Office Ergonomics Reviews, News, & Information

Alternative Keyboard Pictures

Want a good look at some of the alternative keyboards out there? Try the Alternative Keyboard Gallery.  The close-ups of some of the more exotic keyboards might help you decide whether or not they look like something you'd consider purchasing.  The Datahand is drool-worthy but the price tag a little steep for most of us.

Adesso Tru-Form Keyboard

I got an email about the Adesso Tru-Form Keyboard so I decided to take a peek. It looks similar to other split keyboards I've seen, except it has a "Glidepoint Touchpad" for a mouse incorporated into the board, below the space keys. That part looks very similar to the touchpads you see on some laptops. I think the mouse was one of the prime aggrevators in my RSI, so any mouse alternatives that might diminish some of the click-click-clickiness sound good to me.

You see a picture of, and read more about, the board at Tru-Form at Adesso Tru-Form Keyboard Review and at the Adesso home page

Which Keyboard to Buy?

The TouchStream is going to be moving over to the laptop soon, so I'm looking at a couple of possibilities for new ergonomic keyboards for the PC. I like the TouchStream but I like to try new things, too.  I'm thinking of renting a couple from Solutions for Humans to try them out. Rental fees are a little steep though ($65), especially after you factor in shipping costs both ways. I may just haunt eBay for a while.  The two I'm currently considering are the OrbiTouch and the Kinesis Contoured Keyboard. I'll keep you all appraised and throw up a review of whatever keyboard I grab (or rent).

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Not All That?

According to an article at theinquirer.net, a Microsft employee admitted to an audience of 400 system integrators that "despite extensive research that resulted in the Natural Keyboard, it has now realized that actually [utilizes] rather an unnatural design."

I'm not really surprised. A split keyboard can be good because it straightens the wrists into a more natural position when typing, but the Microsoft Natural Keyboard doesn't really address the tendency for typers to crook their wrists up to type (actually the raised angle of the keyboard may encourage that). Some other keyboards that I've found to be more useful are the Touchstream and Kinesis Contoured Keyboards.

Article: Microsoft admits natural keyboards unnatural

Nouse: A nose-steered mouse

Sore hands? How about taking the strain off them with a mouse you control with your nose? A Canadian team has come up with the "Nouse". The Nouse uses face motion, specifically zoning in on the nose, to control computer applications. It works with a USB or Firewire camera. For now, it looks like you need to run Windows to make use of the software. If you want to give it a try, check out the Nouse downloads page.

You can read more about the Nouse at their homepage:
Nouse™ (Nose as Mouse)
or browse a couple of news stories:
New computer technology replaces mouse control with facial movements
Nose-controlled device may replace computer mouse

Pen Tablets

Tired of your mouse? Pen tablets allow you to push aside your mouse and pick up a pressure sensitive pen to use as an input device. Artists often prefer these kind of interfaces for graphics, digital photo manipulation, and similar types of work, but I think it could provide a welcome change from a traditional mouse for those of us with tendencies toward sore hands.

Wacom is well know for pen tablets, and here is press release about their new Intuos(R)3 Professional Pen Tablets

Rocket Mouse

Here's an interesting mouse. The Rocket Mouse is a hand held (actually held in your hand instead of resting on your desk) mouse where the thumb is used to press the buttons and roll a track ball. According to the site, this mouse "frees your hand from the desk and allows a relaxed ergonomic posture, relieving arm, wrist, and back pain." It is an interesting idea. I'm not sure how well it would work in conjunction with a keyboard, but for mouse intensive activities it could provide a break for your fingers.

Rocket Mouse

Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse

I guess it's Logitech day here at Ergoblog. I'm taking a look at the Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse, a sleek mouse good for average sized hands. Some of the reviews I found touted ergonomics in its description, but I'd probably go with a less standard mouse if I were looking for something to help combat twinges from repetitive clicking. It's black, it's pretty, but it's still a mouse. This season, I'm liking the iGesture from FingerWorks and the ErgoPointer from ErgoLogical for mouse alternatives.

However, if you came here looking for information on the Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse, don't let me steer you wrong. Here are some reviews:

Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse
Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks
Another Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse Review

Logitech Keyboards with Zero Degree Tilt

Keyboard makers are getting serious about ergonomics. With the computer generation growing up and starting to feel the telltale twinges of RSI and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, computer peripherals that address ergonomics are becoming a necessity.

Logitech's new cordless keyboards apply a Zero Degree Tilt™ system to give users a sleek flat keyboard that doesn't force the wrists into upward bent positions for typing. Even for users without a history of hand or wrist pain, an ergonomic keyboard, along with general awareness of workstation posture and ergonomics, can help with prevention.

Logitech Keyboard Cordless Desktop LX 501 Specs

Logitech Keyboard Cordless Desktop LX 300 & 501 Comments

New “Non-Painful” Computer Mouse

New things are being done to computer mice these days, and ergonomics is decidedly a factor. A recent article from Medical News Today spoke about the ErgoPointer mouse from Texas based company ErgoLogical. The ErgoPointer is a "hand held, ergonomic pistol grip shaped mouse." The unique design is meant to reduce the likelihood of repetitive strain injuries from mousing and clicking. You control it by moving your thumb around on the top.

The only thing that could be a pain is switching back and forth between keyboard and mouse; I'd think it would be a little more awkward if you had to pick up and set down the mouse every time. For graphics and games that doesn't rely on the keyboard, though, it would make a lot of sense.

Read article: "New Safe Ergonomic Hand Held Mouse"
Visit ErgoLogical

Contour Design Perfit Mouse Optical

The Mac Observer just posted a solid review for the Contour Design Perfit Mouse that you may be interested in. The reviewer addresses ergonomics, actually saying that he had been experiencing some hand pain and switching to the Perfit Mouse helped.

Contour Design Perfit Mouse Review

FingerWorks TouchStream Keyboard Review

Quick Summary: The TouchStream is sleek, compact, durable, foldable, and does everything FingerWorks says it does.

Price: $300

Pros: The zero-force "keys" require no pressure (which may lessen the likelihood of computer-related RSI); the built in "mouse" is a great timesaver and again can help prevent RSI; the gestures put dozens, maybe hundreds, of shortcuts literally at your fingertips; workmanship is solid; the TouchStream is available both in DVORAK and QWERTY configurations.

Cons: Quite steep learning curve, cost is high for a keyboard.

Recommended: Yes

Full Review:

Chances are if you're thinking about dropping hundreds of dollars for a keyboard, you've already had problems with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, RSI, or something similar (unfortunately, most of us don't worry about ergonomic keyboards and the like until we're already in pain). That's the boat I was in when I purchased my Touchstream last Christmas. However, the keyboard has a lot of features and built-in shortcuts that make it a good choice for any hard-core computer user.

What makes the Touchstream different from your everyday keyboard is the fact that it's perfectly flat. Aside from tiny bumps on the home row keys (to help your fingers find their spots), you might as well be typing on your desk. The keyboard does come with a sort of tent/stand that raises it in the middle like a split keyboard (use optional).

The Touchstream Doubles As a Mouse

The Touchstream replaces not only your traditional keyboard but also your mouse. You move the pointer by sliding two fingers around on the keyboard. A light tap with two fingers makes a "click" while a light tap with three fingers equals a double-click. Two fingers and a thumb tapping the keyboard make a right-click.

It's very intuitive, and you'll adapt to this new "mouse" as soon as you start using it. I love the mouse aspect, because at the time, I was looking for (without much luck) a click-free mouse to lessen the stress on my hands caused by repetitive clicking. Needless to say, I was excited to find this technology.

Touchstream Gestures:

On top of the mouse ability, the Touchstream expands on its touch interface, including dozens of helpful "gestures" that can replace common tasks, physical macros if you will. The keyboard comes with a lot of gestures preprogrammed in (you can also program your own). They act as keyboard/mouse shortcuts. An example of a Touchstream "gesture" is tapping your thumb and middle finger. This gesture is the same as selecting copy from the edit menu. Another example is putting your thumb and three outer fingers on the keyboard and rotating counterclockwise to open a file; turn your hand clockwise to close the current window.

If you're having problems with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, you may want to take it easy on the gestures in the beginning. Though most of them don't involve twisting the hand, a few do and I found the twist a little awkward on the wrist. However, using their free editor (more on that below), you can alter the gestures to be more comfortable if certain motions bother you.

The Touchstream comes with a quick reference guide to help you remember all of these gestures. There's about ten or twenty that I use now as second nature. The rest I'd forgotten about until I pulled out the cards to reference in this review. But then, I spend the majority of my computer time using MS Word and my web browser, so I don't need the more complicated stuff. There are sets of gestures specifically for gamers and for applications such as Photoshop. There's also a ton of support for programmers and computer specialists. The Touchstream really is an intuitive keyboard with a lot of thought invested in it.

If the gesture you're looking for isn't there already, you can program your own gestures through MyGesture Editor, a free download from the FingerWorks site. With it, you can change current gestures including altering their sensitivity, remap the keys, and add gestures.

Typing on the Touchstream:

The only thing that keeps the Touchstream from being perfect for me is that even after several months, I have trouble typing on it without looking at the keys. If I look away for more than a couple of words, I invariably end up hitting the wrong keys, especially with my pinkies. You probably don't realize how much the physical presence and positions of your keys aid you if you're a touch typist; it's hard to manage when they're gone.

However, I believe if you type on the Touchstream several hours a day, you could overcome the accuracy problem within a few weeks. In fact, other reviewers have said as much (one person recommended a few minutes a day with a typing tutorial program such as TypeSmart). I think I've just been slow to pick up speed and accuracy with it because I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking (voice recognition software) for entering text the majority of the time.

Customer Support:

I'm happy to say that I've had zero issues with my Touchstream, so I haven't really put this to the test. However, Fingerworks has an active forum where you can get your questions answered from FingerWorks representatives. There are also quite a few members who are very supportive of their products, so you may just want to read through some of the posts if you're still on the fence.

Conclusion:

In a perfect world, or at least one where I've never had RSI, I would probably stick to a keyboard that has more traditional keys and grab the iGesture Mouse, also by FingerWorks, because the gestures and the zero-force mouse are definitely my favorite parts of the keyboard (I have not tried the iGesture, but from what I've read, it uses the same technology). I would want these features regardless of hand injuries (you traditional mouse users just don't know what you're missing). In my RSI world, despite difficulties with typing accuracy, I'm still using it after six months, so that says something.

I definitely recommend this keyboard for anyone who's had trouble with repetitive strain injuries. In fact, between the cool gestures system (timesaver), the onboard mouse (another timesaver), and the potential for helping prevent RSI, I would recommend it for anyone who works everyday with computers, especially programmers.

FingerWorks Home Page
FingerWorks TouchStream Keyboard Page
FingerWorks Forum
TouchStream at Amazon (It sells for about $50 less on Amazon)

New Ergonomic Keyboards from Logitech

Logitech is soon to release three new wireless keyboards, the Logitech Cordless Desktop LX 500, the Cordless Desktop LX 501, and the Cordless Desktop LX 300. The sleek-looking keyboards will be available in mid-August and offer "enhanced ergonomic features such as Zero Degree Tilt and a low-profile design to help make computing more comfortable."

Read more about the Logitech keyboards.

Plantronics DSP-500 PC Headset Review

Plantronics DSP-500 PC Headset -- I love it.

If you've read any of my other reviews, you know I usually do a bit of... well, I like this, don't like that, it's okay, but it costs too much... Well, I love my new headset, and here's why:

I was using the cheap headset that came with Dragon NaturallySpeaking 7.0. Recognition wasn't horrible, but it certainly wasn't great. And now that I've used the Plantronics headset, there's no way I would switch back. Recognition is much better. The headset that came with Dragon NaturallySpeaking was only adjustable up-and-down. The Plantronics headset adjusts up-and-down, and the little arm holding the mike is flexible so you can position it exactly where it needs to be next to your mouth.

The Plantronics DSP-500 plugs into my USB port instead of my sound card. It has a little controller/clicker in the middle of the cord that allows you to increase and decrease the volume without fiddling with the settings on your computer. It also has a mute button that's very handy if somebody walks into the room. (I always felt stupid using the Dragon command, "go to sleep" to turn off Dragon when somebody came in; it usually earned an odd, "who me?" look from my visitor).

The Plantronics DSP-500 PC Headset comes with Persono Software. It's nothing fancy and I didn't fiddle with it much. It basically allows you to test the speaker, adjust the balance/bass, etc, and choose whether you want to optimize the headset for games, voice-recognition, or music. Obviously, voice is my primary concern, but my music still sounds good under that selection.

Speaking of music...

Yes, I can now listen to my music (as loudly as I want) while using Dragon. Because the Plantronics headset has great sound, I set my computer to default to headset for sound output. (When I unplug the headphones, it switches to the speakers). Because the headset plugs into the USB port, and I have USB ports on the front of my computer case, it's an easy matter to plug-in and remove the headset.

In summary, I would definitely recommend the Plantronics DSP-500 PC Headset for anybody using voice-recognition software, or just looking for a good computer headset. Since it has its own sound system, you don't have to worry about buying a snazzy sound card to get good results.

I paid about $70 (I bought it at the same time as my new computer, so I didn't shop around) for the headset. At the time of this review, Amazon has it for less than $60 (figures).

Plantronics DSP-500 PC Headset at Amazon
Plantronics Homepage

Note: This review was written after only a couple of days of use; I'll update the review in a few months when I see how well the headset does over time.

Flat Panel Monitors Get a Mention in Business Week

Those of us who work long hours in front of a computer and are prone to headaches have probably already made the switch to a flat panel/LCD monitor. If not, this week's edition of Business Week offers a few tips for selecting a flat panel monitor that's right for you.

In a short article entitled, "Want a Flat Panel? Trust Your Eyes, Not the Cost" (June 28, 2004 edition), Stephen Wildstrom talks about how to choose a flat panel monitor.

Highlights:

One of the key points of the article is that the most expensive model isn't necessarily the best, and you should try them all and go with what looks best to you without worrying too much about specifications. He suggests simulating your work environment (i.e. lighting) if possible when shopping, or making sure the store policy allows for a return if you don't like the display once you get a look at it at home.

Wildstrom does mention that more expensive models often allow for greater adjustability (such as the ability to raise and lower height and swivel the monitor from side to side). For those of us who are into office ergonomics (and shouldn't we all be?), the more adjustable monitors may be a better bet, if we can afford them.

Bigger is better, he says. The larger flat panel monitors, though expensive, can be worth it to those who work with applications that, "need a lot of screen real estate." Also, the author mentions that while both 17 in. and 19 in. monitors usually offer resolutions of 1280X1024, the viewing area is bigger on the 19 in. version (duh) which in turn means that text is larger and easier to read (i.e. less squinting and eyestrain).

In summary, try before you buy and go with what looks best to you. This means going into the computer store and having a look. That doesn't mean you have to buy from the store, however. Better deals are often found online. Jot down the names of the models you liked, and search for the best prices. The cost of shipping is often offset by the fact that you don't have to pay tax on items purchased outside of your state (US).

Read the article.

Eizo Nanao FlexScan L367 LCD Monitor: Sound Ergonomics?

Eizo Nanao FlexScan L367 LCD Monitor: Sound Ergonomics?

I got a chance to play with an Eizo Nanao FlexScan L367 LCD Monitor (try saying that five times fast) this weekend. Here are a few thoughts:

Ergonomics isn't just about getting a good chair. Your eyes are important (and eyestrain can lead to headaches and other discomfort), so it's equally important to get a good monitor. LCD monitors are nice because the flat screens cut down on glare, but they can be pricey. The Eizo Nanao FlexScan L367 is about $400 depending on where you shop.

The Eizo Nanao FlexScan L367 is a 15 in. LCD monitor. The colors were vibrant, text crisp. Speakers come built in, though they don't sound that great.

The monitor allows for quite a bit of adjustability. Probably the coolest aspect is that the software it comes with allows you to adjust brightness and contrast differently for each of your applications. The monitor is adjustable up and down, but you can't twist it from side to side.

The Eizo Nanao FlexScan L367 isn't a bad little monitor, but I'm not ready to give up my 21 in. flat screen CRT yet. In my experience, flat screen CRT monitors are just as good for reducing eyestrain as LCD monitors (stay away from the traditional CRT monitors without the flat screen, though). Actually, I've heard the best setup is to have two monitors so that your eyes have to move back and forth between them, keeping you from assuming that cow-chewing-cud glazed look for hours on end.

Monitor picture and specs (pdf file)

Orbitouch Keyless Keyboard Reviews

I've been reading up on the Orbitouch Keyless Keyboard, an ergonomic device that allows you to "type" without keys. It's supposed to be a significant improvement over typical ergonomic keyboards as far as reducing wrist/hand strain. You place your hands on two domes that move into different positions to signal various keystrokes. There's no pressure involved. The mouse is built right into the Orbitouch. According to the site, it's designed with traditional keyboard layouts in mind and should be fairly intuitive to learn (yeah, like they're going to tell you it's a pain in the butt). It looks intriguing, and I'd like to give one a try, but at $700 it's not going to be a whim purchase.

They have information and a short video up you can check out at the Orbitouch website (Be warned--the narrator in the video sounds like that science teacher from the Wonder Years... read: dry and monotone).

Here are a few reviews from folks who have tried it:

Keybowl orbiTouch keyless keyboard review by PC Magazine

OrbiTouch Review: A Keyless Keyboard by ExtremeTech

Ergonomic Keyboard Reviews

Unfortunately, I can't try every keyboard out there, but here are a few reviews I scrounged from various PC magazines over the last couple of months. Prices range from $100-$300 (ever notice ergonomic stuff is not exactly cheap?)

PC World reviews the Comfort Keyboard

PC Magazine does mini reviews of the Kinesis Maxim Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard and the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Pro

None of them look like anything I'd consider using to replace my TouchStream Keyboard (yes, a thorough review will be forthcoming), but I'm still looking for the ultimate ergonomic keyboard for pain-free computing.

MouseTool Review

Does your mouse hand ever get sore from all that repetitive clicking? Maybe you've switched the mouse to the other hand, and now they're both prone to soreness? Maybe you're just smarter than I am, and you're taking preventative measures now to keep from suffering from RSI/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome later.

Out of all the ergonomic hardware and software I've tried out over the last year, MouseTool is definitely one of the most helpful. This software program is the right price, too. Free. (The author suggests you donate $20 to the charity of your choice if you like it).

Details:

MouseTool does the clicking for you. It works with your mouse or any pointing device. When you stop moving the mouse, the program automatically clicks for you. You can program it to left-click, right-click, or double-click by default (switching between them is simple). You can also program the delay time (how long the mouse must be stopped before the program sends a click signal) to your specifications. The default .5 seconds works well for me.

MouseTool took surprisingly little time to get used to. The key is to remember to move the mouse out of the way (to the top of the window or somewhere where a stray click won't affect your work) after it "clicks".

Pros: Soreness in the backs of your hands or in your wrists may be caused by clicking your mouse day in and day out. This program is easy to use and eliminates the need to click.

Cons: The SmartDrag feature may give you some trouble (used for clicking and dragging in editing).

Download MouseTool v3.1 Ergonomic Software.

SafeType™ Vertical Keyboard Review

It's obvious from the SafeType Vertical Keyboard that creating ergonomic keyboards is becoming quite an art form. Imagine taking your regular keyboard, breaking it in half, and standing both sides up vertically, keys facing out in opposite directions. The idea behind the design of the vertical keyboard is this puts the forearms in a more neutral position which is less destructive on the wrists than the typical wrists-facing-the-floor (pronated) position. In your normal typing position, the bones in the forearm twist and put extra pressure on the Carpal Tunnel.

At around $300, the SafeType Vertical Keyboard is surprisingly usable. As you might expect, the first few minutes were very awkward. The keys are in the same QWERTY position that most of us are accustomed to, however, so it didn't take long to get the knack of things. Within a couple days, the board felt fairly comfortable and accurate.

Be warned, this keyboard is for touch typists. If you have to look at the keys when you type, you'll find the vertical keyboard set up frustrating. There is a little bit of aid provided in the way of vertical mirrors that let you see the function and number keys, but it's not versatile enough to be extremely helpful.

The number pad, arrow keys, and multimedia keys lie in the canyon created by the two vertical boards. You'll probably need to get a vertical mouse to go with this set up (yes, somebody actually makes them), otherwise switching back and forth from the neutral to pronated position can be just as troublesome on the wrists as normal typing.

Pros: saves wear and tear on your wrists, especially the Carpal Tunnel area

Cons: the arrow keys and number pad is in the middle (between the keyboard halves) so you have to move your hands around the board to get those keys.

Sites about the Safetype Vertical Keyboard:

SafeType™ vertical keyboard

Pictures of the SafeType