Apple MacBook Pro Fails in Egornomic Design

MacBook Pro might be one of the greatest laptop in terms of features and performance, and stylish look. But it has a big drawback -- bad design from an ergonomic perspective.

"The new MacBook Pro, which was released last October, is a fine piece of computer engineering. It's fast, looks great, and can multitask with the best of them, rarely burdening the user with the spinning pinwheel of death. Unfortunately, it also hurts like hell to use. The problem is that the lower edge of the metal casing is so sharp that typing on the computer can feel like a blade driving into your wrist. Hours after you shut down the machine, your skin will still have raw, damaged, red lines. While I'm sure textbook-proper typing form would prevent this from happening, this is serious punishment for those of us with lax posture.

The MacBook Pro's flawed design is all the more remarkable when one considers that it comes from Apple—a company known for its ergonomics and forward-thinking designs. Over the years, we've used plenty of Apple laptops, and with few exceptions, they've all been a pleasure to use. But now, 20 years after the release of the first Apple laptop, they've decided to build a Ginsu knife into the case. And this is no el-cheapo netbook (few of which have comfortable keyboards)—this is a top-of-the-line computer that starts at $2000."

Bad ergonomic design can kill a product. Despite all of the super cool features in MacBook Pro, its uncomfortable design can give bad impression to the end users. Hope Apple will do something about it in the next release.

[Source]

Querty vs Dvorak Keyboard

There are 2 types of keyboard layout. One is called QWERTY and another called DVORAK. Both layout are shown as below:

QWERTY Keyboard Layout

DVORAK Keyboard Layout

Most computer keyboards today are using the QWERTY layout. The name QWERTY comes from the order of the first row of keyboard which looks like "QWERTYUIOP". The QWERTY keyboard was invented by Christopher Sholes in late 1860s. He designed the QUERTY layout base on the first typewriter at that time, which had the hammers arranged in a circle and struck the paper from below. Because they were prone to jamming, Sholes arranged his keys such that pairs of letters which a typist was likely to press in quick succession would not use adjacent hammers. The QWERTY keyboard is not ergonomically designed.

The Dvorak keyboard, named after its inventor, Dr. August Dvorak, on the other hand was designed more ergonomically to make typing easier, faster, and more efficient. The key to its success is the arrangement of the letters -- by having the most commonly used letters in the "home" row, which is the centred position for the typist's hands. According to a study in 1933, with the vowels fall naturally under the left hand and the consonants under the right, your hands naturally alternate When you touch-type on Dvorak, which results in less travel for your fingers while typing on a Drovak keyboard. Here's a simple comparison between Dvorak and QWERTY, using a list of the 100 most common words in written English. This test is to see how easy or hard different words are to type on each layout.

So with all the benefits of Dvorak keyboard, why everyone is still using the QWERTY layout? One main reason given is that it was introduced during the Great Depression, and people weren't about to spend what little money they had on new typewriters when their old ones were built to last. Also when World War II broke out, the War Dept. ordered all typewriter keyboards be set to the most-common standard — Qwerty — and typewriter manufacturers retooled to produce small arms. By the end of the war, Qwerty was cast in concrete.

Even though QWERTY keyboard is the default layout today, most operating systems still give the option to switch to the Dvorak layout. Here are the few ways to convert some of the Operating System from QWERTY to Dvorak keyboard layout:

• Windows XP: Go to Start -> Control Pane, then Regional and Language Options -> Languages -> Details and click "Add." Select "United States-Dvorak" and then press OK. To make it the default, choose "United States-Dvorak" in the Default Input Language drop-down menu.
• Windows Vista: Go to Start -> Control Panel. In the default view, the option is "Change keyboards or other input methods;" If you're using the "Classic View," go to Regional Language Options and select the "Keyboards and Languages" tab. Click the "Change Keyboards" button, and click the "Add" button. Select "United States-Dvorak" and then press OK. To make it the default, choose "United States-Dvorak" in the Default Input Language drop-down menu.
• GNOME: Go to System -> Preferences -> Keyboard -> Layouts and click "Add." For Layouts, select your country, and for Variants, select Dvorak. If a Dvorak layout doesn't appear for your country, then select "USA," "United Kingdom," or another country that has one. To make Dvorak the default layout, click the button under "Default" in the Keyboard Layouts window. To change the key combination used to switch between layouts, go to Layout Options -> Layout Switching and choose one or multiple options.
• KDE: YaST -> Hardware -> Keyboard Layout -> Variant:Dvorak.
• Mac OS X: Open System Preferences (Apple Menu -> System Preferences), choose the "International" tab, choose the "Input Menu" tab from there, and check the box next to "Dvorak." To change between the two at any time, click on the flag on the right of the menu bar, and on the drop-down, click on "Dvorak."
  

After setting your OS to use the Dvorak keyboard layout, you might want to purchase a Dvorak keyboard, or relabel your QWERTY keyboard with the Dvorak key arrangement, or at least print out a layout of Drovak and place it in front of you while practicing with the new layout. It might be a frustrating experience to learn typing all over again with a new keyboard layout, but when you get used to it, you will be amazed by how many words you could type without hardly moving your fingers at all!

Ergonomic and Split Keyboard

You might have heard about both ergonomic and split keyboard before, and wondering if there's any difference between the two. Well, there's slight difference between them, but they basically serve the same purpose -- to promote natural body posture while typing to prevent repetitive stress injury (RSI) caused by a high volume of typing.

What is a Split Keyboard
As the term suggest, a split keyboard is often split into two, sometime three separate parts to allow a more comfortable typing position. A typical split keyboard is separated into two from the middle of the keyboard, while remaining the QWERT keyboard layout on the two slanted halves. Also a split keyboard is usually integrated instead of totally separated, and often comes with wrist support. Sometimes, a split keyboard might be split into 3 sections, with the number pad makes up the third section. This kind of design is especially suitable for those who deal a lot with numbers such as accountants.

The main purpose of a split keyboard is to allow a more comfortable typing position. As it's adjustable, the user can manipulate the split keyboard anyway he or she want, until it's at a position which is optimally comfortable for him or herself. With the flexibility and integrated wrist support that a split keyboard often have, it's definitely worth investing on getting one in order to lower the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. The only disadvantage of a split keyboard, is that it may not be easy, and may take up to several days for a user to get used to a split keyboard.

What is an Ergonomic Keyboard
An ergonomic keyboard, is a more generic term used to describe a keyboard that is designed to promote natural body posture while typing to avoid pain in hands, arms, neck, or shoulders. A split keyboard is a type of ergonomic keyboard, but an ergonomic keyboard is not necessary a split keyboard. It can be an unsplit keyboard with DVORAK layout and with vertical keyboard design. Different manufacturers will have their own ergonomic design which they think is the best for their users.

Normally an ergonomic split keyboard is much more expensive than a normal keyboard. But if you are a heavy keyboard user, it's definitely worth investing into one as it will help to prevent repetitive stress injury. It might be difficult to get use to an ergonomic split keyboard at the beginning, but you can always seek help from several websites and software programs that teach you how to type on a split keyboard.

Ergonomic Recliner Guide

I have a recliner chair in my living room, and I love sitting on it all night long watching TV, or reading books, after a hard day's work. I bought my recliner almost a year ago, and I am happy I did. It has become the best place for me to relax and getting rid of all the daytime working pressure. I did quite some research, digging all over the web for information about ergonomic recliner before buying it, and so I want to share the information that I have found useful here on Ergonomic Computing blog. Hopefully this will be helpful for those who are looking for a recliner chair.

Basically, there are 3 types of recliners: 2-position recliner, rocker recliner (also known as wall saver recliner), and push back recliner.

The two-position recliner is cheaper compare to the other types, and normally has less choice in styles and colors. And as you can tell from the name, the two-position recliner has two positions: upright or release the footrest to recline completely. You will need more space for this type of recliner.

The one that I bought is a rocker recliner, which is also known as wall saver recliner. The benefit of this type of recliner is that you can place it close to walls, which is perfect for small spaces. Also, it provides a wider range of reclining angles.

For push-back recliner, as the name suggest, will recline when you lean back. It's normally more costly compare to the other two, but it's also trendier and usually available in leather, making it more suitable for modern home.

There are a few factors that you should consider when buying a recliner: style, fit, fabric, and price.

For me, a recliner is all about comfort. So the first thing I look for, is a recliner that fit my body size. The taller you are, the larger the recliner you should get. Also, the recliner should be ergonomically designed: your feet should be touching the floor when the recliner's back is upright, the headrest should be support your head and neck, and the footrest should be easy to maneuver. The styles of the recliner comes next. Think about where you want to place your recliner, and pick a style and color that match with the surrounding furniture. Typically, the two-position recliner, although being the most affordable, is usually limited in colors, fabrics, and styles. The push back recliner, on the other hand, usually comes in leather with stylish design, but also the most costly. The Rocker Recliner stays in between of the other two. It's the most popular type of recliner and comes in the leather-vinyl combination.

Ready to shop for a perfect recliner? Here are a few websites which you can start your online shopping:

La-Z-Boy.com: One of the most recognized name in recliners. You will find reclina-rockers, reclina-gliders, reclina-way, classic recliners, reclina-rest, power recliners, luxury lifts, airspa massage, La-Z-Touch massage chairs, and many other furniture there.

Reclinersplus.com: Offers leather recliners, fabric recliners, and rocker gliders for purchase online. Check out their top selling products and reviews here.

Berkline.com: Well-known for recliners with great ergonomic support. Check out their website for complete descriptions and photos of all their latest models.

Lanefurniture.com: Offers various home furniture on their website, and they have a good collection of recliners for you to choose from!

I am sure there are much more online stores that you can purchase recliners from.. just search for them on Google. Guys, remember the key for a recliner is comfort. So always look for the most comfortable ergonomic recliner you can afford! You will not regret it!

Good Info About Ergonomic Chairs

As an office worker who sit all days while working, an ergonomic chair is necessary to make one's workstation safer and healthier. Here's a good article about ergonomic chair. It discuss about why we need ergonomic chair, how to select an ergonomic chair, and the good features to look for when selecting an ergonomic chair.

What is an "ergonomic" chair?

Finding the right ergonomic chair is a common problem especially for people who want to purchase new equipment to make workstations safer and healthier places. There are many "ergonomic" chairs available but it can be a mistake to purchase one simply because it is labeled "ergonomic".

Ergonomic chairs are designed to suit a range of people; however, there is no guarantee that they will suit any one person in particular. For example, a chair could be too high and the arm rests too far apart for a short, slim person. In addition, chairs may not suit every task or arrangement at the workstation. A chair becomes ergonomic only when it specifically suits a worker's size (body dimensions), his or her particular workstation, and the tasks that must be performed there. It is possible to find the right chair although it is not always easy.

Why is finding the right chair so important?

Today, in industrialized countries, many people sit for most of the time that they are awake. They sit while having breakfast, while going to work in cars or buses, in school classrooms, in meetings, in offices, during dinner, and at home while watching television. Many people also sit at work operating machines which new technology has developed to replace manual work. Although sitting requires less physical effort than standing or walking it puts a lot of stress on lumbar area. Combined effects of a sedentary lifestyle and a job that requires sitting can lead to many health problems.
What do you need to know about selecting a good "ergonomic" chair?

The selection of a suitable chair is a critical step in preventing health problems in people who work in a sitting position. With the ergonomics approach, sitting is viewed as a specific, specialized activity which is influenced by the way that a sitting person interacts with the working environment.

Several basic concepts should be considered:

• One chair does not fit everyone. The users' body dimensions must be used when selecting a chair so that it does not strain one part of the body while fitting another.
• Collect data about the user's body height. The optimal seat height is about one quarter of the body height. This is only a rule of thumb since the torso-to-leg ratio can vary widely..
• No one chair is suitable for every activity. For example, dentists require a different chair than do industrial workers or computer operators
• Consider maintenance and repair costs. Check with the manufacturer for items to inspect for and how often inspection should be done.
  

What are the features of a "good" chair?

Some features are mandatory for a good chair regardless of how you intend to use it:

• Adjustability - Check to see that seat height is adjustable.
• Seat height range - Check whether the seat height can be adjusted to the height recommended for the worker(s) who will use it. Other chairs may have to be selected for very short or tall workers.
• Backrest - Check to see that the backrest is adjustable both vertically and in the frontward and backward direction.
• Seat depth - Select the seats that suit the tallest and the shortest users
• Stability - Check for the stability of the chair; a five-point base is recommended.
  

Other features to consider

• See if the selected chair has features that will help someone do their job better. Arm rests with adjustable heights are good for computer operators. Wider or narrower arm rests may also be required depending on the worker's dimensions and tasks they do.
• See if the selected chair has features that will make doing a job more difficult. An example may be that someone may be using a chair with casters or wheels when a stable and stationary work position would be better. If chairs with casters are needed, choose ones that match the type of flooring you have (carpeting or hard floors).

Who should pick out the chair?

Personal preference is essential to the process of selecting a chair.

• After some suitable chairs have been identified, allow the person who will use the chair most to try out the chair in a real work situation. It is especially useful to obtain several sample chairs for a trial comparison by those who will be using them.
• Make sure that the chair meets the needs of the workers and their jobs before any final selection is made.
  

Can a chair solve all of the ergonomic problems of working in a sitting position?

A well-designed chair allows the user to sit in a balanced position. Buying an ergonomic chair is a good beginning but it may not bring the benefits expected. The actual sitting position depends on an individual's personal habits; he or she has to learn and practice how to sit properly.

Also, remember that the chair is only one of the components to be considered in workstation design. All the elements such as the chair, footrest (if needed), work surface, document holders, task lighting and so on need to have flexibility and adjustability to be "designed in."

Source: ccohs.ca
More reading: osha.gov

Fitness Tips for Office Workers

Most white collar workers nowadays spend most of their time working in cubicle, doing the same repetitive task everyday. So most of the time, they are forced to maintain the same physical position. This can lead to physical injury such as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) or Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Now here's a few simple tips which can help to lower the chance of getting these injuries:

1. Move around. After working for an hour or so, get up from your chair and walk around the office. For better result, you can do calf raises or even push up against the wall. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes every hours to exercise your muscle and better blood circulation. This will help to prevent injury to your back, eyes and wrists. If possible, spend half an hour walking after the lunch. this will increase your daily fitness level, and in long term will prevent high blood pressure.

2. Get better office equipment such as ergonomic mouse, keyboard, and chair. Sure these ergonomic equipments will cost you more money, but they are definitely worth investing in to keep yourself from computer related injuries. More ergonomic accessories will be posted on this blog, so definitely come back to check for reviews and deals for ergonomic office equipments!

3. Phonercise. What this means is to get up and walk around or some body stretching while you are on the phone. Again, you can do calf raises, knee bends, and other movement that will rotate and flex your wrists. Also, you can flex your neck forward and back (never rotate) and stretch your back.

4. Maintain a good diet. To save time, office worker tends to eat fast food for lunch. We all know that fast food is not much better than junk food. If you want to save time, fast food is not the only way to save you time. Prepare your own salad, grill chicken or other low calories food to work. Not only this will keep you healthy, doing this can actually save you money as well!

5. A little exercise before work. Before you start your day, do some minor warm up exercise to stretch your wrists and arms. Limber up your back by standing against a wall and pushing the small of your back against the wall. This will also strengthen your abdominal muscles. Do some calf raises and wall push-ups too.

That's the few simple tips for all office worker to help keeping higher level of fitness, and preventing computer related injuries.

Goldtouch Ergonomic Adjustable Keyboard

Incorrect posture may cause CTS and RSI. So it's always useful to have an adjustable keyboard like this one -- the Goldtouch Ergonomic Adjustable Keyboard from Keynovation.

"The Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard allows you to adjust the two alphanumeric sections both horizontally and vertically to suit your individual body requirements. This helps you assume a more natural posture that is conducive to improving comfort and productivity while using your computer."

The Goldtouch Ergonomic Keyboard is available for both PC and Mac users. The price is the same for both version at $139.95.