Computers and Laptops: Ergonomic Tips on How to Use a Laptop.

Computers and Laptops play a vital role in our lives today. Particularly a laptop computer which can be seen physically anywhere around the world, be it at a coffee shop or an office. Computers continue to explore and penetrate each and every aspect of our lives with their ease of use, accessibility and their ability to do virtually anything for us. Laptop computers are a necessity for some and constitute a basic part of our everyday living.

Take advantage of the many ergonomic tips on setting up and using a laptop computer. Laptops are a much greater challenge than a regular desk mounted computer. Placing your notebook computer on an adjustable ergonomic laptop stand is as important as to learn how to work on it. Laptops are completely un-ergonomic because the basic ergonomic ability of a computer – the separation of keyboard and screen to their comfortable, independent position- is not present. One very useful solution is to use a separate full-sized keyboard and mouse.

Tips for how to use a laptop safely:

·         Learn how to maintain a relaxed, neutral posture that reduces stress and strain to your muscles.

·         Schedule mini-breaks every 20-30 minutes to avoid repetition and static postures.

·         Maintain a comfortable viewing distance from your Laptop and Computer screen – approximately 18” to 30”.

·         Keep your head and neck in a relaxed, neutral position; avoid excessive neck flexion or rotation.

·         Position the keyboard at a relaxed elbow height and keep your wrists straight while typing.

·         Experiment with table and chair height as well as keyboard angle to maintain neutral wrists postures.

·         If you have to raise your chair so that your legs are pulled downward, use a footrest to support your feet. When seated, your hips should be slightly higher than your knees. When your legs are weighted downwards, there is excessive strain on hip, leg and low back muscles.

·         Add en external keyboard and place it at an adjustable and comfortable position.

·         Attach an external mouse instead of using the small constricted touchpad or trackball on your laptop.

·         Tilt the computers screen so that it is perpendicular to your line of sight.

·         Keep glares off the computers screen by moving the screen.

·         If you are sitting in a side chair or couch, use a pillow to support your arms while typing.

·         Clean the screen regularly using appropriate cleaning fluid.

·         Do not place your laptop directly in your legs lap as the computers excessive heat has been proven to cause internal physical harm to people who use it for long periods of time.

All these tips will help you prevent any harm being caused to you while using a computers and laptops for long periods of time.