LM_NET: Library Media Networking
A couple of weeks ago I posted the following target question
concerning recessed monitors and the ideal computer station. I had
planned to post a hit but got sideswiped as my secretary was out all
last week and not replaced. Then I missed Monday. So at last; here are
the hits. I thanked each person individually but I'd like to thank
everyone again for replying and sharing their thoughts!
Donna Walters
Media Specialist
Ben Franklin Middle School
605 N. Campbell St.
Valparaiso, IN 46385
PH: 219-531-3024 x210
Fax: 219-531-3026
dwatlers@imail.valpo.k12.in.us
ORIGINAL QUESTION:
I'm looking for the ideal "computer station" setup for my office when
we remodel. I have bifocals and consequently, if the monitor is too
high or too low, I get a lot of neckstrain and headaches.
Has anyone used the recessed computer stations where the monitor is
down under an antiglare glass? Or what have you found to be the ideal
computer setup? Where'd you purchase? I did search the archives and
didn't see this discussed. So I hope I'm not repeating. I'll post a
hit if there's interest!
REPLIES:
I'm looking for the ideal "computer station" setup for my office when
> we remodel. I have bifocals and consequently, if the monitor is
too
> high or too low, I get a lot of neckstrain and headaches. >
> Has anyone used the recessed computer stations where the
monitor is
> down under an antiglare glass? Or what have you found to be the
ideal > computer setup? Where'd you purchase? I did search the
archives and
> didn't see this discussed. So I hope I'm not repeating. I'll
post a > hit if there's interest!
Boy have I got a desk for you! We just installed a new computer lab
with furniture from NOVA Solutions. The kids & teachers love it!! We
originally saw/used it at our Regional Education Service Center where
we used the same furniture for _6_ days of training with no eyestrain,
no backaches, no headaches!! So we bought it for our kids. We ordered
ours from an office furniture sales company in Houston, but I'm sure
you can find somewhere closer <-g->.
We purchased their K-12 [88 Series] furniture but they also make
several different types of typical office computer desks. Check out
their "Products" page.
Nova Solutions at http://www.novadesk.com/ Corporate headquarters is
in Effingham, IL 1-800-739-6682
Their website lists their sales representatives. Looks like the IN rep
is the Stephan Group in Glendale, OH (513-772-5282
--
I just want to warn you! Demco has a computer desk, but don't buy
it!!! It is expensive, but cheaply made. I ordered one to see it. We
were thinking about putting those in our small computer lab, which is
located off the library. It was called something like "Euroscape."
Anyhow, the company did take it back, but I had to pay $69.00 for the
shipping!!!
If you don't have astigmatism, but just the usual need for
magnification that comes to us all as we "mature" (!!<ggg>) get your
optician to tell you what power you need for using the computer
(monitor should be at a location which will allow you to have a down
angle of 10 degrees) and then get "readers" at the local drug store.
I have a prescription for my bifocals of 1.75+ for distance and 3.25+
for reading. And the intermediate value was 2.75+, which I used to use
both for the computer and playing the organ (now THERE'S a place where
you have to look up -- wish the music rack were lower down -- but I
use a large-print hymnal that makes life a bit easier!). But after a
while (4-5 yrs. or so) it's gotten so that I just use the 3.25+ for
everything other than driving (use 1.75 for that -- I CAN drive
without glasses, but it's sure a LOT clearer when I use them!)
In addition, have a GOOD chair which will give you good lumbar support
and support for your arms. And make it adjustable so that your
forearms will be parallel to the floor when you have your hands on the
keyboard, and you can have your feet flat (or maybe slightly slanted
on a support).
I used to have this at home, BUT I found, because I am short, in order
to see the screen I had to constantly lean forward and stretch my
neck. Consequently, many trips to the chiropractor. I didn't like
it. I would suggest going to a store that specializes in office
furniture and try out some different situations. My desk at home is
specially made for computers. The monitor sits in a well that is
angled down into the desk, but is above the surface of the desk.
Works for me.
I have used the recessed screens but not for a long enough time to
know if they would help you.
Some of the teachers in my building have foundnd that "Piano" glasses
work for them. I assume that an eye Dr. would know what you would
mean by that. Good Luck!
-_____________________________________________________________________
_________________
I was fortunate enough to get a desk in my "new" library (about 4
years ago now) with the Plexiglas top and the monitor mounted below
the desktop. I LOVE IT. It takes a long time and much patience to
get it positioned just right but after that it is a delight. My
biggest problem is that I am organizationally challenged (read: messy)
and I usually have to clean off my desktop before I can use the
computer-a minor problem and well worth the time.
Hope this helps you.....
>
It does sound like a good idea however, I noticed the other day that
at the insurance office that the person is like me and has a habit of
setting things down on the first clear space. This causes her to put
things over the opening to see the screen.. I decided that I might
not be able to use one due to that.
So far my favorite computer tables are rolling. I like to move things
too much!!
This really isn't an answer to your question--only if you can't find
the
ideal station. I wear bifocals, but have a pair of executive bifocals
with a straight line across them. The line is on the high side so that
when I'm looking at the monitor, I don't have to look up at all. I
have my computer on a cart nest to my desk, and I don't have the CPU
under my monitor. Even with a 17 inch monitor, I still look down at
it.
I remember seeing an article in a tech journal about a school in
Princeton, NJ that had the monitors set into a whole in desks so that
students looked down at it.
Good luck,
Just wait until you get trifocals! Actually, it isn't that bad. My
computer monitor is on an adjustable shelf, so I could set it exactly
where I needed it. When I go in for eye examinations, I always have a
list of the various distances for things. That helps to get the three
parts of the lenses right.
I don't care for the recessed monitors, because too much stuff would
fall down there unless there was a clear cover, and that would just
collect junk.
When I was in the process of automating & spent hours at the computer,
I
used a desk with a recessed screen. It was wonderful. It is the desk
that we use for circulation purposes-provides privacy & is safer than
having it on the desk where it can be hit by students with stacks of
books.
The last time I got glasses, I had my glasses changed so that the
bifocal
area was larger, it is now easier for me to see the screens that the
students use & help them when they have problems (took awhile to train
my eyes/head when I was driving though).
I use a recessed desk for my circulation computer, it does not have
the anti- glare glass, just the monitor at an angle under a small
desktop...I ordered it from an business furniture catalog, I am sorry
I don't remember which one. BUT I love it, not only does it reduce
strain, but I don;t have a monitor blocking my view of my "media
center". It bothers the kids who don't know what I am doing because
they can see me typing and staring into space.
I have the same problem with bifocals. I really thought that a
recessed computer in the desk would be great, but the cost! My
inexpensive solution was, as I only use reading glasses rather than
prescription glasses, to buy an extra pair of non-bifocal glasses that
I leave by my computer and wear when I am working on the computer.
Good luck. I know what a "pain" it is.
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