Top 11 Products That Make a Difference

1  An adjustable keyboard platform with a negative tilt and a tilting mouse platform (around $200).
The Humanscale 2G-900-41 R-F to be exact. It is hard to improve on this product, although to their credit they continue to do so. Once you feel and understand the advantages of setting your keyboard in a negative tilt and using your mouse on a flat platform that swings over the keypad, there is no going back. There are other ways to do it, but not as effectively and fuss-proof.
Important note: Have the platform installed off to the right. Depending on where the product is ordered, it may come with holes pre-drilled or the installer can drill them for you. Call Brian Stuckey at the Corner Office (415) 362-5595 x2406 and tell him I sent you.


2  A chair that supports you in your best posture. Good values for small budgets include Office Depot’s Raynor Multi-Function Task Chair, IKEA’s line of office chairs and Office Master’s Econochair or Glenworth with seat slider. Usually you need a chair with the following features

	Adjustable seat height
	Seat depth the fits you or is adjustable
	Adjustable armrests that swing out of your way effortlessly
	Stability and mobility matched to your work
	Back angle and shape rest that encourages your best posture
	Adjustable seat angle so hips are higher than knees
	Upholstery that helps you stay put (not leather!)

3  Monitor Stand
Support your monitor so that your primary visual work zone on the screen is right smack in front of your eyes. If your monitor is too low, raise it. Use reams of paper (2’) as a quick fix to evaluate the change, but a real riser is better once you know exactly what you need. VuRyte and Kensington monitor risers include storage, don’t slide, look professional, and cost little more than a ream of paper.


4  Alternative Keyboard
Try out a split keyboard to help your wrist stay straighter when typing. The Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro is the most affordable fixed split keyboard (about $60), works with PC’s and Mac’s with a USB connector, and has lots of shortcut keys for using the Internet.


5  Palm Support
When not typing, use a wrist rest like Fellowes Gel Wrist Rest to block your wrists from bending. You do not need a separate wrist rest if you use a keyboard with a built-in wrist rest like the Microsoft Natural Pro or Humanscale 2G-900-41 R-F keyboard tray. Wrist rests are poorly named; a better name is palm rest.


6  Copy Holder
If you refer to books, schedule book, manuals, or other hard copy while using the computer, use a copyholder to position your work between the monitor and keyboard at your midline. Fellowes Booklifter copyholder (about $12) is best for average use. VuRyte ($30) is good if you use spreadsheets or highly detailed work and need a line guide.


7  Chair Mat:
If you have to use your arms and feet to move your chair around, add a chair mat that lets you move easily. It needs to be thick enough that it doesn’t give in to the weight of a chair and make potholes that you sink into.


8  Contour Mouse
Visit the Contour Design web site for details on my favorite mouse that supports the natural arches of the hand. When ordering, designate the operating system, right or left hand, and size. I.e. S7-PS2-M-R is for a right hand medium mouse to use with a PC with round port for the mouse. Available for PC, Mac, USB, and Sun workstations.


9  Telephone Headset
Do not use the phone cradled on your shoulder Get a headset. Visit Plantronics to see current models:

	Mirage (Part #H41): Over the ear style Advantages: Low profile, lightweight, least cumbersome to wear, can be worn on either ear, and doesn’t mess up your hair. Disadvantages: Falls off easily, takes longer to get on securely, clips to shirt for stability, visitors are not aware that you are on the phone.
	Supra Monaural (H51): Single earmuff style. Advantages: Easy to notice that you are on phone, goes on easily, stable, leaves one ear uncovered. Disadvantages: More cumbersome, contact spots on head can get uncomfortable, need to take time to put the non-speaker side above the ear on the head, must clip on to shirt to keep wt. from pulling down.
	Supra Binaural (H61): Double earmuff. Advantages: Fastest & easiest to put on, allows good concentration on phone conversation, most stable, people will bother you less if they think you are on the phone. Disadvantages: Most cumbersome, decreased awareness of what’s going on around you.
	The Vista Amplifier #M12 is required for all headsets.

10  Glare Guards (with a light tint) will reduce light from the computer and monitor visors will block light coming from the side or overhead that is washing out the screen ($40).


11  Download a trial or demo Stretch Break Program like MacBreakZ ($25) or StretchBreak ($45) by Paratechnologies. Just try it for a week and see if you don’t feel better and get just as much work (if not more) done! If you have work restrictions, want to eliminate the need to click, or are really stubborn about taking breaks, check out RSIGuard for PC users that comes with or without StretchBreak.