I agree, but I would add that ditching the mouse altogether is the ultimate luxury of ergonomic computing.
Regular mice hurt my wrists, and most of my computing is related to text input anyway. As a touch-typer, I prefer not looking at my hands and do as few movements as possible with my fingers.
I am also proficient in Linux, which allowed me to customize my os in ways that are not as common on Windows and OS X.
Everything I use is keyboard-driven: my work, my browsing, my window and desktop management, my communication. I use an ergonomic wireless split keyboard that fits perfectly in my hoodie pockets. In a couple of years I hope to build a computer I could comfortably wear on my body without sacrificing anything from my regular workflows.
There is something soothing and engaging at the same time in being able to do anything on a computer, while being locked in a position of comfort, as long as I can see the screen. Any space that fits my screen and me together can become a comfortable working space with a little fiddling.
I realize that, however cool and nice-feeling and safe it may be, this style of computing is inaccessible to most people. Most of our hardware and software is not designed for this, so I had to build a lot of things myself, and apply customizations to things I re-use. Even if it was accessible and simple, it still is not affordable: I am extremely lucky to have a lifestyle that allows me to tinker with my work tools like this.
I use the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard which has a touchpad, trackball, or thinkpad nubbin thing that can be installed for your right thumb. Definitely still luxury priced though.
I agree, but I would add that ditching the mouse altogether is the ultimate luxury of ergonomic computing.
Regular mice hurt my wrists, and most of my computing is related to text input anyway. As a touch-typer, I prefer not looking at my hands and do as few movements as possible with my fingers.
I am also proficient in Linux, which allowed me to customize my os in ways that are not as common on Windows and OS X.
Everything I use is keyboard-driven: my work, my browsing, my window and desktop management, my communication. I use an ergonomic wireless split keyboard that fits perfectly in my hoodie pockets. In a couple of years I hope to build a computer I could comfortably wear on my body without sacrificing anything from my regular workflows.
There is something soothing and engaging at the same time in being able to do anything on a computer, while being locked in a position of comfort, as long as I can see the screen. Any space that fits my screen and me together can become a comfortable working space with a little fiddling.
I realize that, however cool and nice-feeling and safe it may be, this style of computing is inaccessible to most people. Most of our hardware and software is not designed for this, so I had to build a lot of things myself, and apply customizations to things I re-use. Even if it was accessible and simple, it still is not affordable: I am extremely lucky to have a lifestyle that allows me to tinker with my work tools like this.
So I guess it is a kind of luxury.
I use the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard which has a touchpad, trackball, or thinkpad nubbin thing that can be installed for your right thumb. Definitely still luxury priced though.