So why do laptops have such a high potential to cause ergonomic problems? Because you have to remember the notebook was created and designed for portability, not productivity. Till this day, companies continue to make laptop PC’s to get the customers attention on how flashy the case looks and how it lights up. Between the powerful CPU’s, high end video cards and 17.3″ screen… you have to think that this can’t be very friendly or good for daily use.
Ever since it happened to me, I will never underestimate the importance of ergonomics and the use of a notebook stand. It will save you so much pain and suffering down the road, I can promise you that. The first thought that came to your head was probably carpel tunnel syndrome but don’t forget about back pain, shoulder fatigue, hand and wrist pain. When first setting up your new pain free environment, you should take a few things into consideration. For example – your body height aligned to you chair height, the right amount of required back support, the laptop stand height in relationship to the height of your location, your personal best ideal viewing position and of coarse the portable laptop stand for your laptop type and size. In my opinion, I think using the proper notebook computer mouse is a must but I will cover that in another post.
Here’s some information you might of not known from the latest studies:
Cornell University said “The design of laptops violates a basic ergonomic requirement for a computer, namely that the keyboard and screen are separated.” But as you know, that’s not the case with laptop computers. The reason is simple – with a fixed design, if the keyboard is in an optimal position for the user, the screen isn’t and if the screen is optimal the keyboard isn’t.”
Harvard University said “The use of laptop computers poses an ergonomic challenge – Laptops do not easily allow basic ergonomic adjustments since they have a fixed design. When the keyboard is in the proper position for the wrist, the screen is not at an adequate height for viewing. Using notebook stands, however mobile and convenient is a trade off between poor neck/head posture and poor hand/wrist posture. To alleviate this potential problem we recommend the use of a laptop stand. Laptop stands come in different sizes, styles, shapes and colors.”
The Center For Body and Health say’s ”Laptop computers are not recommended as primary computers. In the office or while at home, a docking station is recommended to provide adjust-ability which will enhance your body’s natural postures.”
All the problems with carpel tunnel syndrome and the rest of computer ergonomic disorders don’t just creep up on us overnight and usually people neglect the pain thinking nothing of it until it becomes serious. Then it happens to you and find out it could take weeks, often a few months and sometimes years. On top of that, it takes time, money, sometimes surgery and months of physical therapy to recover while not being able to work. Generally speaking… you should take this type of stuff seriously or it could happen to you which is why I always use a notebook stand while using my laptop computer.