Ergonomic keyboards/Trackballs.....whats your opinion of 'em?

[newbie~wan]

My wrists are starting to kill me and I pretty sure its mouse use that's doing it, as that only my right used to hurt (until I switched to left - and then they both hurt!)

I've heard trackballs can be good. Please tell me your experiences with them and what models you've used.

Also, what about those bent keyboards. I'm not quite as concerned about this, as that I'm pretty sure its mouse use problems, but help stilll appreciated.

[Imanage]

I had a Microsoft ergo split keyboard. I couldn't get used to it since I only had it at home and all the keyboards at work were the regular ones. I gave it away to someone who wanted to try it.

You might want to get one of those gel wrist and keyboard rests. It lifts up your wrists a bit to take the weight/pressure off.

I noticed my carpal tunnel syndrome popping up when working on the house hammering.

[THRUSH]

I Don't use a trackball but the keyboard makes a difference for me. The ergonomic design is easier to use for me, and as a fellow weightlifter (that was you right), they seem better for people with broader shoulders. Using the standard layout and old mouse my right hand was cramped in claw form. So, it was either start up as the new Baron Von Raschke or get a new keyboard and mouse.
I'm not big on speedos or tights so the keyboard was the way to go and ever since I've been fine.

[newbie~wan]

Yeah, that's me....or I should say will be me again someday. My tendonitis in my right arm has yet to yield, and docs say no telling when it will stop. Wrist, elbow, shoulder, everything.

Anyway, I'll pick up a bent keyboard. But what about a mouse? You say not to use trackball, but that your old mouse was hurting you. Did you just get a more ergonomic regular mouse?

This has really got me down because the only things I really care about (computers and lifting) both cause me pain right now. How's that for disgustingly cruel and unusual irony? I must have been a bad person in a previous life....

[I_W]

My son-in-law gave me a Microsoft ergonometric keyboard that he couldn't get used to.

I love it and it works fine for me. However the key caps are losing their letters, particularly in the middle of the keyboard, lower row. I guess I'm too hard on it. It doesn't bother me but would be difficult for somebody who isn't a touch typist.

They don't really do a good job of key caps anymore with throw away keyboards I'm afraid.

I seem to notice a difference in comfort using the split keyboard now. My arms and wrists aren't as uncomfortable as they used to be.

Likewise the optical explorer mouse and using the additional keys for forward and back when using a browser makes a big difference. A lot less motion to get to the back arrow in particular. I feel lost with a regular mouse now and keep trying to click the extra buttons that aren't there.

[THRUSH]

Sorry to hear that Newbie. I'm sorry, I didn't mean not to use the trackball, I just don't have one is all. I just tried a different mouse and positioning of my arm/hand while using it.
The mouse I bought is an optical logitech mouse, not too expensive.
How did you end up hurting yourself anyway? I'm just curious, because it sounds similar to my situation. It may all be related to the way you positioned yourself while on the computer. Now that I try to position myself better my shoulder, wrist and hands are much better.

[newbie~wan]

I never engage in sloppy form now, and I try not to let my wrists angle. But it seems too little too late. It think my desktop are too high at work and home. I probably need one of those things that drops below your desk.

[newbie~wan]

Trackballs anyone? Ergonomic mice? I need advice and I need it pronto. This pain is getting pretty bad. I am not sure why I put up with it this long. I am really gonna try to do something about it.

And I'm 21!!! This is supposed to happen to old people right?!

[Kuasimodem]

I use the Microsoft Natural Elite keyboard and a Logitech Marble Mouse Trackball, and I swear by them. I think I actually picked up speed with my typing due to the keyboard I also don't get any of the wrist pains that I used to get with a standard mouse, thanks to the trackball. You hand rests on the trackball perfectly, and the buttons are long enough that people with small or large hands can use it easily (my 10 year old son uses the same trackball).

Here's a pic of my setup.

[deltaf508]

Was that a subliminal advertisement? All of a sudden I feel the urge to drink a mountain dew and read the news.

No, Really. I'm not sure what to tell you either. I know my wrist has been feeling somewhat weird lately too. I'm 25, I just don't want to wind up an old man that has a crippled right hand. I use a gel pad with a standard mouse and have been using that setup for years. Lately I have been trying to be more aware and get off the mouse every now and then and do some wrist exercises. I haven't done it enough to see if it works or not. But it seems logical that if repetition is what is causing it - try not to be so repetitious. I know easier said than done right.....Anyway, I hope you can find a solution that fits your needs. Keep us posted.

Gary