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by webmaven 3489 days ago
#1 is a good chair. It's a cliche, but my Aeron has lasted for the entire 12 years of it's warranty (and they've shipped replacement parts out whenever needed), and has been worth every penny I spent on it.

The newly redesigned version[1] looks attractive as a replacement (probably in 2018).

After that, I would say #2 is a good keyboard, but specific recommendations are very personal. Suffice it to say that you probably want to spend at least $150 (and possibly 2-3x that) for the right keyboard for you. I am very likely to purchase a Keyboardio Model 01[2] next to replace my venerable Unicomp buckling spring keyboard[3].

Once you have the ergonomics of your work environment adjusted to your physique, you can commit to an extra hour or more every day of studying (by using) new tools, libraries, languages, etc. without unnecessary stress on your body.

[1] http://www.hermanmiller.com/products/seating/performance-wor...

[2] https://shop.keyboard.io

[3] http://www.pckeyboard.com/

3 comments

Man, with a keyboard from keyboard.io, it might actually make vanilla Emacs easier to use!

I wonder why previous designs of keyboards, including typewriters, didn't make greater use of your thumbs. It's a good half of the functionality of your hand that most input devices blithely ignore, in favor of our pinky fingers?! On the surface that seems like an ergonomic catastrophe.

Does anyone have a good reason why keyboards are designed they way they are now?

I just looked at keyboard.io. There is only space on the right hand?!?! I could never make that sacrifice.
The Model 01 is reprogrammable. Add a space key for the left hand if you like.
I don't know why they wouldn't make the space for both fingers. I used to use logitech software for programming keyboards and mouses but the software was so ram intensive for what it did (few keyboard binds). I'm sure this is not the case with a simple key re-binding but not for me unfortunately.
I have been using an Aeron for the last 11 years. It is worth every penny.
Oh hey, Aerons are 15% off until (through?) Monday. Might be worth knowing for others like me who've lusted after one but vacillate on whether and when to pull the trigger.