Tag Archives: ergonomics

Review: Mobo For The Writer

Moboby Catherine L. Tully

I was admittedly skeptical when someone from Mobo offered to let me try out this ergonomic workstation. I have a pretty fantastic office chair and I doubted that this would make things any better. After all, when you sit at a desk for 7 or 8 hours (or more) a day, pretty much nothing is comfortable, right?

Wrong! I have to say that I really got into this, and it felt terrific. My hubby set it up, so I can’t tell you how difficult/easy it was, as I am a truly helpless human being when it comes to putting things together. (He didn’t seem to have any difficulty though.) Everything you need is included, with the exception of a Phillips head screwdriver.

Once I was settled into the chair with my Mobo on, I felt like Captain Kirk. Talk about a modern workstation! It was comfortable, practical and sturdy. I use a laptop, and it fit nicely on the Mobo (the keyboard surface measures 22?x12-1/2). I do admit the one thing I would change is the fact that there is no way to lock down the middle part to make sure you can’t accidentally flip it. (Still, I doubt that is very likely to happen. But I can be clumsy, so….)

I loved the fact that everything was supported, and it was extremely comfy. It definitely felt better than working at my desk. Nothing felt cheap about it, and the company states that the device is made from “high quality industrial polymers (polycarbonate and ABS)”.

Without a doubt, the best part of the whole thing is the fact that I felt cool in the chair with the Mobo attached. It really seemed like a “modern” way to be a writer. I would have to say I’d recommend it–despite my initial hesitancy. I don’t use it every day–I like to mix things up, as I believe that helps keep the repetitive stress injuries at bay, but when I really need to settle in for a marathon day of writing, it’s the Mobo that I turn to–not my desk.

So there you have it. As writers we are at a particularly high risk of getting Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs), so something like a Mobo can really be helpful. I wouldn’t recommend it if I didn’t like it–but I do. The regular price is $89.95, but it is on sale (don’t know for how long though) right now for $79.95.

My Macbook Desk

macbook-desk

by Joe Wallace

When I was much more active as a music journalist, I interviewed Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos about carpal tunnel syndrome issues for musicians. Carlos has never had a day’s problem with carpal tunnel, which shocked me since he’s been drumming since the 60s.

“What’s your secret?” I asked, and the reply was so simple I didn’t believe it at first–I kept waiting for him to add something to his reply. But at least in his case, the secret is simply to change up the height and arrangement of the drum kit often to avoid using the same muscles over and over again over an extended period of time.

How does this apply to freelancers?

I don’t work at the same desk with my Macbook for very long. Continue reading My Macbook Desk

Eyestrain? Are You Sure?

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How are your eyes doing? Do you take breaks from your computer frequently to rest them? Do you know what the factors are that can cause eye strain? This ergonomics site has some clear, direct information on computers and eye strain, including what to watch out for, how to set up your screen and other stuff I’ve never seen on eye care for those of us who are on screen or online all the time.

Particularly interesting is the section on conventional wisdom vs. current ergonomics which may teach you a thing or two and correct some old ideas about how to use a computer safely and set it up properly. It taught me quite a bit! I strongly recommend checking this site out.