Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Laptops are great but there is 1 thing wrong about them


If laptops are so great, what is the wrong  with them? Even laptop manufacturers provide warnings and information concerning the ergonomic issues associated with laptop use.

The main problem with laptops is that, since laptops do not have a detachable display and keyboard, there is no posture that is correct while using them. The figures below illustrate potential postures and their related problems.1

In the first position, the user has the laptop in the lap, which facilitates good arm position, but the user"s head is dropped, causing muscle tension in the back, neck, shoulders and chest. In the second position, the laptop is on a "standard" surface that is too low for comfortable viewing, and too high for upper body comfort while typing. Notice that the hands are higher than the elbows, the wrists are resting on the edge of the work surface, and the low back is not supported. This position increases risk for injury to the neck, back, elbows, and wrists.

If you observe someone using a laptop computer, you will likely see a variation of one of these postures. Any time spent in an awkward, forceful position pictured above will increase the likelihood of future chronic pain. Griffin1 points out that new environments where laptops can be used pose additional problems:

• The furniture in hotel rooms, trains, cars, or planes, and at home, is invariably inadequate for laptop use.2

• Lighting conditions are often not adjusted for computer(laptop) use. Therefore, glare, combined with improper viewing angle and lack of display adjustability, often results in awkward posture.

• The narrow viewing angle of Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) is poorly suited to sharing, discussion, and collaboration with multiple people.

Another problem with the laptop is the small keyboard and pointing device that is awkward or less than optimal for the user. For many people, the small keyboard requires harmful hand positions.

If you use a laptop for extended periods of time, please use an external keyboard and mouse at the appropriate height.

Although the design of laptop computers has not changed to allow more comfort for the user, there are new devices being developed which make them less awkward and harmful in some environments. We will be discussing some ways to make laptops work better with your body in the next article.

Monday, February 11, 2013

8 Reasons Why You Must ONLY Use An Ergonomic Laptop Stand - II


Here are the reasons why you should use an ergonomic laptop stand:
1. The ergonomic laptop stand straightens your wrists, significantly decreasing your risks of getting carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common affliction for those who spend long hours on a laptop, and is difficult to cure. Using an ergonomic laptop stand is the best way to prevent it.
2. Prefer a highly adjustable laptop stand , if portable, become your partner. The ergonomic laptop stand promotes good posture because it allows you to sit back and relax, while focusing on your work instead of constantly adjusting your seating position. You no longer have to lean forward and strain your neck to be able to see your screen properly.
3. You can use an ergonomic laptop stand no matter how tall or short you are. Your size doesn't affect the kind of laptop stand you have, and everyone from child to adult can use one. It adjusts to your height efficiently.
4. You can benefit from higher productivity levels, thanks to your ergonomic laptop stand. You no longer have to be bothered by your seating position and comfort while working, you can sit back and relax, and be able to focus on work. Even if you are using your laptop for recreational purposes such as watching a movie, your body will thank you for better posture and no more aches and pains.
5. You can bring the ergonomic laptop stand with you anywhere you go. They are lightweight and portable, so you can enjoy the benefits of using it just about anywhere as long as you have a surface to place it on.
6. They are made from strong and durable material that will last with you for a long time. They do not easily break or scratch, and require very little maintenance when it comes to cleaning.
7. You don’t have to worry about installation or technical manuals to enjoy its use and benefits. There is hardly any assembly involved and you can start using your laptop as soon as you get your laptop stand.
8. It’s good enough to fit laptops of all sizes, so whether you are using small portable laptops or larger kinds, the ergonomic laptop stand is for you.
Additionally, the best part is it’s very inexpensive. Considering all the health benefits you can appreciate, and the fact that it’s very portable and easy to use, there’s no reason not to start using one now.