While the laptop is a wonderful piece of technology, the way it sits on a desk or lap isn’t always the most ergonomic. However, there are several practical steps that can be taken to increase the ergonomic configuration of the laptop in the home or office. Here are some of the ergonomic issues with laptops:
keyboard spacing
Laptop keyboards can be quite compact, with some keys having flared gaps, while others are awkwardly placed. There is an increased risk of repetitive stress injury and hand cramps in those who regularly use small keyboards.
Screen size
The screen size is usually much smaller with the laptop compared to the standard desktop monitor. The compact screen is sure to lead to more noticeable cases of eye blemishes compared to the larger ones.
screen location
The position of the laptop screen and keyboard is fixed. While it is possible to tilt the angle of the screen, there is no option to place the screen and keyboard at different heights or apart. This is necessary for proper ergonomic setup.
small pointers
Laptops are built with built-in pointers, like a point or trackpad. They are not the easiest to use or very comfortable. It can put your hand and wrist in an awkward position and can lead to repetitive stress injuries over long periods of time.
Ergonomic configuration of your laptop
There are several helpful steps that can make setting up your laptop more user-friendly. A simple solution is to create a setup similar to a full desktop computer. The wrists should be kept in a comfortable and natural position. Also, the screen should be tilted to minimize the need to bend your neck.
One of the best ergonomic solutions is to invest in a laptop docking station. This is a great option for the laptop that is regularly used in one location. The docking station is essentially a keyboard, monitor, and mouse that are ready to connect to your laptop. This helps create a full desktop-like setup with the screen at a more favorable height and more flexibility in positioning the keyboard and other peripheral devices.
The next best solution is to simply use a stand with a separate mouse and keyboard. This gives the option to position the laptop screen at a height and angle that provides the desired comfort.