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Where do you keep your keyboard?
Obviously, if you have an all-in-one like an iMac or a traditional laptop, the keyboard is connected directly to the display. But if you have a desktop or a docking station — or even a Bluetooth keyboard for your mobile phone — there is some flexibility on where you place your keyboard.
I currently have an old (mechanical) Hewlett Packard PS/2 keyboard sitting on my desk attached (via a USB connector) to my laptop. The laptop sits off to the side and feeds into a much larger external monitor. I've tolerated this arrangement for a while but it is becoming apparent that this is far from the most ergonomic arrangement.
So, I am considering getting a keyboard arm. For those who have gone that route, how has that worked for you? What model did you get and how much did it cost? Did it flex under use or was it rigid and solid? Was there space for a mouse next to the keyboard? Do you have any suggestions on what to watch out for, either pro or con?
I'm in hopes that not only will I benefit from the collected experiences of the SoylentNews community, but that someone else we see a reply and choose to do something to improve their arrangement, too.
(Score: 2) by xorsyst on Tuesday September 27 2016, @09:28AM
What's wrong with on the desk, in front of the monitor? That's where literally everybody I know has it.
(Score: 5, Touché) by RamiK on Tuesday September 27 2016, @09:49AM
Clearly, even when it makes perfect sense, doing it like everybody else is not the Apple way.
compiling...
(Score: 3, Touché) by Nerdfest on Tuesday September 27 2016, @01:08PM
Plus you can do it with non-Apple hardware.. We can't have that.
(Score: 2) by Hyperturtle on Tuesday September 27 2016, @03:42PM
I have to admit I was not aware that there was a problem to solve. If I have a wireless keyboard, it is almost always for something like a tablet or raspberry pi sort of contraption. Maybe even the occasional mame cabinet configuration, but I use a ps2 keyboard most of the time for that. Most of my keyboards ARE "ps2", excepting for the work laptop as there was no ps2 port on it to use. Wireless keyboards get put in some storage or get things laid on top of it only to find it needs recharging later when it comes time to actually use it, because wireless peripherals suck in that regard.
That said... if it's a cabled keyboard, the keyboard is either on the desk, with enough cable slack to lean back and bring the keyboard onto my lap while reclining, or if the desk is small, the keyboard drawer under the desktop, where I will reach in to type without extending the drawer... assuming there is room for a mouse and mousepad with wrist wrest under there as well. Different postures and placements for different purposes.
I will have to look up what a keyboard arm is. It sounds like it is not intended for someone who actually types for a living.
(Score: -1, Offtopic) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday September 27 2016, @11:05AM
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(Score: 1) by nitehawk214 on Tuesday September 27 2016, @05:09PM
I thought maybe this was a trick question.
"Don't you ever miss the days when you used to be nostalgic?" -Loiosh
(Score: 2) by Reziac on Wednesday September 28 2016, @03:58AM
Depends. Is this where you use it, or just where you keep it?
I keep mine on a shelf under the monitor.
But I use it on my lap, which takes a whole lot of strain off shoulders and wrists.
And there is no Alkibiades to come back and save us from ourselves.