Your Nerdy Best Friend

A few years ago I purchased a fairly expensive antique Coca Cola thermometer for my mother for Christmas via Ebay. It looked awesome to me when I wrapped it, and Mom adored it… until she saw that the mercury thermometer was broken, rendering the piece much less valuable.

Too bad WeGoLook.com didn’t exist way back then. For $49, a background-checked “Looker” will go check out any item you need to eyeball before you buy: furniture for your office, a car for your business trips, equipment for your company. They will go see the item (or property), confirm the existence and basic functionality, check out the details that validate your purchase and much more. They even take up to 10 pictures and include them in a report.

In addition, you can purchase add-ons, such as a video, shipping and more. It’s a worthwhile investment when you’re making a big purchase.

If you like this tool, try…

• Zaarly
• Elance

(PS — they’ll also go check out a date if you’re meeting people online — thus eliminating a potential creep factor!)

WeGoLook.com: Onsite Inspection of Auction Items, Autos, Properties, Field Services

Do you spend too much time at your computer, sometimes working at first light and again at midnight? The harsh glare of a computer screen may make your eyes tired and mess up your brain’s view of day and night.

F.lux is a tiny little download that helps change the glow of your computer based on the time of day. Just install the executable, put in your time zone and let F.lux do its thing. It will help your screen mimic the light in the room you’re in, thus relieving your tired eyes. My fabulous assistant, Claire, loves it.

F.lux: control your screen brightness settings automatically.

Want more ergonomic aid? Check out this tool that takes you through a 15-minute ergonomic questionnaire.

I took about 15 minutes to run through the free interactive ergonomics evaluation from ErgonomicsSimplified. Although I ran across a few questions that didn’t have answers that applied, I learned much about proper monitor height, mouse adjustment, seat specifics and foot rests.

The evaluation gives you tips as you answer the questions, and at the end you get a full list of problem areas and recommendations for products (which they sell).  But the free quiz is well worth a few minutes. As ErgonomicsSimplified President Chris Sorrells said, a professional evaluation from an ergonomics consultant may cost clost to $350, so this tool can save you money and perhaps give you recommendations to make your life in the chair a little more comfy.

What did I learn? The chair I bought at a garage sale is too short. The desk my boyfriend gave me is too tall. My monitors need to be elevated,  and I should take more breaks.

Ergonomics Simplified.