Back-lying people can use either lots of pillows or a Craftmatic Adjustable Bed to
incline themselves enough to use laptops on their laps, but they should keep
in mind that a computer needs to cool off, so resting it on bedclothes that block
the fan exhaust slots is a bad habit if you want it to last. Instead, put it
on a small square of Masonite or thin paneling.
But all this assumes
that your back can cope with this inclining. Many backs cannot.
For
these non-incliners, I offer the following method of computing: lie flat on your
back, look upward, and type with your hands on Comfort Keyboard sections that
are at your sides or balanced on your body with the aid of small, thin, balance
pillows. Get a VESA wall mounted KDS Radius Rad-5 flat screen monitor to use
with a desktop computer that you store near your bed. The Rad-5 has instructions
about getting the VESA attached to it included in the materials that come with
it when you buy it. A VESA setup swings over the bed when needed and back to
the wall when not needed. Browse and search for VESA wall mount and you'll see it's 178 bucks. Get your KDS Radius Rad-5 flat screen monitor from on-line sources as well.
Currently, the Radius monitor costs 300
plus-with the amount of the plus depending on where you get it. (There are other
flat screen monitors that may work all right and fit on a VESA, but the Radius
is best, in my opinion.)
In case you have no computer, the deals
on slower desktop computers that have USB ports are pretty hot right now—and they
can only get better. Store the computer on a nearby side table, desk, or shelf.
Wires would extend from it to your other equipment.
In previous
parts of this article, you'll find all you need to know about using Comfort Keyboard sections. You'll need to learn to touch type if you haven't already learned this—there's
no way to watch the keyboard.
Add a trackball to the Comfort
Keyboard sections on the bed, unless you use MouseKeys, which are a little more
awkward.
Experiment with various ways of supporting your elbows and/or
wrists. Being bedridden doesn't mean no computing or stressful computing;
it only means changing your approach!
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