Optimal monitor height? Computer remote? Battery solution?

[alanrudy]

Hello, finally upgraded to Windows 7, bought a Lenovo x230, ultrabase docking, Dell 24" eIPS ((1900x1200), Lenovo Keyboard/mouse and a couple questions have come up related to this new setup and hopefully someone out there has a lot of knowledge/have similar setups...please help with your advice/opinion...

1. It is a bit of an adjustment getting used to the 24" screen, I'm sure eventually I'll get used to it/like this setup more, but something that concerns me is that even on the lowest height adjustment, I am at eye level at about 3/4ths the screen, I've read conflicting reports that it could cause neck strain/potential long term problems by looking up (I spend a lot of the time on the computer and on the internet so usually the browser tabs are on the top row of the screen). I've also read that 3/4ths is actually okay for big monitors like mine because you don't want to look down at too much of an angle, anyone experienced/any advice on this? I am at just about arms length from monitor.

2. I was thinking since I have a docking station, is there a way to turn on my computer with a remote (not talking about waking up from sleep)? Also, a remote would come in handy when I'm eating/watching a video to switch videos/pause/search without opening up keyboard tray/using messy fingers. Are those two functions possible with the remote with W7? I've read reviews of computer remotes but amazingly I can't seem to find out the answer to this. Most just seem to control Windows media player and couldn't get a good answer on power on or internet videos.

3. My last laptop (t60) spent 99% of the time plugged in and I never drained the battery regularly to keep it in good shape and it eventually died. I think I may likely do the same thing for my x230 for possibly even weeks/months at at time, so I was wondering any other solutions if I don't want to do the regular draining solution? I was thinking of keeping my battery unattached until I know I am going to be leaving somewhere. That could cause my computer to shut off if power is lost which might happen a couple times a year, but I was thinking that may be worth not killing the battery, any thoughts/advice?

Thanks all for any help/advice.

 

[logicearth]

3. My last laptop (t60) spent 99% of the time plugged in and I never drained the battery regularly to keep it in good shape and it eventually died. I think I may likely do the same thing for my x230 for possibly even weeks/months at at time, so I was wondering any other solutions if I don't want to do the regular draining solution? I was thinking of keeping my battery unattached until I know I am going to be leaving somewhere. That could cause my computer to shut off if power is lost which might happen a couple times a year, but I was thinking that may be worth not killing the battery, any thoughts/advice?

Leaving the battery in while charging for most of its life will not harm it. The only factor that will cause it harm is heat, but a properly designed battery will not have any issue being constantly charged. Lithium-ion batteries like the one in your laptop, have no memory they don't require discharge cycles like other batteries.

Even still your battery will die in time no matter what you do, it will die that is part of its life, most last around a year or two.

 

[alanrudy]

Okay, wow, didn't know most of what you wrote, not sure why I read so much advice elsewhere to regularly discharge the battery, guess that was an old practice. Thanks so much for your help! Any advice on issues 1 or 2?

 

[logicearth]

They are probably confusing Nickel based rechargeable batteries which do have memory issues.
You may want to read this: How to Prolong Lithium-based Batteries - Battery University

As for question 1 and 2. I really could not help you there. I don't use a remote and well...my experience with my 30" monitor won't be much help with positioning your 24" monitor. Other then sitting higher.

 

[Dwarf]

At arms length, you are quite likely sitting a bit too close to your monitor. Try moving away slightly. As regards monitor height, sub-divide the monitor into 3 imaginary horizontal zones. When sat at the correct height for the monitor and looking squarely at it, the line of your eyes should be a third of the way down from the top of the monitor (i.e. on the divide between the top two imaginary zones mentioned above). You should then be able to see the full monitor clearly.

 

[alanrudy]

Thanks again! For question 1, for your monitor, what do you personally thing is best...being eye level with top of monitor or eye level at 3/4th of the way up?

 

[alanrudy]

Thanks Dwarf! That means my current height is just about perfect and don't need to buy a new desk/chair/return monitor. When you say a bit too close, how much farther away would you recommend? I will likely need to change the DPI because I won't be able to read fonts as well further back, but it will definitely be worth it to me to do.

 

[Dwarf]

I can't give a definite answer to that, it's something that you will have to find out yourself by trial and error. As regards DPI, the same applies. For clarity, it is better to leave this at its default setting. An alternative to altering DPI would be to drop the screen resolution down a notch or two in the NVidia/ATI control panel.

 

[alanrudy]

Ok, thank you, still a little confused because I came across the OSHA website http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/components_monitors.html#Angle and this website work environment - What's the correct monitor height for large monitors? - Super User which just seem to complicate this 3/4ths vs top of the screen issue more. Does your opinion on 3/4th still stand? I may be looking too much into it but we spend so much time at our computer that it seems it'd be wise to get it right. I have the intel integrated 4000 but thanks for the tip of alternative to changing DPI so I can get the distance right.

 

[alanrudy]

Looks like I won't be able to do #2 because I don't see an option in BIOS to control computer on from USB. Still getting conflicting views on my first question but I guess it's not a ton of difference, just want to get it right.

 

[alanrudy]

Update- All is fine with the setup except the monitor. Believe it or not, I actually plan to return my Dell 24" u2412 for a 23" u2312 even though with paying return shipping, the deal, etc., it even comes out to the same price! The issues are I lean in to look at my screen to see the text and I'm not happy with the height issue still (can't adjust desk/chair anymore/swivel arm) so I'm thinking the 1" lower height and the 1080 resolution (vs 1200 on the 24") will be more comfortable. I realize I lose 1" of screen space and a little more with the resolution and since I'm usually on the internet/office 1200 should actually be better. Anyone with advice in regards to what I am about to do?