I talked about RSI on one of my very early posts here. Particularly in relation to Playstation consoles and the like and to people not taking care of themselves when operating a computer.

Meri and Simon both discussed software that makes you take a break at the same time as OK/Cancel were talking about Ergonomics and how an office might be better arranged for the good of the people who work there.

Then more recently there was another discussion on OK/Cancel about the difference between pen/tablets and mice. At the time I wasn’t using my tablet to any great degree – I’ve gotten used to using a mouse , particularly with the bits of software (Photoshop, AutoCad, 3DStudio) that I use on a daily basis. To start using a pen and tablet for these made simple tasks a lot slower and a lot more agrovating.

And then, 1 week before a major deadline on my course, I started getting significant pains in my hands and wrists. Seeing as I’d quite like to still be able to use my hands when I’m 25, I’ve decided to stop using a mouse altogether. It now sits, unplugged, on top of my case. It has a pair of cardboard ears stuck to it. I’m getting used to using the pen, and discovering all the keyboard shortcuts I hadn’t bothered to learn before. I also make sure I have an emergency stock of tubigrip to support my wrists if need be.

I originally bought a tablet because I thought it would make my life easier, and I was then disappointed when it didn’t have an instant effect. However, in the longer term (6 months or so), having a tablet has made a significant difference. The fact that I already had a tablet meant that I could swap instantly without waiting for one to be delivered, or having to go buy one in town. I am much more positive about it than I was before I had to start using it. It is however slightly tragic that it’s not until I got into trouble that I started looking after myself. It’s the same as with protecting against viruses “It’ll never happen to me!”