Men's LifeStyle Blog

Laptops are the most common types of computers you will find around nowadays. Before, it was desktop computers but this has changed because of the increasing need for people to be on the move. Laptops offer portability and a high level of convenience making them the preferred computing gadgets for most people. But, one thing that laptops are not popular for is ergonomics. The truth of the matter is that laptops are not the most ergonomically designed computers out there today. It is not easy to use a laptop for long periods of time even when placed on your lap. But, can you do without your laptop? Well - No!

So, what do you need to do to make your laptop as ergonomically-efficient as your desktop or workstation? Well, with a few accessories and a little bit of effort, you can make your experience of working on a laptop much more convenient and safe.

Common Ergonomic Issues WIth Laptops

1. Keyboard Spacing

We all know that laptop keyboards can be crowded and compact. Keys can be crammed together in a weird way leaving no space for your fingers to move about.

2. Monitor Size

Laptop screens are generally smaller than desktop screens.

3. Monitor Placement

On a laptop, the keyboard and monitor are fixed together. This placement is one the main causes of ergonomics issues with laptops. People are forced to bend their necks and backs low or  hold their arms and hands high in order to effectively use these devices. This puts undue strain on various parts of the body which can lead to serious health problems.

4. Small Mouse Pointers

Laptops also come with inbuilt mouse pointers in the form of a touch pad or a rotating dot. These pointing devices are sufficient for most tasks but they are not convenient to use for extended periods of time.

Basic Laptop Ergonomics Tips

1. Laptop Size

When it comes to size, the larger the screen the better. A large and clear (high resolution) screen offers better ergonomics.

2. Laptop Weight

If you move around with your laptop a lot, it is important to think about the weight of your device. Weight should include everything from the system itself to necessary accessories like chargers and batteries. There are many lightweight laptops that turn out to be as heavy as their regular counterparts when their additional components are added into the picture. The total weight of your laptop + accessories should not go beyond 15 lbs. Also, heavy systems should be carried around in appropriate bags in order to avoid straining muscles.

3. Laptop Transport

If you plan on carrying your laptop everywhere you go, you should probably consider getting a lightweight model. You should carry your machine in a quality backpack that has padded shoulder straps and a wide back surface.

4. Laptop Glare

Most modern laptops comes with glossy screens that cause glare. Laptop glare can cause discomfort in the eyes as well as headaches and migraines. To counter glare, users can make use of anti-glare screen covers or alternatively move to locations where glare in minimal.

How To Work Comfortably and Productively On A Laptop

Laptop-use is not expected to diminish anytime soon. With the ever improving technology in portable computing devices, laptops are expected to completely face out desktop computers in the coming decade. But, laptops are not the best computing gadgets for our bodies. Although they do allow people to work from virtually anywhere, they are responsible for a wide range of health complications. So, how do you ensure that you use your laptop safely in order to safeguard your health and well-being.

Sitting 101

Sitting is the first consideration you need to make when using a laptop. It is highly recommended that you sit at a desk when using a laptop. You should adopt a posture where your feet rest firm on the ground, your elbows above the desk, upper back comfortably supported by the chair’s backrest, and lower back supported by the chair’s lumbar support.

Refrain From Using Your Laptop On Your Lap

Yes! Your laptop not should not be placed on your lap. This may sound contradicting because of the name of the device, but ergonomically speaking, using your system on your lap can cause unnecessary pains and aches. Instead, you should use your laptop on a comfortable desk. It is okay to occasionally place your laptop on your lap while using it on a couch or in bed. However, this usage should be limited to a few minutes.

Use A Laptop Stand

Laptop stands have gained widespread acceptance and popularity in recent years due to their ergonomics-boosting features. A mac laptop stand basically raises the height of your laptop monitor to bring it to the same level as your eyes. This is the correct placement for your computer screen. When you using a stand, you will also need an external keyboard and mouse to make your work experience much more convenient. You can get a quality stand from your preferred computer store or use a large textbook or phonebook as an improvised laptop stand.

Use An External Keyboard and Mouse

You can make your working experience on a laptop much more convenient by using an external keyboard and mouse. With an external keyboard, you will be able to type better without putting undue strain on your wrists. With an external mouse, you will not have to struggle controlling your mouse pointer on a limited touchpad surface.

Invest In An External Monitor

The best laptops out there today are currently the smallest and lightest. Laptops should be easy to carry around and transport. Their small screens may sometimes make it harder to work on them but this does not have to be the case if you invest in a large external monitor. You can connect your laptop to your external monitor anytime you wish to make text and images larger or carry out multiple tasks at the same time. When you make these considerations, working on your laptop will be stress-free and enjoyable.