Mine are. I’ve been pecking away at my netbook for almost 3 hours. These tiny keys tend to contort the wrists into the oddest of angles. Et Voila: a sharp pain that persists well into the next day. Dubbed RSI or repetitive strain injury, the damage resulting from typing for hours on tiny keyboards can lead to near complete debilitation. Would you want to risk that? If you’re an accountant or web designer, the loss of hand mobility can destroy your career.You can minimize the damage of course. All it takes is a bit of modification of your computing habits.
Don’t Use the Touch Pad. Touchpads eliminate the hassle of having to bring a mouse along. While it minimizes the extra baggage, it adds extra strain to the wrist. Don’t believe me? Play a shooter game on the touch pad for just 15 minutes. Before long, you’ll feel an excruciating sensation. Those are your ligaments begging for a break.These pointing devices contort the wrist on a continuous basis and may even create callouses on your finger tips. Be kind to yourself. Bring a mouse along. They’re friendlier to your physiology.
Take Micro Breaks. Avoid the marathon typing sessions. Make sure you pause for a breather. A two minute break every thirty minutes will extend the warranty on your wrists. The muscles will snatch a few moments to recuperate and heal the tiny tears resulting from continuous keyboard pecking.
Get a Large External Keyboard. Big is better. Your arms have more room to navigate and allow your wrists to fully stretch. Tiny keyboards? Those are murder- particularly when writing a sequel to Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. These keyboards can be purchased at $5 from shoppes like CD-R King. Disable the tiny keyboards of your netbook and hook these ones up for superior comfort.
Stretch Stretch Stretch. Flexing reduces the chances of injury among runners. It does the same for typists. Keep your muscles toned and you minimize injury. Stretch your wrists every fifteen minutes. The burning sensation won’t come.
