Want to read Slashdot from your mobile device? Point it at m.slashdot.org and keep reading!

 


Forgot your password?
Close
typodupeerror
×
Education

Ergonomic Arrangement for Computers and Books? 40

Posted by Cliff from the geeke-desktop-feng-shui dept.
An anonymous reader asks: "So here I am with yet another computer book (Network Programming with Perl) and a pending case of neck, back and eye strain as I try and juggle the book and the keyboard and try to keep an eye on what's on the monitor. I've tried all sorts of ways to try and wade through a book and type in the various examples but everything is a bit of a kludge. I'm hoping to learn what creative methods for integrating books and computers that folks have come up with. There has to be ways to keep the juggling acts and the assorted cramps and aches to a minimum."
This discussion has been archived. No new comments can be posted.

Ergonomic Arrangement for Computers and Books? More

Ergonomic Arrangement for Computers and Books?

Comments Filter:
  • I have more success with a laptop on a desk with the book beside it. Put your chair up higher and you can keep them quite close to each other. Make sure you break the spine of the book or have a good paperweight so that it stays open. Another options with a laptop is to type so that the book is on your lap but the laptop is just above.

    Another options is to see if there's an electronic copy of the book online or perhaps on the CD included with the book

    • Safari (Score:3, Informative)

      by lexarius ( 560925 )
      O'Reilly Safari [oreilly.com]

      $10/month for 5 books/month. Lots of books. Searching. Bookmarks. Printing. Copy & Paste code examples. Errata. Public and private notes.

  • My keyboard is always most important, it goes center
    Books tend to be anoying and have cheap spines sometimes, I've found either a paperclip or a heavy pen holds the pages flat on my desk, so I can place the book to my left (where a leftie might put his mouse).

    Sometimes if the book is short it's actually easiest to lean it between keyboard and monitor, if you have space to do this, it normally is the best solution.

  • The order is key (Score:3, Insightful)

    by lowtekneq ( 469145 ) <lowtekneq@hotmailTWAIN.com minus author> on Wednesday October 02, 2002 @11:09PM (#4378595) Homepage
    What works for me is taking some time and sitting outside/on my couch and reading the book im working on. After you understand everything you won't have to look back so much, but when you have to have the book (code examples) put the keyboard in the center of the desk, and the book behind it, and make sure you sit high. Unless you look at the keyboard when you are typing you won't have to move your head very far.
  • I often make photocopies of the text I'm working on and hang them next to my monitor on one of those old fashioned page supporters, like many secretaries use.
  • Being able to juggle a book and keyboard while looking at a monitor is a mandatory skill for you to be considered a geek. There is no way around this.
  • I tend not to read and type at the same time. I think its better to read away from the computer.
    of course this doesnt help when copying examples out of the book, in that case, I usually just put the book down next to my keyboard

    just my two cents, hope it helps

  • My current work environment... (Score:3, Interesting)

    by arb ( 452787 ) <amosba AT gmail DOT com> on Wednesday October 02, 2002 @11:20PM (#4378641) Homepage
    At my current client we have desktop cases which are about the right height to allow me to lean the book against the desktop case with my keyboard sitting in front of the book. This works well for the rare situations where I have felt the need to have a book open as I am coding. Of course, this is really only an option for "regular" sized books, and can be a real pain for some of the huge 1000+ page tomes out there!

    For larger books (mostly conference notes or even magazines) I do as an earlier poster suggested and read it before sitting at the computer, then I only need to refer to it briefly... You really need to assess your current situation and determine why you need to be referring to the book so often that it becomes a problem. ;-)

  • Keyboard in the middle, but not the monitor. (Score:3, Insightful)

    by ivan256 ( 17499 ) on Wednesday October 02, 2002 @11:22PM (#4378645)
    I have a standard routine that I like very much. My current setup has two monitors, but this will mostly work with just one...

    I have 2 monitors side by side facing in about 10 degrees from parallel (flat fronts are key). When it's possible I use electronic documentation on the right screen and code on the left. When hard copy is all that's available I slide the right hand monitor back about 4 inches and lean the book up against it. I've also been known to photocopy a frequently used page/diagram and tape it to the monitor. I believe your perl networking book is available as PDF. You should look into it.

    I think the key is that I never have to turn my head very far in either direction, which I would have to do if one monitor was directly in front of me.

    This assumes that you're only using the book for reference. If you're actually reading it I recommend finding a more comfortable place to read than in a desk chair (Yes, even if it's an Aeron), and an electronic copy is unacceptable.
    • Agreed. I have a dual-monitor setup and love it. In fact, it sounds like my favourite configuration is remarkably similar to yours -- neither monitor is "centered" (they are each on one side of the center line), but keyboard is definitely centered. Adjust monitors until their faces are at an angle to each other (mine are actually about 20 degrees, I think) to reduce glare and the amount of needed head movement.

      Then acquire a copy of your documentation in electronic form (man pages are great!). Code goes on the right monitor, documentation on the left. Go to town.

      I've been using a dual-head setup for about 4 months and can't believe that I've coded for so many years without it. I can't imagine going back to a single display. Plus, having the only dual-head setup (on Linux, no less!) on my residence floor (and, as far as I've seen, the only dual-head setup period) makes me the envy of many a geek around here. :)

      Now if only I could challenge the exam for my stupid Introduction to Object Oriented Programming course... Java... bleh. I'd rather be coding C/C++/assembly/Perl =)
      • I have been doing dualhead myself for about a year I'd say -- but I just recently switched from a pair of non-flat-front CRT's to 2 LCD's. 20" LCD's @ 1600x1200 makes me wonder how i ever did anything before.

        I did finally convince my boss to order me a new machine with 2 18" LCD's at work after finding out how much less eye strain I had and how much better I just felt overall after using them for long sessions at home. My work environment has never been better. And as you said, I'm the envy of everyone else in the office :)
        • I have been doing dualhead myself for about a year I'd say -- but I just recently switched from a pair of non-flat-front CRT's to 2 LCD's. 20" LCD's @ 1600x1200 makes me wonder how i ever did anything before.

          I'm personally a fan of CRTs, just because they're faster and higher resolution. The second problem is going away quickly. When the update speed of LCD displays increases, and the price comes down, I'll give some serious thought into picking some up. I currently use 21" Flat front trinitron monitors with dark tinted glass. I run them at 1600x1200 @ 120hz refresh.

          Update speed is important for when you want to read text while it's scrolling, and for when you're done working for the day and want to play some games!

  • Orielly books, maybe others... (Score:3, Informative)

    by bofkentucky ( 555107 ) <bofkentucky.gmail@com> on Wednesday October 02, 2002 @11:23PM (#4378653) Homepage Journal
    typically have their examples tared and gzipped, dig around on the publishers site, you'll probably find them there.

  • cordless keyboard (Score:2, Interesting)

    by dotgod ( 567913 )
    I use a Logitech Cordless Freedom [logitech.com] keyboard and mouse. I can put it on my lap and then I have the desk surface free to put the book on.

  • Cut the spine (Score:5, Informative)

    by Longinus ( 601448 ) on Thursday October 03, 2002 @12:31AM (#4378883) Homepage
    Almost all of my O'Reilly books have the spines cut off.

    Take them into your local Kinkos and for $1.00 an inch, they'll cut the spine off and 3-hole-punch it.

    Then, hold the book together with 3 binder rings (which you can buy separately at Staples), and use a document stand [ergonomicdesign.com] to hold the book up near you computer.

    • I like printing books on our 90ppm digital copier, and using the machine to bind them together.

      I can 3 hole punch, comb bind, glue bind....

      The only thing about 3 hole punching, is that Binders are awkward to carry, and the pages end up falling apart. Unless you get the hole reinforcers....

  • So easy! (Score:1, Funny)

    by Anonymous Coward
    Use your right eye to concentrate on the computer, and the left eye for reading. Works for me!

  • Call the Feds. (Score:3, Funny)

    by Black Parrot ( 19622 ) on Thursday October 03, 2002 @12:49AM (#4378930)


    Call your nearest Federal prison and ask about hiring some cheap trustee labor - and maybe they'll send Martha Stewart over to arrange everything for you.

  • Assuming you're using the book for referenece...it's the exact same sitaution as somone who needs a cookbook to cook. My keyboard dead center suspended just under desk (perfect height), monitor dead center about (::extends arm to measure::) two arms's lengths away from edge, clear desk sapce in between. Midway between me and the monitor just over to the left (as little as possible while maintaining clear view) is one of those cookbook stands with the plastic fronts (both holds the book open and protects it from those deadly aerial attacks), on the right (same position) is a document holder used for notes, etc. Oh, and the wall behind my monitor is covered in large-size photocopies of things I look at often, as well as the Post-It notes surrounding the monitor and wall.

    I think the secret (for me, at least), is having everything orientated so that I nevr have to actually move my head. All docs I would reference are within a movement of my eyes (the only real exception is the stuff at the top of the wall, but it's mainly get your war on [getyourwaron.com] anyways)

  • Get yourself a big-ass desk (Score:4, Funny)

    by xtal ( 49134 ) on Thursday October 03, 2002 @01:34AM (#4379010)
    The solution to the problem is a huge, huge, huge desk. I use a heavy-duty kitchen table for development at home, and have an actual huge desk at work. I find that the typical cube arrangements aren't very good, so if you're stuck with one ..

    The thing with a big table is you can shuffle stuff around fairly easily. I like to have the biggest monitor possible in front of me, with my notebook to the side of that. If you have the aforementioned LARGE desk, then there is enough room to put a book between you, the monitor, and the keyboard, in addition to having lots of papers and crap on whichever side your notebook isn't on.

    If I need to do any more reading (in depth) I have a smaller table with a reading lamp.

    Seriously, try an obscenely large desk. Just a flat table. Aim for 4-5 feet deep as a bare minium, at least 6 feet long. It makes things seem a lot easier to deal with. I usually have 2-3 references and a pile of trade rags open on top of all the computer junk.


    • You can get them cheap from any store or lots of places (bingo halls, etc) throw them out or you can get them for $10 at school auctions, flea markets.

      My friends have their spiffy Sauder tables they bought for $250 from OfficeMax, spent an entire Saturday assembling, and have useless (and crappy) drawers and shelfs. They can't fit any bigger than a 17" on them, and they warp crack etc over time.

      Meanwhile, I've got 3 19" monitors, 10 computers, a switch, 25 books all piled high on my super table.
      • You can also use a wooden door to the same effect. Just make sure it's solid, and all you need is a surface. You can take a set of metal legs off another table or get some sawhorse legs from a hardware store. I did this when I was in university to get an obscene amount of desk space.

  • CD (Score:3, Informative)

    by itwerx ( 165526 ) on Thursday October 03, 2002 @01:44AM (#4379025) Homepage
    I just use the handy CD in the little pocket inside the cover... :)
    • Many books have their source code downloadable from the authors/publishers web site.

      I've seen some books where they have the nerve to CHARGE $25.00 or so for a FLOPPY with the example files on it. Bruce Eckel, anyone?
  • I find that what hurts my neck the most is looking left and right all the time; up and down doesn't bother me as much. So I keep my monitor where it belongs, about 18" straight in front of me, then put whatever book I'm looking at (assuming it has a lay-flat binding... most reference books do, these days) right down on my desk, then put the keyboard right on top of the book. Of course, having a transparent keyboard helps.

    Clearly, I have no idea what I'm talking about, but I just had this image of a perfectly transparent keyboard with a book under it, and I had to post something. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

    • I find that what hurts my neck the most is looking left and right all the time; up and down doesn't bother me as much.

      Your fortune for today: You avoid conflict when possible and enjoy finding harmony with others.
  • You can (maybe) find them at your local mall bookstore next to the clip-on lights and bookmarks. They hold your book up at a comfortable angle. I bought some wire ones for $6 apiece about 5 years ago and still use them regularly.

    They are sometimes hard to find. I guess they don't sell well. You can find a fancy model at www.levenger.com

  • Good old fashioned typing tips (Score:5, Informative)

    by Chris Canfield ( 548473 ) <slashdotNO@SPAMchriscanfield.net> on Thursday October 03, 2002 @08:46AM (#4379855) Homepage
    Typing from a hard copy has been around for almost a century now, and many techniques exist to make it easier.

    First and formost, dont ever look at the keyboard. Learn to touch-type those nasty perl characters (#{_ ...) with a program of your choice. I prefer TypingMaster 2002 primarily for the trouble-word logging, but your mileage may vary.

    Don't look at your monitor, either. Type up a page at a time relying on your excellent touch-typing skills, and then proofread. The less your attention flits back and forth, the better your body will be.

    Put the moniter and book close together, and hold the book open with... something handy. Obviously you could buy a book stand from the local stationary and / or music store, but in a pinch you can usually just push it up against something on your desk and hold it open by laying another book down at its base.

    Turn your monitor contrast and brightness down and the ambient light in the room way up. There is nothing more straining to the eye than trying to go from focusing on field of brightly glowing phosphors to looking at a dimly reflected piece of oil and wood. If your work area is lit by a piece of energy-efficient, buzzing tube lighting, your eyes would be best served by an additional spread-spectrum flourescent or filament bulb of the type you can now get in hardware stores.

    Take every opportunity to not be sitting in the same position. Between examples, swivel away from the screen and put your feet up. While reading intros and conclusions, stand up and pace around the room. Swivel to different positions while you type... The optimal one position to be in to aviod repetitive stress injuries is to not be in one position.

    Another solution I have found that works well is to type your examples up wherever is most comfortable to you on a MIVO mailstation. Non-backlit LCD screens are very easy to transition to while reading paper, and the small size and weight will allow you to work almost anywhere. The 8k limit for messages means many perl examples will have to be chopped into smaller bits, but a simple e-mail later and the script can be quickly reassembled on your main box. The messageboards at www.linux-hacker.org can tell you how to unlock the machines to work with your ISP, and they (and their original branding, the e-message) can be found on e-bay for less than 20 dollars.

    IANARST (I am not a repetitive stress therapist), but I think if you follow the above rules while listening to your own body's needs you will be fine.

    -C
  • Can't you just download them off the web?

  • I had to get a small keyboard [pfuca.com] and an optical mouse (to get rid of the mousepad), due to a once-dislocated shoulder.

    It's extremely comfortable, and as a bonus result, I can read a book placed to the left of the keyboard (without getting a sore neck),
    and/or between keyboard and monitor (without having to squint to see what's on the screen).

  • Fire up Acrobat reader, on a laptop, second monitor, etc etc

    Makes it easy to learn while you work
  • The best product for this particular issue that I am aware of is the Vu-Ryte Document Holder [vu-ryte.com]. The only potential drawback is that installing the Vu-Ryte raises your monitor by almost an inch. The 3M DH640 [3m.com] is similar and doesn't raise your monitor. Unfortunately this means it can't handle large books as well because they cause it to tip forward.
  • I have a desk w/ 3 levels. It's much easier and less straining to move your eyes up and down. The main desk level has a slanted book stand on it, the back shelf has my monitors, and the keyboard goes in the key board tray.

    My desk though I assmebled it w/ the keyboard tray and shelf on the same segment:

    http://www.stacksandstacks.com/html/90132.htm

    A book stand similar to mine:

    http://www.webrebel.com/shop/pages/bitem10.htm

Slashdot Top Deals

Love may laugh at locksmiths, but he has a profound respect for money bags. -- Sidney Paternoster, "The Folly of the Wise"

Close