The Hoverstop mouse is designed to reduce the time you spend clutching your mouse by adding little breaks. If users hold the mouse without using it for more than 10 seconds, it'll vibrate and alert them to remove their hands. It looks like a good idea for combating RSI, since so many of our problems are related to holding our arms out (unnatural) for long periods, which causes the shoulders, neck, upper back, etc. to tense up. In the long run, that can be a root cause of problems like sore wrists and fingers, and even chronic headaches. I don't know if the mouse alone can serve as a good enough reminder to take breaks and stretch out your muscles, but used in conjunction with a break reminder program, it sounds like a good idea.
If the Hoverstop mouse sounds like your cup of tea, it's available over at the Human Solution. Here's a blurb from the retailer: "The system helps you to relax up to 25 times an hour. On average you will have 10 minutes of 'free' breaks each hour. That is a lot of relaxation time. Most people find it not only helps them relax, but also improves concentration on the task at hand, they get less tired and feel more comfortable."
With all this info out here on ergo products, I've been trying to weed through all this but could someone (the author here) PLEASE recommend his/her BEST recommendation as far as 1.ergo mouse/keyboard 2. ergo chair 3. ergo desk (I'm hesitant to say workstation since I'm a student. I need a lot of space.) This is what I can spend in each area:
Mouse/keyboard- $500
Chair- $1200
Desk- $1000
Other necessary things (desk lamp for proper lighting, etc.)- $500
Please help me!! I've been searching for hours and I have found a lot of interesting things. However I'm just so confused. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!!
Tony
P.S.- If you wish to send me an e-mail, let me know ahead of time so I can put you on my exclusive list.
Posted by: Tony | October 20, 2005 at 06:23 AM
Good comment, Tony. I made a list of the stuff I use; maybe that will help!
(Click on my name in the footer for the link, or I also put it under Site Information: My Ergonomic EQ)
Posted by: Ergoblog | October 26, 2005 at 01:51 PM