13th June 2001

Companies put themselves through great expense to provide ergonomic office furniture and computing equipment -- sometimes. Still, there's little hope of finding an ergonomic notebook computer. These things are deathtraps when it comes to comfortable, healthy computing. Because of the flat keyboard design and attached display, you sorta find yourself cramped "into" the laptop at times -- crooking your neck or hunching over in order to see the on-screen data or to align your hands in a workable typing arrangement. If you can manage, the most comfortable position I've found is to lean back a bit to keep your back straight, then lower your head so you chin is down toward your chest. This helps to keep your neck straighter and prevents you from hunching over. Also, refrain from crossing your legs or other bodily contortions, as this can put your arms at a disadvantage having to contend with odd typing angles. Another trick I sometimes use is a large three-ring binder that is fairly full. This provides a bit of a sloped angle and raises the notebook up a bit, helping to align your hands for more relaxed typing. I discovered this when I went in search of something to keep the heat off my legs, and discovered the bonus of better ergonomics. Note that the large flow of blood in your legs will pick up the heat from a notebook sitting on your lap and raise your body temperature. A doctor friend told me this once, and I've since proven it using a digital thermometer... interesting, eh?