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Home > LCD Monitor Arms >
Tips on Laptop use
How to Select
and Use Laptop Computers - Notebook Computers
- Positioning your laptop on
an ergonomic laptop desk and using a separate keyboard is
essential to creating an efficient and comfortable work
area wherever you are.
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Laptops help keep
you in touch and
able to access information
you need quickly
when it's used away
from your desk.
However, before
you buy a notebook
computer it's helpful
to learn more about
how to set them
up and use them
properly, so you
can choose the right
model and accessories
for your needs.
These portable computers
have not been designed
to be a substitute
for a desk-based
computer, but their
popularity has resulted
in them being used
that way for many
consistent working
hours. It is important
to know how to position
your laptop computer,
for example on an
ergonomic laptop
desk with a wireless
keyboard and mouse,
because the screen
and keyboard areas
are attached which
make proper ergonomic
positioning and
comfort difficult.
Information taken
from UCLA and other
studies are summarized
below. If you use
your notebook computer
for periods of several
hours or more continually,
as is typical
of desktop computers,
consider purchasing
ergonomic accessories
such as a height
and tilt adjustable
laptop stand
or
laptop drawer
.
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The
following suggestions
are partially adopted
from a study by
UCLA:
Choosing the right
weight notebook
computer:
-
Select lightweight
models if you
will be transporting
your laptop
to different
workstation
locations, and
remember to
factor in the
weight of the
additional equipment
you'll be placing
inside the carrying
case, also.
-
Use docking
stations if
you frequently
work between
two offices.
-
Transport your
notebook computer
using a backpack
with wide, padded
should straps
or a wheeled
case designed
to hold a laptop
of your size.
What size screen
answers your requirements?
Maintain proper
posture by positioning
your laptop computers
ergonomically correct:
-
When using the
laptop without
peripherals,
sit in a slightly
reclined position
and place your
laptop on a
positive tilt.
This will position
the keys as
low as possible
while keeping
the screen at
a reasonable
height.
-
Use an external
keyboard and
mouse for extended
work periods.
Y-mouse adapters
are available
to expand ports
if needed. Placing
the external
keyboard on
an adjustable
keyboard tray
positioned at
your correct
typing height
is very helpful.
Consider viewing
distance and glare
when working on
notebook computers:
-
Select a laptop
computer with
a large screen.
-
Place the screen
at a distance
- increase font
size for viewing
if needed.
-
Position the
top of the screen
2" - 3" below
seated eye level.
Tilt the screen
upward for easier
viewing.
-
Position screens
of notebook
computers to
avoid glare
from windows
and overhead
lights.
-
Use a special
document holder
or clipboard
to prop up reference
documents at
an angle for
easy viewing,
ensuring the
document holder's
placement does
not require
you to turn
your head excessively.
Take some precautions
when working while
on an airplane:
-
Sitting in an
emergency row
exit seat will
provide extra
depth for setting
you your laptop
on the seat
tray.
If you have
no alternative
but to use your
laptop on your
lap (for a short
period of time),
then place a
pillow on your
lap and set
the laptop on
the pillow.
Heat from laptops
can create
-
Lower the window
screen and adjust
the overhead
light to reduce
glare.
-
Whenever possible,
remove the seat
armrest and
place a pillow
under your arms
for support.
If you cannot
move the armrest,
elevate your
notebook with
something flat
and sturdy,
such as magazines.
-
Keep your laptop
at the same
level as the
armrest and
use the armrests
for arm support.
Think about computer
ergonomics:
-
Follow the 20/20/20
rule: take a
20 second break
every 20 minutes
and look 20
feet away to
rest your hands
and eyes.
-
Perform some
simple stretch
exercises during
these breaks
from your notebook
computer, including
the following:
-
Spread your
fingers of both
hands apart
while keeping
your wrists
straight.
Hold for three
seconds and
complete five
times.
-
Massage your
fingers, wrists
and forearms.
-
Lean forward
and squeeze
your should
blades together
bringing your
elbows behind
your back. Keep
your shoulders
lowered.
-
Turn your head
gently to the
left, center,
and right, holding
each position
for three seconds.
For more information
on ergonomics and
how to select, work
and transport notebook
computers (a.k.a.
notebook computer),
check the following
related links:
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About Ergo In Demand
Since June 1, 1985,
we have been at
the forefront of
ergonomic designs
that have been proven
and that work.
We supply a broad
range of quality
computer equipment
and accessories
including a large
variety of
laptop accessories.
Our laptop stands
feature height adjustability
and tilt options
for maximum comfort.
Ergonomic laptop
desks are all mobile,
built for classroom
and office use.
We offer a wide
selection of
keyboard trays and
keyboard drawers,
all with ergonomic
features. For more
ergonomic computer
office product ideas
visit our sections
computer filters,
ergonomic accessories
and
economy line.
All our products
are fully warranted
for manufacturing
and workmanship
and are carefully
inspected before
leaving our warehouses.
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