Ergonomic Arrangement for Computers and Books?

An anonymous reader asks: "So here I am with yet another computer book (Network Programming with Perl) and a pending case of neck, back and eye strain as I try and juggle the book and the keyboard and try to keep an eye on what's on the monitor. I've tried all sorts of ways to try and wade through a book and type in the various examples but everything is a bit of a kludge. I'm hoping to learn what creative methods for integrating books and computers that folks have come up with. There has to be ways to keep the juggling acts and the assorted cramps and aches to a minimum."

Comments

The order is key

[lowtekneq]

What works for me is taking some time and sitting outside/on my couch and reading the book im working on. After you understand everything you won't have to look back so much, but when you have to have the book (code examples) put the keyboard in the center of the desk, and the book behind it, and make sure you sit high. Unless you look at the keyboard when you are typing you won't have to move your head very far.

Re:The order is key

[SpaceLifeForm]

Totally agree. Dont' forget to fetch beer before reaching couch.

Ahhh...be a man about it.

[dotgod]

Being able to juggle a book and keyboard while looking at a monitor is a mandatory skill for you to be considered a geek. There is no way around this.

try not to read and type at the same time

[agnosonga]

I tend not to read and type at the same time. I think its better to read away from the computer.
of course this doesnt help when copying examples out of the book, in that case, I usually just put the book down next to my keyboard

just my two cents, hope it helps

Keyboard in the middle, but not the monitor.

[ivan256]

I have a standard routine that I like very much. My current setup has two monitors, but this will mostly work with just one...

I have 2 monitors side by side facing in about 10 degrees from parallel (flat fronts are key). When it's possible I use electronic documentation on the right screen and code on the left. When hard copy is all that's available I slide the right hand monitor back about 4 inches and lean the book up against it. I've also been known to photocopy a frequently used page/diagram and tape it to the monitor. I believe your perl networking book is available as PDF. You should look into it.

I think the key is that I never have to turn my head very far in either direction, which I would have to do if one monitor was directly in front of me.

This assumes that you're only using the book for reference. If you're actually reading it I recommend finding a more comfortable place to read than in a desk chair (Yes, even if it's an Aeron), and an electronic copy is unacceptable.

Re:Keyboard in the middle, but not the monitor.

[Jester998]

Agreed. I have a dual-monitor setup and love it. In fact, it sounds like my favourite configuration is remarkably similar to yours -- neither monitor is "centered" (they are each on one side of the center line), but keyboard is definitely centered. Adjust monitors until their faces are at an angle to each other (mine are actually about 20 degrees, I think) to reduce glare and the amount of needed head movement.

Then acquire a copy of your documentation in electronic form (man pages are great!). Code goes on the right monitor, documentation on the left. Go to town.

I've been using a dual-head setup for about 4 months and can't believe that I've coded for so many years without it. I can't imagine going back to a single display. Plus, having the only dual-head setup (on Linux, no less!) on my residence floor (and, as far as I've seen, the only dual-head setup period) makes me the envy of many a geek around here. :)

Now if only I could challenge the exam for my stupid Introduction to Object Oriented Programming course... Java... bleh. I'd rather be coding C/C++/assembly/Perl =)