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Ergonomic Laptop Setup

Ergonomic Laptop Setup
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I have been using computers full time the better part of the last 15 years and I learned early on just how important your setup is.

After my first couple of years of working full time, my right forearm started to hurt and ache. I felt that my right hand was just doing too much work, so I started using a trackball with my left hand. I'm right handed, but it was relatively easy to train my left hand to use a trackball. This has really saved me and a few others that have tried it as well.

The other critical component is a natural keyboard. I like Microsoft's, but any split keyboard will do the job as long as you like it.

People seem to be using laptops more and more for everyday use. They are really bad for you to work on for any extended period of time. I have been working from home a bit and just couldn't take my right forearm getting sore and tired from the laptop and track pad. I don't have enough room at home to setup a second monitor, so I had to improvise a bit. This is the first day with the setup. Once I get the monitor height right, I'll find something better than a shoe box + magazines + books.
14 comments
Nov 13, 2011. 8:11 PMPSPerson says:
I would love a trackball, but they just aren't as commonplace. I should really order one...
Jun 27, 2008. 7:59 PMLinuxH4x0r says:
Umm, good but I wouldn't put my thousand dollar laptop in such a vulnerable spot. I'd probably put it over my printer in the middle of my desk next to a wall. (don't want it to fall) Not bad
Apr 10, 2011. 11:32 AMBtheBike says:
even better would be plug in an external monitor or TV and close the laptop in a safer place. even for a el-cheapo 90s laptop like mine works. of course now-a days you can plug peripherals into a smartphone .
Dec 23, 2009. 4:13 PMstephenniall says:
i used one of those ergonomic keyboards whilst i was at pc world I suppose i was standing so i didnt get as good results as sitting but man ! how do you use that thing I hated it i couldnt touch type with it or anything!
Jan 7, 2010. 12:46 AMabadfart says:
it gets better, i have been using one for a few years now and it is hard to go back to a normal one now
Jan 7, 2010. 5:24 AMstephenniall says:
I suppose thats true but i still couldnt use one ! as weird as it sounds i prefer the original keyboard i find it more ergonomic !
Jan 7, 2010. 3:39 PMabadfart says:
lol they are good for gaming though 
Jan 7, 2010. 4:05 PMstephenniall says:
probably are ! i use a modified xbox controller usb lead i made I can use xbox steering wheel xbox controller etc with it ! its really handy I want a g15 keyboard though (best for gaming)
Jan 7, 2010. 9:46 PMabadfart says:
ya but i get the drop on my buddy every time when he uses a controller  
Jan 8, 2010. 1:18 AMstephenniall says:
Lol ! I prefer keyboard for some games Its more complicated but you cant get the  ammount of commands on controllers .

Counter strike is Great on keyboard!
Jan 9, 2010. 4:23 PMabadfart says:
ya and anything you snipe on 
Sep 3, 2009. 8:06 PMiLikeCoolStuf says:
lol ur dog is on ur bed
Jun 27, 2008. 5:16 PMshooby says:
So wait, your ergonomic setup has been tested for a total of one day? You might also want to mention that this setup is ergonomically applicable to desktop computer use as well.

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Author:lebowski(Instructables.com)
Usually making something on this site. lk