From ankh.iia.org!uunet!gatech!udel!princeton!kastle!dwallach Mon Aug 29 21:28:22 1994
Newsgroups: sci.med,sci.med.occupational,comp.human-factors,sci.answers,comp.answers,news.answers
Path: ankh.iia.org!uunet!gatech!udel!princeton!kastle!dwallach
From: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.princeton.edu>
Subject: FAQ: Typing Injuries (1/5): Mods since last month [monthly posting]
Content-Type: text/x-usenet-FAQ;
	version=1.0;
	title="Typing Injury FAQ: (1/5) Changes since last month"
Message-ID: <typing-injury-faq/changes_778142458@cs.princeton.edu>
Followup-To: sci.med.occupational
Summary: what's new and happening with Dan's FAQ and ftp archive
Originator: news@nimaster
Sender: news@Princeton.EDU (USENET News System)
Supersedes: <typing-injury-faq/changes_769583781@cs.princeton.edu>
Nntp-Posting-Host: kastle.cs.princeton.edu
Reply-To: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.princeton.edu>
Organization: Princeton University
Date: Mon, 29 Aug 1994 06:41:07 GMT
Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu
Expires: Fri, 7 Oct 1994 06:40:58 GMT
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Xref: ankh.iia.org sci.med:21569 sci.med.occupational:797 comp.human-factors:2752 sci.answers:652 comp.answers:3393 news.answers:10192

Archive-name: typing-injury-faq/changes
Version: $Revision: 1.21 $ $Date: 1994/08/29 06:21:48 $

Prologue
--------

This FAQ may be cited as:

 Wallach, Dan S.  (1994) "Typing Injury FAQ: Changes since last
 month"  Usenet news.answers.  Available via anonymous ftp from
 rtfm.mit.edu in pub/usenet/news.answers/typing-injury-faq/changes. 1 page.

World-Wide-Web users will find this available as hypertext:
 http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/typing-injury-faq/top.html

(Dan Wallach's page) http://www.cs.princeton.edu/grad/dwallach/

This file details changes to the ftp.csua.berkeley.edu archive and summarizes
what's new in the various FAQ (frequently asked questions) documents.
This will be posted monthly, along with the full FAQ to the various net
groups.  The various mailing lists will either receive the full FAQ
every month, or every third month, but will always get this file, once
per month.  Phew!

Changes to the Typing Injury FAQ and ftp.csua.berkeley.edu archive, this month
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First off, I need to apologize again for tardiness on getting this out.
As everybody knows, life tends to swamp you sometimes, and your hobbies
tend to get left behind.  Hopefully, I'll be able to keep up with the
rush of new info, as it occurs.  Luckily, the world has improved a lot
in the last few years, and it's actually possible to get some of these
products at your local computer store.  My, would I be happy if my FAQ
were rendered obsolete.  Yeah, right.

		New files in the typing-injury archive
		======================================

arms-blurb -- info about the Association for Repetitive Motion Syndromes

resellers -- a list of various people and companies who deal in selling
    ergonomic equipment and training people to use it

    (a new work in progress -- please get your favorite vendor to send
     me mail so I can add them to the list)

datahand-review3 -- another review of the DataHand keyboard

wrist-supports -- Gary Karp talks about picking wrist supports and splints

martial-arts -- Glen Kohler talks about using martial arts (like Tai Chi)
    to combat RSI's

pointing-devices -- Version 2.0 of Pete Johnson's pointing device summary.

kinesis-summary -- a collection of different people's thoughts on the keyboard

workers-comp -- Wayne Hauber gives some information about how to get
    workers-comp (in the USA), deal with insurance companies, and pick
    your lawyer

thoracic-info2 -- Steve Hansen gives info about thoracic outlet syndrome and
    how it relates to myofascial pain syndrome

guitar-playing -- Gary Karp talks about playing the guitar with RSI

software/xgdvorak -- an updated version of xdvorak, most recently modified by
    Ulrich Kuehn

software/timeout.zip -- an MS Windows break reminder program


		 New information in the Keyboard FAQ
		 ===================================

updated the prices on DragonDictate products

some new info on connecting PC keyboards to Macintoshes

updated Kinesis's address and phone number

new entry on the Lexmark keyboard

replaced Articulate System's "Voice Navigator" with their newer
"Power Secretary" (a DragonDictate derivative for the Macintosh)

added e-mail address for the Health Care Keyboard Company
(hlthcare@EARTH.EXECPC.COM)


			 Elsewhere...
			 ============

I've added a new bunch of information to the General Info FAQ, including
pointers to the AOL weekly RSI discussion, a list of some books, and
other stuff.  If you haven't read the General Info section in a while,
you might want to take a quick look and make sure I haven't goofed.


HELP SAVE THE WORLD!
--------------------

I need volunteers.  You can volunteer for one-time- only tasks, or a
continuing commitment.  I have a number of tasks, including marking up
various archive texts in HTML, maintaining other FAQ pages (I want
somebody to track the weird-mouse market), and more.  Do you have what it
takes to push the typing-injury archive "to the next level"?  Send me
mail: dwallach@cs.princeton.edu


Postscript
----------

If you'd like to receive a copy of the FAQ and you didn't find it in the
same place you found this document, you can either send e-mail to 
dwallach@cs.princeton.edu, or you can anonymous ftp to
    ftp.csua.berkeley.edu:/pub/typing-injury
and have a look around the directory.

Enjoy!
-- 
Dan Wallach                "One of the most attractive features of a Connection
dwallach@cs.princeton.edu  Machine is the array of blinking lights on the faces
Phone#: 609-683-4673       of its cabinet." -- CM Paris Ref. Manual, v6.0, p48.

(Home page) http://www.cs.princeton.edu/grad/dwallach/     (finger for PGP key)

From ankh.iia.org!uunet!gatech!udel!princeton!kastle!dwallach Mon Aug 29 21:28:27 1994
Newsgroups: sci.med,sci.med.occupational,comp.human-factors,comp.answers,sci.answers,news.answers
Path: ankh.iia.org!uunet!gatech!udel!princeton!kastle!dwallach
From: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.princeton.edu>
Subject: FAQ: Typing Injuries (2/5): General Info [monthly posting]
Content-Type: text/x-usenet-FAQ;
	version=1.0;
	title="Typing Injury FAQ: (2/5) General info"
Message-ID: <typing-injury-faq/general_778142458@cs.princeton.edu>
Followup-To: sci.med.occupational
Summary: information about where to get more information
Originator: news@nimaster
Sender: news@Princeton.EDU (USENET News System)
Supersedes: <typing-injury-faq/general_769583781@cs.princeton.edu>
Nntp-Posting-Host: kastle.cs.princeton.edu
Reply-To: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.princeton.edu>
Organization: Princeton University
References: <typing-injury-faq/changes_778142458@cs.princeton.edu>
Date: Mon, 29 Aug 1994 06:41:17 GMT
Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu
Expires: Fri, 7 Oct 1994 06:40:58 GMT
Lines: 647
Xref: ankh.iia.org sci.med:21570 sci.med.occupational:798 comp.human-factors:2753 comp.answers:3394 sci.answers:653 news.answers:10193

Archive-name: typing-injury-faq/general
Version: $Revision: 4.57 $ $Date: 1994/08/29 06:19:24 $

Prologue
--------

This FAQ may be cited as:

 Wallach, Dan S.  (1994) "Typing Injury FAQ: General Info" Usenet
 news.answers.  Available via anonymous ftp from rtfm.mit.edu in
 pub/usenet/news.answers/typing-injury-faq/general. 7 pages.

World-Wide-Web users will find this available as hypertext:
 http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/typing-injury-faq/top.html

(Dan Wallach's page) http://www.cs.princeton.edu/grad/dwallach/

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions about Typing Injuries
-----------------------------------------------------------

The Typing Injury FAQ -- sources of information for people with typing
injuries, repetitive stress injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.

Copyright 1992-1994 by Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.princeton.edu>

Many FAQs, including this one, are available on the archive site
rtfm.mit.edu:/pub/usenet/news.answers [18.70.0.209].  The name under
which a FAQ is archived appears in the Archive-name line at the top
of the article.  This FAQ is archived as typing-injury-faq/general.Z

There's a mail server also.  Just e-mail mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu
with the word 'help' on a line by itself in the body.

The opinions in here are my own, unless otherwise mentioned, and do not
represent the opinions of any organization or vendor.  I'm not a medical
doctor, so my advice should be taken with many grains of salt.

[Current distribution: sci.med.occupational, sci.med, comp.human-factors,
 {news,sci,comp}.answers, and e-mail to c+health@iubvm.ucs.indiana.edu,
 sorehand@vm.ucsf.edu, and cstg-L@vtvm1.cc.vt.edu]

Changes since previously distributed versions are marked with change        ||
bars to the right of the text, as is this paragraph.                        ||

Table of Contents:
    1) Publications, mailing lists, newsgroups, etc.
    2) The ftp.csua.berkeley.edu archive
    3) General info on injuries
    4) Typing posture, ergonomics, prevention, treatment
    5) Requests for more info
    6) References

Publications, mailing lists, newsgroups, etc.
---------------------------------------------

(thanks to Rik Ahlberg <rik@world.std.com> for parts of this info)

1) Publications

    CTDNews is a monthly newsletter that covers cumulative trauma disorder.
    It's a bit pricey ($95/year) but fairly concise.  They'll send you your
    first issue free, so you can look it over.

    CTDNews
    PO Box 239
    Haverford, PA 10941
    Phone:  215 896 4902, or 800-554-4CTD to order
    Fax:    215 896 1488


2) FTP & Gopher sites

  world.std.com		This site is accessible via gopher

			The home of the Boston RSI Archive

			(URL) ftp://ftp.std.com/pub/boston-rsi
			or gopher://gopher.std.com/11/FTP/world/pub/boston-rsi

			Boston RSI changed its name to RSI-East, and the
			new archives are at sjuvm.stjohns.edu
			(detailed below)

			The RSI Network Newsletter
			is a bi-monthly online newsletter produced
			by Caroline Rose <crose@applelink.apple.com>
			and distributed online by Craig O'Donnell
			<dadadata@world.std.com>

	                (URL) ftp://ftp.std.com/pub/rsi
			or gopher://gopher.std.com/11/FTP/world/pub/rsi

  ftp.csua.berkeley.edu	Extensive anonymous ftp archive, including the
			typing injury FAQ (frequently asked questions),
			alternative input device information (descriptions,
			reviews, and GIF images), and some software.
			Maintained by Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.Princeton.EDU>.

			(URL) ftp://ftp.csua.berkeley.edu/pub/tuping-injury

			(more info below...)


  sjuvm.stjohns.edu     A gopher site containing the Electronic Rehabilitation
                        Resource Center. Lots of disability information,
                        including a searchable database of national disability
                        resources and access to other gopher sites with
                        geographically local disability information.

                        Also home to RSI-East, its message archive, and an 
                        archive of the RSI Network Newsletter.

			(URL) gopher://sjuvm.stjohns.edu/11/disabled

3) Listserv Mailing Lists

  Sorehand		Sorehand is a San Francisco-based listserv mailing
			list for people with RSIs.
			Subscribe by sending mail with any subject to:

				listserv@vm.ucsf.edu	

			with the message body reading:

				subscribe sorehand Your Name


  C+Health		C+Health (Computers & Health) is a listserv mailing
			list which deals with the technologies causing
			injuries to folks who use them.
			Subscribe by sending mail with any subject to:

				listserv@iubvm.ucs.indiana.edu

			with the message body reading:
                                
                                subscribe c+health Your Name


  RSI-East		RSI-East is the east coast's answer to sorehand,
			where users discuss their experiences and offer
			support, referral, and treatment information to one
			another. Subscriptions are available to anyone with an
			interest in RSIs, but with the caveat that the list
			is intended as a regional resource for networking.
			Subscribe by sending mail with any subject to:
                        
                                listserv@sjuvm.stjohns.edu
                        
                        with the message body reading:
                        
                                subscribe rsi-east Your Name

4) Usenet Newsgroups

  sci.med.occupational	A Usenet newsgroup which deals in occupational
			medicine. Lots of practitioners read it! [My doctor
			reads my posts!]

			(URL) news:sci.med.occupational

  comp.human-factors	Mostly software design, but occasional discussion
			of accessibility issues for people with RSIs.

			(URL) news:comp.human-factors

  alt.support.arthritis	Support for those with arthritis. New as of 11/93.

			(URL) news:alt.support.arthritis

  bit.listserv.ada-law	Usenet feed of the ada-law listserv. Covers issues
			relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

			(URL) news:bit.listserv.ada-law

  bit.listserv.dsshe-l	Usenet feed of the disabled student services listserv.
			Particularly of interest to computer science students
			dealing with RSIs or folks pondering a return
			to school and/or retraining after a disabling RSI.

			(URL) news:bit.listserv.dsshe-l


5) Real-time chatting

  If you've got an account on America On-Line, you might want to check	    ||
  out the RSI Support Group, which meets every Tuesday night in the	    ||
  Equal Access Cafe.  This realtime chat starts at 11pm, eastern time.	    ||

6) Books / Literature

  A large amount has been written in the popular press and the medical
  literature, and more comprehensive bibliographies are available in
  the typing-injury archive:

      (ftp://ftp.csua.berkeley.edu:/pub/typing-injury)
    
  Some books you might want to check out:

      Don Sellers, "Zap! How Your Computer Can Hurt You--And What You Can
      Do About It", Peachpit Press, Inc., 1994.  ISBN# 1-55609-021-0.

	  (Don Sellers has e-mail, too: dsellers@netcom.com)

      Emil Pascarelli and Deborah Quilter, "Repetitive Strain Injury,
      a Computer User's Guide", John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-471-59533-0.

      Stephanie Brown, "Preventing Computer Injury: The Hand Book", Ergonome,
      ISBN 1-884388-01-9.

  A free packet of information is also available from the U.S. Government.
  You might want to ask for:

      Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
      Selected References (March 1989)

      NIOSH Publications Dissemination
      4676 Columbia Parkway
      Cincinnati, Ohio 45226


The ftp.csua.berkeley.edu archive
---------------------------------

I've started an archive site for info related to typing injuries.  Just
anonymous ftp to ftp.csua.berkeley.edu:/pub/typing-injury.  (128.32.149.19)
Currently, you'll find:

Informative files:
    typing-injury-faq/
        general           -- information about typing injuries
        keyboards         -- products to replace your keyboard
        software          -- software to watch your keyboard usage
	furniture	  -- details about various desks, chairs, etc.
	changes		  -- changes since last month's edition

    amt.advice		  -- about Adverse Mechanical Tension
    amt.more_info	  -- e-mail from Dr. Peter Bower about this stuff
    amt.references	  -- a bibliography for more AMT info
    armrests		  -- how to correctly use armrests
    arms-blurb		  -- info about the Assoc for Rep. Motion Syndromes ||
    caringforwrists.sit.hqx -- PageMaker4 document about your wrists
    caringforwrists.ps	  -- PostScript converted version of above...
    carpal.info           -- info on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    carpal.explained	  -- very detailed information about CTS
    carpal.self_care	  -- excerpt from Rosemarie Atencio's book
    carpal.surgery	  -- JAMA article on CTS surgery
    carpal.tidbits	  -- TidBITS article on CTS
    ctdnews.info	  -- info about the CTDNews publication
    disability.keyboards  -- large list of keyboards, more relevant for
			     users with motion disabilities
    dvorak.info		  -- lots of into about Dvorak keyboarding
    exotic-mice		  -- info on some newer mice
    guitar-playing	  -- RSI vs. playing guitar			    ||
    handeze.info	  -- info about Handeze gloves
    injury.factors	  -- why some get injured and some don't
    injury.profiles	  -- statistics about what gets injured
    keyboard-commentary   -- Dan's opinions on the keyboard replacements
    martial-arts	  -- using martial arts to combat RSI's		    ||
    mouseless.mac	  -- keyboard shortcuts and tricks
    no-rsi-in-uk	  -- info about British judge saying RSI isn't real
    pointing-devices	  -- advice if pointing devices are your problem
    resellers		  -- a short list of dealers and consultants	    ||
    rsi.article		  -- Article in The Independent (London, UK)
    rsi.biblio		  -- bibliography of RSI-related publications
    rsi.biblio2		  -- another bibliography
    rsi.dentists	  -- stats on RSI happening to dentists
    rsi.details		  -- long detailed information about RSI
    rsi.foundation	  -- an attempt to start a U.S. advocacy group
    rsi.intro		  -- basic article from FDA Consumer
    rsi-network/*         -- archive of the RSI Network newsletter
			     (currently, containing issues 1 through 17)
    rsi.physical	  -- study showing RSI isn't just psychological
    sword.review	  -- reviews a Mac program to reduce keystrokes
    tendonitis.info       -- info on Tendonitis
    thoracic-info	  -- info about thoracic outlet syndrome
    thoracic-info2	  -- more info about thoracic outlet syndrome	    ||
    voice-recognition-critique -- all about using a voice recognition
			     system as a programmer
    workers-comp	  -- dealing with insurance and lawyers		    ||
    wrist-supports	  -- picking your supports and splints		    ||

    Various product literature and reviews:

    apple-press		  -- press release on the Apple Adjustable Keyboard
    apple-tidbits	  -- extensive info about Apple's Adjustable Keybd
    bat-info		  -- MacWeek review on the Bat
    comfort-*		  -- marketing info on the Comfort Keyboard
    comfort-review	  -- one user's personal opinions
    comfort-review2	  -- another user's opinions
    datahand-review	  -- detailed opinions of the DataHand
    datahand-review2	  -- follow-up to above
    datahand-review3	  -- another review of the DataHand		    ||
    datahand-desc	  -- description of the DataHand's appearance
    dragon2.info	  -- info about DragonDictate 2.0
    in3-press		  -- details about the IN3 Voice Commander
    kinesis-review	  -- one user's personal opinions
    kinesis-summary	  -- a collection of opinions on the Kinesis	    ||
    kurzweil-review	  -- info about the Kurzweil voice recognizer
    maltron-*		  -- marketing info on various Maltron products
    maltron-review	  -- one user's personal opinions
    vertical-info	  -- marketing info on the Vertical
    voicetype2-info	  -- marketing info on IBM VoiceType
    worksafe-australia.info -- how to get more info from Australia's govt
    workstation-setup	  -- how to arrange your computer/chair/desk

Programs: (in the software subdirectory)

    UNIX/X Software:

    (Note: a2x.tar and rk.tar are both from ftp.x.org:/contrib
     so they may have a more current version than ftp.csua.berkeley.edu.)

    a2x.tar  		  -- a more sophisticated X keyboard/mouse spoofing
			     program.  Supports DragonDictate.
    a2x-RawPC-1.2.tar	  -- a hacked version of a2x that can take input
			     directly from PC keyboards via the serial port
			     and an adaptor.
    dcm.shar		  -- Dragon voice macros to accompany a2x use
    hsh.shar		  -- a program for one-handed usage of normal keyboards
    kt18.tar  		  -- generates fake X keyboard events from the
			     serial port -- use a PC keyboard on anything!
    rest-reminder.sh      -- yet another idle watcher
    rk.tar  		  -- the reactive keyboard -- predicts what you'll
			     type next -- saves typing
    serkey.sh		  -- like kt, generates fake X key events, but from
			     a raw PC keyboard via the serial port
    spacebar_hacks.patches -- patches for X11R5 to allow the spacebar to
			     be both a spacebar and a control key
    timeout.zip		  -- MS Windows break-reminder program		    ||
    typewatch.shar	  -- tells you when to take a break
    xgdvorak.sh		  -- turns your QWERTY keyboard into Dvorak	    ||
    xidle.shar		  -- keeps track of how long you've been typing
    watch.shar		  -- OpenWindows activity monitor / rest reminder

    PC/DOS Software:

    accpak.exe		  -- a serial port keyboard spoofer for MS Windows
    getup.com
    getup.readme	  -- simple TSR program - remind you to take breaks


Pictures (in the gifs subdirectory):
    howtosit.gif	  -- picture of good sitting posture
			     (the caringforwrists document is better for this)
    1handpic.gif	  -- keymappings for the Half-QWERTY
    accukey1.gif	  -- beautiful grey-scale picture
    accukey2.gif	  -- chord-mappings for the accukey
    apple.gif		  -- the Apple Adjustable Keyboard
    bat.gif               -- the InfoGrip Bat
    comfort.gif           -- the Health Care Comfort Keyboard
    datahand1.gif	  -- picture of the keyboard (new!)
    datahand2.gif	  -- key layout schematic (new!)
    E2H_Grahl.gif	  -- Grahl split-back ergonomic chair
    E_Graph.gif		  -- Grahl normal-back ergonomic chair
    ergologic.gif	  -- the ergoLogic 7.1 keyboard (same as flexpro)
    ergomax.gif		  -- the Maxi Switch ErgoMax keyboard
    flexpro.gif		  -- the Key Tronic FlexPro keyboard (same as ergologic)
    fountain_hills.gif	  -- the Fountain Hills keyboard
    handeze.gif		  -- hand size chart for Handeze gloves
    handeze.ps		  -- properly scaled Postscript of handeze.gif
    kinesis1.gif          -- the Kinesis Ergonomic Keyboard
    kinesis2.gif	  -- multiple views of the Kinesis
    maltron[1-4].gif      -- several pictures of Maltron products
    marquardt.gif	  -- the Marquardt MiniErgo
    mykey.gif		  -- ErgonomiXX MyKey
    somers1.gif		  -- Somers EK1 Ergonomic Keyboard
    somers2.gif		  -- schematic picture of the keyboard
    tony.gif		  -- The Tony! Ergonomic Keysystem
    twiddler1.gif	  -- Twiddler, "front" view
    twiddler2.gif	  -- Twiddler, "side" view
    vertical.gif	  -- the Vertical keyboard
    wave.gif		  -- the Iocomm `Wave' keyboard

Many files are compressed (have a .Z ending).  If you can't uncompress a file
locally, ftp.csua.berkeley.edu will do it.  Just ask for the file, without
the .Z extension.

If you can't FTP from your site, use one of the following ftp-by-mail servers:

        ftpmail@decwrl.dec.com
        ftpmail@src.doc.ic.ac.uk
        ftpmail@cs.uow.edu.au
        ftpmail@grasp.insa-lyon.fr

For complete instructions, send a message reading "help" to the server.

If you don't know exactly what you're looking for, or exactly where it
is, there are programs and servers that can help you.  For more info,
send e-mail to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with with the body of the
message reading "send usenet/news.answers/finding-sources"

General info on injuries
------------------------

First, and foremost of importance: if you experience pain at all, then
you absolutely need to go see a doctor.  As soon as you possibly can.  The
difference of a day or two can mean the difference between a short recovery
and a long, drawn-out ordeal.  GO SEE A DOCTOR.  Now, your garden-variety
doctor may not necessarily be familiar with this sort of injury.  Generally,
any hospital with an occupational therapy clinic will offer specialists in
these kinds of problems.  DON'T WAIT, THOUGH.  GO SEE A DOCTOR.

The remainder of this information is paraphrased, without permission, from
a wonderful report by New Zealand's Department of Labour (Occupational
Safety and Health Service): "Occupational Overuse Syndrome. Treatment and
Rehabilitation: A Practitioner's Guide".

First, a glossary (or, fancy names for how you shouldn't have your hands):
(note: you're likely to hear these terms from doctors and keyboard vendors :)

  RSI: Repetitive Strain Injury - a general term for many kinds of injuries
  OOS: Occupational Overuse Syndrome -- synonym for RSI
  CTD: Cumulative Trauma Disorder -- another synonym for RSI
  WRULD: Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders -- yet another synonym for RSI
  CTS: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (see below)
  Hyperextension:  Marked bending at a joint.
  Pronation: Turning the palm down.
  Wrist extension: Bending the wrist up.
  Supination: Turning the palm up.
  Wrist flexion: Bending the wrist down.
  Pinch grip: The grip used for a pencil.
  Ulnar deviation: Bending the wrist towards the little finger.
  Power grip: The grip used for a hammer.
  Radial Deviation: Bending the wrist toward the thumb.
  Abduction: Moving away from the body.
  Overspanning: Opening the fingers out wide.

Now then, problems come in two main types: Local conditions and diffuse
conditions.  Local problems are what you'd expect: specific muscles,
tendons, tendon sheaths, nerves, etc. being inflamed or otherwise hurt.
Diffuse conditions, often mistaken for local problems, can involve muscle
discomfort, pain, burning and/or tingling; with identifiable areas of
tenderness in muscles, although they're not necessarily "the problem."

--- Why does Occupational Overuse Syndrome occur?  Here's the theory.

Normally, your muscles and tendons get blood through capillaries which
pass among the muscle fibers.  When you tense a muscle, you restrict
the blood flow.  By the time you're exerting 50% of your full power,
you're completely restricting your blood flow.

Without fresh blood, your muscles use stored energy until they run out,
then they switch to anaerobic (without oxygen) metabolism, which generates
nasty by-products like lactic acid, which cause pain.

Once one muscle hurts, all its neighbors tense up, perhaps to relieve the
load.  This makes sense for your normal sort of injury, but it only makes
things worse with repetitive motion.  More tension means less blood flow,
and the cycle continues.

Another by-product of the lack of blood flow is tingling and numbness from
your nerves.  They need blood too.

Anyway, when you're typing too much, you're never really giving a change
for the blood to get back where it belongs, because your muscles never
relax enough to let the blood through.  Stress, poor posture, and poor
ergonomics, only make things worse.

--- Specific injuries you may have heard of:

(note: most injuries come in two flavors: acute and chronic.  Acute
injuries are severely painful and noticable.  Chronic conditions have
less pronounced symptoms but are every bit as real.)

Tenosynovitis -- an inflamation of the tendon sheath.  Chronic tenosynovitis
occurs when the repetitive activity is mild or intermittent: not enough to
cause acute inflamation, but enough to exceed the tendon sheath's ability
to lubricate the tendon.  As a result, the tendon sheath thickens, gets
inflamed, and you've got your problem.

Tendonitis -- an inflammation of a tendon.  Repeated tensing of a tendon
can cause inflamation.  Eventually, the fibers of the tendon start separating,
and can even break, leaving behind debris which induces more friction, more
swelling, and more pain.  "Sub-acute" tendonitis is more common, which entails
a dull ache over the wrist and forearm, some tenderness, and it gets worse
with repetitive activity.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome -- the nerves that run through your wrist into your
fingers get trapped by the inflamed muscles around them.  Symptoms include
feeling "pins and needles", tingling, numbness, and even loss of sensation.
CTS is often confused for a diffuse condition.

Adverse Mechanical Tension -- also known as 'neural tension', this is where
the nerves running down to your arm have become contracted and possibly
compressed as a result of muscle spasms in the shoulders and elsewhere.
AMT can often misdiagnosed as or associated with one of the other OOS 
disorders.  It is largely reversible and can be treated with physiotherapy 
(brachial plexus stretches and trigger point therapy).

Others: for just about every part of your body, there's a fancy name for
a way to injure it.  By now, you should be getting an idea of how OOS
conditions occur and why.  Just be careful: many inexperienced doctors
misdiagnose problems as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, when in reality, you
may have a completely different problem.  Always get a second opinion
before somebody does something drastic to you (like surgery).

Typing posture, ergonomics, prevention, treatment
-------------------------------------------------

The most important element of both prevention and recovery is to reduce
tension in the muscles and tendons.  This requires learning how to relax.
If you're under a load of stress, this is doubly important.  Tune out
the world and breath deep and regular.  Relaxing should become a guiding
principle in your work: every three minutes take a three second break.
EVERY THREE MINUTES, TAKE A THREE SECOND BREAK.  Really, do it every
three minutes.  It's also helpful to work in comfortable surroundings,
calm down, and relax.

If you can't sleep, you really need to focus on this.  Rest, sleep, and
relaxation are really a big deal.

There are all kinds of other treatments, of course.  Drugs can reduce
inflamation and pain.  Custom-molded splints can forcefully prevent bad
posture.  Surgery can fix some problems.  Exercise can help strengthen
your muscles.  Regular stretching can help prevent injury.  Good posture
and a good ergonomic workspace promote reduced tension.  Ice or hot-cold
contrast baths also reduce swelling.  Only your doctor can say what's best
for you.

--- Posture -- here are some basic guidelines.  [I so liked the way this was
written in the New Zealand book that I'm lifting it almost verbatim from
Appendix 10. -- dwallach]

. Let your shoulders relax.
. Let your elbows swing free.
. Keep your wrists straight.
. Pull your chin in to look down - don't flop your head forward.
. Keep the hollow in the base of your spine.
. Try leaning back in the chair.
. Don't slouch or slump forward.
. Alter your posture from time to time.
. Every 20 minutes, get up and bend your spine backward.

Set the seat height, first.  Your feet should be flat on the floor.  There 
should be no undue pressure on the underside of your thighs near the knees,
and your thighs should not slope too much.

Now, draw yourself up to your desk and see that its height is comfortable
to work at.  If you are short, this may be impossible.  The beest remedy
is to raise the seat height and prevent your legs from dangling by using a
footrest.

Now, adjust the backrest height so that your buttocks fit into the space
between the backrest and the seat pan.  The backrest should support you in
the hollow of your back, so adjust its tilt to give firm support in this
area.

If you operate a keyboard, you will be able to spend more time leaning
back, so experiment with a chair with a taller backrest, if available.

[Now, I diverge a little from the text]

A good chair makes a big difference.  If you don't like your chair, go
find a better one.  You really want adjustments for height, back angle,
back height, and maybe even seat tilt.  Most arm rests seem to get in
the way, although some more expensive chairs have height adjustable arm
rests which you can also rotate out of the way.  You should find a good
store and play with all these chairs -- pick one that's right for you.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, I highly recommend "Just Chairs."  The
name says it all.

--- Keyboard drawers, wrist pads, and keyboard replacements:

There is a fair amount of controvery on how to get this right.  For some
people, wrist pads seem to work wonders.  However, with good posture, you
shouldn't be resting your wrists on anything -- you would prefer your
keyboard to be "right there".  If you drop your arms at your side and then
lift your hands up at the elbow, you want your keyboard under your hands
when your elbows are at about 90 degrees.  Of course, you want to avoid
pronation, wrist extension, and ulnar deviation at all costs.  Wrist pads
may or may not help at this.  You should get somebody else to come and
look at how you work: how you sit, how you type, and how you relax.  It's
often easier for somebody else to notice your hunched shoulders or
deviated hands.

Some argue that the normal, flat keyboard is antiquated and poorly
designed.  A number of replacements are available, on the market, today.
Check out the accompanying typing-injury-faq/keyboards for much detail.

Lately, a number of people have been having luck with gloves.  You
may want to try some light gloves, possibly with the fingers removed
if they're too warm.  Many seem to like the Handeze Gloves, available
for around $20 from Patternworks, P.O. Box 1690, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(800/438-5464).  See the ftp.csua file "handeze.info" for details.

Another place you may be able to get stuff: a company called Enrichments
has a catalog of ergonomic products you may find interesting.  Their
phone number is 800/323-5547.  Or, you might want to contact AliMed
at 800/225-2610 and ask for their Ergonomics catalog.

Here are some sources for fancy keyboard drawers:

Ergotron, Eagan, MN, 800/888-8458.  A wide tray that mounts under a desk
and is adjustable, has a wrist rest, and is wide enough to accomodate a
mouse pad.

Ergo Systems, East Hartford, CT, 203/282-9767.  They make keyboard trays
and a retractrable mouse pad, too.

Rubbermaid makes a simple $20 plastic keyboard tray that works well.  I
found mine at CompUSA, so check your local computer store.


Requests for more info
----------------------

Clearly, the above information is incomplete.  The typing-injury archive
is incomplete.  There's always more information out there.  If you'd like
to submit something, please send me mail, and I'll gladly throw it in.

If you'd like to maintain a list of products or vendors, that would be
wonderful!  I'd love somebody to make a comprehensive list of mice.  I'd
love somebody to make a list of doctors.  I'd love somebody to edit the
above sections, looking for places where I've obviously goofed.

References
----------

I completely rewrote the information section here, using a wonderful
guide produced in New Zealand by their Occupational Safety & Health
Service, a service of their Department of Labour.  Special thanks
to the authors: Wigley, Turner, Blake, Darby, McInnes, and Harding.

Semi-bibliographic reference:
    . Occupational Overuse Syndrome
    . Treatment and Rehabilitation:
      A Practitioner's Guide
    
    Published by the Occupational Safety and Health Service
    Department of Labour
    Wellington,
    New Zealand.

    First Edition: June 1992
    ISBN 0-477-3499-3

    Price: $9.95 (New Zealand $'s, of course)

Thanks to Richard Donkin <richardd@cix.compulink.co.uk> for reviewing
this posting.
-- 
Dan Wallach                "One of the most attractive features of a Connection
dwallach@cs.princeton.edu  Machine is the array of blinking lights on the faces
Phone#: 609-683-4673       of its cabinet." -- CM Paris Ref. Manual, v6.0, p48.

(Home page) http://www.cs.princeton.edu/grad/dwallach/     (finger for PGP key)

From ankh.iia.org!uunet!gatech!udel!princeton!kastle!dwallach Mon Aug 29 21:28:35 1994
Newsgroups: sci.med,sci.med.occupational,comp.human-factors,comp.answers,sci.answers,news.answers
Path: ankh.iia.org!uunet!gatech!udel!princeton!kastle!dwallach
From: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.princeton.edu>
Subject: FAQ: Typing Injuries (3/5): Keyboard Alternatives [monthly posting]
Content-Type: text/x-usenet-FAQ;
	version=1.0;
	title="Typing Injury FAQ: (3/5) Keyboard alternatives"
Message-ID: <typing-injury-faq/keyboards_778142458@cs.princeton.edu>
Followup-To: sci.med.occupational
Summary: everything you ever wanted to know about replacing your keyboard
Originator: news@nimaster
Sender: news@Princeton.EDU (USENET News System)
Supersedes: <typing-injury-faq/keyboards_769583781@cs.princeton.edu>
Nntp-Posting-Host: kastle.cs.princeton.edu
Reply-To: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.princeton.edu>
Organization: Princeton University
References: <typing-injury-faq/changes_778142458@cs.princeton.edu>
Date: Mon, 29 Aug 1994 06:41:38 GMT
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Archive-name: typing-injury-faq/keyboards
Version: $Revision: 6.22 $ $Date: 1994/08/29 06:19:24 $

Prologue
--------

This FAQ may be cited as:

 Wallach, Dan S.  (1994) "Typing Injury FAQ: Keyboard
 Alternatives" Usenet news.answers.  Available via anonymous ftp from
 rtfm.mit.edu in pub/usenet/news.answers/typing-injury-faq/keyboards.
 14 pages.

World-Wide-Web users will find this available as hypertext:
 http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/typing-injury-faq/top.html

(Dan Wallach's page) http://www.cs.princeton.edu/grad/dwallach/

Answers To Frequently Asked Questions about Keyboard Alternatives
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright 1992-1994 By Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.princeton.edu>

The opinions in here are my own, unless otherwise mentioned, and do not
represent the opinions of any organization or vendor.

[Current distribution: sci.med.occupational, sci.med, comp.human-factors,
 {news,sci,comp}.answers, and e-mail to c+health@iubvm.ucs.indiana.edu,
 sorehand@vm.ucsf.edu, and cstg-L@vtvm1.cc.vt.edu]

Changes since previously distributed versions are marked with change	    ||
bars to the right of the text, as is this paragraph.			    ||

Information in this FAQ has been pieced together from phone conversations,
e-mail, and product literature.  While I hope it's useful, the information
in here is neither comprehensive nor error free.  If you find something
wrong or missing, please mail me, and I'll update my list.  Thanks.

All phone numbers, unless otherwise mentioned, are U.S.A. phone numbers.
All monetary figures, unless otherwise mentioned, are U.S.A. dollars.

Products covered in this FAQ:
    Using a PC's keyboard on your workstation / compatibility issues

    ("normal" keyboards -- by normal, I really mean non-chording)

    Apple Computer, Inc.
    Comfort Keyboard System
    DataHand
    ergoLogic
    Ergo Max
    FlexPro (Key Tronic)
    Fountain Hills Systems
    Kinesis Ergonomic Keyboard
    Lexmark								    ||
    The MyKey
    Maltron
    MiniErgo (Marquardt Switches)
    Somers EK1 Ergonomic Keyboard
    The Tony! Ergonomic KeySystem
    The Vertical
    The Wave

    ("chording" systems / speech recognizers / other products)

    AccuKey
    The Bat (Infogrip)
    Braille 'n Speak (Blaize)
    DataEgg (InHand Development)
    DragonDictate (Dragon Systems)
    Half-QWERTY
    IBM Speech Server Series (ISSS) / Personal Dictation System (PDS)
    IBM VoiceType 2
    IN3 Voice Command / IN3 PRO
    Kurzweil VOICE
    Microwriter
    Power Secretary
    The Minimal Motion Computer Access System
    Octima
    Twiddler

GIF pictures of many of these products are available via anonymous ftp
from ftp.csua.berkeley.edu:/pub/typing-injury.  (128.32.149.19)  I highly
recommend getting the pictures.  They tell much more than I can fit
into this file.

If you can't ftp, send me mail, and I'll uuencode and mail them to you
(they're pretty big...)

Using a PC's keyboard on your workstation / compatibility issues
----------------------------------------------------------------

1) Spoofing a keyboard over the serial port

    If you've got a proprietary computer which uses its own keyboard
    (Sun, HP, DEC, etc.) then you're going to have a hard time finding
    a vendor to sell you a compatible keyboard.  If your workstation
    runs the X window system, you're in luck.  You can buy a cheap used
    PC, hook your expensive keyboard up to it, and run a serial cable
    to your workstation.  Then, run a program on the workstation to read
    the serial port and generate fake X keyboard events.

    A number of programs can facilitate this for you.  kt and a2x
    support ASCII input.  a2x-RawPC and serkey support raw PC scancode
    input.  Also, the new version of kt (kt18) additionally supports
    raw PC scancodes.

    a2x is a sophisticated program, capable of controlling the mouse,
    and even moving among widgets on the screen.  It requires a server
    extension (XTEST, DEC-XTRAP, or XTestExtension1).  To find out if
    your server can do this, run 'xdpyinfo' and see if any of these	
    strings appear in the extensions list.  If your server doesn't
    have this, you may want to investigate compiling X11R5, patchlevel
    18 or later, or bugging your vendor.

    kt is a simpler program, which should work with unextended X
    servers.  Another program called xsendevent also exists, but I
    haven't seen it.

    a2x-RawPC, serkey, and kt18 can take input from a device such as the
    Genovation Serial Box which converts a PC keyboard into a normal
    RS232 serial device, but otherwise passes through the raw PC
    scancodes.  This approach has several advantages: a Serial Box is
    only $150, whereas the cheapest used PC you may ever find is over
    $300.  A Serial Box could easily fit in your pocket, while PC's
    tend to be much bigger.  Most important, however, is the ability
    to use *all* the keys of your PC keyboard with your workstation,
    like the function keys.

    a2x, a2x-RawPC, serkey and kt are all available via anonymous ftp
    from ftp.csua.berkeley.edu.

    Genovation can be contacted at:
	17741 Mitchell North
	Irvine, CA  92714, U.S.A.

	Voice: 714-833-3355
	Fax:   714-833-0322

    Apparently, you can also find it for $94+shipping from a mail order
    company called "United Computer Express", at 800-448-3738.

    Kinesis is also reselling the Genovation boxes under their
    own label.

    Warning: apparently, the Genovation serial box doesn't work with
    the Maltron keyboard.

2) Macintosh

    Kinesis Corp. now has an adapter to make a PC keyboard connect to
    a Macintosh.  They'll happily sell you the adapter without one
    of their keyboards.  The price is around $100.  Call 800-454-6374.	    ||

    A similar product is made by the Silicon Valley Bus Company, which	    ||
    supports PC mice and keyboards.  It's called the KeyStone and costs	    ||
    $99 plus $6 shipping.						    ||

	Silicon Valley Bus Company					    ||
	475 Brown Rd.							    ||
	San Juan Bautista, CA  95045					    ||

	Phone: 408-623-2300 or maybe 800-775-0555			    ||


3) X terminals

    Also, a number of X terminals (NCD, Tektronix, to name a few) use
    PC-compatible keyboards.  If you have an X terminal, you may be all
    set.  Try it out with a normal PC keyboard before you go through the
    trouble of buying an alternative keyboard.  Also, some X terminals add
    extra buttons -- you may need to keep your original keyboard around
    for the once-in-a-blue-moon that you have to hit the Setup key.

4) NeXT

    NeXT had announced that new NeXT machines will use the Apple Desktop
    Bus, meaning any Mac keyboard will work.  Then, they announced they
    were cancelling their hardware production.  If you want any kind of
    upgrade for an older NeXT, do it now!

5) Silicon Graphics

    Silicon Graphics has announced that their newer machines (Indigo^2 and
    beyond) will use standard PC-compatible keyboards and mice.  I don't
    believe this also applies to the Power Series machines.  It's not
    possible to upgrade an older SGI to use PC keyboards, except by
    upgrading the entire machine.  Contact your SGI sales rep for more
    details.

6) IBM RS/6000

    IBM RS/6000 keyboards are actually similar to normal PC keyboards.
    Unfortunately, you can't just plug one in.  You need two things: a
    cable converter to go from the large PC keyboard connector to the
    smaller PS/2 style DIN-6, and a new device driver for AIX.  Believe
    it or not, IBM wrote this device driver recently, I used it, and it
    works.  However, they don't want me to redistribute it.  I've been
    told Judy Hume (512) 823-6337 is a potential contact.  If you learn
    anything new, please send me e-mail.

    Several people have reported problems contacting IBM on this
    issue.  Be sure to bug your sales rep into doing the research.
    Again, let me know if you learn anything new.

7) HP workstations

    If you are using an HP workstation, you can buy a converter
    box that converts the HP-HIL serial to PS2. The converter is
    made by Modular Industrial Computers 615-499-0700.

8) Other stuff

    Some vendors here (notably: Health Care Keyboard Co. and AccuCorp)
    support some odd keyboard types, and may be responsive to your
    queries regarding supporting your own weird computer.  If you can
    get sufficient documention about how your keyboard works (either
    from the vendor, or with a storage oscilloscope), you may be in
    luck.  Contact the companies for more details.

"Normal" keyboards -- things that look like "standard" QWERTY keyboards
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

GIF pictures of many of these keyboards can be found via anonymous FTP
ftp.csua.berkeley.edu:/pub/typing-injury/gifs

1) Apple Adjustable Keyboard

    Apple Computer, Inc.
    Sales offices all over the place.

    Price: $219 (some dealers have it for less)
    Shipping: Now.
    Supports: Mac

    Apple's keyboard has one section for each hand, and the sections
    rotate backward on a hinge.  The sections do not tilt upward.  The
    keys are arranged in a normal QWERTY fashion.

    The main foldable keyboard resembles a normal Apple Keyboard.
    A separate keypad contains all the extended key functions.

    The keyboard also comes with matching wrist rests, which are not
    directly attachable to the keyboard.

    Many peripheral keys, such as function keys, are "chicklet" keys, rather
    than full size, normal keyboard keys.

    (See the files apple-press and apple-tidbits on the ftp.csua.berkeley.edu
    archive for more details)


2) Comfort Keyboard System

    Phone: 414-536-2160	(technical info)
	   414-253-4131 (sales)
    Fax:   414-253-4177

    Health Care Keyboard Company
    N82 W15340 Appleton Ave
    Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051 U.S.A.

    E-Mail: hlthcare@EARTH.EXECPC.COM					    ||

    Jeffrey Szmanda (Vice President -- contact)

    Price: $795, includes one "personality" module.
	   Additional personality modules are around $150 each.
	   A footpedal is also now available.				    ||
    Shipping: Now.
    Supports: PC and Mac.  Sun, HP-IL, and IBM 122-key in beta.

    A carrying case is also available.
    
    The idea is that one keyboard works with everything.  You purchase
    "compatibility modules", a new cord, and possibly new keycaps, and
    then you can move your one keyboard around among different machines.

    It's a three-piece folding keyboard.  The layout resembles the
    standard 101-key keyboard, except sliced into three sections.  Each
    section is on a "custom telescoping universal mount."  Each section
    independently adjusts to an infinite number of positions allowing each
    individual to type in a natural posture.  You can rearrange the three
    sections, too (have the keypad in the middle if you want).  Each
    section is otherwise normal-shaped (i.e.: you put all three sections
    flat, and you have what looks like a normal 101-key keyboard).

    Other features: full remapping and macros, programmable delay and
    repeat times.  Coming soon: bounce keys and sticky keys.  Also coming
    soon: non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) to store macros (currently, the PC
    downloads them at boot time).

    Anyone with an old Comfort (serial number < 5000) can upgrade to a
    newer version of the keyboard.  Call technical assistance (414-253-6900)
    for more details.  The upgrade will generally cost $189, depending
    on the state of the original keyboard.


3) DataHand

    Phone: 602-860-8584

    Industrial Innovations, Inc.
    10789 North 90th Street
    Scottsdale, Arizona 85260-6727, U.S.A.

    Price: $2000/unit (1 unit == 2 pods).  Lease options available.
    Shipping: Now.  (Expect it to take about a month)
    Supports: PC and Mac


    Each hand has its own "pod".  Each of the four main fingers has five
    switches each: forward, back, left, right, and down.  The thumbs have
    a number of switches.  Despite appearances, the key layout resembles
    QWERTY, and is reported to be no big deal to adapt to.  The idea is
    that your hands never have to move to use the keyboard.  A finger-mouse
    is also built-in.

    If you ask, they'll send you a 15 minute video tape and lots of
    other information.

    (see also: the detailed review, written by Cliff Lasser <cal@THINK.COM>
     ftp.csua.berkeley.edu:/pub/typing-injury/datahand-review)


4) ergoLogic Model 7.1

    Phone: 800-ONLY-WAY
    FAX: 604-433-0111

    ErgoLogic Enterprises, Inc.
    47000 Warm Springs Blvd, Unit 430
    Fremont, CA  94539-7467

    (See "FlexPro Keyboard")

    Price: $399 (but, I've heard $489 for the FlexPro.  Go figure.)
    Supports: PC
    Shipping: March, 1994

    ErgoLogic has licensed their keyboard to Key Tronic, which is how
    you're more likely to see one of their keyboards.  Both keyboards
    are manufactured in the same facility, and are exactly the same,
    except for the label in the upper left corner.



5) Ergo Max

    Phone: 602-294-5450
    Fax:   602-294-6890
    Maxi Switch, Inc.

    Price: $99 + $19.95 for a separate 40-key keypad
    Supports: PC
    Shipping: 2Q94 (maybe)

    Each half of the main keyboard can be independently raised/angled.
    An optional keypad, and an integrated wrist-rest / thumb trackball
    is available.


6) FlexPro Keyboard

    Phone: 800-262-6006
    Possible contact: Denise Razzeto, 509-927-5299
    Key Tronic

    (See "ergoLogic Model 7.1")

    Sold by many clone vendors and PC shops

    Price: $489 (?)
    Shipping: March, 1994
    Supports: PC

    Keytronic apparently showed a prototype keyboard at Comdex.  It's
    another split-design.  One thumb-wheel controls the tilt of both
    the left and right-hand sides of the main alphanumeric section.
    The arrow keys and keypad resemble a normal 101-key PC keyboard.

    Keytronic makes standard PC keyboards, also, so this product will
    probably be sold through their standard distribution channels.

    Keytronic is working together with ErgoLogic Enterprises on this,
    so it's the same keyboard.


7) Fountain Hills FH-101

    Phone: 602-596-8633

    Fountain Hills Systems
    15022 North 75th St.
    Scottsdale, AZ  85260-2476

    Price: $349 with quantity discounts
    Shipping: ???
    Supports: PC

    The Fountain Hills keyboard is set at a 20 degree fixed angle for
    each hand.  The keyboard is still flat (i.e.: not higher in the middle)
    and has no adjustments.


8) Kinesis Ergonomic Keyboard

    Phone: 800-454-6374 or 206-402-8100					    ||
    Fax:   206-402-8181							    ||

    Kinesis Corporation							    ||
    22232 17th Avenue SE						    ||
    Bothell, WA  98021-7425						    ||

    Shirley Lunde (VP Marketing -- contact)

    Price: $390.  Volume discounts available.  This includes adhesive
	wrist pads and a TypingTutor program.  Foot pedals and other
	accessories are extra.
    Supports: PC.  Mac and Sun Sparc through emulation boxes.
    Shipping: Now.

    The layout has a large blank space in the middle, even though the
    keyboard is about the size of a normal PC keyboard -- slightly
    smaller.  Each hand has its own set of keys, laid out to minimize
    finger travel.  Thumb buttons handle many major functions (enter,
    backspace, etc.).

    The keyboard supports remapping, macros, and adjustable repeat rate.

    Foot pedals are also available, and can be mapped to any key on the
    keyboard (shift, control, whatever).

    The keypad is "embedded" in the right hand, and a toggle button
    (or foot pedal) changes between normal and keypad mode for your
    right hand.

    Software is newly available that lets you split the Kinesis into
    multiple personalities so you can have more than one set of macros
    and remappings available.  This software runs on your PC and downloads
    the data to the keyboard.  For more info, contact the company.

    Kinesis has a number of prototype adapters which can be used to
    connect the Kinesis (or other PC keyboards) to Mac, Sun, or HP.  They
    also resell a serial-port adapter (the Genovation) which can be used
    to connect the Kinesis (or other PC keyboards) to anything with a
    serial port.  Again, for more info, contact the company.


9) Lexmark Model M13 (Select-Ease)

    Lexmark is a major manufacturer of PC equipment, actually a spin-off    ||
    of IBM.  You should be able to find their products at many computer	    ||
    stores.  Sorry, I don't have a picture, yet.			    ||

    Phone: 800-438-2468							    ||
    Cost: $179								    ||
    Available: Now							    ||
    Compatibility: PC							    ||

    [Description by Chris Grant]					    ||

    This keyboard is a split/ angled one, with a ball-type hinge at the	    ||
    top of the split.  You can put it into positions identical to the	    ||
    Ergologic and similar to most Comfort positions (but it doesn't tent    ||
    when the parts are separated).  You can separate the parts when flat    ||
    like the Kinesis.  It has a conventional layout so differs from the	    ||
    Kinesis.  It's not programmable.  Aside from the split/angle (which is  ||
    extremely versatile and stable), its only other difference from	    ||
    regular keyboards is that the left part of the space bar can be a	    ||
    backspace key.							    ||

    The keyboard includes a built-in "pointing-stick" much IBM's	    ||
    ThinkPad portable computers.					    ||


10) Maltron

    Phone: (+44) 081 398 3265 (United Kingdom)

    P.C.D. Maltron Limited
    15 Orchard Lane
    East Molesey
    Surrey KT8 OBN
    England

    Pamela and Stephen Hobday (contacts)

    U.S. Distributor:
	Jim Barrett
	Applied Learning Corp.
	1376 Glen Hardie Road
	Wayne, PA  19087

	Phone: 215-688-6866
    
    Canadian Distributor:
	Robert Vellinga
	Human Systems, Inc.
	310 Main Street East, Suite 205
	Milton, Ontario, L9T 1P4

	Phone: 416-875-0220
	Fax:   416-878-1683

    Price: 375 pounds
	   $790 + shipping in the U.S.A.

	   They have a number of accessories, including carrying cases,
	   switch boxes to use both your normal keyboard and the Maltron,
	   an articulated arm that clamps on to your table, and training
	   'courses' to help you learn to type on your Maltron.

	   You can also rent a keyboard for 10 pounds/week + taxes.
	   U.S. price: $120/month, and then $60 off purchase if you want it.

    Shipping: Now (in your choice of colors: black or grey)
    Supports: PC's, Mac, Amstrad 1512/1640.
    
    Maltron has four main products -- a two-handed keyboard, two one-handed
    keyboards, and a keyboard designed for handicapped people to control with
    a mouth-stick.

    The layout allocates more buttons to the thumbs, and is curved to
    bring keys closer to the fingers.  A separate keypad is in the middle.

    The newer Maltrons have a different layout than the pictures on
    ftp.csua.berkeley.edu.  Function keys, tab, and some other secondary
    keys have been rearranged.  The shift keys are now larger, also.


11) MiniErgo

    Phone: 315-655-8050
    Fax:   315-655-8042

    Marquardt Switches Inc.
    2711 Route 20 East
    Cazenovia, New York 13035

    Robert Philipchik -- contact

    Price: $179 for MiniErgo, $125 for external numeric keypad.
    Shipping: now
    Supports: PC

    The MiniErgo is a split keyboard system with no numeric keypad
    (keypad available separately in August).  The two halves are
    fixed at about a 30 degree angle, to approximate the angle of
    your arms when you hands are in QWERTY home position.  The slant
    is approximately same as standard 101-key keyboard.  They've
    moved the cursor controls into the gap between the two halves.  A
    Fn key is used to access an embedded keypad and PgUp,PgDn,Home,
    and End.


12) The MyKey

    Phone: 703-771-1047
    Fax: 703-771-1137
    E-Mail: 75050.3323@compuserve.com

    ErgonomiXX, Inc.
    525-K Est Market Street
    Box 295
    Leesburg, VA 22071

    Price: $275
    Shipping: now (may also be in some CompUSA stores, stock # 289-554)
    Supports: PC

    The MyKey has the full 101 keys of a normal PC keyboard plus an
    integrated trackball pointing device and integrated wrist rests.
    The main alpha-numeric keys are split at a fixed angle, with the
    normal PC layout.  The function keys appear in a circle on the
    left, with the arrow keys inside them.


13) Somers EK1 Ergonomic Keyboard

    Phone: 805-273-1609
    E-Mail: RSomers@aol.com (Richard Somers)

    Somers Engineering
    3424 Vicker Way
    Palmdale, CA  93551

    Price: $348 + shipping
    Supports: PC and Mac (at the same time!  see below)
    Shipping: "in limited quantities"

    A trackball module is also available ($100), which can clip on the side
    or replace the cursor keypad.

    The keyboard is broken down into three modules which can be re-
    arranged.  (the keypad could be put on the left, for example).
    The alphanumeric keys are vertical rather than the usual diagonal
    arrangement.

    The keyboard is based on the Datadesk Switchboard -- Somers just
    developed a new keyboard module for it.  Thus, they take advantage
    of the Switchboard's PC and Mac compatibility.  You can't plug
    it into both at the same time, but you need only use the right
    cable, and tweak some DIP switches to change the keyboard's
    personality.


14) The Tony! Ergonomic KeySystem

    Phone: 415-969-8669 (I'm told this is no longer valid, though)

    Tony Hodges
    The Tony! Corporation
    2332 Thompson Court
    Mountain View, CA  94043, U.S.A.

    Price: $625 (you commit now, and then you're in line to buy the
	keyboard.  When it ships, if it's cheaper, you pay the cheaper price.
	If it's more expensive, you still pay $625)
    Supports: Mac, PC, IBM 3270, Sun, and DEC.
    Shipping: ???

    The Tony! should allow separate positioning of every key, to allow
    the keyboard to be personally customized.  A thumb-operated mouse
    will also be available.


15) The Vertical

    Phone: 619-454-0000

    Jeffrey Spencer or Stephen Albert
    P.O. Box 2636
    La Jolla, CA  92038, U.S.A.

    Price: $299
    Supports: no info available, probably PC's
    Shipping: ???

    The Vertical Keyboard is split in two halves, each pointing straight up.
    The user can adjust the width of the device, but not the tilt of each
    section.  Side-view mirrors are installed to allow users to see their
    fingers on the keys.


16) The Wave

    Phone: 310-644-6100
    Fax:   310-644-6068

    Iocomm International Technology
    12700 Yukon Avenue
    Hawthorne, California 90250, U.S.A.

    Robin Hunter (contact -- in sales)

    Price: $99.95 + $15 for a set of cables
    Supports: PC
    Shipping: now.

    Iocomm also manufactures "ordinary" 101-key keyboard (PC/AT) and
    84-key keyboard (PC/XT), so make sure you get the right one.

    The one-piece keyboard has a built-in wrist-rest.  It looks *exactly*
    like a normal 101-key PC keyboard, with two inches of built-in wrist
    rest.  The key switch feel is reported to be greatly improved.
    

Chording keyboards / speech recognizers / other products
--------------------------------------------------------

GIF pictures of many of these keyboards can be found via anonymous FTP
ftp.csua.berkeley.edu:/pub/typing-injury/gifs

1) AccuKey

    703-961-2001 (Larry Langley -- President)
 
    AccuCorp, Inc.
    P.O. Box 66
    Christiansburg, VA  24073, U.S.A.
 
    Price: $495 + shipping.  60 day lease for $35.
    Shipping: Now.
    Supports: PC, Mac, IBM 3270, Sun Sparc, and TeleVideo 935 and 955.
 
    Doesn't use conventional push-keys.  Soft rubber keys, which rock
    forward and backward (each key has three states), make chords for
    typing keys.  Learning time is estimated to be 2-3 hours, for getting
    started, and maybe two weeks to get used to it.

    Currently, the thumbs don't do anything, although a thumb-trackball
    is in the works.
 
    The company claims it takes about a week of work to support a
    new computer.  They will be happy to adapt their keyboard to
    your computer, if possible.


2) The Bat

    Infogrip, Inc.
    Phone: 800-397-0921 or maybe 805-566-1049

    1145 Eugenia Place, Suite 201
    Carpinteria, CA  93013

    Ward Bond (main contact)
    David Vicknair (did the Unix software)

    Price:
	$495 (dual set -- each one is a complete keyboard by itself)
	$295 (single)

	(cheaper prices were offered at MacWorld Expo as a show-special.)
    Shipping: Now.
    Supports: Mac, IBM PC (serial port -- native keyboard port version
	coming very soon...).  No other workstations supported, but serial
	support for Unix with X Windows has been written.  PC and Mac are
	getting all the real attention from the company.

    A chording system.  One hand is sufficient to type everything.
    The second hand is for redundancy and increased speed.

    30 day money back guarantee, no questions asked.



3) Braille 'n Speak

    Phone: 301-879-4944

    Blazie Engineering
    3660 Mill Green Rd.
    Street, Md 21154, U.S.A.

    (information provided by Doug Martin <martin@nosc.mil>)

    The Braille N Speak uses any of several Braille codes for entering
    information: Grade I, Grade II, or computer Braille.  Basically,
    letters a-j are combinations of dots 1, 2, 4, and 5.  Letters k-t are
    the same combinations as a-j with dot 3 added. Letters u, v, x, y, and
    z are like a-e with dots 3 and 6 added.  (w is unique because Louis
    Braille didn't have a w in the French alphabet.)


4) DataEgg

     InHand Development Group
     10330 Sepulveda Blvd. Suite 140
     Mission Hills, CA 91345, U.S.A.

     E-Mail: garyf@puente.Jpl.Nasa.Gov

     Price: $150
     Shipping: First Quarter, 1994.
     Supports: see below

     The DataEgg is a round, one-handed, chording computer with a two-line
     LCD display (similar to the Microwriter AgendA).  It can also serve
     as an alternative computer keyboard through a computer's serial port
     (currently supporting the PC, although it wouldn't be too hard to
     support X or a Mac if they wrote the driver).  InHand will be
     manufacturing the device, which was originally developed by Gary
     Friedman of JPL.

     Mr. Friedman's phone number: 818-354-1220
     I don't have a phone number for InHand.

     More info is available in NASA Tech Briefs, December 1992,
     Newsweek's "Technology Supplement" of December 12, 1992,
     or EE Times, March 8, 1993.


5) DragonDictate

    Phone: 800-TALK-TYP or 617-965-5200
    Fax: 617-527-0372
    E-Mail: support@dragonsys.com

    Dragon Systems, Inc.
    320 Nevada Street
    Newton, MA  02160

    Prices: (note: these have dropped significantly since last time)	    ||

	DragonDictate Starter $395
	    (5k word active vocab,1K global macro,500 app specific macros)

	DragonDictate Classic $695
	    (30K active vocab, 5K global macro,2K app specific macros)

	DragonDictate Power  $1695
	    (15K,30K,45K,60K word active vocab,5K global macro,2K app
	    specific macros)
	
	Upgrade prices from older version are also available.

	Also, you can purchase any of these systems with an "ACPA" DSP	    ||
	board for an additional $300.  DragonDictate will work fine with    ||
	a standard "multimedia" sound card, though.			    ||

    Shipping: Now.
    
    Compatibility: 486/33 (or higher) recommended PC only
		   (3rd party support for Mac)

	Free software support for X windows is also available -- your
	PC with Dragon hardware talks to your workstation over a
	serial cable or network.  The program is called a2x, and is
	available via anonymous ftp:

	ftp.csua.berkeley.edu:/pub/typing-injury/a2x.tar.Z
	ftp.x.org:/contrib/a2x.tar.Z (most current)

	If you want to use your Dragon product with X windows, you may want
	to ask for Peter Cohen, an salesman at Dragon who knows more about
	this sort of thing.

    Dragon Systems sells a number of voice recognition products.  Most (if
    not all) of them seem to run on PC's and compatibles (including PS/2's
    and other MicroChannel boxes).  They sell you a hardware board and
    software which sits in front of a number of popular word processors
    and spreadsheets.  Dragon has recently announced "DDWIN", which extends ||
    Dragon support to all Microsoft Windows applications.		    ||

    Each user `trains' the system to their voice, and there are provisions
    to correct the system when it makes mistakes, on the fly.  Multiple
    people can use it, but you have to load a different personality file
    for each person.  You still get the use of your normal keyboard, too.
    On the DragonDictate Classic, you need to pause 1/10th sec between
    words.  Dragon claims typical input speeds of 30-40 words per minute.

    Dragon's technology is also part of the following products
    (about which I have little-to-no other info):

	Microsoft Windows Sound System (Voice Pilot)
	IBM VoiceType
	Power Secretary (by Articulate Systems -- for Macintosh)
	EMStation (by Lanier Voice Products -- "emergency medical workstation")


6) Half-QWERTY

    Phone: 416-749-3124 (Canada)
    FAX:   416-740-4132

    The Matias Corporation
    178 Thistledown Boulevard
    Rexdale, Ontario, Canada
    M9V 1K1

    E-mail: ematias@dgp.toronto.edu

    Demo for anonymous ftp: explorer.dgp.toronto.edu:/pub/Half-QWERTY

    Price:   $129.95 (higher in Canada, quantity discounts available)
    Shipping: Now.
    Supports: Mac and PC (but, not Windows)
    
    This thing is purely software.  No hardware at all.

    The software will mirror the keyboard when you hold down the space
    bar, allowing you type one-handed.


7) IBM Speech Server Series (ISSS) / Personal Dictation System (PDS)

    IBM Corporation
    Phone: Contact your IBM sales rep or call 800-TALK-2ME

    ISSS and PDS are built around the same technology.  ISSS uses an
    IBM RS/6000 and PDS uses any PC running OS/2.

    Price: ISSS: Starts around $5000 for a stand-alone system
	   PDS:  $499 Software and microphone
		 $499 ISA card
		 $579 Microchannel card

    Shipping: Now.
    
    ISSS/PDS supports a 30,000 word dictionary.  It's speaker-dependent,
    so requires training (1-2 hours).

    ISSS/PDS recognize US and UK English, French, German, Spanish and Italian.

    ISSS/PDS can control any X or OS/2 application, and supports user-
    customizable profiles for macros.  A developer's API is also available.

    Dictation rates of 70-100 words per minute are possible with 95-99
    percent accuracy, including a model of the language to disambiguate
    words such as "to", "two", and "too".

    IBM also makes some voice products not really intended for the
    "handicap" market with continuous speech and smaller vocubularies.
    Call them for more details.


8) IBM VoiceType 2

    IBM Corporation
    Phone: 1-800-TALK-TYP (Dragon Systems) or
	   1-800-426-2968 (IBM Catalog orders)
    
    Cost: $2195
    Shipping: now

    IBM VoiceType is essentially a repackaged Dragon product.  It has
    an active dictionary of 7000 words and a "backup" dictionary of
    100k words.

    This product is essentially obsoleted by newer IBM and Dragon
    offerings, so you probably don't want it.


9) IN3 (in-cube) Voice Command

    Voice: 404-925-7950
    Fax:   404-925-7924

    Command Corp, Inc.
    3675 Crestwood Parkway
    P.O. Box 956099
    Duluth, GA   30136-9502, U.S.A.

    E-Mail: in3@gacc.atl.ga.us
    Contact: Brantley Kelly <cbk@gacc.atl.ga.us>

    Platforms: Sun Sparc (SunOS or Solaris) and MS Windows 3.1.

    Price: Sun: $495, without microphone, available separately for $195
		(ask for IN3 Pro, not Voice Command)

	   MS Windows: $179 (Voice Command) or $395 (IN3 Pro)
		(IN3 Pro for MS Windows includes a microphone)

    For Sun, IN3 provides a complete navigation solution, including
    voice macros.  A developer API is also available.  The native Sparc
    audio is used for input.  IN3 can be found on Sun's Catalyst CDware.

    For MS Windows, IN3 provides a solution similar to the Sun.  Most 8 and
    16 bit audio cards are supported.  A developer API is also available.
    Windows 3.1 and a 386 or better processor are required.  Demos can be
    found on Compuserve, America On-Line, and various comp.binaries.ms-windows
    archive site and BBS systems.

    For typing-injured users, they recommend the IN3 Pro product, rather
    than the cheaper Voice Command.


10) Kurzweil VOICE

    Phone: 617-893-5151
    Fax:   617-893-6525

    Kurzweil Applied Intelligence, Inc.
    411 Waverley Oaks Road
    Waltham MA 02154

    Contact: Joe Murphy

    Cost: Was $3000.  Apparently, it's now $995.
    Shipping: now

    The Kurzweil system is a voice recognition system which interfaces with
    PC compatibles.  You get a board which will support 50,000 words -- 10K
    user defined and 40K from a 200K word dictionary.  The system is reported
    to attempt speaker-independence through continuously adapting voice
    models.  This requires about 12 mbytes of disk space to store its state,
    however.

    MS-DOS *and* Windows are supported.  Requires 486DX/33
    or better with at least 32 MBytes RAM.


11) Microwriter AgendA

    Phone: (+44) 81 715 1023 (U.K.) (voice or FAX)

    Microwriter Services Ltd
    Unit 1
    Seaforth Works
    Rear of 8-12 Seaforth Avenue
    New Malden
    Surrey KT3 6JP

    (Info from Carroll Morgan <Carroll.Morgan@prg.oxford.ac.uk>)

    The AgendA is a personal desktop assistant (PDA) style machine.  You
    can carry it along with you.  It has chording input.  You can also
    hook it up to your PC, or even program it.

    It costs just under 200 pounds, with 128K memory.

    [Apparently Microwriter is in some form of bankruptcy right now.
    The DataEgg is somehow based on this.  You may want to contact
    InHand for more information.]


12) The Minimal Motion Computer Access System

    Phone: 508-263-6437
    Fax:   508-263-6537

    Equal Access Computer Technology
    Dr. Michael Weinreigh
    39 Oneida Rd.
    Acton, MA  01720, U.S.A.

    Price: InfoGrip-compatible: "a few hundred dollars" + a one-handed Bat
	  For their own system: $300 (DOS software) + "a few hundred dollars"
    
    Shipping: these are custom-made, so an occupational therapist would
	  make moulds/do whatever to make it for you.  You can buy one now.
    
    Supports: PC only, although the InfoGrip-compatible version might
	  work with a Mac.

    In a one-handed version, there is exactly one button per finger.  In a
    two-handed version, you get four buttons per finger, and the thumbs
    don't do anything.  You can also get one-handed versions with three
    thumb buttons -- compatible with the InfoGrip Bat.  Basically, get it
    any way you want.

    They also have a software tutorial to help you learn the chording,
    which can also be used as a one-handed chording system for most
    DOS apps, using the standard keyboard.

    Works on a PC under DOS, not Windows.  Planning on Macintosh and
    PC/Windows support.  No work has been done on a Unix version, yet.


13) Octima

    Phone: 972-4-5322844 (Israel)
    Fax:   972-3-5322970

    Ergoplic Keyboards Ltd.
    P.O. Box 31
    Kiryat Ono 55100, Israel

    (info from Mandy Jaffe-Katz <RXHFUN@HAIFAUVM.BITNET>)
    A one-handed keyboard.


14) Power Secretary

    Phone: 800-443-7077 or 617-935-5656					    ||
    Cost: $1995								    ||
    Compatibility: Macintosh with at least 20 Mbytes RAM		    ||

    Articulate Systems

    A product based on DragonDictate, but for the Macintosh.
    Call for more info.


15) Twiddler

    Phone: 516-474-4405, or 800-638-2352

    Handykey
    141 Mt. Sinai Ave.
    Mt. Sinai, NY 11766

    Chris George (President)

    Price: $199.
    Shipping: now.
    Supports: PC

    The Twiddler is both a keyboard and a mouse, and it fits in one hand.
    You type via finger chords.  Shift, control, etc. are thumb buttons.
    When in "mouse" mode, tilting the Twiddler moves the mouse, and mouse
    buttons are on your fingers.

    The cabling leaves your normal keyboard available, also.

    Most applications work, and Windows works fine.  DESQview has trouble.
    GEOWorks also has trouble -- mouse works, keyboard doesn't.  OS/2
    compatibility coming soon.

    60 day full refund, minus shipping fee.



Thanks
------

Thanks go to Chris Bekins <AS.CCB@forsythe.stanford.edu> for providing
the basis for this information.

Thanks to the numerous contributors:

Doug Martin <martin@nosc.mil>
Carroll Morgan <Carroll.Morgan@prg.oxford.ac.uk>
Mandy Jaffe-Katz <RXHFUN@HAIFAUVM.BITNET>
Wes Hunter <Wesley.Hunter@AtlantaGA.NCR.com>
Paul Schwartz <pschwrtz@cs.washington.edu>
H.J. Woltring <WOLTRING@NICI.KUN.NL>
Dan Sorenson <viking@iastate.edu>
Chris VanHaren <vanharen@MIT.EDU>
Ravi Pandya <ravi@xanadu.com>
Leonard H. Tower Jr. <tower@ai.mit.edu>
Dan Jacobson <Dan_Jacobson@ATT.COM>
Jim Cheetham <jim@oasis.icl.co.uk>
Cliff Lasser <cal@THINK.COM>
Richard Donkin <richardd@hoskyns.co.uk>
Paul Rubin <phr@napa.Telebit.COM>
David Erb <erb@fullfeed.com>
Bob Scheifler <rws@x.org>
Chris Grant <Chris.Grant@um.cc.umich.edu>
Scott Mandell <sem1@postoffice.mail.cornell.edu>
John Darragh <darragh@cpsc.ucalgary.ca>
Russell Nelson <nelson@crynwr.com>
John Lamp <jw_lamp@postoffice.utas.edu.au>
Paul Roossin <roossin@watson.ibm.com>
Tom Knotts <knotts@hpl-opus.hpl.hp.com>
Donna Foley <dbeabak@cfrvm.cfr.usf.edu>
Bob Adams <rea@gacc.atl.ga.us>
Gary Karp <72212.3240@COMPUSERVE.COM>
Kelly Fairbanks <ADP2C@MSU.EDU>
Peter Bower <cyberdoc@CRL.COM>
Paul Benati <benatip@acadia.image.Kodak.COM>
Peter S. Cohen <70254.535@CompuServe.COM>
Steve Wartig <wartig@software.org>

and everybody else who I've probably managed to forget.

The opinions in here are my own, unless otherwise mentioned, and do not
represent the opinions of any organization or vendor.
-- 
Dan Wallach                "One of the most attractive features of a Connection
dwallach@cs.princeton.edu  Machine is the array of blinking lights on the faces
Phone#: 609-683-4673       of its cabinet." -- CM Paris Ref. Manual, v6.0, p48.

(Home page) http://www.cs.princeton.edu/grad/dwallach/     (finger for PGP key)

From ankh.iia.org!uunet!gatech!udel!princeton!kastle!dwallach Mon Aug 29 21:28:40 1994
Newsgroups: sci.med,sci.med.occupational,comp.human-factors,comp.answers,sci.answers,news.answers
Path: ankh.iia.org!uunet!gatech!udel!princeton!kastle!dwallach
From: Dan Wallach <dwallach@@cs.princeton.edu>
Subject: FAQ: Typing Injuries (4/5): Software Monitoring Tools [monthly posting]
Content-Type: text/x-usenet-FAQ;
	version=1.0;
	title="Typing Injury FAQ: (4/5) Software monitoring tools"
Message-ID: <typing-injury-faq/software_778142458@cs.princeton.edu>
Followup-To: sci.med.occupational
Summary: software tools to help out injured typists
Originator: news@nimaster
Sender: news@Princeton.EDU (USENET News System)
Supersedes: <typing-injury-faq/software_769583781@cs.princeton.edu>
Nntp-Posting-Host: kastle.cs.princeton.edu
Reply-To: Richard Donkin <richardd@@cix.compulink.co.uk>
Organization: Princeton University
References: <typing-injury-faq/changes_778142458@cs.princeton.edu>
Date: Mon, 29 Aug 1994 06:50:06 GMT
Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu
Expires: Fri, 7 Oct 1994 06:40:58 GMT
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Archive-name: typing-injury-faq/software
Version: 2.3, 22nd November 1993

Prologue
--------

This FAQ may be cited as:

 Donkin, Richard.  (1994) "Typing Injury FAQ: Software Monitoring
 Tools"  Usenet news.answers.  Available via anonymous ftp from
 rtfm.mit.edu in pub/usenet/news.answers/typing-injury-faq/software.
 8 pages.

World-Wide-Web users will find this available as hypertext:
 http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/typing-injury-faq/top.html

(Dan Wallach's page) http://www.cs.princeton.edu/grad/dwallach/


[This FAQ is maintained by Richard Donkin <richardd@cix.compulink.co.uk>
(please note changed email address).  I post it, along with the other FAQ
stuff.  If you have questions, you want to send mail to Richard, not me.
-- dwallach]


Software Tools to help with RSI
-------------------------------

This file describes tools, primarily software, to help prevent or manage
RSI.  This version now includes information on diverse tools such as
calendar programs and even digital watches, which tends to contradict the
title somewhat.  It also includes information on software for pain-free
use of mice and keyboard s - it draws the line at hardware, which is the
subject of the Keyboard Alternati ves FAQ.

Please let me know if you come across any other tools, or if you have
informati on or opinions on these ones, and I will update this FAQ. I am
especially interest ed in getting reviews of these products from people
who have evaluated them or are using them. The major difficulty with all
these products is that when you are under pressure you tend to cancel out
of the break reminder almost automaticall y - any suggestions on how to
avoid this would be appreciated.

Richard Donkin

Internet mail: richardd@cix.compulink.co.uk  [note change of preferred address]
Tel: +44 71 251 2128
Fax: +44 71 251 2853

Acknowledgements:

    Charles Hsieh <charles@speedy.cs.wisc.edu> for information on Mac tools.


Changes in this version:

    More information on using AccessDOS and Access Pack for Windows to reduce 
    problems with mice, especially double clicking and drag operations.

    More information on Dvorak keyboard layouts, especially for DOS and Windows.


Typing management tools
-----------------------

Typing management tools aim to help you manage your keyboard use,
by warning you to take a break every so often.  The better ones also
include advice on exercises, posture and workstation setup.  A few use
sound hardware to alert you to a break, but the majority use beeps or
screen messages.

Often, RSI appears only after many years of typing, and the pain has a
delayed action in the short term too: frequently you can be typing all day
with little problem and the pain gets worse in the evening.  These tools
act as an early warning system: by listening to their warnings and taking
breaks with exercises, you don't have to wait for your body to give you a
more serious and painful warning - that is, getting RSI.

1) Activity Monitoring Program (commercial software)

    Available from:
        Anthony Steven
        Office Automation Systems
        7 Clarks Terrace
        Heworth
        YORK
        YO3 0DQ
        Tel & Fax: +44 (904) 423622
    Platforms: Windows
    Description:
        This product is specifically aimed at helping employers meet the
        requirements of EC directive 90/270, so it is of most interest to
        European users.  It does not provide animations of exercises, instead
        providing them in the manual - the rationale for this is that the
        EC directive requires breaks to be taken away from the computer, so
        sitting at your keyboard doing exercises is not allowed.  In any case,
        it is better for you to stretch your legs as well as arms, and rest
        your eyes by leaving the computer, so this seems sensible.  The
        program feels less intrusive than some others as a result, it simply
        pops up a small window asking you to take a break.

        Unlike most other programs, you can set a hierarchy of some
        work then micropause, longer work then short pause, and still
        longer work then a long pause.  This hierarchy is closer to
        medical recommendations than just taking a break every N
        minutes.

	Also, this program is only activated by keyboard or mouse
	activity, unlike some other programs that pop up at a given time
	even if you are not at your PC.

        The program does not let you exit it or change the settings without a
        password (though this protection is configurable) - ideal for companies
        that want to discourage people from bypassing the program.

    The latest version has some improvements: a TSR is supplied so that
    typing in a DOS window will not affect the accuracy of the break times;
    the program beeps three times before a break to let you stop typing
    before it grabs control from the current window; and the minimised icon
    shows you when the next break is due, changing periodically to cycle through
    all the break times.


2) At Your Service (commercial software)

    Available from:
        Bright Star
        Tel: +1 (206) 451 3697
    Platforms: Mac (System 6.0.4), Windows
    Description:
        Provides calendar, keyboard watch, email watch, and system info.
        Warns when to take a break (configurable).  Has a few recommendations
        on posture, and exercises.  Sound-oriented, will probably work best
        with sound card (PC) or with microphone (Mac).  Should be possible
        to record your own messages to warn of break.

3) AudioPort (sound card and software)

    Available from:
        Media Vision
        Tel: +1 (510) 226 2563
    Platforms: PC
    Description:
        A sound card to plug into your PC parallel port.
        Includes 'At Your Service'.

4) Computer Health Break (commercial software)

    Available from:
        Escape Ergonomics, Inc
        1111 W. El Camino Real
        Suite 109
        Mailstop 403
        Sunnyvale, CA
        Tel: +1 (408) 730 8410
    Platforms: DOS
    Description:
        Aimed at preventing RSI, this program warns you to take
        breaks after a configurable interval, based on clock time, or
        after a set number of keystrokes -- whichever is earlier.
        It gives you 3 exercises to do each time, randomly selected from
        a set of 70.  Exercises are apparently tuned to the type of work
        you do - data entry, word processing, information processing.
        Exercises are illustrated and include quite a lot of text on
        how to do the exercise and on what exactly the exercise does.

        CHB includes hypertext information on RSI that you can use
        to learn more about RSI and how to prevent it.  Other information
        on non-RSI topics can be plugged into this hypertext viewer.
        A full glossary of medical terms and jargon is included.

        CHB can be run in a DOS box under Windows, but does not then
        warn you when to take a break; it does not therefore appear
        useful when used with Windows.

        Cost: $79.95; quantity discounts, site licenses.

    Comments:
        The keystroke-counting approach looks good: it seems better
        to measure the activity that is causing you problems than to
        measure clock time or even typing time.  The marketing stuff
        is very good and includes some summaries of research papers,
        as well as lots of arguments you can use to get your company
        to pay up for RSI management tools.


5) DOS Stretch (commercial software)

    Available from:
        John Fricker Software
        PO Box 1289
        Ashland, OR 97520
        Tel: 503/488-5699
        Mail: 71054.261@compuserve.com
    Platforms: DOS (Hercules, EGA, VGA)

        Demo (VGA only, single exercise) available from:
            Compuserve: Health and Fitness Forum, Issues At Work section,
                            file DSDEMO.EXE

    Description:
        This break reminder program includes exercises but no ergonomic
        information. It includes 11 exercises, taking about four minutes.
        They are animated using a cartoon figure.  The demo includes a
        hand exercise that seems useful; the full program includes a
        reminder TSR.

        Cost: $27.00


6) Exercise Break [formerly StressFree] (commercial software, free usable demo)

    Available from:
        Hopkins Technology (distributors)
        421 Hazel Lane
        Hopkins, MN 55343-7116
        Tel: +1 612-931-9376
        Fax: +1 612-931-9377
        Mail: 70412.727@compuserve.com (Ignacio Valdes, the developer)

        Demos (working program but reduced functions) available from:
            Compuserve: Windows Advanced Forum, New Uploads section, or
                        Health and Fitness Forum, Issues At Work section.
                        (Windows and Mac versions in latter)
            Anon FTP:   ftp.cica.indiana.edu (and mirroring sites)
          CIX: rsi conference

    Platforms: Windows (3.0/3.1), Mac System 6.0.5 or higher, DOS version soon
    Description:
        Aimed at preventing RSI, this program warns you to take
        breaks after a configurable interval (or at fixed times).
        Displays descriptions and pictures of exercises - pictures are
        animated and program paces you to help you do exercises at the
        correct rate.  Quite a few exercises, can configure which ones
        are included to a large extent.  One useful feature is that when
        it is running minimised it shows the time to the next break, helping
        you plan your work to the next break rather than it coming as an
        interruption.

        The new release, 3.0, is renamed Exercise Break, supports Mac and
        Windows and should include a DOS version. I have been trying out
        a beta version and it has some useful features, including
        Typewatch (no relation to the freeware program ...), which graphs
        your typing rate over time, with optional warnings to slow down
        and export facilities for spreadsheet analysis.  It also includes
        a full ergonomic checklist online to help set up your workstation,
        and a picture of correct posture and workstation adjustment.

        An unusual feature is the ability to include your own exercises in
	the program, providing you have access to a Windows SDK, without
	programming.

        Cost: $29.95 if supported via CompuServe or Internet, otherwise $39.95.
              Site license for 3 or more copies is $20.00 each.

    Comments:
	This is the only tool with a redistributable demo that is not just
	a slide show, so if you do get the demo, post it on your local
	bulletin boards, FTP servers and Bitnet servers!  Includes the
	ability to step backward in the exercise sequence, which is good
	for repeating the most helpful exercises.  Hopefully a number of
	add-on exercise modules will become available now that it is
	possible to add exercises.

7) EyerCise (commercial software)

    Available from:
        RAN Enterprises
        One Woodland Park Dr.
        Haverhill, MA  01830, US
        Tel: 800-451-4487 (US only)
             +1 (508) 521 4487
    Platforms: Windows (3.0/3.1), OS/2 PM (1.3/2.0) [Not DOS]
    Description:
        Aimed at preventing RSI and eye strain, this program warns you to take
        breaks after a configurable interval (or at fixed times). Optionally
        displays descriptions and pictures of exercises - pictures are
        animated and program beeps you to help you do exercises at the
        correct rate.  Includes 19 stretches and 4 visual training
        exercises, can configure which are included and how many repetitions
        you do - breaks last from 3 to 7 minutes.  Also includes online help
        on workplace ergonomics.

        Quote from their literature:

        "EyerCise is a Windows program that breaks up your day with periodic
        sets of stretches and visual training exercises.  The stretches work
        all parts of your body, relieving tension and helping to prevent
        Repetitive Strain Injury.  The visual training exercises will improve
        your peripheral vision and help to relieve eye strain.  Together these
        help you to become more relaxed and productive."

        "The package includes the book _Computers & Visual Stress_ by Edward C.
        Godnig, O.D. and John S. Hacunda, which describes the ergonomic setup
        for a computer workstation and provides procedures and exercises to
        promote healthy and efficient computer use.

        Cost: $69.95 including shipping and handling, quantity discounts
        for resellers.  Free demo ($5 outside US).

    Comments:
        I have a copy of this, and it works as advertised: I would say
        it is better for RSI prevention than RSI management, because it
        does not allow breaks at periods less than 30 minutes.  Also, it
        interrupts you based on clock time rather than typing time, which
        is not so helpful unless you use the keyboard all day.  Worked OK on
        Windows 3.0 though it did occasionally crash with a UAE - not sure
        why. Also refused to work with the space bar on one PC, and has
        one window without window controls.  Very usable though, and does not
        require any sound hardware.

8) Lifeguard (commercial software)

    Available from:
        Visionary Software
        P.O. Box 69447
        Portland, OR  97201, US
        Tel: +1 (503) 246-6200
    Platforms: Mac, DOS (Windows version underway)
    Description:
        Aimed at preventing RSI.  Warns you to take a break
        with dialog box and sound.  Includes a list of exercises
        to do during breaks, and information on configuring your
        workstation in an ergonomic manner.  Price: $59;
        quantity discounts and site licenses.  The DOS product is
        bought in from another company, apparently; not sure how
        equivalent this is to the Mac version.

        The Mac version got a good review in Desktop Publisher
        Magazine (Feb 1991).  Good marketing stuff with useful
        2-page summaries of RSI problems and solutions, with
        references.

9) PC-FIT User-Saver (commercial software, free slideshow demo)

    Available from:
        Human-ware
        Burggasse 88/16
        A-1070 Wien
        Austria
        Tel: +43 222/526 02880
        Fax: +43 222/526 02889

        Demo (slideshow) available from:
            Compuserve: Health and Fitness Forum, Issues At Work section,
                            file PCFITD.EXE

    Platforms: DOS 3.1 or higher, Windows (3.0/3.1), Macintosh System 7.0.1 or
	higher
    Description:
	This program warns you to take breaks, provides exercises for the
	muscles and for the eyes, and includes information on ergonomics.
	Exercises are animations based on photos of a model (mime
	artist?), which together with cartoons elsewhere lend a
	light-weight feeling to this package, as far as I can tell from
	the demo.  Orientated to EC 90/270.

        Cost: no prices available

10) Typewatch (freeware), version 3.8 (October 1992)

    Available from:
        Anon. ftp:
	    ftp.csua.berkeley.edu:/pub/typing-injury/software/typewatch.shar
        CIX: sco conference
        Email to richardd@cix.compulink.co.uk
    Platforms: UNIX (tested on SCO, SunOS, Mach; character and X Window mode)
    Description:
        This is a shell script that runs in the background and warns you
        to stop typing, based on how long you have been continuously
        typing.  It does not provide exercises, but it does check
        that you really do take a break, and tells you when you
        can start typing again.

        Typewatch now tells you how many minutes you have been typing
        today, each time it warns you, which is useful so you
        know how much you *really* type.  It also logs information
        to a file that you can analyse or simply print out.

        The warning message appears on your screen (in character mode),
        in a pop-up window (for X Windows), or as a Zephyr message
        (for those with Athena stuff).   Tim Freeman <tsf@cs.cmu.edu>
        has put in a lot of bug fixes, extra features and support for
        X, Zephyr and Mach.

        Not formally supported, but email richardd@cix.compulink.co.uk
        (for SCO, SunOS, character mode) or tsf@cs.cmu.edu (for Mach,
        X Window mode, Zephyr) if you have problems or want to give
        feedback.

11) Various calendar / batch queue programs

    Available from:
        Various sources
    Platforms: Various
    Description:
        Any calendar/reminder program that warns you of an upcoming
        appointment can be turned into an ad hoc RSI management tool.
        Alternatively, use any batch queue submission program that lets
        you submit a program to run at a specific time to display
        a message to the screen.

        Using Windows as an example: create a Calendar file, and
        include this filename in your WIN.INI's 'load=' line so
        you get it on every startup of Windows.  Suppose you
        want to have breaks every 30 minutes, starting from 9 am.
        Press F7 (Special Time...) to enter an appointment, enter
        9:30, hit Enter, and type some text in saying what the break
        is for.  Then press F5 to set an alarm on this entry, and repeat
        for the next appointment.

        By using Windows Recorder, you can record the keystrokes
        that set up breaks throughout a day in a .REC file.  Put this
        file on your 'run=' line, as above, and you will then, with
        a single keypress, be able to set up your daily appointments
        with RSI exercises.

        The above method should be adaptable to most calendar programs.
        An example using batch jobs would be to submit a simple job
        that runs at 9:30 am and warns you to take a break; this will
        depend a lot on your operating system.

    On Windows 3.x, you can use Barclock 2.2 or above - this gives you
    a clock in the current window title bar, and also lets you type in
    a message to be popped up every hour (or even more frequently if
    you set multiple alarms).  Not intended for this purpose but simple
    and effective, Barclock is available on many BBSs as BARCLK22.ZIP.

        While these approaches are not ideal, they are a good way of forcing
        yourself to take a break if you can't get hold of a suitable RSI
        management tool.  If you are techie enough you might want to
        write a version of Typewatch (see above) for your operating
        system, using batch jobs or whatever fits best.

12) Digital watches with count-down timers

    Available from:
        Various sources, e.g. Casio BP-100.
    Description:
        Many digital watches have timers that count down from a settable
        number of minutes; they usually reset easily to that number, either
        manually or automatically.

        While these are a very basic tool, they are very useful if you
        are writing, reading, driving, or doing anything away from
        a computer which can still cause or aggravate RSI.  The great
        advantage is that they remind you to break from whatever you
        are doing.

    Comments:
        My own experience was that cutting down a lot on my typing led to
        my writing a lot more, and still reading as much as ever, which
        actually aggravated the RSI in my right arm though the left
        arm improved.  Getting a count-down timer watch has been
        very useful on some occasions where I write a lot in a day.

        I have tried an old fashioned hour-glass type egg timer, but
        these are not much good because they do not give an audible
        warning of the end of the time period!

Keyboard and mouse control tools
--------------------------------

Keyboard control tools enable you to change your keyboard
mapping so you can type one-handedly or with a different two-handed
layout.  One-handed typing tools may help, but be VERY careful about how
you use them -- if you keep the same overall typing workload you are
simply doubling your hand use for the hand that you use for typing, and
may therefore simply cause your remaining "good" hand/arm to deteriorate.

Mouse control tools change the way your mouse works to avoid or modify
operations that are painful - mouse dragging is a common problem.

1) hsh (public domain)

    Available from:
        Anon. ftp: ftp.csua.berkeley.edu:/pub/typing-injury/software/hsh.shar
    Platforms: UNIX (don't know which ones)
    Description:
        Allows one-handed typing and other general keyboard remappings.
        Only works through tty's (so you can use it with a terminal or
        an xterm, but not most X programs).

2) Dvorak keyboard tools (various)

    Available from:
        Anon. ftp: ftp.csua.berkeley.edu:/pub/typing-injury/software/xdvorak.c
        Available as standard in Microsoft Windows, Windows for Workgroups and
	    Windows NT
	Available for MS-DOS
    Description:
        To quote the Microsoft documentation:

            Dvorak keyboard layouts are based on designs created by August
            Dvorak, a professor at the University of Washington during the
            1930s and 1940s. Dr. Dvorak studied the way people type standard
            English, and determined the most common letter combinations. He
            then designed new keyboard layouts to speed up typing and reduce
            fatigue. These layouts, now called Dvorak or simplified keyboards,
            were initially developed for two-handed typists. Following World
            War II, Dvorak layouts were developed for typists who use the right
            or left hand alone.

	It is doubtful that switching to Dvorak will have a major impact
	on RSI, but it may be helpful in preventing RSI.  If you do switch,
	your typing rate will go down a lot initially, which will help!

        Microsoft Windows products support Dvorak as a standard keyboard
	layout - look in the International setup in the Control panel.  

        MS-DOS supports this via the MS-DOS Supplemental Disk, available from 
        Microsoft, which includes standard and one-handed Dvorak layouts.  
        These layouts are available for Windows in Application Note GA0650, 
        available from Microsoft or from various online services as GA0650.ZIP.

        In the US, training and keycap stickersfor the Dvorak layout are 
        available from:

	    KEYTIME
	    4516 NE 54th St.
	    Seattle, WA  98105-2933
	    Tel: (206) 324-7219 (voice and fax)

	If you are also looking at alternative keyboards, you might also
	like to look at the Maltron layout, which is claimed to be more
	efficient than Dvorak.  See the alternative keyboard FAQ for
	supplier details.

3) AccessDOS, Access Pack for Windows (free commercial software)

    Available from:
        Microsoft, Compuserve, Genie, Microsoft Online,
	Microsoft Download Service, BBSs
    Platforms: DOS, Windows
    Description:
	AccessDOS has a range of keyboard and mouse control features that
	may be useful, such as sticky shift keys to avoid stretching to
	hold down shift at same time as other keys, and using the keyboard
	for mouse functions.  It also allows serial-line interfacing of
	alternative keyboards and other devices.  AccessDOS is available
	from Microsoft on the MS-DOS Supplemental Disk.

	Access Pack for Windows has roughly the same features but in a
	Windows environment.  The mouse functions of Access Pack for
	Windows are  useful for people who find using the mouse painful.
	You can use the numeric keypad, with Num Lock off, to do
	operations like drag and drop without holding down a mouse button
	or a key on the keyboard.  You can also do double click from the
	keyboard by pressing a single key just once.  You can  use cursor
	control keys for all mouse movements, though this is rather slow,
	as you might expect.  The mouse functions probably work best if
	you can use some kind of ergonomic mouse or trackball and just
	avoid double click and drag operations as described.  You can work
	entirely without a mouse - if you want to use a real mouse as well
	as Access Pack functions, it must be Microsoft Mouse compatible.

4) PowerClicks, Mouse2 (shareware)

    Available from:
        Anon. ftp:
	    sumex.stanford.edu:/info-mac/cfg/power-clicks-102.hqx (PowerClicks)
	    sumex.stanford.edu:/info-mac/cfg/mouse-2.hqx (PowerClicks)
    Platforms: Mac
    Description:
    (From Charles Hsieh)
    PowerClicks is a cdev that can replace mouse click and mouse
    click-holding with self-defined keyboard combinations.  For example,
    I use my right hand to move the mouse around, and use my left hand
    to press F1 for mouse click, and F2 for mouse click-holding.

    Mouse2 makes the mouse move twice as fast, so that your hand doesn't
    have to move as far.

    Cost: PowerClicks is $3
-- 
Dan Wallach                "One of the most attractive features of a Connection
dwallach@cs.princeton.edu  Machine is the array of blinking lights on the faces
Phone#: 609-683-4673       of its cabinet." -- CM Paris Ref. Manual, v6.0, p48.

(Home page) http://www.cs.princeton.edu/grad/dwallach/     (finger for PGP key)

From ankh.iia.org!uunet!gatech!udel!princeton!kastle!dwallach Mon Aug 29 21:28:45 1994
Newsgroups: sci.med,sci.med.occupational,comp.human-factors,comp.answers,sci.answers,news.answers
Path: ankh.iia.org!uunet!gatech!udel!princeton!kastle!dwallach
From: Dan Wallach <dwallach@cs.princeton.edu>
Subject: FAQ: Typing Injuries (5/5): Furniture Information [monthly posting]
Content-Type: text/x-usenet-FAQ;
	version=1.0;
	title="Typing Injury FAQ: (5/5) Furniture information"
Message-ID: <typing-injury-faq/furniture_778142458@cs.princeton.edu>
Followup-To: sci.med.occupational
Summary: workstations, their manufacturers, and other furniture info
Originator: news@nimaster
Sender: news@Princeton.EDU (USENET News System)
Supersedes: <typing-injury-faq/furniture_769583781@cs.princeton.edu>
Nntp-Posting-Host: kastle.cs.princeton.edu
Reply-To: Carl P Baker <cp_baker@pnl.gov>
Organization: Princeton University
References: <typing-injury-faq/changes_778142458@cs.princeton.edu>
Date: Mon, 29 Aug 1994 06:50:13 GMT
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Archive-name: typing-injury-faq/furniture
Version: @(#)computer_furniture	1.3 94/01/07 11:27:30

Prologue
--------

This FAQ may be cited as:

 Baker, Carl P.  (1994) "Typing Injury FAQ: Furniture Information" Usenet
 news.answers.  Available via anonymous ftp from rtfm.mit.edu in
 pub/usenet/news.answers/typing-injury-faq/furniture.  5 pages.

World-Wide-Web users will find this available as hypertext:
 http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/typing-injury-faq/top.html

(Dan Wallach's page) http://www.cs.princeton.edu/grad/dwallach/

This FAQ is actually maintained by Carl P Baker <cp_baker@pnl.gov>.
I post it, along with the other FAQ stuff.  If you have questions, you want
to send mail to Carl, not me.  -- Dan


Rumors and calls for information
--------------------------------

We've heard rumor of a furniture system called the "Forminco Power
Center," but haven't found them anywhere in our limited search.  If
anyone can get us contact information, we can add it to the list.

    [Forminco can be reached at:

     Forminco International
     4115 Sherbrooke St. W, Ste. 101
     Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3Z1K9

     514-938-2262

     -- dwallach]

We've also had some interest in furniture for the disabled (or whatever
the current PC term is for people other than us TABs [Temporarily
Able Bodied]).  If anyone is aware of furniture designed for non-TABs
or has had any luck using or modifying any commercially available
furniture or knows about any companies who manufacture equipment
for non-TABs that could be persuaded to develop something, please
let me know.


Furniture Information
---------------------
 
OK, what we have here is a list of all the manufacturers of computer type
office furniture that I know of.  The style of furniture and any known
dimensions are listed together with the addresses of the manufacturer (if
known) and any known suppliers.  Also, I'll make a rough stab at what it
would cost to equip me with appropriate tableage for each manufacturer.

DISCLAIMER: I have no interest, financial or otherwise an any supplier
listed in this FAQ.  I have not (at this point) done business with any
of these suppliers and have no information about their trustworthiness,
reliability, or ability to deliver the products they claim to sell.

For this purpose, you should know what equipment I'm using.  I've got
a sun Sparcstation (Pizza box) with a 19 inch monitor (HUGE, 90 lbs), and
external (shoebox) hard disk, tape drive, and CD units.  All of this
equipment is set on a 30 inch be 60 inch table that is 30 inches high.
I'm using the table "sideways,~ meaning that I sit at the head of the table
with the keyboard in front of me, the monitor and pizza box behind the
keyboard, and way down at the other end of the table, I have the shoebox
units.

I'd like to have a table which was about 27 inches high with an adjustable
keyboard and mouse shelf.  The table should be at least 36 inches deep (or
face into a corner), and it needs to be wide enough that I can have
papers and such on either side of the keyboard.  It would be nice to be able
to put the shoebox equipment on a shelf or some such _under_ the table top
(to preserve table space and reduce noise).

First, some comments on "good" computer furniture.  Generally, it is accepted
that keyboard heights should be in the range of 26.5 to 29 inches.  This
means that whatever you have, it's too high.  Many computer tables have some
sort of shelf, stand, or table which raises the monitor.  I think that this
is a real mistake, as you end up hunched forward with your neck tilted back
in order to see the screen.  This is particularly painful if you wear
bifocals (I'm told).  Virtually all modern monitors offer some kind of tilt
and swivel, so for the furniture to provide this functionality is usually
redundant and silly.

Many computers (such as mine) require a vast amount of table depth - I'm using
about 44 inches.  One solution to this problem to to design a "corner" type
workstation which is designed to be placed facing into a corner with the
users back to the room.  This is a convenient way to create the required
depth, and work tables can be placed on either side of the corner unit
for a great deal of usable work area.  However, you can't see anyone come
into your office (your back is to the door), and I would expect that there
would be a possibility of severe glare problems (it's hard to move the screen
around to get rid of glare).

The furniture, sources, and my comments
---------------------------------------

1) Bretford Mobile workstations

  These are basically a set of tubular frames carts on casters.  Most of these
  place the monitor on a shelf above the keyboard surface.  The only one that
  doesn't is basically a desk on wheels except that it is only 24 inches deep.
  It is, however 26.5 inches high.  Prices run from $223 to $370.

  Known supplier:

  Husk office furniture and supplies
  327 W Clark
  PO Box 886
  Pasco, WA 99301
  547-7593



2) Communicore CAD system

  This is a "corner" type workstation - designed to be placed facing into a
  corner with the users back to the room.  All units are 26.5 inches high and
  the extension tables are 30 inches deep.  The workstation extension tables
  have an under-table storage shelf.  Basically, you have the corner unit,
  the "plain" extension table, and the "tilting" extension table (useful
  for working from prints or other large paper).  Additionally, there is
  something called a "workstation" which is neither shown in the picture
  that I have, nor described in the text.  Prices run from $225 for a
  36w x 30d x 26.5h "workstation" (also available in 60w for $304) to $345
  for the 66w x 52d x 26.5h corner workstation.  A basic setup (corner
  workstation, layout table and extension) would run about $900.  The flaws
  with this are in the area of accessories - no drawer space, and no over
  work-surface shelf space (for manuals, not monitors).

  Known supplier:

  ComputerVision
  400 Horsham Road
  Horsham, PA 19044
  1-800-786-2231



3) Ergotron

  This is a line of "ergonomic" workstations and "dense pack" racks for network
  installations.  Basically, you buy a frame which can be fitted with legs,
  legs with casters, or attached to the wall.  The top of this frame is about
  70-78 inches above the floor; near the top is an adjustable shelf.  To the
  bottom of the shelf is attached a "truck" which holds the monitor, allowing
  for the monitor to slide from side to side, tilt, or swivel.  A "swing-arm"
  version of the monitor truck is available as well; this allows the monitor to
  be repositioned more freely.  The frame can be fitted with a work surface
  (to which a keyboard holder can be attached) or with a digitizer support
  frame.  Keyboard trays are also available to fit directly to the monitor
  suspension truck.  No undertable storage is provided, although there is a
  CPU caddy which attaches to the side of the unit.  Side tables, pencil boxes,
  and print holders are also available.  Frame prices run from $160 (for a
  wall mount unit) to $300 for a freestanding unit.  Shelves run $250;
  monitor suspension from $200 to $425, and legs from $78 to $800.  Keyboard
  trays can run as high as $300, and CPU holders from $100 to $250.

  Known supplier:
  Ergotron
  3450 Yankee Drive, Ste. 100
  Eagan, MN 55121
  1-800-888-8458


4) Hon computer furniture (66000 series)

  This is essentially a set of tables which match one another.  Under table
  storage is limited to a center pencil drawer or a center keyboard drawer,
  either of which can be mounted to the task desk (which has no keyboard
  shelf).  Cable management is provided.  The keyboard shelf is a cutout/
  dropdown; it's not clear if it is adjustable.  My guess is not.  The
  following table types are available:

  Table with center keyboard shelf (30 deep by 36 or 48 wide)
  Table with right or left keyboard shelf (30 deep by 60 wide)
  Task desk (30 by 60)
  Printer Stand (36w x 30d x 26.5h) with paper feed slot.
  Return (42w x 20d x 26.5h) freestanding.

  Cost is from $300 for the Typing Return to $500 for the table with keyboard
  shelf.

  Known supplier:

  Husk office furniture and supplies
  327 W Clark
  PO Box 886
  Pasco, WA 99301
  547-7593


5) Image Setter Workstation

  This is a pretty complete modular workstation.  It includes tables
  with and without keyboard cutouts, tilting tables, tilting light
  tables, corner units, keyboard trays, CPU racks, mobile files,
  drawers, and overhead storage.  They also have connector parts
  that allow two tables to be connected together in a corner
  to form a corner workstation.

  Known supplier:

  Foster Manufacturing Company
  414 North 13th Street
  Philadelphia, PA 19108-1001
  1-800-523-4855
  Fax: 1-215-625-0196


6) Mayline/Hamilton

  There are two lines of furniture from Mayline/Hamilton:
  The Creativity Corner line is similar to the Communicore cad system.  The
  table height for this system is not listed in my catalog.  There is a corner
  unit with under table storage and a "reference desk" with under table storage.
  The adjustable table seems to be adjustable for height, and it looks as if
  the reference desk top can be tilted.  The adjustable table has no under
  table storage.  There are drawer (pencil and storage) and shelf (hutch)
  accessories for the reference table and a corner shelf (for the monitor -
  yuck) for the corner unit.  Costs run from $256 for a 36w x 30d reference
  desk to $512 for the tilt top adjustable table.  Hutches are about $200, 
  corner shelf $118, two drawer unit $215, keyboard/pencil drawer $91.
  A basic setup (Adjustable table, reference table, and corner unit) would
  run $1150; with pencil drawer, storage drawer and hutch it would run $1650.

  The CADCorner units from Mayline Hamilton are similar to the creativity
  corner units.  All units are 29 inches high (too high!!), but they come in
  both 30 inch and 36 inch depths.  No under table shelf space is provided,
  but a two drawer storage unit can be got for $336.  Rather than a full
  hutch, a bookshelf is available (8h x 12d).  A 20 inch wide keyboard
  drawer is available (where am I to put my mouse?), as is a two drawer
  storage unit.  Prices range from $400 for a basic 36w x 30d x 29h desk
  to $760 for the 36d corner unit.  A setup with the 36d corner unit,
  a 36w desk, a 60w desk, a bookshelf, a two drawer storage unit and
  a keyboard drawer runs about $2200.

  Known supplier:

  ComputerVision
  400 Horsham Road
  Horsham, PA 19044
  1-800-786-2231


7) Tiffany Office Furniture

  This is a line of stands and carts; there is a basic workstation cart (mobile
  bilevel table) for about $450 and a more elaborate but smaller cart (less
  available workspace for $400.  The smaller cart has space under it for a
  printer.  The stands consist of towers on pedestals with casters;  The monitor
  sits on a stand atop the tower, the keyboard on a tray clamped to the tower
  and the cpu unit on a bracket at the base.

  Tiffany also makes a line of terminal stands; these are simply small tables
  on pedestals with casters.  Prices range from $200 for a simple table to
  $320 for a very adjustable table.  Larger units are available too.

  The smaller cart may work for what I need if the keyboard tray will adjust
  out from the table far enough; the keyboard tray is a little too narrow
  for my keyboard and mouse together (stupid optical mice!  The only thing
  worse is a mechanical mouse; think I'll get a trackball).  There is no
  workspace on this thing, but I could put it right next to a table.

  Known supplier:

  Husk office furniture and supplies
  327 W Clark
  PO Box 886
  Pasco, WA 99301
  547-7593


8) Ultra View, Ultra View Plus, and Ergo Pro workstations

  In overall appearance, these units are similar to many "particle board
  covered with vinyl veneer" type computer workstations.  However, these
  have the computer monitor on a recessed tilted shelf, so the monitor is
  angled up toward the operator.  Unfortunately, they'll only handle
  monitors as large as 14"h 24"w 21"d.

  Known suppliers:

  MISCO
  One Misco Plaza
  Holmdel, NJ 07733
  1-800-876-4726
  Fax: 1-908-264-5955

  Global Computer Supplies
  2318 East Del Amo Blvd.
  Dept 51
  Compton, CA 90220
  1-800-8global
  1-800-845-6225


9) VariTask Workcenter

  This is a fully adjustable two surface workstation.  The keyboard surface is
  24d x 48w or 30d x 48w; the monitor surface is 18d x 48w.  The two surfaces
  can be tilted and elevated independently; adjustment range is 27.5 to 42.5h
  for the monitor table and 26h to 41h for the keyboard surface.  Price runs
  from $2915 to $4052, depending on which of the lift and tilt operations
  are manual vs electrical and depending on table size.

  Known supplier:

  ComputerVision
  400 Horsham Road
  Horsham, PA 19044
  1-800-786-2231


10) WorkManager System

  This is a line of tables, corner units, dividers and accessories which can
  be configured in a number of different ways - corner units, clustered
  workstations, lab workstations, etc.  They have a clean, futuristic look
  to them that I like; others may not.  No undertable storage is provided
  except on the printer stand; roll-under type storage units and undertable
  brackets for CPU's are available.  No table heights are given in my
  descriptions.  There are corner units with keyboard shelves (where am I
  supposed to put my mouse?), tables 34, 48, and 60 inches wide, a tilt top
  table, printer stand, and laser printer stand with supplies storage.  Prices
  run about $300 to $350 per desk or corner unit; printer stand is $200,
  underdesk file cabinet is $200.

  Known supplier:

  ComputerVision
  400 Horsham Road
  Horsham, PA 19044
  1-800-786-2231

  MISCO
  One Misco Plaza
  Holmdel, NJ 07733
  1-800-876-4726
  Fax: 1-908-264-5955


Suppliers in this FAQ and the products they carry
-------------------------------------------------

1) Husk office furniture and supplies

  327 W Clark
  PO Box 886
  Pasco, WA 99301
  547-7593

  Carries the Bretford, Hon and Tiffany lines of furniture


2) ComputerVision

  400 Horsham Road
  Horsham, PA 19044
  1-800-786-2231

  ComputerVision carries the following furniture: Communicore CAD system;
  CADCorner units from Mayline Hamilton; VariTask Workcenter; WorkManager
  System;

  ComputerVision also markets a line of carts of varying descriptions; some
  are basically traditional raised monitor computer carts, but one has the
  monitor dropped down inside the cart and tilted toward the user.  This cart
  has a wing for the mouse pad and under table CPU storage.  Runs about $300.

  Other accessories are available from ComputerVision as well, such as an
  adjustable monitor stand (swingarm), tilt swivel base for the monitor, and
  copy holders.


3) Ergotron

  3450 Yankee Drive, Ste. 100
  Eagan, MN 55121
  1-800-888-8458

  Ergotron is a direct marketer of their own rack style computer furniture.



4) MISCO

  One Misco Plaza
  Holmdel, NJ 07733
  1-800-876-4726
  Fax: 1-908-264-5955

  MISCO carries a wide variety of computer supplies as well as printer stands,
  mobile workstations, secure workstations, ergonomic workstations, chairs,
  modular workstations and the Work Manager system from MicroComputer Accessories.
  Among the chairs the MISCO has are a nice looking adjustable "posture chair."
  I always called this type of chair a "back chair."  It has no back, and supports
  the user at the knee and buttocks in a "tilted forward" position.


5) Global Computer Supplies

  2318 East Del Amo Blvd.
  Dept 51
  Compton, CA 90220
  1-800-8global
  1-800-845-6225

  Global is another supplier of just about any computer related supply you can think
  of.  They have the same "posture chair" that MISCO carries, as well as a full
  line of "regular" chairs and computer furniture.  The computer furniture
  includes the Work Manager, Ultra View and similar Comfort-Ease units, SnapEase
  PC Workcenter, PC Perma Cart, and a host of other computer stands, racks and
  furniture.  They also have some furniture which somewhat resembles traditional
  office furniture, including the "Classic View" desk, which has a glass work
  surface with the computer monitor located underneath and tilted up at an
  angle.  Global also has a separate catalog of "Business Furniture."  This
  includes such items as button tufted wing back leather chairs and couches for
  your waiting area; executive tilt/swivel chairs; wood desks, bookshelves and
  other furniture; file cabinets (including fire resistant); carts; mail room
  organizers and so on.



6) Foster Manufacturing Company

  414 North 13th Street
  Philedelphia, PA 19108-1001
  1-800-523-4855
  Fax: 1-215-625-0196

  Foster concentrates on the Engineering Market, with files for engineering
  drawings and medical records, layout light tables, drafting chairs,
  and paper cutters.  They also carry the Image Setter modular workstation.
-- 
Dan Wallach                "One of the most attractive features of a Connection
dwallach@cs.princeton.edu  Machine is the array of blinking lights on the faces
Phone#: 609-683-4673       of its cabinet." -- CM Paris Ref. Manual, v6.0, p48.

(Home page) http://www.cs.princeton.edu/grad/dwallach/     (finger for PGP key)

