I'd like to add one more "B" to OP's title: Body.
I have found after many years of programming that how I take care of my body before I ever sit down is much more important than the environment I sit down to. I have sat in over 100 offices of every possible condition (some you wouldn't believe) and have figured out that there's a "time warp" involved here... If I've taken care of myself, then I can function quite well in the worst client dump. If I haven't taken care of myself, then the most expensive of everything won't help much.
I have had scoliosis my whole life, so I've had to learn how to take care of myself or I never would have made it this far. Some of the things I always do:
- jogging (3-4x per week)
- body weight exercises (I love Hindu squats and push-ups.)
- stair climbing
- proper eating (a whole subject itself)
- monthly chiropractic visits
- getting out of my chair every hour (a must for ANY chair)
Oddly, I have never really followed most of OP's advice because I never thought it was very important. Most other programmers can't believe me, but here is my typical arrangement:
- cheapest chair from yard sale
- cheapest (disposable) laptop (currently $350 Lenova)
- one monitor (I can't stand > 1; I lose my focus.)
- good keyboard & mouse (the only things I don't skimp on)
- any work surface, as long as it's lower than 29"
- at least one feline companion
OP brings up some good points, but the most important thing is to find out what will work for you for years. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
I have found after many years of programming that how I take care of my body before I ever sit down is much more important than the environment I sit down to. I have sat in over 100 offices of every possible condition (some you wouldn't believe) and have figured out that there's a "time warp" involved here... If I've taken care of myself, then I can function quite well in the worst client dump. If I haven't taken care of myself, then the most expensive of everything won't help much.
I have had scoliosis my whole life, so I've had to learn how to take care of myself or I never would have made it this far. Some of the things I always do:
Oddly, I have never really followed most of OP's advice because I never thought it was very important. Most other programmers can't believe me, but here is my typical arrangement: OP brings up some good points, but the most important thing is to find out what will work for you for years. It's a marathon, not a sprint.