Why use an ergonomic keyboard, or think of it as a Christmas gift?

Manufacturers and sellers of these specialized computer keyboards state that ergonomic  keyboards are highly adjustable and comfortable, let you adopt a more natural typing position,  reduce the risks of damage to  your wrists and forearms with Repetitive Strain Injuries, and are better for those who have difficulties with the standard non ergonomic keyboards..

Certainly if an ergonomic keyboard can perform as claimed, wouldn't it  be an ideal Christmas present?

Lets look at a few factors:

Certainly, injuries and 'days off sick' from keyboard use have increased rapidly in the last decade, and most experts believe traditionally designed keyboards can distort your hands into awkward and possibly harmful positions, particularly if if held for long periods.

These awkward positions include having your hands in the flat, palm-down position, and bending the wrist sideways toward the little finger.

So you can now buy split keyboards

Split keyboards split and curve the main key sector, usually with a raised section in the middle

This in theory allows the shoulders and wrist of the user to be in a comfortably relaxed position, and allows all the fingers, including the little finger to easily extend and flex, while hand motion is reduced.

The fixed split keyboard is one in which the keyboard is split as described above,  lacks adjustment but is cheaper,

However a quality adjustable-split keyboard will lets you adjust the precise angle of the keyboard halves from near flat to to nearly vertical in two planes.

However no controversy, next-keyboard size is DEFINITELY important.

Keyboard usage Injuries in children as young as 5 are now appearing worldwide. A major part of the problem is children are often expected to use non-ergonomic keyboards designed for larger, adult hands.

 Many companies are beginning to make compact ergonomic keyboards designed for their special needs. Why not consider a childrens computer keyboard?

Especially as there are even left handed keyboards, for people like me!

Another point  are your computer keyboard keys big enough? The smallest size for an adult is about 3/4 in (18-20 mm). Many compact computers have keys smaller than this. Uncomfortable.

A solution for this is a  chordic keyboard where you type combinations on just 8 spaced keys to create standard numbers and letters (said to be ideal for novices,those with disabilities are those who want an easy Braille keyboard). Repetitive arm and wrist movements are virtually eliminated. They claim less mistakes too!

There are also non QUERTY keyboards (like your cell phone!) such as Dvorak keyboards, where commonly used letters are grouped and theres less hand movement.

(Your PC  may in fact let you rearrange your existing 'QWERTY' keyboard layout, but you will have to  rename each key,which seems a lot of effort...)

As for flexibility of where youre working, you can buy a wireless ergonomic  keyboard which will do away with wires, and let you move away from your PC. Or go the whole hog and treat yourself to a Bluetooth wireless ergonomic keyboard, that will let you communicate with other Bluetooth devices nearby.

No research available has conclusively proved  that ergonomic keyboards are a cure all for everyone.  But hey, why not check out prices availabity and return policies online. Or give one a tryout at your local store!

 For most people a brand name ergonomic computer  keyboard, should work well if the keyboard is used in its  proper position in  a proper workstation setup 

So why not give your digits a treat, and check out ergonomic keyboard for healthy computing 2006 and beyond?

You can  also get Christmas gift resources and tips for ALL your Healthy Computing needs at Mick's latest information site, 'Christmas Ideas NOW', at
http://tinyurl.com/ye359w

Mick's Healthy Computing  site remains dedicated to giving you all the secrets of Healthy Computing at your workstation:
http://www.m1mart.co.uk