Wants2Fly,

I am in the process of being trained to do ergonomic audits on computer workstations where I work, so I'll pass along some of the things that we're being taught to look for.

The main point in all of it is "neutral position"...you mentioned the keyboard height...is this forcing you to bend your wrists when you type? It's particularly bad if your wrists are bent back. Also, are you planting your wrists while you type? If the laptop is on a bed tray, there's lot of hard edges around...are you ever resting your wrists on these edges?

What do you use for "mousing" - do you have a separate device, or do you use whatever pointing device is incorporated into the laptop? If you have a separate mouse, do you have to stretch out your arm to use it, or can your arms remain neutral? Do you clutch or clench your hand when you are mousing?

It's hard sometimes to observe your own behaviors, but if you try to pay attention when your working on your computer, you may see where you are out of neutral position and can adjust your behavior.

Finally, I will stress the Alternate Work Rule. Meaning, for every hour you are engaged in a repetitive activity, take 10 minutes and do something else that uses different muscle groups...sometimes it works better to break it up, like get up and do something different for five minutes every half hour. I swear, I have some of the worst ergonomic habits, but I don't end up with problems because I'm so fidgety, I am constantly changing position, and switching to alternate activities.

Well, probably WAY more questions that you wanted to see, but that's about what I can add for now.

Good luck,
Jo