Re: peripheral preference

Janet,
First, I think a discussion about the physical effects from working on
graphics on the pc is relavant to this discussion group.  Because we're all
involved in heavy PC and mouse usage, we could all benefit from solutions
we've individually managed to work out that increases our working comfort.

I do a lot of work on the pc using the mouse and keyboard and,
unfortunately, I can't yet afford the Cal-Comp drawing pad, though that is
more of a personal interest.  The point is,  when I'm working on graphics I
get a lot of wear and tear in my elbows and wrist because of the mouse
usage.  I found a rather simple and cheap solution which has effectively
elliminated the problem for myself.  I use a mouse pad which has an elevated
wrist pad and I use a longer wrist pad for my keyboard.  I've found that
having the wrist support while I'm using the mouse and keyboard has
elliminated the strain I was having in my joints from overwork.  Also, for
myself the height of the keyboard and mouse are important.  I can't use the
slide out drawer under my desk top because it increases the strain in my
elbows and wrists.  If I use the keyboard and mouse on the desk top, making
use of the higher placement, I get much less strain.  As for centering the
peripherals, I would think that off-centering the keyboard would create
other physical ailments.  My keyboard is centered to my body - the mouse is
positioned to the right.

Seems like a rather simple and cheap solution, but it beats buying an
expensive ergonomic keyboard and mouse.  Hope it helps you out, and I'll be
interested in reading what others have to say.

Shay  B-)

=====================================
Bare Tranquility Web Design
http://www.wcnet.net/shay/index.html
shay(at)wcnet.net  /  shay(at)intertex.net
Member of the HTML Writer's Guild
http://www.hwg.org/
=====================================


Hi!
>There doesn't really seem to be an appropriate list for this topic, so
>I'll take a shot in the graphics list since some of it affects graphics.
>
>Here goes...
>I'm using a standard keyboard and mouse to design web sites and some
>graphics.  I'm getting some overuse syndrome in my right arm because my
>keyboard stays to the left and not centered so that I can use the mouse
>for graphics, etc.  I have to extend my right arm to the right to use
>the mouse, so my elbow is getting some wear and tear.
>
>What peripherals do you all use and are there any solutions that might
>be available?  I tried using a natural keyboard with a touch pad built
>in, but the tracking is too imprecise for the graphics aspect of this
>business.  I'm considering a natural keyboard with built in trackball
>under the spacebar I saw in a Tiger software catalog, but am wondering
>if the trackball will be any more precise than the touch pad was.
>
>Do I need to think about purchasing a graphics pad like the Ultra Slate
>by CalComp?  I really don't create new drawings, but I do use other
>graphics and text that I alter and combine, etc.  If I purchase a
>graphics pad and pen, will this replace the use of a mouse, or simply
>add to it?
>
>Any solutions will be GREATLY appreciated and my arm and wrist will
>thank you!  I can't keep living on anti-inflammatories!
>
>Thanks in advance!
>
>Regards,
>Janet L. Cady
>Epiphany Web Designs
>www.mastermind1.com/epiphany
>
>

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