Dan Lothian of CNN documents the problem of "iPod oblivion" - the self-induced spaceout experienced by iPod wearers and how it's making them easy targets of petty crimes. There must be legal ramifications for Apple, no? So, I'm just wondering how long it will take for the first lawsuit to be filed. Surely, someone will claim that the iPod is a new kind of "attractive nuisance" (I use the term loosely) that lulled them into a sense of complacency where they were then taken advantage of by lurking criminals. Surely, Apple has an obligation to warn users of the fact that when "under the headphones", they are at an increased chance of falling victim to crime?! When will Griffin invent an iPod add-on that eliminates this dangerous and costly inconvenience??!!And if that wasn't enough of a legal risk for Apple, consider the debilitating iPod finger
injury. Ouch! The British Chiropractic Association had taken special concern with this ailment. They warn
"Handheld music machines are extremely popular and users are constantly using small, difficult buttons with the same finger in a repetitive motion"Hmmm. . . So, for all of you new iPod and Blackberry owners, and surely there must be many among the readers of this blog, consider the following safety precautions as your sports, er. . .communication technology health tip of the day:
- Use a neutral grip when holding the device – meaning the wrist is straight, not bent.
- Take a break every hour. Overuse of repetitive motions can cause tendinitis or lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Place pillows in your lap and rest your arms on them. This allows you to keep your head in a more upright position and decrease neck strain.
- Any old chair won't do. Sit in a chair that allows you to put your feet on the floor and provides good back support.
- Ambidextrous is a good thing. Switch hands frequently.