Can we talk about headphones/keyboards/chairs
Posted By: SDGal on 2007-10-13
In Reply to:
and other ergonomic products that help you all do your job more productively and comfortably?
I still use the basic headset MQ supplies; however, I'm wondering if there is something better, not too expensive, that produces a bit better sound and a bit more comfort. I'm thinking it might help out with some of the not-so-great sounding dictation and/or ESL dictators. What type of headset do you use and why?
What keyboards do you all use and how do you like them? I have a Microsoft Natural Ergo and I use a slight reverse tilt. I find that angle feels a bit better on the wrists.
Does anyone have one of those desks that you can raise/lower? Sometimes the ol' bum goes to sleep and I'm thinking standing up at times would help.
What about foot pedals/foot rests? I actually have 2 foot pedals so I can switch legs quick w/o reaching down and dragging the foot pedal back and forth.
Thanks for any and all of your opinions!
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Anyone know what OEM means? Looking at keyboards to buy & there are some MS 4000 keyboards advertise
anyone have a clue?
These keyboards are designed after the original IBM keyboards that
have the "clicky, audible sound" when pressing the keys - not the hushed, soft, nonexistent touch & feel of the newer keyboards.
Think it depends on what you've learned on & "typed" on as to your preference regarding touch, sound feedback, etc.
When my original IBM keyboard was going on the blitz(1995),I searched far & wide for a company to repair such and/or replace it. This company has repaired such - several times. This company does offer clones of the original IBM that are very comparable to the original. They also have other keyboards available made by their company, but I have no personal knowledge as to their touch, etc.
As a side note, this company will repair most model keyboards for a very nomimal fee if you have a favorite you don't want to part with - ask for Jim Owens - he's a doll-babe !!
I know this company makes several of their own keyboards, but what I believe mdlfcrs is referring to is not known to the newer transcriptionists. In other words, the keyboard she/he and I are talking about is not ergonomic, soft-touch or mushy feeling. It goes back to the days of the typewriter - you heard it, you felt the keys - a totally different feeling compared to most "computer keyboards" -
Chairs!
Need opinions on Steelcase Leap Chair. Please. Thank you.
Chairs
Hello,
I would not reccomend sitting on a ball for the whole day. I know there has been a lot of hype around using exercise balls as seating but it actually causes stress on your back rather then creating "good posture". Also, it is not natural for the back to be in constant "good posture". The besy posture is to constantly re-position to create movement and comfort in the spinal cord.
Yes the Aeron chair is expensive but a great chair. I work at Herman Miller so I'm lucky enough to sit in one all day. You can get a base Aeron for around $600CAD. Not everyone needs all of the add on features which brings up the price.
I'm not a big fan of the foam and fabric chairs because they tend to trap dust, dirty easily and can smell over time. I also don't like that foam and fabric chairs don't breathe.
If any of you are looking for an Aeron or any other herman miller product, feel free to e-mail me and I can quote it out for you. shannon_fitzpatrick@hermanmiller.com
Take care,
Shannon
Eewwww... you don't talk like an MT, you talk like mangement. Ick. (n/m)
:p
Mesh chairs??
Was wondering about the new mesh chairs, has anyone tried one? Pillow doesn't help, have tried that. I've got some serious saddle sores from sitting all day.
Mesh chairs
Herman Miller Aeron Chair, wouldn't work without it, changed my working comfort completely, no sore butt and no back pain.
Comfortable Chairs?
Anyone have any ideas for comfortable chairs, affordable comfortable chairs? I've been looking for a good chair and can't seem to find one.
Suggestions for chairs?? sm
I'm trying to find a chair that is comfortable all day (and sometimes part of the night) long. I know some of you here have had the same problem. Suggestions, please???
Thanks!
Most comfortable chairs.
Okay. So, I have gone through two chairs trying to find a truly comfortable one and I am just not having any luck. I believe because I am constantly trying to adjust myself to get comfortable in my chair, it affects my productivity. My rear end starts to hurt and my tailbone will get sore when I shift. I am just so tired for the search for a comfy chair. So, would you all mind sharing with me a fairly economical comfortable chair preference?
Thank you so much,
Balls instead of chairs - Hahaha
Just thought I'd pass this along in case anyone is tired of sitting in the same old chair everyday while they work. I've seen this "tip" before but never bothered to try it until recently.
I purchased one of those large inflatable exercise balls and use it instead of a chair. It's a very refreshing change. I did have to learn to balance a bit because in a chair you can move around, even when you're not aware of it, and the chair is stable but the ball isn't. It also helps me keep better posture, is easier on the low back/sacrum, and I think it is helping my abdomen because you are working your abdominals and legs while sitting there.
Anyway, it was worth a try for me. I may not use it all the time but it is a great change.
Base for the ball chairs
I actually bought my exercise ball/chair through ebay and it came with a base which has a small back support as well as wheels. It works out great.
Herman Miller chairs
Thanks for your advice. Both replies to my email suggested this chair, and one of my neighbors did, as well. I guess I'll have to see if the neighbor will let me come over and sit in it for a while, so I can be sure. I can't afford ANY chair right now (now 'til my production improves, as all my accounts are new to me right now), but I figured in the meantime I'd start shopping around so I'd know what I want someday when I DO have some money.
great comfy chairs
Hi! There are office chairs by Herman Miller that offer great comfortable chairs designed for people that sit most of the day. They are expensive starting from $500 and up. I got the middle of the line and I have to tell you that I don't mind sitting now and worth every penny. I still take my breaks but this chair is like heaven. they flex with the movement of the person. you can also go to cns.com for a full description and ordering. you would not regret it!
Back pain and chairs.
Go for the pillows. I tried to splurge a while ago and get a new chair, took it back and got a new pillow. I use a thin pillow for my bottom and a nice orthopedic pillow for my back. I'm tempted to try the keyboard on my lap like I've seen suggested here but my husband just brought me a new keyboard tray from a teardown job he was doing that sells for almost 200.00. I think he'd be hurt if I didn't try it.
I get to take 2 Herman Miller chairs to try!
No one in my neck of the woods sells these things, except for a place 200+ miles away. This business supply place, however, regularly makes trips out my way to set up office furniture and said they have demo chairs they would be happy to let me test out for 2 weeks at no charge! So, I have an Aeron and Mirra Chair here in my little office and I'll be putting in a full week's work on each one! So, if you have wanted to try one of these chairs but not pay for it before making a decision, I HIGHLY recommend just asking if you can test drive a demo one for a week or two. I honesly had no idea they did such a thing so I just thought I'd share the fact that it is possible!
3 office chairs in a year??? What are you doing? Aerobics in them??
/
Aeron, Mira, Celle Chairs - Anyone Have One? (sm)
Does anyone use an Aeron, Celle, or Mira chair by Herman Miller and are they worth the price? Many thanks for any info.
Office Depot has chairs on display U can try before you buy. sm
Got mine there over 5 years ago, fully adjustable, I think it was $129, still good.
Know of any good chairs for back pain?
I have been using a $20 task chair from Wal-Mart for the past three years, I am sitting her now six months pregnant about ready to die from upper and lower back pain. Anyone have suggestions for a good quality chair they like, right now money is not an option, I would pay big $$$ for just a little relief.
Herman Miller Aeron Chairs
As a side note, for the tailbone pain, I bought a coccyx cushion and I don't have the pain whatsoever anymore. It's wonderful.
mesh chairs.....you need to email or find Hayseed.
She test sat 2 chairs from Herman Miller in the last couple of weeks or so. she would be the one who could give you the skinny on them.
I've owned cheaper chairs and learned the hard way.
The old saying that you get what you pay for is true when it comes to these cheap chairs! My back always hurt and I was having to buy a new chair at least yearly. You do the math; I've already had the $1000 chair five years and I quit having the backaches five years ago. This chair is no where close to wearing out and will last me at least another five years, probably more. So, if you think that spending $200 every year on a cheap chair is worth it, you go right ahead; I didn't hear anything but thanks for the OP for my suggestion.
After years of sitting in "cheap" chairs, I bought an Aeron chair and it was worth it!!
.
keyboards
I am constantaly having trouble with the letters being worn off -- have been through 4 keyboards in the past two years -- any suggestions, though I know where the keys are, it looks funny when they are blank.
Thanks.
Patti
keyboards
Jen, did you call about the keyboards? Anything I found said that Cirque is no longer in business, and when I went to the other site, found only the pads, not the keyboards. The original looks wonderful. If you find where it can be purchased, let us know.
Keyboards
Once upon a time, I used one of those split keyboards. Considering buying one again. Does anyone use one? How does it compare over the longterm?
Keyboards
It didn't take any time at all to get used to the GoldTouch in the tented position. I bought mine off of ebay and am keeping my eyes open for another one, cheap, to have as a back-up.
I have a COuntoured keyboard that I bought off Ebay. I have had it for a month or 2 but just havent had the time to work with it. It seems kind of complicated to get set up. The Goldtouch, I plugged into a USB port and off I went.
I have seen and bid on all kinds of keyboards. They even have one handed one that resemble the top of a job stick. One hand does it all. And there are ones called Bats (I think) that are everything done by one hand. I am trying to buy one of those kinda cheap.
ALso, I have tried Dragon Naturally Speaking but the time to train it took too long. It was quicker to type.
Keyboards
I have no idea when I will be trying that out but can let you know. If I lose your email I will post that I have tried it. It looks to me like it is going to be like when you spell something out on the telephone. So many clicks per number to get a certain letter.
I have never had trouble buying anything off ebay. I have seen new and used keyboards. Mine have all been used but I always check the stats on the seller to see that history. Also pay with PayPal so would have that as a recouse also if had problems. And of course, I save all correspondence, etc, not just for ebay but any kind of cyber transcactions.
Keyboards
Hi Anna, check out this website. http://office-ergo.com/12things2.htm I searched for Ergonomics on google, and came up with a ton of sites. Hope this helps.
Keyboards - sm
I am a keyboard snob. I only use mechanical keyboards (which are usually older keyboards). They have the "click" that comes from the spring action making connection. My preferences are Magitronic, Keytronic, or (best) NMB. These keyboards have "sliders" that make typing a joy. The older IBM M keyboard is also mechanical action, but I find the keys rather harder to type on. I like a clicky, soft touch mechanical-action keyboard. I usually buy them on ebay - some are rather expensive, some are cheap - all are old and all are mechanical action!
keyboards
I had a Kensington keyboard that I bought I think at Comp USA, somewhere more than 3 years ago. It was not really expensive, and didn't have a split keyboard, but had slanted keys, which I thought were quite a bit easier to use and I really liked it. The letters didn't wear off, and it was working fine until I dumped a whole glass of diet orange pop on it about a month ago. A whole glass, that is, except what went all over my desk and the wall. I took it all apart, rinsed everything out, set it out in the sun to dry well, put all the little rubber dothingies back in place on each key, and have a keyboard that doesn't work anymore. Sigh. I would buy another one just like it, and hope to find one as soon as I can stop putting money in other things, like furnace repairs.
Keyboards
I have bought some of the best and the longest they last is 6 to 8 months witout starting to come off. So I buy a new keyboard about every 12 to 15 months as it also looses its bounce. Guess that comes with doing 45,000 to 50,000 lines per month but you would think that they would make them so that they last a little longer.
Keyboards
I have this problem as well and was told by Dell tech support that it is the grease on the fingers, i.e, lotion, eating while working etc that makes the letters wear off. I have gone through 6 keyboards in 2 years and now I put clear finger nail polish on the keys and this has worked thus far. You must do this prior to using the new keyboard first, as in no greasy fingers.
RE: Keyboards
I use the Microsoft Wireless Natural Multimedia Keyboard and it is wonderful. Love it. I don't use the shift key on the right either apparently.
Keyboards - sm
I have tried all three, and always go back to the Maxium. The Goldtouch was too loud and cumbersome. I could not get use to the Freestyle, but love the Maxium. If you decide on one, and I have the Goldtouch in my computer closet I would sell you...email if interested.
KEYBOARDS
I agree about what a difference the keyboard can make!!
I looked at the split keyboards, but my hands are kind of small so I went with a WAVE keyboard.
It is made by Logitech and you can find it at Office Max and Staples. It is wireles and came in a combo with a wirless mouse for about $75. It has well paid for itself!! for me!
About trying out keyboards
About the keyboard advice previously given, when you try them out, can you tell you like them right away or do they all feel a bit awkward? I'm just wondering how to know what I'll like best when picking one out.
Thanks for your ongoing help!
Keyboards I tried out
I looked at keyboards yesterday and tried them (pretended to type) in the store. The ones they had with each hand's keys father apart (which is what I thought would be best) were big, bulky, with keys that stuck up too high and just felt awkward. The one that felt best was smaller ... more in order of a normal keyboard but curved a bit to accommodate more natural hand position.
Do you think this is an accurate assessment of what would work best for me, or would one get more used to the other type? Are there split keyboards that don't seem so bulky and awkward from the start?
Thanks. I really want a new keyboard, but I'm afraid I'll buy something I regret. Just not sure how to tell what's best.
keyboards
I've been an MT for over 20 years and my shoulders and arms are feeling starting to feel it. I've been using a MS ergo keyboard for years now, but would like to invest is a super good keyboard. Anyone have one you particularly like? Anyone try one of those keyboards where you type sideways? TIA
keyboards
I have narrowed my selection of new keyboards down to the Microoft Natural Wireless 7000 and the Logitech cordless. I need speed and comfort. I will test drive each but until I do does anyone have any comments on either of these keyboards? TIA
i own like 5 keyboards
--for some reason, I don't know! I only use one for work. I must be a pack rat. I don't know about the locked keys, my idea was that one key was stuck, but she said the number keys work. I don't know whats up with that unless you have another keyboard hooked up with something pressing down on those keys.
Hayseed - What's the latest on the Mira and Aeron chairs? Did you get to try out the Aeron chair
The butterfly type back support? Can't remember the exact name for it. Do you think the chairs are worth the money? Thanks.
Ergonomics/keyboards
I started using a split keyboard years ago. I love them. The first one I had was PC Concepts, I believe. When I finally wore that one out and went to get another, I couldn't find that brand. I got Microsoft's keyboard next. It's okay, although the #6 key is on the left, which I found to be true of all the split keyboards. My PC Concepts KB had the #6 on the right, which made more sense to me. I was never able to adjust to this, so I constructed a "bridge" for the #6 key. I have never been able to find a split keyboard with the #6 on the right. Does anyone know of one?
Also, I use my mouse too much and I'm starting to get pains. Yea!! So, I'm wondering, does anyone use a split keyboard with a built-in mousepad-thingy on the bottom of the keyboard? I was thinking about trying one of these next, but I hate to spend the $ w/o getting some opinions first. If you use one, what brand; do you like it; does it really work; any suggestions?
Thanks!!
ergonomic keyboards
Not only is it impossible to use, the salesperson was rude and difficult when I called for return instructions. Also, there was a money back guarantee on the website, but in small print "if refurbished, we cannot refund your money." And guess what, you don't know its refurbished until it arrives on your doorstep!! Needless to say, 350 bucks flushed down the toilet.
I recently ordered the "ergoflex" keyboard, and was wondering if anyone has tried this? It lets you rest each arm as far away as possible, which is what I need. I've been typing on two keyboards, one for the left, one for the right, and it just takes up too much space. I'm hoping this will help. To the poster below about keyboard testimonials, these could probably be secured to the end of your arm rests, and also on the web site they have separate arm rests that look real comfy you can adjust to your table top.
http://www.ergonomicresource.com/ergoflex.html
This does not work on all keyboards, someone tried it and
x
goldtouch keyboards anyone?
I did a search but came up empty handed, which I do not understand as I recall seeing Goldtouch mentioned before.
Are people generally happy with this keyboard?
Where can I get one of the split keyboards
I would love to have one, but the only ones I've seen are very expensive.
alternative keyboards
Is anybody using an alternative keyboard? I have seen some pretty nifty designs and wonder which one has the most sensitive touch. Any users of the kinesis contoured keyboard?? Please give your comments, as I am currently shopping...
How do you all clean your keyboards? SM
I eat and drink at my desk, as I'm sure most of us do. And of course, crumbs fall, drinks drip, and there's the dust. I was just wondering what everybody else uses to clean their keyboards. I have tried canned air to blow out the crumbs and then use alcohol on the surface and stick Q-Tips down in all the crevices and between the keys. Just wondered if there was some miracle solution that would make it easier and less time consuming?
Thanks to all who responded. I will look into these keyboards. nm
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