Work Monitor and Ergonomic Keyboard Help Me 30th Mar 21

justanick on 30/03/2021 - 01:03

Dear All,

I am in the market to purchase a work monitor as I spend a lot of time working from home and also need an ergonomic keyboard. I’m getting a Dell laptop from work and unfortunately they stopped giving Dell monitor to new joiners as WFH is not expected anymore but we still will be working from home at least 3/4 days a week.
I recently purchased a standing desk from officeworks from Ozbargain community support and hoping I get similar support.
1) Work monitor- budget $250 or less as I’ve to pay from my own expenses. What size screen size and options can I consider ? I don’t want too big and I’ll never play games in that monitor. FYI I got jbhifi $10 target voucher from CBA if I spend $50 and over.
2) keyboard $100 or less and something ergonomic but like keyboard typing strokes or easy to use as I’ve very comfy with laptop typing. I already have good quality mouse from Logitech

Computing

Comments

  • Hybroid on 30/03/2021 - 01:19
    +1

    1) VX3276-2k is a nice 32" IPS display on a budget. Great for home work, large spreadsheets and multitasking with multiple windows open. Fine for occasional non-competitive gaming too.

    2) 'Ergonomic' means something different to everyone. Some like mechnical ones, some like slim chiclet flat ones, some like standard membrane ones. Some want it compact, some want numpad on the right. Some want programmable hotkeys on the left for shortcut macros etc. Stick to Logitech and find the one that suits you.

  • scrimshaw on 30/03/2021 - 01:23
    +2

    Dell S2721D $239.20

    I'm just using a cheap Chinese generic mechanical keyboard — the Motospeed GK82 but I've read and seen many people talk about the Logitech MX Keys.

    Unlike mechanicals it has slim, low profile keys which are very quiet, and it might interest you if you prefer laptop-style key. Downside is that it costs $199 normally but around 150 on sale

    They are cheaper options from Logitech too, from the K800, K780, K750, and K580.

    • justanick on 30/03/2021 - 01:39

      thanks you so much ! The keyboard MX keys seems expensive but that's something I want I am using logitec MX Master 3 mouse and very happy with it.

      Now regarding the monitor from the ebay site - Is that a legit site if there are issues with warranty or defects as I do have mixed reviews buying things from ebay. I also saw the shipping in May and messaged the seller if he can ship in 2 weeks max as I need this urgently.
      Now what's the difference between S2721DS and S2721D ? it's on $30 difference.
      Also my wife uses Lenovo T22 from work it has USB power option and 22 inch seems to look good in my eyes. I haven't used 27inch screen before. This will be in a standing desk and at eye level is the distance going to be good on eyes as I won't be typing the keyboard from far away ?

      • scrimshaw on 30/03/2021 - 01:42
        +2

        Buying from Dell via eBay is not that much different from buying directly from Dell, the shipping times are the same and you'll still talk to Dell if you need aftersales support.

        Dell has a price match guarantee on their website so I suppose you can chat to their Sales team and ask for a discount?

        https://www.dell.com/en-au/shop/dell-27-monitor-s2721d/apd/2…

        This will be in a standing desk and at eye level is the distance going to be good on eyes as I won't be typing the keyboard from far away ?

        if you break out the tape measure and measure out this dimension (width / depth / height)
        61.16 cm x 18.68 cm x 45.34 cm

        that will let you figure out how big it is on the desk.

        • justanick on 30/03/2021 - 01:51

          great thanks a lot. I'll chat with Dell to see if they can fast track shipping me the monitor.
          Now the keyboard is there any other brand with similar to laptop keyboard ? I saw the K800 doesn't have the wrist support :(

          Oh and forgot to mention should I get the DS or D version what's the difference ?

          • scrimshaw on 30/03/2021 - 01:53
            +2

            @justanick: S2721DS has height adjustment stand. S2721D is fixed height.

            Wrist rest I'm sure is easy to find, just look on ebay for keyboard wrist rest and buy a third party one.

          • cwongtech on 30/03/2021 - 02:37
            +1

            @justanick:

            Now regarding the monitor from the ebay site - Is that a legit site if there are issues with warranty or defects as I do have mixed reviews buying things from ebay. I also saw the shipping in May and messaged the seller if he can ship in 2 weeks max as I need this urgently.

            The Dell eBay site is operated by a partner e-commerce store operator (InDemand), however the stock fulfilment is done by the same Dell warehouse, so the delivery speed should not be affected.

            As per scrimshaw's comment, warranty/support is handled by Dell AU, doesn't matter where you get the item from

            great thanks a lot. I'll chat with Dell to see if they can fast track shipping me the monitor.

            There is no fast track shipping from what I know, it's dependent on stock levels - jump online and ask the sales chat operator for the ETA on the S2721D/S2721DS model, if they give you a solid ETA of "within two weeks" (means good stock levels), you'll definitely get it quickly.
            If they say ETA of a month, it means they have low stock.

            I've purchased the S2721DS with a 1 month ETA quote and it arrived within a week, luck of the draw when there's low stock.

            Can't hurt to ask though, let us know how you go!

            Personally, I think the DS with height adjustment is worth the extra $30, or you can whip out YellowPages technology instead for monitor height adjustment, but as you mentioned its a standing desk, adjustable height would benefit you greatly.

            Disclosure: I work for Dell EMC not Dell, and definitely am not an official Dell store rep, so I can't help anyone in an official capacity either (sort of like working for Big W but commenting on Woolworths posts..)

  • justanick on 30/03/2021 - 02:08

    it seems I missed all the keyboard deals :( I really hope there are other alternatives as spending $200 on retail price seems ridiculous

    The stand looks good and I will go for it then. I messaged both the Ozbargain rep and emailed Dell as they are now fast asleep to see if they can price match to ebay seller and when can I receive the monitor

    I was just wondering if I place the order through Dell can I use the vouchers from Suncorp 3% discount and then the price match will that work ?

    • cwongtech on 30/03/2021 - 02:50

      I messaged both the Ozbargain rep

      LiMaaa is not an official Dell Rep (nor am I for that matter) or are they employed in any official capacity (from what I know) by any Dell Technologies subsidiary
      Don't know of anyone that's authorised to speak in an official capacity on a social media platform..

      I was just wondering if I place the order through Dell can I use the vouchers from Suncorp 3% discount and then the price match will that work ?

      In the interest of your delivery time constraints and saving money, jump on the chat tomorrow morning as soon as the Dell AU online chat opens up and ask for a delivery ETA on the S2721DS

      Then place the order on Dell eBay using discounted eBay gift cards (3% from suncorp? Haven't used Suncorp Benefits in a while) for extra savings

      Disclosure: I work for Dell EMC not Dell, and definitely am not an official Dell store rep, so I can't help anyone in an official capacity either (sort of like working for Big W but commenting on Woolworths posts..)

  • justanick on 30/03/2021 - 02:19

    @scrimshaw I found this amazing deal too it's for the 24 inch Dell monitor which should be sufficient as well as my wife uses Lenovo T22 - 22 inch screen and looks alright to me also much less realestate space. But I have not seen a 27inch and just wondering if that would be better for my eyes between the screen and my eyes there will be just 16-18 inches space
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/324294447941

    • cwongtech on 30/03/2021 - 02:38
      +1

      At 27", 2K is definitely the way to go

      Your wife will hate her current screen if she uses the S2721DS (my friend hates his Lenovo 27" 1080p screen after using the S2721DS which is 27" 2K)

      Disclosure: I work for Dell EMC not Dell, and definitely am not an official Dell store rep, so I can't help anyone in an official capacity either (sort of like working for Big W but commenting on Woolworths posts..)

  • justanick on 30/03/2021 - 03:07

    thank you so much guys i am getting the S2721DS just going to wait for the sales rep to let me know the ETA on the delivery. Also, if I place the order in ebay can I use the Ebay Store card from Sun Super they give 4% discount on the cards ?

    Now can you please me the logitech MX key or similar ? paying $200 is a rip off and I missed the $156 bargain here by few days/week.
    the cheapest I found is $183 purchased by 31st of March
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Logitech-MX-Keys-Advanced-Wirele…

  • trankillity on 30/03/2021 - 07:15

    Keyboards is an area that can get real crazy, real quick.

    First, you need to ask yourself how much time you will actually be using a keyboard per day. If you use keyboard for both work and play, you really need to extend your budget significantly.

    There's two camps of thought on ergonomics for keyboard. The first is the idea of using a split keyboard. The most natural position for your arms to rest is at shoulder width apart, so split keyboards help achieve this natural resting position. A cheap entry-level semi split sculpted keyboard that is good for ergonomics is the MS Sculpt. Unfortunately this keyboard is not a true split keyboard, and also doesn't use mechanical switches which are better for ergonomics. It also requires you to actually touch type, which is very good for ergonomics in the long run, but most people find that they haven't been touch typing their whole typing life when faced with a split ergo keyboard.

    The second (and more expensive/intense) camp for keyboard ergonomics is the ortholinear keyboard. The idea with these is that there's no reason that keyboards should be staggered. The staggered layout of a keyboard means that your fingers have to do significantly more movement to reach every button on the keyboard. The problem with these is that they are significantly smaller, so your arms are actually closer together, which is quite bad for ergonomics.

    The final form of all of this, is going the full, custom, split erogonomic mechanical keyboard route. This is a huge investment, and requires you to literally build the keyboard yourself including soldering everything together and flashing your own firmware, but if you use a keyboard for 16+ hours a day, it's totally worth it.

    Finally, you must consider proper posture and frequent stretches to counteract the effects of using a keyboard for such long periods. Here's a great video of some exercises to negate these effects.

    My journey on this path took me from the MS Sculpt, to the Dygma Raise, to the Drop Preonic, to now ordering a Kyria keyboard.

  • justanick on 30/03/2021 - 08:19

    Thanks @trankillity however my budget is sorta tight.
    The low profile keyboard mx keys has lots of reviews and I managed to get the price to $171.

    On the other hand after chatting with Dell they will only price match with large retailers like Goodguys Harvey Norman etc not eBay seller.

    My Suncorp voucher app needs 48 hours to be validated. Perhaps I should just pull the trigger and buy it

  • thatonethere on 30/03/2021 - 08:59

    I found wrist support was very helpful for working from home. eg something like this https://www.fellowes.com/us/en/products/product-listing.aspx…

    Without it started getting soreness after a solid day or two.

    • justanick on 30/03/2021 - 12:28

      Great !
      Is there an Australian site or a place I can buy them ?

      • scrimshaw on 30/03/2021 - 12:55
        +2

        I think you'll find with proper typing technique, wrists rests are actually not necessary.

        If you do it right, your forearm and wrist should be straight and form a single line. Anything that raises or lowers your wrist is generally bad.

  • justanick on 30/03/2021 - 13:42

    I pulled the trigger and bought the 27inch monitor from eBay deal. I hope it arrives in 2 weeks or less as it shows delivery in May :(

    I’m also keen to place the order for MX keys $179 after the $10 discount but if anyone can point me to another deal that would be awesome.

    For wrist support which one should I buy three options below ? 3M vs Kensington
    1) https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/KENSINGTON-KEYBOARD-PAD-DUO-GEL-…

    2) 3M Gel Wrist Rest Leatherette Black WR309LE with Antimicrobial Product Protect https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B000X4WCJU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_f…

    3) https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Kensington-ErgoSoft-Wrist-Rest-f…

  • justanick on 30/03/2021 - 15:10

    Help me make a decision before I pull the trigger

    • cwongtech on 30/03/2021 - 15:18

      I legitimately don't need an external wrist rest just the hard ones that come with the mechanical keyboards appear to work fine for me
      Though what's right for me is not necessarily what's right for you

      Why not just stick with the default one and see how you go?

      Wrist rest is not a necessity. I actually find squishy ones annoying

      The above suggestion of the MS Sculpt keyboard is good, it looks really weird but can confirm my colleague's one is quite comfortable to type on due to its shape (despite not being mechanical)

      I've used a:
      - Corsair K70 Mk2 (cherry mx brown)
      - Tesoro Durandal Gaming Ultimate (cherry mx brown)
      - Kogan mechanical wireless keyboard (rebranded Motospeed GK89), which uses Outemu Brown keys (chinese clones of cherry mx brown)

      I find the kogan ones quite acceptable, a little louder than the cherry mx brown but perfectly acceptable to type on.

      https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=S…

      You don't need to spend a fortune on mechanical keyboards, though if you go the aliexpress route, will take some time to reach you from China.

  • justanick on 30/03/2021 - 16:43

    Thank you but I’m trying not to use mechanical keyboard. The MS Sculpt keyboard it looks so weird I hope I can type on my laptop after using that and getting use to it. Also is that the low profile non mechanical keyboard like MX keys ?

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