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5 Tools to Prevent Laptop-Related Injuries and Eye Strain

Greetings readers!

Once again, Global Geek News fan, Eric Lo, has contributed another helpful tip in the form of a list of 5 tools to prevent laptop related injuries and eye strain.  This is a great list for those suffering from laptop related issues or might suffer from them in the future thanks to a nice holiday gift.  Without further delay, here is Eric's tip:

The increased use of laptops has resulted in greater computer-related injuries. Ergonomics experts warn about laptop related injuries. Laptops are inherently unergonomic because keyboard and monitor are fixed together - if the keyboard is in a suitable position for the user, the screen is not and if the screen is optimal the keyboard isn't. In addition, the portability of laptops makes it worse by allowing the user to use it anywhere in bed and on the floor in all kinds of incorrect postures under a poor lighting condition. Users are more vulnerable to computer related injuries and health problems such as Repetitive Strain Injury, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, eye strain, blurred vision and back pain when they are using a laptop than a desktop computer. You may want to take additional safety precautions and tools when you're using a laptop. The five following tools help you prevent injuries and enhance productivity while using a laptop.

1. Text-to-mp3 conversion tool. You can use text-to-mp3 software to convert long documents, emails and blog articles to mp3 files, which you can listen while resting eyes, commuting or doing chores. Here are some free online text to mp3 file converters. www.vozme.com (choose Female voice option for better sound quality). SpokenText offers both free online conversion and a Firefox plug-in at www.spokentext.net (requires a registration). Another alternative is Next2Go www.text2go.com (US$25)
2. Speech recognition. You can control the computer and browse the web or have your computer compose email or write a document with your voice instruction while resting your hands and even eyes. Windows Vista and 7 have built-in speech recognition function. www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuAH1WzVkEI&NR=1 (demo), www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLj4k3x0E0E (demo)
3. Break reminder. Taking breaks are essential in computer-related injury prevention. You can try break reminder software for laptop, which is uniquely optimized for laptop users. www.lalarm.com/en/health_alarm.htm (free for personal use)
4. OLED (organic light emitting diode). OLED is an eye-friendly and paper-like display technology. OLED doesn't have eye-annoying backlight like LCD does. Laptops equipped with OLED are coming soon- finally next year. Meantime, anti-glare filter can be used to reduce glare from the glossy laptop screen.
5. External keyboard and mouse. An external keyboard can fix the laptop inherent unergonomic problem. It would be even better if the keyboard is ergonomically designed.

I work on a laptop for usually around 8 hours a day so I know that I will definitely be using some of these tips!  As a general rule, it is best to take a 10-15 minute break away from any screen every hour or so to best help you eyes.  If you know anybody suffering from laptop related problems, be sure to pass this post along to them!  Thanks Eric for continuing to send in your excellent tech tips!

If you would like to send in your own tech tips, e-mail them to me at pcnerd37@globalgeeknews.com

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