Thanks, to everyone who replied.
I went to the local Apple store today and looked at the iPad Mini
Retina. While I liked it, two things stopped me:
1. Price, especially when the salesperson started steering me towards
the more expensive iPad Air, informed me I'd need a $60-90 case, and by
the way, let's set you up with an Apple ID, and how much Cloud service
are you going to need...?
2. The voice recognition software doesn't let you find a word or phrase
on a Web page and click on it. So I still would be using my fingers for
browsing beyond the initial lookup or URL. And in that case, why pay
Apple prices since I'm a PC guy and not already in their orbit? Both
iPad and Android will let you answer an email using voice dictation, and
both will search the Web and open an app via voice.
For a good deal less cash, I can pick up a current Nexus 7 tablet, which
appears to do what I want, and has very good reviews. It will still get
me off the PC and mouse for mail and casual browsing, which is the point
of this exercise. So if somebody thinks that is a really dumb choice,
please let me know, because the Nexus 7 is looking very good to me.
As far as alternate pointing devices and ergonomic setup, I'm already
alternating hands for the mouse. I'm corresponding with a hand doctor
who is also a musician, and will check with my own doc for a referral
next week. A cell-enabled tablet is not necessary for me, because my
little Tracfone will do rudimentary Web over the cell network if I need
it--it's just that the tiny screen makes most picture content too small.
--Peter
Chuck Norcutt wrote:
> I often times find my right wrist and forearm sore from using the
mouse. So far it hasn't been debilitating but I can see that it could
get > that way. The first thing I'd try is using the mouse with the left
hand. I just tried it and find I can move it reasonably well and would >
likely get better with some practice. Maybe just switching hands from
time to time will give the other a chance to rest.
>
> Chuck Norcutt
>
>
> On 8/15/2014 8:22 PM, Peter Klein wrote:
> > OMers: I'm in need of a little advice.
> >
> > Since I retired, I've been online quite a bit, and also playing bassoon
> > more than before. Lately, I'm finding my hands are often tired and
achy.
> > The last time this happened c. 1990), I stayed in denial too long
> > (didn't want to lose my job). I ended up with a pinched nerve in my
> > wrist, had to have surgery, and was out of commission for a full
year. I
> > don't want this to happen again. I'll be seeing a doctor about the
> > current issue soon, but in the meantime...
> >
> > I have a feeling I'll need to curtail my computer usage. I also think
> > the major culprit is the computer mouse. So I'm looking for ways to
> > minimize mouse use. Unfortunately, a lot of what I do involves the
> > computer. So I was thinking, maybe an alternative device like a
tablet,
> > iPad or similar might help take some of the burden off my hands.
> > Different motions than the desktop keyboard/mouse. I could use it for
> > email, groups, Facebook, looking at pictures, and save the real
computer
> > for important photo editing, composing music and such.
> >
> > So, I ask the collective mind: Have any of you faced this general
> > issue? What solutions have you come up with? And if a tablet/pad is a
> > possible solution, which specific one, and why?
> >
> > Other things to know: I have WiFi at home, and I don't need or want to
> > get into cell data/mobile plans since I use my Blackberry-like Tracfone
> > for travel email. The Tracfone is too small for all but the most
> > rudimentary photo viewing, though. I have a Wacom pen and tablet on my
> > desktop computer, but I only find this useful/satisfactory for photo
> > editing, not general navigation. In the 1990s I tried trackballs and
> > touch pads, and never cared much for them. I have no religious
> > attachment to any particular company or technology. I do use PCs, not
> > Macs, simply because that's what I always worked with.
> >
> > --Peter
--
_________________________________________________________________
Options: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/listinfo/olympus
Archives: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/private/olympus/
Themed Olympus Photo Exhibition: http://www.tope.nl/
|