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Can we talk about headphones/keyboards/chairs

Posted By: SDGal on 2007-10-13
In Reply to:

and other ergonomic products that help you all do your job more productively and comfortably?  

 

I still use the basic headset MQ supplies; however, I'm wondering if there is something better, not too expensive, that produces a bit better sound and a bit more comfort.  I'm thinking it might help out with some of the not-so-great sounding dictation and/or ESL dictators.  What type of headset do you use and why?

 

What keyboards do you all use and how do you like them?   I have a Microsoft Natural Ergo and I use a slight reverse tilt.  I find that angle feels a bit better on the wrists. 

 

Does anyone have one of those desks that you can raise/lower?  Sometimes the ol' bum goes to sleep and I'm thinking standing up at times would help. 

 

What about foot pedals/foot rests?  I actually have 2 foot pedals so I can switch legs quick w/o reaching down and dragging the foot pedal back and forth. 

 

Thanks for any and all of your opinions! 



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Think it depends on what you've learned on & "typed" on as to your preference regarding touch, sound feedback, etc.
When my original IBM keyboard was going on the blitz(1995),I searched far & wide for a company to repair such and/or replace it. This company has repaired such - several times. This company does offer clones of the original IBM that are very comparable to the original. They also have other keyboards available made by their company, but I have no personal knowledge as to their touch, etc.
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Hello,


I would not reccomend sitting on a ball for the whole day. I know there has been a lot of hype around using exercise balls as seating but it actually causes stress on your back rather then creating "good posture". Also, it is not natural for the back to be in constant "good posture". The besy posture is to constantly re-position to create movement and comfort in the spinal cord.


Yes the Aeron chair is expensive but a great chair. I work at Herman Miller so I'm lucky enough to sit in one all day. You can get a base Aeron for around $600CAD. Not everyone needs all of the add on features which brings up the price.


I'm not a big fan of the foam and fabric chairs because they tend to trap dust, dirty easily and can smell over time. I also don't like that foam and fabric chairs don't breathe.


If any of you are looking for an Aeron or any other herman miller product, feel free to e-mail me and I can quote it out for you. shannon_fitzpatrick@hermanmiller.com


Take care,


 


Shannon


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Okay.  So, I have gone through two chairs trying to find a truly comfortable one and I am just not having any luck.  I believe because I am constantly trying to adjust myself to get comfortable in my chair, it affects my productivity.  My rear end starts to hurt and my tailbone will get sore when I shift.   I am just so tired for the search for a comfy chair.  So, would you all mind sharing with me a fairly economical comfortable chair preference? 


Thank you so much,


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Just thought I'd pass this along in case anyone is tired of sitting in the same old chair everyday while they work.  I've seen this "tip" before but never bothered to try it until recently. 


I purchased one of those large inflatable exercise balls and use it instead of a chair.  It's a very refreshing change.  I did have to learn to balance a bit because in a chair you can move around, even when you're not aware of it, and the chair is stable but the ball isn't.  It also helps me keep better posture, is easier on the low back/sacrum, and I think it is helping my abdomen because you are working your abdominals and legs while sitting there. 


Anyway, it was worth a try for me.  I may not use it all the time but it is a great change. 


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I've owned cheaper chairs and learned the hard way.

The old saying that you get what you pay for is true when it comes to these cheap chairs! My back always hurt and I was having to buy a new chair at least yearly. You do the math; I've already had the $1000 chair five years and I quit having the backaches five years ago. This chair is no where close to wearing out and will last me at least another five years, probably more. So, if you think that spending $200 every year on a cheap chair is worth it, you go right ahead; I didn't hear anything but thanks for the OP for my suggestion.


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ALso, I have tried Dragon Naturally Speaking but the time to train it took too long.  It was quicker to type. 


 


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I have no idea when I will be trying that out but can let you know.  If I lose your email I will post that I have tried it.  It looks to me like it is going to be like when you spell something out on the telephone.  So many clicks per number to get a certain letter. 


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I agree about what a difference the keyboard can make!!


I looked at the split keyboards, but my hands are kind of small so I went with a WAVE keyboard. 


It is made by Logitech and you can find it at Office Max and Staples.  It is wireles and came in a combo with a wirless mouse for about $75.  It has well paid for itself!! for me!


 


About trying out keyboards

About the keyboard advice previously given, when you try them out, can you tell you like them right away or do they all feel a bit awkward?  I'm just wondering how to know what I'll like best when picking one out.


Thanks for your ongoing help! 


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I looked at keyboards yesterday and tried them (pretended to type) in the store.  The ones they had with each hand's keys father apart (which is what I thought would be best) were big, bulky, with keys that stuck up too high and just felt awkward.  The one that felt best was smaller ... more in order of a normal keyboard but curved a bit to accommodate more natural hand position.


Do you think this is an accurate assessment of what would work best for me, or would one get more used to the other type?  Are there split keyboards that don't seem so bulky and awkward from the start?


Thanks.  I really want a new keyboard, but I'm afraid I'll buy something I regret.  Just not sure how to tell what's best. 


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I've been an MT for over 20 years and my shoulders and arms are feeling starting to feel it. I've been using a MS ergo keyboard for years now, but would like to invest is a super good keyboard. Anyone have one you particularly like? Anyone try one of those keyboards where you type sideways? TIA
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I have narrowed my selection of new keyboards down to the Microoft Natural Wireless 7000 and the Logitech cordless.  I need speed and comfort. I will test drive each but until I do does anyone have any comments on either of these keyboards?  TIA


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Ergonomics/keyboards

I started using a split keyboard years ago.  I love them.  The first one I had was PC Concepts, I believe.  When I finally wore that one out and went to get another, I couldn't find that brand.  I got Microsoft's keyboard next.  It's okay, although the #6 key is on the left, which I found to be true of all the split keyboards.  My PC Concepts KB had the #6 on the right, which made more sense to me.  I was never able to adjust to this, so I constructed a "bridge" for the #6 key.  I have never been able to find a split keyboard with the #6 on the right.  Does anyone know of one?


Also, I use my mouse too much and I'm starting to get pains.  Yea!!  So, I'm wondering, does anyone use a split keyboard with a built-in mousepad-thingy on the bottom of the keyboard?  I was thinking about trying one of these next, but I hate to spend the $ w/o getting some opinions first.  If you use one, what brand; do you like it; does it really work; any suggestions? 


Thanks!!


 


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Not only is it impossible to use, the salesperson was  rude and difficult when I called for return instructions.  Also, there was a money back guarantee on the website, but in small print "if refurbished, we cannot refund your money."  And guess what, you don't know its refurbished until it arrives on your doorstep!!  Needless to say, 350 bucks flushed down the toilet. 


I recently ordered the "ergoflex" keyboard, and was wondering if anyone has tried this?  It lets you rest each arm as far away as possible, which is what I need.  I've been typing on two keyboards, one for the left, one for the right, and it just takes up too much space.  I'm hoping this will help.  To the poster below about keyboard testimonials, these could probably be secured to the end of your arm rests, and also on the web site they have separate arm rests that look real comfy you can adjust to your table top. 


http://www.ergonomicresource.com/ergoflex.html


This does not work on all keyboards, someone tried it and
x
goldtouch keyboards anyone?

I did a search but came up empty handed, which I do not understand as I recall seeing Goldtouch mentioned before.


Are people generally happy with this keyboard?


Where can I get one of the split keyboards
I would love to have one, but the only ones I've seen are very expensive.
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Is anybody using an alternative keyboard? I have seen some pretty nifty designs and wonder which one has the most sensitive touch. Any users of the kinesis contoured keyboard?? Please give your comments, as I am currently shopping...
How do you all clean your keyboards? SM

I eat and drink at my desk, as I'm sure most of us do.  And of course, crumbs fall, drinks drip, and there's the dust.  I was just wondering what everybody else uses to clean their keyboards.  I have tried canned air to blow out the crumbs and then use alcohol on the surface and stick Q-Tips down in all the crevices and between the keys.  Just wondered if there was some miracle solution that would make it easier and less time consuming?


Thanks to all who responded. I will look into these keyboards. nm
x