A peripheral device for computers and the like, including a thin flat housing suitable for placing on a work surface and having a generally planar smooth top surface, a keyboard (ZC, ZC', ZC") and a flat screen (ZE) arranged in a central area (Z3) of the device, and two blank areas (Z1, Z2) located on either side of the central area. The size of the housing is such that it forms a desk pad permanently occupying one portion of the work surface (PT). The device is useful for improving computer or work station ergonomics.