Keyboard and Pointing device

Most notebook computers have a compact keyboard and a touchpad/ touch sensitive control pad or a trackball between the G, H, and B keys. Laptops were designed with portability in mind and are excellent mobile solutions, but ergonomically are not suitable for long hours of use. External USB attached keyboard or mouse can be used. Wireless bluetooth mouse and keyboards are also an option with laptops. A laptop notebook computer keyboard and monitor do not adjust independently, forcing a user to assume awkward position for typing. Additionally carrying the laptop notebook around is also a strain. The American Medical Association (AMA) recommends that not more than 15% of the body weight should be carried around. Comparatively, then carrying a notebook along with its accessories would mean that the person is not carrying the laptop but is actually hauling it.

Alternative & Ergonomic Keyboards for laptops as external devices

Split keyboard. Splits into three separate sections that can be placed in any order and different angles from the horizontal.
Contoured keyboard. A contoured, sloped keyboard with a built-in touchpad and a split spacebar.
One-handed keyboard. A one-handed, compact keyboard replicating all the functions of a full-size keyboard and known as a "chording" keyboard, letters, numbers, commands, and macros are created with key combinations or "chords". Extremely useful for persons with physical and visual impairments.
Compact keyboard. Compact style keyboard similar in size and feel to a laptop keyboard. Great as a travel accessory.

Alternative & Ergonomic Pointing Devices for laptops as external devices

Trackballs. Very large trackball requiring less fine motor control.
Touchpads. Tiny touch-sensitive pad. You have to trace your finger over the pad to move the cursor.
No Hands/Hands Free. A foot-controlled mouse, includes a set of 2 pedals, one controls mouse movements, one clicking.
Vertical Hand-Positioning Devices. Resembles a joystick but functions as a mouse.
Graphire Tablet. A tablet mouse that can be used with either a pen stylus or a mouse. The tablet is connected to the computer; the stylus and mouse are cordless. Very useful for graphics.

Whichever keyboard or pointing device, you may have to use, the aches and pains of constant usage are a fact with every dedicated computer user. A perfect keyboard or a pointing device is not yet invented.

Keyboard and Pointing Device Essentials

The pain in the arms and the wrist is not caused by the pointing device itself, but by the repetitive small movements, that it requires.
To avoid awkward postures, place your pointing device, beside and at the same level as your keyboard.
Both the keyboard and your pointing device should be at elbow height. Lower or higher placement causes strain and will stress your arm and shoulder.
Try using your pointing device with your left hand, as this will relieve your right hand. You can try alternating the pointing device between both the hands, if you have to work for long hours at a stretch.
Do not crouch. Sit straight. A correct posture goes a long way in maintaining a good spine.
Pointing devices need fine, sustained movements. Do not squeeze. Drape your hand gently, hold it lightly, and when not using it let it go.
With a mouse, click with as little force as required. Keep your wrist straight. Big trackballs generally require angling your hand up, trying to keep it at a straight angle.
Do not plant your wrist or forearm on the chair arm or desktop. This automatically forces the wrist to bend and move the pointing device. Instead, use the whole arm and shoulder to move the pointing device.
Dragging the mouse requires more force. Keep the usage of mouse to the minimum. Use keyboard shortcuts or hotkeys.
Take a five-minute break for every half an hour at the computer. Walk, standup, do some other work besides using the keyboard or the pointing device.
Your pointing device can be programmed to work with fewer clicks and movements. Programmable software allows for single clicking for commands like double click, closing pop-up menus, drag lock, cut and paste operations, etc.
You must select a pointing device with which you are comfortable, depending upon the size of your hand, work habits, job, sitting style, and other personal factors. Certain jobs require less usage of pointing device operations like data entry and programming, which are keyboard intensive. Word processing and spreadsheet building use the pointing device and the keyboard almost equally with alternate movements. Graphics design; computer-aided design (CAD) and Internet surfing demand a heavy usage of the pointing device.
Get a feel of any new pointing device before buying it. If possible borrow it from someone you know, for a few days try it out, and then go buy it if you are comfortable with it.
Do not buy pointing devices solely on aesthetics or because they have attractive lights and other eye-catching features if they are difficult to use, and maintain. Pointing devices should be manufactured, bought, and used exclusively with comfortable and effective functionality in focus. A good-looking pointing device is useless if it hurts your hand, wrist, arm, or shoulders and gives you carpal tunnel syndrome or other mouse induced repetitive stress injuries.
You can also use pedals instead of the mouse. You will have to use your foot instead of the arm. Nevertheless, this again may result in sole, ankle, calf, and knee related injuries over long-term and incorrect usage.