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Sitting in front of a computer for hours on end, while not the worst way to spend a work day, can become both physically and mentally taxing. Multiple reports talk about the posture one should maintain while working at a computer, others highlight damage done to ones eyes and wrists. Not to mention the toll continuous monotonous computer work takes on the spirit. We've compiled a list of products that can each help to alleviate your misery.
Philips ErgoSensor Monitor
Price: $375
Dubbed the "world's first ErgoSensor display," Philips' monitor works to make sure you're comfortable and less stressed while churning through your daily work. A series of sensors check to make sure your neck posture is correct and that you're sitting at the optimal distance from the screen. There's also a time-break reminder that goes off when it's time for you to rest your eyes and get up from your desk.
Ergonomic Keyboard
Price: Kinesis Advantage, $299; Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, $50
Besides mousing around, the number one thing you do while at your computer is type. This, as you probably know, can become incredibly taxing. The best way to alleviate some of the pains and fatigues associated with prolonged typing is to use an ergonomic keyboard. Now, depending on how much coin you're prepared to drop, there are many options on the market.
At the top of the line is the Kinesis Advantage (Yes, that's the keyboard Will Smith used in Men in Black). Split and deeply contoured, it looks like nothing else on the market. And that's the point. It will take a little while to become accustomed to typing on one, but once you do the benefits are very noticeable.
If you're not trying to spend $300 on a keyboard, there are cheaper, less effective alternatives like Microsoft's Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 which retails for $50. But, just know you get what you pay for.
TwelveSouth HiRise for MacBook
Price: $69
If you use a laptop at work, you know how important the position of said laptop can be. Sure, you can buy a laptop stand, but most of them come in preset positions. Not the HiRise. TwelveSouth's laptop stand (designed for the Apple MacBook, but will work for most laptops) lets you adjust the height up to six inches, so you can place it exactly where you need it.
Audyssey Wireless Speakers
Price: $299
For the times when you want to listen to music out loud, a good pair of computer speakers is crucial. You don't want your music sounding anemic when it should be booming. However, you also want something that won't take up too much space on your desk or make your area more cluttered. Enter Audyssey's Wireless Speakers. The wireless version of the company's excellent desktop speakers, these are just as rich with their .75-inch tweets and three-inch subs—they just forego the whole wire mess. Sounds like a win.
Belkin Conserve Valet
Price: $39
How many gadgets to you bring with you to work? If you're like most people, it's at least three. Charging all of them via your computer just creates more clutter. The way around that is with Beklin's slick charging station. The Conserve Valet lets you charge up to four gadgets at once as long as they all have cords that can plug into a USB port.
USB Mushroom Lamp
Price: $30
How many times have you had to work late with just the illumination of your computer screen? Sure, a desk lamp could help you in this department, but why get some boring traditional piece when you get something straight out of the classic Nintendo game? Powered by USB or four AA batteries, this lamp, when switched up, shines bright thanks to two white LEDs.
Parrot Zik
Price: $399
Depending on the type of work you do, your office is probably a bit noisier than you would like. To help yourself concentrate, you should get a good pair of headphones. A pair that will block out all noise and deliver solid, clear sound. One that doesn't add more clutter to your life would be great, too.
Parrot, the company behind the popular AR.Drone has just that: the Zik. Wireless (Bluetooh enabled), well-built, and packed active noise cancellation technology that can block out 25dB of ambient noise, it'll have you locked into whatever you're focusing on without being distracted by things that don't concern you.
CableDrops
Price: $10
Until the day everything becomes wireless, we will have to deal with the multitude of cords that connect to all of our assorted gadgets. CableDrops work to make them more manageable. Able to dock to your desk, you can anchor single cords to each one to make sure they're not flaying about when you need them.
USB Rocket Launcher
Price: $30
Sometimes you have to get up and have a little fun. And very little is more fun than starting an in-office battle. One of our favorite toys is the USB Rocket Launcher from Think Geek. Plug it into your computer via an available USB port and use the included software to aim and launch the foam projectiles up to 19 feet. If your co-workers start stockpiling NERF guns, well, then good luck.
Trackpads
Price: Apple Magic TrackPad, $69.99; Logitech Wireless Rechargeable Touchpad T650, $79.99
Sitting at your desk all day constantly using your mouse has the potential to do a number of your wrists. To prevent any injuries or inflame a case of carpal tunnel syndrome, a mouse that doesn't require your wrist to move is your best bet.
We recommend giving a trackball like Logitech's Wireless Trackball or Trackman Marble (for the lefties in the world) a try. Even better for prolonged use is a trackpad similar to the ones found on laptops. For Mac users there's the glass-covered Apple Magic Trackpad which is basically the same one found in MacBooks. For PC users, there's the Logitech Touchpad.
Both allow your wrist to stay relatively stationary while giving you a full range of multi-touch gestures found in Mac OS X and Windows 8.
