Ergo keyboards do take some getting used to but I have never (touch wood) had an RSI problem yet.

I, too, have been searching for a writing slope for when I'm working on hard copy. My dad had something like that but when he moved in with hubby and I it was one of the things that got dumped (grr) – he'd made it himself and I think I'll have to do the same.

I did create something temporary though when I had an ms to type up – it's half of a slim cardboard box that I cut down to fit between the keyboard and the monitor stand – it slopes enough so that I didn't end up with too sore a neck.

As for my desk – I found a reception desk at my local second-hand store so there's a shelf for my stereo, small dragon statues (as opposed to my big dragon statue), photos, lamp and a couple of Daleks, and a return that holds my printer, and when I get around to tidying the desktop there's quite a bit of space!

Oh, and I disposed of my cordless mouse a couple of weeks ago too – for the same reason, weight and batteries always running out.

So yes, my set-up is a little… idiosyncratic, but it's comfortable and it works for me, and that's what matters.

Never used an ergonomic keyboard, but I would imagine they take a lot of getting used to.

Something that I found helped with my hands are those mediation chinese(?) balls, the ones with the charms inside, that you're supposed to roll around on the palm of your hand without them touching?

Really helps 🙂

1. Get a sheet of 8' by 4' MDF
2. Work out how high you want it off the ground and cut that (less the thickness) off the end and cut those in half to be your leg panels.
3. Work out how deep you want it and cut the big panel to that width – the remainder becomes a back brace.
4. Screw the panels together (centre the leg panels front to back and about 1' from left and right and butt the back brace against the desk and legs to make two solid corners for strength), fill the screw head holes and paint the desk.

One of the best things is that you've made the desk and so can add holes for wires, screw in power strips, etc. to the desk exactly where you need them and while the desk is still in pieces.

A single small hole right of center is great for PC keyboard, mouse and iPod cables, they don't end up snaking across the desk and if the hole is just big enough for the USB connector (two 3/4" holes next to each other should be fine), the iPod cable can't disappear down it.

You can even incline the desk by cutting the leg panels an inch "taller" and then cutting a wedge off their lower edge.

I use the cheapest Dell keboard
1. Because it has no special keys and a 1/16" bezel so takes up the minimum space possible
2. My MS ergonomic keyboard keeps on getting lent out at work to colleagues with RSI.

But I have a Logitech G5 optical gaming mouse with weights and the whole shabang – corded because the batteries in wireless mice are too heavy and keep on running out.

BTW, Glenda, just got Stormload delivered from Amazon UK – it's a great novel.

I have two pieces of advice in addition to the above, learnt the hard way.
1) as soon as pain starts, get it treated. I didn't realise there was something that could be done, but there is, whether it's a physiotherapist, hand therapist, etc. Getting it early means more likelihood of getting it fixed.

2) consider investing in voice operated software, to be used to give your arms/hands/fingers a break. You don't have to use it all the time, it'll help stave off potential issues.

Thanks for the replies and links…

This is a good example of correct seating posture. http://www.iuinfo.indiana.edu/HomePages/012999/text/ergonomics.htm

Maybe a drafting table would be of some use.