I think I may be getting some kind of RSI. When I use the computer, and for some time after, I get a pins-and-needles feeling and some stiffness in my right hand and arm.
Any opinions? I don’t really type that much but this is the only thing I can think of given the connection with computer use.
I read a bit about RSI previously and one of the recommendations was to take a break from computer use.
Anyway, RSI or not I want to get myself an ergonomic computer keyboard (the kind with a curvy shape and the keys in two groups with a gap in the middle). I had a Microsoft Natural Keyboard in the UK and it was great. Anyone know where I could get hold of this kind of thing here? Taichung tips preferred but failing that Taipei is OK. (I had a quick look around Taichung Nova and Mitsukoshi but saw nothing.)
Proper, with-gap ergonomic keboards are hard to find around here. I brought one with me from NZ but managed to stuff it up, and couldn’t find a new one. But I did find an ergonomic one - curvy and stuff, but no gap - in Nova in Taipei:
I’d also recommend getting one of those wrist-supporty mouse pads, the ones with the swiveling arm. One of these things:
Plus, having used it for a couple of weeks now, I can definitely recommend RSI Guard as a good piece of software for getting you to take breaks at decent intervals.
My trusty Microsoft Natural Keyboard (of 7 years), unfortunately died a few months ago. Since then I have looked high and low, but in vain, for a replacement here in Taiwan.
It seems they’ll sell you any kind of keyboard except that one. I’m having a mate ship me one from the US.
I actually asked someone at Computex last year about that sort of keyboard, and she was all “Oh, no-one here makes those anymore.” I thought she was full of it, but looking around this place seems to bear that out.
Thanks very much Tetsuo. The software looks interesting and I’ll be trying it out.
Funnily enough, it’s my NON-mouse hand/arm that’s having the problems. But I’ll still look for one of those swiveling mouse pads.
I’m kicking myself. There was a Microsoft Internet Keyboard but with the Natural Keyboard layout in a shop close to Nova in Taichung a couple of months ago. It was 2000NT so I hummed and hawed and when I went back there the next time it was gone.
Another thing worth looking into, if you can afford the investment of time and effort, is voice recognition software like Naturally Speaking or ViaVoice (or whatever the two are called now). Even if you just use it in concert with typing - swapping between each every now and then, maybe between documents - it will reduce the workload and allow you to relax your arm without losing too much in the way of productivity. Plus with enough training and time that kind of software can do a hell of a job. The only thing is that you’d have to get it imported from elsewhere if you want an English version rather than a Chinese one.
Did you check 3C? Here in Hsinchu they have a good selection of good brand ware at reasonable price.
If you really can’t get it here, maybe consider online shopping. Shipping a keyboard from US or Europe shouldn’t add more than the costs of a couple of beers to the bill…
Thanks again for the tips Tetsuo and Shiner. Voice recognition sounds interesting though maybe not just yet.
I haven’t been to 3C yet. Must do so.
I went to Nova again today. Saw the keyboard I mentioned before. Actually it’s the exact one that Tetsuo posted the picture of above. It’s not “split” as I had thought; just curved. I would have liked to try it out for a minute but the shop guy couldn’t be bothered to take it out of the box for me, so I walked away. Anyway at 2099 NT I’m not sure that it’s worth the slight increase in comfort. Certainly doesn’t look as comfy as the real Natural Keyboard.
[quote=“Comrade Stalin”]Did you convert your keyboard over to the Dvorak layout? It will help.
[forumosa.com/taiwan/viewtopic.ph … 076#165076](Natural Keyboards? forgotten about Dvorak keyboards and that thread. Thanks for digging it up. I still haven’t tried that layout but I guess now would be a good time.
There was a cheapy slightly convex, supposedly ergonomic Benq keyboard at Nova for 500NT. Maybe I should get one of those and pop the keys off to get the Dvorak layout.
I’d actually agree. If you can find a wired, keyboard-only version - maybe without all the pointless extra buttons - it’d be worth it, because it is a pretty good ergonomic keyboard. I really only went with it because it also had the whole wireless geek factor.
I’ve had some bad RSI. Physical therapy and everything. I still have very bad pain in my back and neck.
The keyboard helped me for a while. I used it a long time ago. Your pain may come back. It’s still a repretitive motion no matter what keyboard or setup you use.
The best solution is exercise. If you’re only using particular muscles, try using others. Exercise.
The CDC also recommends against using notebooks as your main computer. It’s very bad for your neck.
[quote=“bentster”]I just switched over to the DVORAK keyboard. Here’s a link to a free tutorial site. Enjoy. gigliwood.com/abcd/abcd.html
Kent[/quote]Thanks for the link.
I liked the look of Dvorak when Comrade Stalin posted about it over a year ago. Today I prised the keys off my keyboard (some nasty sticky gunk in there!) and clicked them back on in the new positions. I’m typing at the speed of a snail right now but I’ll use those exercises you linked to. I hope it will be much quicker than learning from scratch as I already touch-type with qwerty.
Gary, your post is helpful too. I think that doing some gentle stretching and cutting down on computer time for the moment would help me. I also need to change my posture. I’ve noticed that my posture at the computer is really bad.
Dvorak or any alternate keyboard will probably only help with mild RSI. Anything ore serious will take more serious changes in your desktop. A new chair or desk, an ergonomic evaluation, or special setups.
I think height adjustable desks. I’ve never had one but they are very nice. There are some desks you can adjust enough so you can stand. Herman Miller make’s the Levity system.
Exercise is still the best bet. If you’re getting RSI, there are muscles you’re overstressing. Exercise the muscles around them and you’ll be ok.
I’ve had no real problems alternating between the two.[/quote]
Just found this thread. I switched to Dvorak four years ago, and I can’t type in querty without staring at the keyboard and pecking. Comrade Stalin, you must have some serious brainpower and coordination to be able to do that.
I don’t think you need to switch the layout of the keys, though. Once you type enough you don’t need to look at the keyboard anyway.
Check out the Kinesis-Ergo website here. They’ve got all kinds of “ergonomically correct” stuff for sale. I would love to get this keyboard setup:
There is a dedicated keyboard shop hidden in one of the alleys in the Guanghua market area and last time I went there (in the summer), they have a keyboard with the natural keyboard layout for $400. The owner said they won’t get anymore new ones so I don’t know if they have any left now. But it’s worth it to check it out.
It’s a little store 1 block south of Bade Rd and west of Hi-Life store. I think it’s called Keyboard King or something like that.
This is more connected to the Dvorak discussion going on here than the RSI discussion, but I stumbled upon this page today. It’s about ANOTHER layout currently being proposed, with the letters in alphabetical order and the cursors and punctuation keys in the centre of the keyboard. Quite interesting.
