Arthritis & Laptop

mouseymousey99

Hi, Like many folk I have arthritis, at the moment bad flare up in my hands
I use a laptop and was just wondering if anyone knows anything that helps? I am trained typist (honest - though many years ago) some say this makes things worse??If I'm in the wrong place please move me!! Many thanks in advance.

wolfehouse

a tracker ball instead of a mouse (big ball that sits on the desk and you move it with your palm) might save some bother.

they also make large key keyboards (sometimes with a shield over each key for those who have accuracy problems).

They are probably expensive items to buy when sold 'for the disabled' but there may be versions out for little kids that would do.

Down our way our local library actually has a set although I have to phone ahead for them to set it up.

Savvy_Sue

I wonder if using a laptop is inherently more difficult than using separate components? I can have my keyboard and screen where I want them, and because they're not attached I can alter the height of my screen, which means I sit up straighter.

A wrist rest for both the keyboard and your mouse mat is a definite, I'd say. But it is possible not to use a mouse if that's a real problem and a trackerball doesn't help - in Windows go to Accessibility in the Control Panel and I think you'll find keyboard shortcuts there.

Biggles

I wonder if using a laptop is inherently more difficult than using separate components? I can have my keyboard and screen where I want them, and because they're not attached I can alter the height of my screen, which means I sit up straighter.

Exactly. The keyboard is more cramped and doesn't come with a numeric keypad, the screen is smaller, there's less expansion possibilities and it's far more expensive. Plus the ergonomics, as you say.

There is only one reason for buying a laptop over a desktop and that is to carry it around with you. I no longer need to, so mine gathers dust up the corner while I use my proper pooter.

wolfehouse

how about trying a software programme like 'dragon naturally speaking' designed for people who can't use their hands at all?

they use this a lot with spinal injuried people. might be easier than fiddling about with hardware.

Edinburghlass_2

You can also plug in a normal keyboard to a laptop along with a normal size mouse although I prefer my little laptop mouse and use one on the pc as well.

As a touch typist I found a laptop very difficult to use to begin with but I persevered.

Savvy_Sue

Biggles wrote:

There is only one reason for buying a laptop over a desktop and that is to carry it around with you. I no longer need to, so mine gathers dust up the corner while I use my proper pooter.

Well no, the other reason is if you don't have a permanent space available and want to move it out of the way regularly. Of course for MSE addicts this is unthinkable ... :rotfl:

Edinburghlass wrote:

You can also plug in a normal keyboard to a laptop along with a normal size mouse although I prefer my little laptop mouse and use one on the pc as well.

You can plug a normal screen in as well, although by the time you've plugged in a better monitor, keyboard and mouse, you might as well take Biggles' advice! :rotfl:

Biggles

Well no, the other reason is if you don't have a permanent space available and want to move it out of the way regularly.

Well, no, actually desktops take up less space than laptops. How is this?

Well, your main 'box' lives out of the way, under your desk for example, and your keyboard and flat screen are then much flexible than a laptop; let's face it, the only bits you actually need right in front of you are the keyboard and mouse, the screen can be moved to wherever's most suitable at the time. Then they can be tucked right to the back easily when space is needed (without disconnecting every time).

Obviously, if you mean you might want it in the lounge one day and need to put it in the dining room the next day, then I bow to your needs. But that in itself begs questions like 'what about the printer?' etc etc.

Savvy_Sue

Biggles wrote:

Well, no, actually desktops take up less space than laptops. How is this?

Well, your main 'box' lives out of the way, under your desk for example, and your keyboard and flat screen are then much flexible than a laptop; let's face it, the only bits you actually need right in front of you are the keyboard and mouse, the screen can be moved to wherever's most suitable at the time. Then they can be tucked right to the back easily when space is needed (without disconnecting every time).

For some reason, I have never had a desktop box that lived anywhere other than on the desk! If you want one to 'tuck away' you need to buy the right kind: at work I have stood ones which were designed to be horizontal in a vertical position, on the floor, but getting CDs in and out of the drive can then be 'interesting' ... And as for accessing the leads at the back! :rotfl:

Biggles wrote:

Obviously, if you mean you might want it in the lounge one day and need to put it in the dining room the next day, then I bow to your needs. But that in itself begs questions like 'what about the printer?' etc etc.

Of course, not everyone HAS a printer. But that is a valid point. If you do have room to keep a computer in one place, I'd definitely NOT get a laptop.

But laptops are very useful for taking on holiday to play DVDs - not at ALL useful when DH wants to take them on holiday in order to work! :mad:

mouseymousey99

laptops are also great for folk who live in teeny weeny houses:j and
who spend a lot of time in bed......

descartesmum

I have arthritis too and found that a laptop is better for me than the normal PC. Since I don't have a mouse to worry about my hand doesn't turn into a claw after a bit.

I have a Medion.