[Hidden-tech] Looking for used laptop

[Melinda LeLacheur]

While I agree that the best solution for carpal is good body/arm position,
physical therapy, etc. and, perhaps, staying off the computer, I do not
agree that a laptop will be detrimental to the process. I suffered from
Carpal as well as tendonitis for years working on a desktop with a
beautifully curved keyboard and mouse.  It was all nearly completely
eliminated (albeit, over time) be the switch to a laptop.  IMHO eliminating
the mouse and increasing the ability to position the computer and a
comfortable way made all the difference.  True, the keyboard is straight,
but that isn't necessarily the devil's tool.   I would, however, suggest
that you stay away from the smallest laptops that tend to cramp hands.

 

If you are looking for a newer laptop that has the capability you want, give
us a call.  We may be able to fit something into your budget and your needs.


 

Melinda LeLacheur

Amherst Computerworks, Inc.

9 E. Pleasant Street

Amherst, MA  01002  413-548-8900

 

New & Used Computers, PC & Mac Repairs, 

Laptop and LCD Projector Rentals

Thank you for your business!

 

From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net
[mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of Peter
Degen-Portnoy
Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 12:18 AM
To: SoundShifter at aol.com
Cc: hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net
Subject: Re: [Hidden-tech] Looking for used laptop

 

Hi Naaz,

A few thoughts around your dilemma. The first is "why do you believe a
laptop is your best choice to address carpal tunnel?"  Having developed
software for many years, I kept trouble away be religiously maintaining good
body position while working -- good chair, vertical spine, weight on feet,
relaxed shoulders, lightly supported elbows, wrists off keyboard, using a
split keyboard (the Microsoft Natural), correct height for keyboard and
monitor -- coupled with regular breaks, hand strengthening and flexibility
drills (squeezie things and exercise balls to play with during phone calls,
etc.)

My worst experiences have been with laptops.  A few hours working on a
cramped keyboard with artificially straight keys -- and never mind that
QWERTY was developed to slow down typists who jammed the keys of early
typewriters -- often causes tightness in my arms and wrists.

Another thought is that if you do everything, including image editing, on
your PC, a real low-end laptop is going to frustrate the varnish off of you.
And how cheap do you want?  Sub $1000?  (No Problem) Sub $500 (Refurbished
Dell?)  Sub $100 (Good luck -- eBay or Craigslist -- and the result will
likely not be worth the effort).  

Yet another thought is that recovery from carpal takes a while.  The
developers I know who had real troublesome carpal inflammation still use
their braces although they've been symptom free for years.  So, you're gonna
need that recovery system for a while.  I wouldn't imagine that you're
talking days, but rather many months or years.  A laptop that is already
three years old is practically ready for the trash bin, IMHO.  If you are
looking at a lower end system, it might very likely barely run what you need
today, much last through your recovery process (if it didn't exacerbate the
issue).

So, I would recommend you start with your work space setup.  Recover from
the swelling and slowly build strength and endurance (a keyboard with
resistance is better than one without for this purpose).  Consider getting
Dragon Naturally Speaking in order to type less.  And stay away from
laptops!

I hope this helps.



Peter Degen-Portnoy
{
   President
   Innovatium
 
   Makers of the Hold-It! Game Card Organizer (tm)
      "Go from Mess to Marvelous(tm)"
 
   pdp at InnovatiumInc.com
   781-583-7566 (o)
}



SoundShifter at aol.com wrote: 

   ** The author of this post was a Good Dobee.
   ** You too can help the group
   ** Fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
   ** If you did, we all thank you.
 
 
  

 

  _____  

 

Hello, I am a therapist in Nyack, NY who tunes in to your discussions from
time to time.  I'm more tech than is good for me.  I developed carpal tunnel
syndrome and am looking for a very inexpensive or free laptop (no more than
3 yrs old) to use while I recover from the stress. 

 

Unfortunately, I do everything on my PC (Windows XP Professional):
notes/proposals/workshop development/brochures and more on Word 2003,
business cards, flyers, etc. on Publisher 2003, Outlook calendar, Quicken
2002 Deluxe, ASCII email announcements on Open Office or CopyWriter, web
editing on Macromedia Contribute, and minimal Excel database.  (I won't even
mention Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat 6.0 Professional, & Flash Paper).  I
welcome any suggestions.  Thank you.  Naaz

 

PS: I came to be on the list when I met Amy at Wesleyan (both our alma
maters) where she spoke on a panel a few years ago.

Naaz Hosseini
Your Voice is Your Power
Email: naaz at soundshifter.com
Web: <http://soundshifter.com/>  www.soundshifter.com
Tel: 845-353-1974







  _____  

See what's free at AOL.com <http://www.aol.com?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000503> . 

 



  _____  



 
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