For your wrist, Google “mouse pad wrist rest” instead. Tons of hits, including a plain blue one from Amazon.

I’d have to disagree with the “Wrist rest” mouse pad, I used one of those at home and it felt horrible like it was cutting the circulation off to my wrist and I couldn’t move around as freely as I’d like to.

At work I use a Wacom Intuos 3 pen tablet, which I’d definitely recommend more than using a mouse for graphic/web design its much more comfortable and natural.

Specially for airbrushing if you do that a fair amount.

Nice article Skellie. It´s true, LCD´s are “live changers” for those of us who have used CRT for years; and those 22″ monsters that left a little -very little- space for keyboard and a tiny one (below the CRT) for the mouse…LOL

Fortunatelly I´ve got all of the listed items, but can´t use the whiteboard, mine is a 2 meter wide one cluttered in my closet because I dont have space in my actual studio wall for it.

Just wanted to point out that wireless/optical aren’t related. There are wired and wireless mice that are optical. I think maybe you’re thinking of laser vs optical. And then you’d be right, the difference for web browsing and editing code are nil.

Wireless on the other hand is an absolute must have. Your mouse moves so much I can’t see myself ever being comfortable with a wired mouse ever again. I have a VX Revolution that I take with me almost anywhere I go so I don’t have to use someone else’s crappy (and probably dirty :)) mouse.

Cheers.

Great article. Looking at the mess on my desk, i think i’m all set up, except for the filing cabinet !
For wristpads, i’ve never tried these, but they look nice: http://www.pukme.com/

I had a dual monitor setup - worked great - then I bought a 30″ display - even better. My recommendation: ditch the mouse and use a trackball - it’s much, much easier on the wrists…

Ah, I love not feeling guilty when I go nutty at Staples. Question - as a writer and not a designer, is dual screens worth it?

I lived with a bad chair for so long! Contracting at different companies I got to try all the fancy ones out there and (for me) the SteelCase Leap chair is the best. Scored one on CL for under $200. OK it isn’t the most attractive color green, and the arms are a bit scratched, but it is some of the best money I’ve ever spent.

That bony lump on your wrist is probably a ganglion cyst.

For a white board you can pick up 4×8 sheets of masonite board with a glossy white surface on one side. Just screw it to the wall Probably the same showerbaord stuff Andy, above, mentioned.

I’m against the wireless mouse though. I used to use one but I found that with the amount of use it gets the batteries konk out more often than I would like, AND, more importantly, tend to die at the most inopportune times, causing much frustration and anger. I literally tossed my wireless mouse out the window and had a big grin on my face as I saw it laying in pieces on the sidewalk below. I then ran to the nearest computer store and picked up a cheap, wired, and yes, optical, mouse. Happy again.

My keyboard is wireless. Batteries last much much longer so it’s safe from the fate of my mouse.

Mouse pad? I cant see it. I have one of those corner unit type desks but sit in it sideways so my entire mouse side arm, from elbow to wrist, rests on the desktop beside me. I also wear a hefty metal watch on the mousey hand. The thick band props my wrist up just the right amount. Only noticed that now while replying to this post.

Dual Monitors. An absolute must! I want a 3rd even.

Great suggestions everyone — thanks!

I second the wacom tablet, but go for a small one, that way you’re not moving your hand enormous amounts to get the cursor across the other side of the screen. Also I recommend three monitors. 1 for mail, 1 for programming/design the other for the browser. may not be all that eco friendly but it is much easier.

#9 Logitech Trackman Wheel (Wireless)

I found this:
http://www.ht.com.au/N/0/keyword/Trackman/part/C3688-Logitech-Trackman-Wheel-Trackball-optical-4-buttons-wired-PS2-USB/detail.hts

however VERY MUCH prefer the wireless version. The entire trackpad is your thumb so there is no strain on your wrist or elbow to move around with. So far I’ve been a full-time webmaster for almost 3 years now and RSI isn’t even on the cards. Accordingly it’s less effort to move around as you can “flick” the ball to go from one side of the screen to another. Also really good for online gaming

Jesse

If you sit in a proper posture according to proper Office Health and Safety standards, you do not really need to use a wrist rest. And, yes, personally I have used those things and they tend to cut blood flow to your wrist, causing numbness and eventually pain.

For wireless mice, get those with charging docks. Logitech has good ones. My MX1000 lasts for many hours before needing a recharge. If possible, go for laser mice as opposed to optical. They have better and more sensitive sensors, and can still work on reflective surfaces so you can do without a mouse pad. They might be more expensive, but I feel the quality is worth it.

If you use a laptop and want to elevate it with a stand, I suggest you use a hardcover ring binder. Way cheaper, and gets the job done. The angle makes it comfortable for your wrists, and the elevation is good for your neck Just face the metal bits downwards to avoid scratching the laptop, and use bluetack or rubber strips to prevent sliding.

I bought a nice little plant that sits on the desk that i can look at in times of tiredness…

Ban the wireless mouse!
I have never come across one that wasn’t too heavy. I prefer a light and very accurate mouse above a wireless tank.

Two monitors is definitely the way to go, I used to have two 21″ CRTs when I worked in London, definitely helps get work done quicker… in fact I’ve just clicked the buy button on amazon for a second monitor. So soon I will have two 22″ wide screen tfts in front of me. Just need to rearrange the desk to fit it all on.

The wrist rest and comfy chair are also good to get. Back problems and wrist problems are not going to be nice, so do what you can to prevent it from the off set.

I’d try the Swopper stool. I got it about a year ago and L-O-V-E it!

Very usefull thanx.

I stick with #12 and keep dreaming about #1 and #2

I can vow for two great chairs, both semi-pricey, but well worth their use in gold:

SteelCase Think 3d Knit Chair

http://store.steelcase.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=46543100K

Herman Miller Mirra Chair

http://www.hermanmiller.com/CDA/SSA/Product/1,1592,a10-c440-p205,00.html

I use the Mirra daily in my home office and my wife has the SteelCase. Figure you will be sitting at your desk for many hours in a day, a week, and a year. These two investments are probably better than most other office needs. I was skeptical at first(especially at the price compared to office depots products), but after using these for about a year now, I have no complaints what so ever and my back and bottom are in good shape.

If anyone knows an interior designer, they may be able to get very nice discounts on these chairs (especially the steelcase). These things will last for years too.

B

As far as mice go…I wouldn’t recommend the wrist rest either….I’ve had extensive carpel tunnel surgery (and still have carpel tunnel in both hands) and I’m finding what works best for me, is a mouse that puts the pressure on the side of your hand and not the wrist area.

Ergonomic Mouse

I also use a “broken” keyboard at home *ergonomic* and it only took me a few days to get used to using. My hand strain has reduced dramatically.
Ergonomic Keyboard

I’ll put in a recommendation for a RollerMouse: http://www.contourdesign.com/rollermouse/

I had trouble with my upper back from always having my right hand over to the side, where the mouse lived. Now both my hands stay over the keyboard, with all the mousing functions right below the keys.

It’s a little tricky to draw with the rollerbar, however, so I might add a cheap Wacom. (I’m a writer so don’t do much drawing.)

A must have which hasn’t been brought up: a quality gimp. you can’t appreciate this enough when you need a good break.

Dual screen - I have been using this for years now and cannot stress HOW important and productivity increase it has brought!

Problem is now, upgrading from two 19″ to two 24″ - im not sure if I can even do it with my graphics card. Anyone here using dual 24″?

Dear Skellie

Actually i was thinking of upgrading my 17″ TFT to a 24″ TFT as i work long hours in programming….your article has come up at the right time…Thanks so much for taking time to write this wonderful post…i must take time to modify my office by following your valuable points…Thanks again!!

Regards
Azeem

I use a hackey sack for wrist support. It’s worked wonders for the last several years. I have one made of a cloth material so it slides on the desk as I move my arm around while using the mouse.

I can’t imagine a graphic designer who works with a mouse voluntarily. I don’t even own a mouse. My Intuos is all I’ll ever need and spares my hand so much pain. It pays for itself again and again in so many ways.

Ditto on the big moniter. I use my own computer at my PT design job, so I use a laptop instead of a desktop PC in favor of mobility, and when I bought a new one recently I treated myself to 17″ screen, glossy. It makes a HUGE difference from my 15″ screen from my old Dell Inspiron.

@verevi: I had a Herman Miller Aeron chair at the last office I worked. I could sit in that thing for hours and not be sore. When I work, I tend to sit in the same position for hours without realizing it, and having a bad back, that’s not a good idea. So the first thing I bought when I went out on my own was the exact same chair. I bought it on ebay, so the $1000-chair only cost me about $400, with shipping. If you have the dough, check it out, but make sure to get the lumbar support.

The dual monitors is a must for me. For more than 3 year I use 2 monitors in the same time. I do a lot of work with restyling documents and creating all sort of brochures. On one monitor I have the specifications or how the customers sees his brochure in Word, and on the other I actually do my work. On my secondary display also rests the tools in Photoshop (for example). In the same time the main display is calibrated for print and the secondary for web. It is good to see how your colors would look like after the poster you’re working on is actually printed.

I intend to get a whiteboard. Besides my graphic design I also do my PhD in computer science. So, I have a lot of projects in progress. For sure it will help me keep tract of all I have to do.

The chair is a must. If I could work with just one monitor, I could not work with a decent arm-chair.

I installed a sound system for some time now. It really help me relax, and also concentrate when my mind is flying away.

Now I work from home. Until now I worked in an office building. So, air conditioning was jut there. I do not know what I’ll do in the summer. Please help me with ideas. I stay with rent so I do not know how wise is to get a air conditioning unit. I was thinking for a portable one, but here in Romania it’s a small chance I could find one.

Good. It really doesn’t take much after all! As to printers: I’ve gone through a lot of ink-jet printers and even more cartridges until (wonder of wonders) I got a HP LaserJet 1020 that must have paid for itself several times over. I have a whiteboard as well - for the ’second monitor’an old Toshiba Satellite networked to this desktop is doing that: and I can test with separate browsers (the working one is Firefox, and can think of no reason for any other, IE stink methinks). The CRT went out long ago. Thumb drives! What a wonder - and at their price, several: One for ongoing work, on for filing, one for downloads.

To add, from ideas here - I like the tablet and pen idea, mouses (mice!) are so inaccurate for tracking dome small stuff. The sound system: I share the office with my wife, and so though I have one it’s usully off so I think I’d like better headphones (there is a new tech thing coming up: sound gets”focused’ to a single area). Great post - thank you freelance and other posters.

Q

I’d like to add the following items to the list:

1. A telephone with good sound quality. Even in these days of the Internet, I find that I still need to make phone calls. And, since more than a few of my calls are to clients and those-who-might-become-clients, being able to hear them is a must.

2. A headset. If you’re making a lot of calls, this device will save a lot of wear and tear on your ears.

Feel free to add your brand recommendations for the above!

Search Amazon for “gel mouse pad” and you’ll find plenty. I like the Belkin ones with the cloth surface, but Fellowes makes a nice one with a plastic surface that you should be able to find. You can also get just the wrist rest if you already have a flat mouspad that you like.

Good advice on monitors. Always remember: Bigger, Better, and More. Having room to see everything at once makes it so much easier to maintain focus when you have to switch between applications.

Oooh, I hadn’t thought of the chalkboard paint thing. That would be really cool! Something to do in my eventual home office (right now I’m using a corner of my apartment, but I’m moving to a bigger place in two months).

Oh yeah - Herman Miller Mirra is absolutely wonderful.

As for a mouse - the latest MS mouse has been a Godsend: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=086 Look at the picture in the header to see how it actually works - it feels great and is very comfortable.

No need for a mouse pad with it.

I already have 1, 2, 3, 7, 8. An additional monitor and a thumb drive are SOOO useful. Even an old smaller monitor for your toolbox is great.

Of course, nr 12 is essential

I got an excellent mouse pad with a gel wrist rest from Radio Shack. Costs about $25 but well worth it!

> low-backed office chair which squeaks each time you move

SQUEEEEEAAALLLLCHHHh said my chair in protest, when I burst out laughing at this part.
Yeah, I need a new chair. BAAD!

I, personally, LOVE my gel-wrist supports for both the mouse and keyboard. I see them everywhere; mine were probably from Circuit City. The trick is not to put your WRISTS on the pads, but the “pads” at the base of your hand. Thus your wrists are raised just enough to keep quite relaxed while mousing and typing. I find I don’t really put a lot of weight on the pads at all, but they’re there to remind me not to let my wrists sag. (Note: I’m just an avid surfer and writer, and don’t do much drawing.)

I also found a trick for making the wired mouse less annoying: clip the cord of it to something secure, so the cord never droops behind the desk. Ensure there’s always plenty of slack in the business end of it so that you can move the mouse freely. Almost as freeing as wireless, plus needs no batteries!