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MacBreakZ is a sophisticated Personal Ergonomic Assistant designed to promote healthy and productive computer use.
Protect & Recover from RSI
 Computer-related health problems ranging from eyestrain, headaches, neck and backache to more serious Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), including carpal tunnel syndrome, writer’s cramp, tendonitis, etc. are the result of inappropriate computer use.
MacBreakZ offers a unique way of acquiring ergonomic skills that can safe you a lot of discomfort and shield you from serious health and career-threatening disorders.
 Show & Tell
MacBreakZ features sophisticated keyboard and mouse monitoring (without invading your privacy*) that allows it to react to the way you are using your computer. What’s more MacBreakZ provides you with instant feedback on how you are doing and thus lets you find out more about your work practices.
Suggest, Teach & Demonstrate
 Based on your actual keyboard and mouse use and the time you have spent in front of the screen, MacBreakZ suggests rest and microbreaks at appropriate intervals. MacBreakZ includes a set of 40 fully illustrated stretching exercises that are designed to reduce muscular tension, improve posture and strengthen appropriate muscle groups. It also features dozens of great ergonomic tips.
 Adapt
MacBreakZ adapts to how and where you work. A sophisticated setup assistant makes sure that you start off with a configuration that suits you and your workplace. An extensive array of preferences allow you to customize everything from how activity is measured to the way information is presented on the screen.
Tactful & Discrete
 MacBreakZ isn’t rude and just interrupts you in the middle of something important. Through its innovative interface using transparency and sound, it keeps you informed without stealing your focus and gives you plenty of warning before a break is due and even then respectfully waits until you have stopped working.
 Serious Fun
Healthy computing does not have to be beige. MacBreakZ features a “serious fun” interface that uses everything that Mac OS X has to offer from transparency effects to the sound interface. Lead artist, Nick Miller, also supplies a range of laid back stretching illustrations.
 Plain Serious
MacBreakZ features information displays and an illustration style that suit a more formal open plan office setting. A special “stealth” mode encodes all essential information into a inconspicious menu bar item for those who do not wish to broadcast the fact that they are using the product.
*Activity Monitor only knows that you are pressing a key, but not which key is pressed and it knows that you are moving your mouse but not where.
We at MacZOT really want you to stay healthy while you are using your computer and we HIGHLY recommend using MacBreakZ to help you do that.
For more information, visit the official MacBreakZ website.
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June 29th, 2007 at 4:33 am
I’ve used a similar product on my windows box that my company provided to me to test and it really is helpful… unfortunately, it doesn’t work in conjunction with my home setup (i work from home now) and so this is a welcome treat… i’m trying it out now!
it seems kinda silly to be forced to take breaks and do exercises, but after getting RSI from sitting in front of a computer all day, i can vouch that this is indeed a good idea and does help your overall well being.
June 29th, 2007 at 6:22 am
Wow, you know it’s a high quality program when they haven’t even proofread their screenshot!
(“Bent the elbow…”)
June 29th, 2007 at 7:10 am
Ok Alex, i guess you’ve never made a mistake before? Maybe the software author isn’t a native english speaker. I noticed the spelling too, but i chose to let it go and possibly notify the vendor of the error instead of doing what you’ve done.
June 29th, 2007 at 7:24 am
I’ve been using Desk Doctor and am pretty happy with it. Also it has videos instead of cartoon drawings and works for windows and macs.
Think I’ll skip this one, but it appears to be a nice software, I congratulate anyone that helps preventing RSI.
June 29th, 2007 at 8:53 am
That typo has been corrected in the actual program, just so you know. Odds are that screenshot was produced before it was caught and corrected, and they just forgot to go back and fix it. Embarassing, but not that big of a deal.
I’ve been using the demo at work today, and I’m really impressed. It’s non intrusive and the default settings adapt to how you’re working. For example, if you stop interacting with the computer, the countdown to your next break stops after 15 seconds or so. After another 30 seconds or so it starts counting backwards. Another program I tried that timed out breaks didn’t account for this, so I would constantly miss breaks or only work a few minutes before being interrupted.
I think I’ll be picking this up.
June 29th, 2007 at 8:55 am
Actually, I just noticed that the screenshot on the site is correct as well. Maybe someone sent MacZot an old version of the screenshot by accident?
June 29th, 2007 at 9:20 am
You guys are good! I found the new screenshot on the MacBreakZ site and changed it now.
Thanks.
Lisa
June 29th, 2007 at 11:15 am
I sent Frank (at PublicSpace) an email earlier today about the typo as it does exist in the version (4.3) that I received when I used the Try It button on MacZot. He updated the screenshot on the Overview page and apparently Lisa has updated MacZot. He said the two latest versions 4.4 & 4.5 he has yet to release have corrected the typo within the software itself.
@Andre Garzia: Desk Doctor I am sure is a good program, but is out of my price range at $129. I kind of like the cartoon look. It gives it a fun atmosphere, plus still achieves the goal at a great price $19.95.
I’m in!
June 29th, 2007 at 11:37 am
fyi — for those on an even smaller budget but needing less features, I use the open source AntiRSI: http://tech.inhelsinki.nl/antirsi/
Works great and if I combine it with the exercises I’m supposed to do, it really helps alleviate my ulnar nerve inflammation.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Wow, this Dev. is very responsive. Each time I emailed him he replied very quickly. I purchased the product on MacZot and I have already received my license code. Wow, most Devs don’t send the code till the next day or late. Great service.
June 29th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
I just went through a deadline last week and after a few 6-7 hours stretches, my back finally gave out. I was just thinking yesterday that I should look for one of those programs that tells you to get off your butt and walk around a bit. Then along comes this one. Figured it was kismet and popped for it. Very nice (and timely) zot.