5 unusual gadgets for comfortable work at the PC

1. Split keyboard

After prolonged work at the computer, you may have encountered such unpleasant sensations in the wrist as numbness, loss of sensation and even pain. These are the manifestations of a fairly common condition called carpal tunnel syndrome or tunnel syndrome. 

A keyboard that consists of two divided parts, for each hand, is a good method of preventing tunnel syndrome. The halves of the keyboard unit can be placed at a comfortable distance from each other (usually in line with the shoulders), allowing you to keep your hands in a natural position and thus reduce strain on your wrists, elbows and shoulders.

The ergonomic design of the split keyboard makes it possible to type comfortably on it regardless of the size of the user's hands, as well as to place a mouse between the parts of the gadget for additional comfort.

Advantages:

• Allows individualised positioning of units
• Reduces the risk of tunnel syndrome
• Provides ergonomic hand positioning

2. Vertical mouse

Using such a computer gadget is another way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. The vertical mouse is designed with the anatomy of the hand in mind — instead of the traditional horizontal position, which compresses the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, the hand is in a natural "handshake" position. This reduces tension in the wrist and forearm. 

The vertical angle of inclination of the body in most modern models of such mice is 57 degrees. And in April this year the presentation of the first vertical mouse with a tilt angle of 71.7 degrees from the brand Razer took place. This premium model competed with the popular Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse, released in 2022.

Advantages:

• Provides greater comfort when working for long periods of time
• Reduces stress on joints
• Suitable for those concerned about wrist pain

3. Portable overhead monitor

If you often work with several programmes at the same time, the optional overhead monitor is a real lifesaver. It is a lightweight, slim display that can be connected to a laptop or PC via USB-C or HDMI cable in quantities of one or two. This allows you to increase the comfort and efficiency of your work or study space at home.

Also, thanks to their compactness and light weight, overhead monitors can be easily taken with you on trips or business trips to comfortably organise a place to work anywhere. Portable monitors can also be connected to compatible smartphones and gaming consoles, or used as an external display for a photo or video camera.

It is worth adding that portable monitors are characterised by low power consumption. For example, in the line of ASUS models the maximum indicator is in the range of 7-15 W. Also on sale are external monitors with a built-in battery, which allows them to work up to 3.5-4 hours in standalone mode. And since such monitors are powered by chargers with a USB port, they can be conveniently connected to conventional Power Banks. These features add to the appeal of overhead monitors during power outages.

Advantages:

• Easy to connect
• Promotes productivity when multitasking
• Suitable for working on the go

4. Height-adjustable work table

Sitting at a computer for hours at a time, combined with a sedentary lifestyle, can eventually lead to poor posture, back and neck strain. This is where a desk with electric or mechanical lift comes in handy. By adapting the height to your height, you can work at it during the day in different positions (standing, sitting or even semi-standing). This helps to reduce discomfort, improve concentration and productivity.

The recommended width of the table top for comfortable work is 100 cm or more, with a depth of 82 cm or more. This is enough space to accommodate a medium-sized monitor and keyboard. Thanks to the table top lift adjustment, you can choose the most comfortable position of the computer desk for your height.

Electric models of adjustable tables are the most common. Adjusting the work surface in such tables is quick and easy. In mechanical models, height adjustment takes a little more time. 

It is worth noting that tables that work from electrics have a variety of inbuilt options. For example, the option of “memory” of settings will be useful if one table is used by several people: one press of a button and everyone can easily return the design to its ideal position thanks to the pre-programmed height. And the Child Lock function protects the table from accidental adjustment if children have access to it. Some models are also equipped with sensors that automatically stop the table top from moving if there is an obstacle.

Advantages:

• Can be adjusted to a specific height
• Helps improve blood circulation
• Helps reduce fatigue and back pain

5. Knee chair

The ideal position for the musculoskeletal system of a person sitting at a PC or laptop is one in which the feet rest on the floor and the knee joint is bent at an angle of 90 degrees. But this posture is quite uncomfortable and leads to excessive pressure on the spine. You can eliminate discomfort by placing your elbows on the table and leaning your back against the back of the chair. But it is quite difficult to take such a position sitting on an ordinary computer chair. This problem can be solved by an orthopaedic chair with a knee rest.

The peculiarity of knee chairs is the angle of inclination of the seat of 45 degrees, so that the bending of the hip joint reaches 135 degrees, and the bending of the knees — about 90 degrees, as during riding. The ergonomic design also allows you to rest your chest on the table top and place your elbows horizontally on the table in an anatomically correct position. This significantly reduces the load on the joints and spine and prevents musculoskeletal disorders to which schoolchildren, students, office workers, programmers and other categories of computer users are prone.

Advantages:

• Promotes a healthy spinal position
• Activates the back muscles
• Interesting option for alternating with a conventional chair.

Remember that a comfortable workplace is not only about convenience, but also about taking care of your health. Investing in ergonomic modern gadgets not only facilitates daily work at the computer, but also prevents the development of chronic problems. Try using at least one of the devices described above and you will soon feel the difference.