Optimal monitor height? Computer remote? Battery solution?

Hello, finally upgraded to Windows 7, bought a Lenovo x230, ultrabase docking, Dell 24" eIPS ((1900x1200), Lenovo Keyboard/mouse and a couple questions have come up related to this new setup and hopefully someone out there has a lot of knowledge/have similar setups...please help with your advice/opinion...

1. It is a bit of an adjustment getting used to the 24" screen, I'm sure eventually I'll get used to it/like this setup more, but something that concerns me is that even on the lowest height adjustment, I am at eye level at about 3/4ths the screen, I've read conflicting reports that it could cause neck strain/potential long term problems by looking up (I spend a lot of the time on the computer and on the internet so usually the browser tabs are on the top row of the screen). I've also read that 3/4ths is actually okay for big monitors like mine because you don't want to look down at too much of an angle, anyone experienced/any advice on this? I am at just about arms length from monitor.

2. I was thinking since I have a docking station, is there a way to turn on my computer with a remote (not talking about waking up from sleep)? Also, a remote would come in handy when I'm eating/watching a video to switch videos/pause/search without opening up keyboard tray/using messy fingers. Are those two functions possible with the remote with W7? I've read reviews of computer remotes but amazingly I can't seem to find out the answer to this. Most just seem to control Windows media player and couldn't get a good answer on power on or internet videos.

3. My last laptop (t60) spent 99% of the time plugged in and I never drained the battery regularly to keep it in good shape and it eventually died. I think I may likely do the same thing for my x230 for possibly even weeks/months at at time, so I was wondering any other solutions if I don't want to do the regular draining solution? I was thinking of keeping my battery unattached until I know I am going to be leaving somewhere. That could cause my computer to shut off if power is lost which might happen a couple times a year, but I was thinking that may be worth not killing the battery, any thoughts/advice?

Thanks all for any help/advice.