Ergonomics

Ergonomic accessories are worth buying against a specific complaint rather than in general, because each one solves a different problem.

Wrist rests support the heel of the hand so the wrist stays straight rather than bending upward over the front edge of a keyboard. Gel and memory foam differ mainly in feel; both work.

Copyholders hold a document at screen height beside the monitor. If you type from paper all day, this removes the repeated head-down, head-up movement that causes neck strain — a small item with a disproportionate effect.

Footrests matter when a chair has been raised to get the arms right and the feet no longer reach the floor properly. Feet unsupported puts the weight on the back of the thighs.

Monitor risers and stands get the top of the screen to eye level, which is the single most valuable change on most desks.

The range covers Kensington, Fellowes, Ergotron, Digitus, Dell, StarTech and MARVO.

See also monitor arms and ergonomic mice.