thus straining our wrists, hands, and fingers}. As a result, it's better to raise the laptop to desk level. All that to say that if I'm going to the trouble to dock my laptop, then I'd love to ergonomify it as much as possible. I would LOVE a wireless ergonomic keyboard that offered a great set-up and a built-in wrist rest, and I just found it. - Evoluent Ergonomic Mouse- Again, if I'm going to set up an ergonomic work space, then I want all the benefits! I love the handshake position this mouse provides. After a long day of typing and mousing, I usually walk away with strained wrists, thumbs, and forefinger. The latter two are usually from my touch pad. Thus, I'd love an ergonomic mouse that would take better care of my wrists, hands, and fingers.
If I could design my own ergonomic work station, I'd choose the Wireless Ergo Wave Ergonomic Keyboard and the Evoluent Ergonomic Mouse for when I dock my laptop- be sure to check back next time for more of my dream ergonomic set-up!
Posted in
adjustability
, Ergonomic Desks
, ergonomic keyboards
, ergonomic mouse
, ergonomics for educators
, hand pain
, Uncategorized
, wireless
, wrist pain
|
Wednesday April 13, 2011
Most
laptop users are aware of the ergonomic challenges of using a laptop as their
primary computer. When working at home or in your office, you can add a docking
station or other ergonomic tools to work more comfortably. But
when you are on the road, you can’t always control your work space. These guidelines can help you make good
choices about where you sit and how your use your laptop while you are
traveling.
Find
a good chair! This has the biggest impact on your
comfort. Hopefully you can find a good place to sit that is comfortable and
even adjustable. Your seat should provide good support for your lower back,
but, if you need more support, you can also add a rolled towel or bring your
own portable lumbar
support. You will also relax your back and
shoulders if the chair is leaning back slightly.
Use
your computer on your lap. This may seem a poor ergonomic choice,
but this is the best way to protect your wrists and hands. Position your
keyboard at a good angle to keep your wrists straight and your hands relaxed.
This is normally achieved at a slight downward angle away from your body.
Tip
your screen upward to decrease the downward angle on your
neck. Using your laptop on your lap forces you to compromise your neck
position. Because your neck is controlled by the large muscles in your back and
shoulders, this is normally better option over risking injury to your
wrists. Just remember to take frequent
breaks to stretch and rest your neck and shoulders.
Bring
a separate keyboard. Using a separate keyboard provides
more flexibility and better posture. One great option is a wireless, mini
keyboard; its light, compact design makes it easily portable.
A separate keyboard allows you to place your laptop on a table for better neck
position and still maintain good wrist position with the keyboard on your lap.
While
laptops raise concerns about comfort while on the road, there are some
guidelines and tools that can help. Try using a compact, portable mini
keyboard for better typing comfort. And always be ready with your own
portable lumbar
support for better sitting comfort. With these tools, you can enjoy
the portability of your laptop, without the discomfort or pain.
Posted in
back support
, laptop
, mini keyboard
, portability
, wireless
|
