ergonomics
Latest
Hippus' HandshoeMouse makes pointing, clicking less strenuous
Another month, another ergonomic mouse. Somehow, against all odds, we've found ourselves believing that this one may actually make a difference. Who knows -- maybe it's the fact that Hippus' HandshoeMouse was developed at two medical universities in Holland and not in someone's basement. Or maybe it's because "extensive medical studies support the concept." At any rate, the critter -- which enables the user to "place the whole palm of their hand on the mouse without having to cling on to it" -- comes in a trio of sizes based on how humongous / diminutive your gripper is and can be purchased now in black or white for €120 ($166). For ultimate carpal tunnel shielding, we'd recommend use of it with the LapWorks Gamers Desk... but only if you're okay with being single forever.[Via HotHardware]
Dreamcom 10 series laptop is totally adjustable, ergonomic
CeBIT never fails to produce some fairly zany kit, and just like last year, we've got yet another incredibly weird laptop hitting the scene that promises to be your neck's best friend. The Dreamcom 10 series machine features a vertically adjustable LCD along with a docking station to avoid using that totally cramped integrated keyboard. If you can make it past the outside without gagging (okay, so it's not that bad... maybe), you'll find a 2.2GHz T7500 processor, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a couple of USB 2.0 ports, ExpressCard slot, 256MB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2600, Bluetooth / WiFi and a 160GB hard drive for good measure. Not a peep has been uttered in regard to pricing, but c'mon, your health is worth whatever they charge, right? [Via MobileMag]
Macworld on healthy computing
Most people know that the right ergonomic setup is important to maintain not only good productivity but good health. Far too many otherwise healthy and intelligent people, including Mac pundit and New York Times columnist David Pogue, succumb to painful, sometimes even debilitating, RSI or back pain caused by flawed work environments. Lucky for those of us who don't have the time to do a full re-configuration of our computing areas, Macworld has a two succinct and informative articles on small but important things you can do to improve the ergonomics of your desk. The first article touches on methods for improving over-all physical ergonomics such as screen and keyboard positioning and best practices for how to set up your chair. Once your big picture is all comfy and healthy, it's time to look at the software tools such as TextExpander which can help reduce the amount of repetitive actions one takes in their daily computer usage.
Sony confirms plans to chuck boomerang controller (and it won't come back)
Sony today confirmed they plan to toss the much-reviled boomerangamajig PS3 controller thingy, according to CNNMoney.com reporter Chris Morris. A redesigned controller is expected to be unveiled at E3, in May. What's funny about this is that the decision was most likely fueled by gamer reaction to the controller's mere looks. The controller might have turned out to be the most comfortable ever released, but the world will never know because gamer reaction to the design of the thing was nearly unanimously negative after its unveiling at E3 in May 2005. Was Sony unfairly slapped down by gamers and the video games press for being too forward-thinking? We all sure talk a big game about wanting change, but we've shown (over and over again) very little acceptance of schemes that represent a true visual or mechanical departure from the norm. The Nintendo DS touch-screen interface, for instance, also faced quite a bit of negative reaction prior to its release. [Image comes from Joystiq PS3 controller redesign contest. This particular concept was designed by Joystiq reader Adam Portilla of Chicago.] [Via Engadget]
