My laptop is a streamlined, brushed stainless steel, Dell Inspiron with a 17″ widescreen monitor, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, and enough memory and speed to make Deep Blue green with envy. Unfortunately, it’s giving me a pain in the neck .
Working for an ergonomic consulting firm, I know better. My discomfort is from sitting at my “bar table height” kitchen table where I can comfortably view my laptop monitor but I have to lift my shoulders and arms to type. If I move it to a lower work surface so my arms are comfortable I have to bend my neck to look at the monitor. Sitting on the couch and leaning over to a coffee table isn’t even worth discussing.
Laptops are powerful, portable, and take up less space but their design does not make for user comfort. Here’s some tips when using a laptop (adapted from CSA – Z412-00 Guideline on Office Ergonomics):
- Limit use on a laptop. Difficult, but the best solution. If you must use one, take breaks.
- Use a computer docking station. The laptop is the hard drive and the docking station has a full-size monitor, keyboard and mouse. The adjustability of this solution makes it suitable for a variety of users.
- Use a laptop workstation or laptop riser. The laptop is your monitor and hard drive. A regular keyboard and mouse is plugged into the laptop so the arms are not raised and the laptop height can be adjusted for proper viewing height. For example, the Professional Series Laptop Workstation or Office Suites Laptop Riser – both by Fellowes.
A less expensive option? Plug in the keyboard and mouse and raise the laptop with a book or other support for comfortable viewing.
If your preference is for these handy bundles of circuitry, you don’t have to risk discomfort or injury when using them. Sometime soon I’ll post some secrets for those of you who use a laptop in a vehicle.