Best Mobile Computing Options For People With RSI?

gotfork writes "Several years ago I injured my wrists while typing at a poorly set up desk. I am now greatly recovered, and can work at a desktop computer for several hours each day as long as I wear wrist braces. I have avoided using laptops in the past because both TrackPoint-style pointing sticks and touchpads create a lot of strain on my wrists, but I'm ready to give it another shot. Is my best option a stylus-based convertible tablet/laptop (such as the Lenovo X series) or are there any lighter-weight devices that have ergonomic inputs?"

Comments

iPad thoughts?

[Igorod]

Any thoughts on an iPad? I know it's overpriced for what you get like most Apple products, but for all of that it's not too bad. Not sure how your wrists would handle the input on one though if you have issues with touchpads. It is different in the aspect of multi-touch and the various ways you could bring contact with the surface. I know Best Buys in this area have them set up to test out if you're not sure how it would do.

Apple stuff is good

[farnsworth]

I don't know if I had RSI or what, but I had pain in my wrists and forearms at the end of the day while I used a thinkpad (both with and without a decent ibm 101 keyboard). I am very sensitive to ergonomics -- I have a really nice chair, a really nice desk, the best lighting I can afford.

I switched to a Mac Book Pro, and I never had any pain with the trackpad, even in the most awkward postures. The Apple 101 keyboard is also great for my ergonomics while I'm at my desk.

Still, I had wrist pain after sitting at my desk using my fancy MS mouse all day. I recently got the external Apple trackpad, and my mouse has been collecting dust ever since. I have zero pain even after a long day or a long week. The stuff is expensive, it takes some getting used to (the built-in trackpad and the external trackpad only work well if you grok their gestures). But it is well worth it for me.

YMMV, etc etc.