I thought I should share my recent solution to an incipient wrist problem...
I had not ever had problems with repetitive strain or carpal tunnel injuries until December of last year, when I did quite a bit of work on other people's computers in poor ergonomic positions. I ended up with an aching forearm, aggravated every time I reached for the mouse. Co-incidentally, I'd been doing more illustration in my work, and knew that I really needed a graphics tablet to be effective in that. I did some research, and purchased a 6x8 Wacom Intuos3 tablet. I've used it for a couple of months now, and it is FABULOUS -- not just for illustrating, but for all the things I used to use a mouse for. I highly recommend it to anyone who is having RSI problems with a mouse. You hold the pen tool just like you would hold a ballpoint pen, and your wrist and hand stay perfectly relaxed and comfortable. In fact, I liked it so much, I bought a 4x5 Wacom Graphire tablet for home. (Graphire is the less featured, less expensive model.) That turned out to be a mistake: it's not nearly as easy to use, the pen is not as comfortable, and the pad is much less sensitive. If you are considering a tablet, go for the Intuos; it's well worth the extra money. (No commercial interest in Wacom, just love my tablet!) best regards, -- Stuart Rogers Technical Communicator Phoenix Geophysics Limited Toronto, ON, Canada +1 (416) 491-7340 x 325 srogers phoenix-geophysics com "Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint." - Mark Twain Get Firefox! http://tinyurl.com/8q9c5
