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612

answers:

3

In a recent blog post, Jeff displayed a pic of Jarrod's lair, and in the pic at the top of the blog post, he's got a really nifty keyboard podium on wheels.

Does anyone out there know of some other hardware out there that performs a similar function, or is Jarrod's thing pretty much all there is on the market?

EDIT: The issue with my current setup is that we use standard cubicle desks, and my elbows should be at ninety degrees, but the desk is too high.

+2  A: 

I've always found some kind of elbow support is just as important as the placement of the keyboard to avoid long-term strain. If you can get one, a circular / corner desk that wraps around you will give good elbow support and let you relax your arms. Failing that, a good chair with nice big arm rests can do a similar job.

Nik
I'm already on top of the good chair - I'm a proud owner of a Humanscale Freedom, but the problem is that my wrists are too high. I've updated the question to reflect this.
Josh Kodroff
Hmm, if it's a problem with the height of the desk then couldn't you raise your chair a little higher to compensate? Sorry if I'm not understanding your setup correctly!
Nik
The problem is that if I lift my chair, my legs won't be at ninety degrees and then I'll be putting strain on my back (I think). It's a tough thing to really explain with out seeing it firsthand - your answer is definitely appreciated.
Josh Kodroff
+2  A: 

Many under-desk, adjustable keyboard trays can provide the same, or even superior, ergonomic keyboard placement.

For many people, it is very important to have a slight negative tilt to the keyboard. This helps prevent wrist strain.

Reed Copsey
This is definitely an option I would consider, since I'm so happy with my Humanscale chair, but I'd like to avoid installation if possible. And while Humanscale is awesome, it's a tad pricey.
Josh Kodroff
+1  A: 

I've found it to be extremely important to ensure that the height of your chair will allow your arms / hands to rest without strain on the keyboard and that the mouse is positioned likewise, so that there is no strain in your natural position. Because of this, I don't use an ergonomic keyboard any more. For me, my optimal position is with the chair set so the arms of the chair are at the same height as the desk with the mouse almost under the keyboard. I've been programming since the 70's and I've experienced some pain with desks, chairs, keyboards and mice that weren't set up correctly. I've used the ergonomic stuff in the past and it helped, but I've found that by far your position and height help far more than the hardware.

Dave