Thought I would share here. It seems A BIG part of discomfort for us is caused by using smart phones and laptops. There are ways you can set your lappy up ergonomically, and already it seems to be helping my neck pain. However, I am going to have to break up with my iPhone. And I LOVE my iPhone. My plan is to delete most game apps, and use it sparingly.

I get bored when I don't feel well, and it seems having been playing with my lappy and smart phone in bed at those times, has only prolonged and worsened my problems. I highly urge you all to Google the keywords "laptop ergonomics" "laptop neck problems" "smart phone neck problems" and similar, to educate yourself on the many ways you can get some real relief while staying connected.

http://arthritis.bonesandjointssimplifie...2171_0_176.aspx

i agree with you 100%! i can't do anything in bed, not even try to read. when in bed, i gotta just lay there flat on my back, knees/legs up over pillows, feather pillow cradling my neck. if i try to prop myself up at all, it causes all kinds of problems.

however, very lucky to have a very good recliner, that's where i spend a lot of time too. i have a mac book air, and being a smaller person it seems to be just the right size for me. the ergonomics of the key board is perfect (that seems true of all the mac laptops for me) and i just have to remember to keep from looking down too much.

using either my MBA or MBP at my desk with my swopper chair is also ok. so long as i don't sit for too long.

i could never use something like a smart phone for long.

as for being on the phone, i use a head set, that was a big neck saver.

thanks for the post! i think you're absolutely right.

I love my mac air...I can type in the dark. but it has to be straight in front of me, otherwise my neck will freeze up.

I love my MacBook Pro and my bed that goes up and down! It all works perfectly with my foam pillow as well. Can't remember the last time I sat at my desk with my laptop.

My cellphone is only for call's. No web, no nada so it isn't a problem either. Sorry you have to break up with your's Kancie.

i do think about the bed that goes up and down, can see that would be a good solution to reading in bed

jimmy recommended one (adjustable bed) highly......haven't seen him here in awhile, but he loves his as well.

I recently bought an Acer 7" tablet and I really love it. I can use it as a reader, I keep my shopping and "to do"lists on it. It fits nicely in my purse so I can just check off the things on my lists. I don't have to use any phone service, so there are no extra monthly service charges. It does have a slot for a SIM card, if I choose to use one. We have WF all over the house and yard, so I can sit in my recliner or out on the back deck, in comfort and serf the web, read FB and my e-mail. When I use my desktop for any length of time, my neck starts hurting. I do have to use the desktop for my AVON business, but I try to break up the time so I'm not on it for a long period of time. Now, I am thinking of getting a 10" tablet, if I can find one that is lightweight.

The Swopper chair looks like it would be great, but they are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO expensive.

Are there cheaper alternatives to this.. even if they are not quite as good?

you are correct on both accounts regarding the swopper:

maybe they've been around long enough to be available on ebay?

otherwise, i wonder if the exercise ball chair would be a cheaper alternative? they are more like $100-$150. i've not tried them, didn't think they'd be as dynamic, but may be worth a try. and if not, could still use the ball for exercise?

They are on eBay but they are still super expensive. Maybe a little cheaper.

It doesn't really matter how good it is at that price. I don't mind spending a lot but $700 for something which seems to basic is just beyond ridiculous. Even half that amount would be a stretch.

I am wondering if this might be similar:



It is also German, and only about €90. All the reviews of it I have read are in German and they basically say that it is not as good as a Swopper but it is a fraction of the price. The tyre on the bottom allows it to move in a similar way to the Swopper.

I am wondering whether to give it a try. At that sort of price, it is no tragedy if it is not brilliant.

well, that is your choice, so we will agree to disagree on that point. i'd on the other hand, pay double for what it enables me to do, namely, keep my career, i just can't put a price on that.

on the other hand, if what you've shown works well, i'd love to know!
also would love to know how well it holds up.

my swopper chairs, i've had each for at least 5 years (used every day for hours each day) and still as good as new. that's the thing about buying something of quality, if it lasts a lot longer, in the long run its cheaper.

but if that other option lasts as long, works as well, then go for it! worth a try!
good luck!