What is computer ergonomics?
Like most of us, my life is run on my PC/laptop. I easily spend hours a day working on my pc work station. With so much time being spent hunched over the computer, I’ve come to learn and appreciate the proper ergonomic PC equipment needed for hours of work and minimal strain. So, in this article, I’ll go over some of my favorite PC hardware for ergonomic relief.
Since most of us are using computers year after year, we all are at risk of repetitive strain injuries which usually affects forearms and elbows; wrists and hands; and neck and shoulders.
Computer ergonomics is the way to set up the computer and the workstation arrangement to increase user’s efficiency as well as minimize his/her physical stress. With that being said, let’s discuss the perfect ergonomic PC work setup to protect us from strain and pain.
The perfect ergonomic PC work setup
The best way to protect yourself from strain and pain if you sit at your computer for hours on end is to use hardware that is designed for proper posture. Below are the details how the ergonomic equipment help to set up a best ergonomic PC workstation:
1. Ergonomic Standing Desk
An ergonomic standing desk is the most affordable height-adjustable desk which has sit-stand conversion system. In fact, it is adjustable both in height and width. It also has an adjustable height keyboard tray. As a result, this adjustable desk works excellent in both sitting and standing positions.
There are two main benefits for an adjustable standing desk:
1. It allows you to adjust the height of the monitor to avoid reflection and set it slightly below you’re your eyes, where they’re most optimal.
2. It allows you to stand while you’re working. This is essential for those who it for long periods and have naturally bad posture
Thus, it enables you to avoid awkward working positions that may cause any health issues.
One of my personal favorites is the VARIDESK 49900 – Height-Adjustable Standing Desk – Pro Plus 36. For its price, this piece of equipment is a life-saver. It allows you to have two monitors, a pullout keyboard and is perfect for both standing and sitting.
Pro tip: When standing or sitting, make sure the monitor is slightly below your eyes as it is optimal for looking at the center of the screen.
2. Ergonomic Chair
Furmax Office Chair PU is a standard low-cost ergonomic chair.
This ergonomic chair allows you to adjust seat height, backrest height, back angle, back tilt tension, arm support, headrest, etc. The correct adjustment of this chair turns it into the best ergonomic chair. t helps you to practice proper sitting posture.
It allows you to change your sitting position time to time that makes you feel comfortable in a whole working day. Using this ergonomic chair in the correct position gives comfort especially to your back, and your bottom. In addition, this ergonomic posture chair with good lumbar support keeps your spine in a very natural position.
When sitting for long periods, posture is obviously the best solution to reducing strain and pain.
Here are some tips to help your sitting posture:
• Keep your back straight and your buttock in touch with your chair
• Let your body weight be balanced on your both hips
• You should not cross your legs
• Your feet should be in flat position on the floor
• Keep your elbows and arms relaxed
3. Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
Mousing around the whole day with an inappropriate device may cause severe wrist pain, shoulder tightness, etc. To save your shoulder and wrist from discomfort you shouldn’t grip your mouse too hard. My personal favorite is the Anker AK-UBA 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Mouse as it helps you to grip it lightly that save you from the unnecessary strain on your hand and wrist. It allows you to keep enough space for arm movement for mousing from your elbow.
This vertical ergonomic mouse is the best fit for your hand that reduces pressure on your wrist. It also solves your shoulder problems.
Ergonomic Keyboard
Using the best ergonomic keyboard as well as keeping it in the correct place is also an important part of computer ergonomics.
Usually, a keyboard should be placed 1 or 2 inches above your thighs. Best ergonomic keyboard aims to keep your hands in a “normal” position while typing. “Normal” position means the position that allows you to type comfortably.
The best ergonomic keyboard is of negative tilt because it keeps your arms relaxed. It also helps you with your wrist rest. Because it works very good for straightening your wrists. The palms also get proper rest in an appropriate position.
For a non-mechanical keyboard, my personal favorite is the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. It provides an absolute must – a cushiony wrist rest – and ensures that your wrist is always relaxed and in an upright position.
Pro tip: your thighs should be positioned 1-2 inches below the keyboard.
Best Ergonomic Monitor
My personal favorite for ergonomic monitors is the ASUS VG248QE.
It has the height adjustment system so that you can adjust the appropriate height according to your eye level. At the same time, you also can adjust the top of monitor screen staying little below of your eye level.
As a result, you have to look little downward to view the middle of this best ergonomic monitor screen. In this way, you can avoid the discomforts like fatigue, headache, etc. This ergonomic monitor allows you to attain an anthropometrically perfect viewing angle.
Pro tip: keep your monitor 20 inches away from you at a minimum, to prevent eye strain.
