17 Feb 2010 BY Katrina Tarrant POSTED IN Back Pain, Physiotherapy Tweet Laptops and the Concerns about Good Workplace Ergonomics Laptops were never designed for long term use however by 2011 they are expected to represent 66 per cent of corporate purchases and 71 per cent of the consumer market. Falling prices, technological improvements and the increase in "hotspots" are the main factors driving these sales. In the 1970's personal computing desktop devices integrated the screen and keyboard into a single unit. When the first ergonomics design guidelines were written they unanimously called for separation of the monitor and keyboard. This was because a fixed design violates a major ergonomic principle of being able to arrange the different components specifically for the user. With the keyboard and monitor connected when the keyboard is in the correct position for the user the monitor is not, if the monitor is optimal the keyboard isn't. Laptops also incorporate an input device which can create further issues. For occasional use and when working for short periods these ergonomic shortcomings may only be experienced as discomfort however full time laptop users need to ensure they are not hunched over in an awkward position and this requires external equipment. * Position your laptop screen on the desk in front of you at a height that allows you to see the screen without bending your neck. This can be achieved by using either a laptop stand or a Docking Station.* Connect an external mouse and keyboard to your laptop and place them on the work surface so that your hands/wrists are straight with your elbows by your side* You will now be able to position Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse as you would a normal desktop in order to achieve the best working posture.Speak to your Fix Program Physio to assist you in finding you the correct equipment for your improved laptop working environment. A small cost now to invest in the future of an improved posture and a happy pain free neck and back. The following links can give you an idea of the solutions out there if you regularly use a laptop computer. http://www.standit.com/ http://www.auzspec.com.au/s174558392_Laptop+Solutions.html Tweet
Laptops were never designed for long term use however by 2011 they are expected to represent 66 per cent of corporate purchases and 71 per cent of the consumer market. Falling prices, technological improvements and the increase in "hotspots" are the main factors driving these sales. In the 1970's personal computing desktop devices integrated the screen and keyboard into a single unit. When the first ergonomics design guidelines were written they unanimously called for separation of the monitor and keyboard. This was because a fixed design violates a major ergonomic principle of being able to arrange the different components specifically for the user. With the keyboard and monitor connected when the keyboard is in the correct position for the user the monitor is not, if the monitor is optimal the keyboard isn't. Laptops also incorporate an input device which can create further issues. For occasional use and when working for short periods these ergonomic shortcomings may only be experienced as discomfort however full time laptop users need to ensure they are not hunched over in an awkward position and this requires external equipment. * Position your laptop screen on the desk in front of you at a height that allows you to see the screen without bending your neck. This can be achieved by using either a laptop stand or a Docking Station.* Connect an external mouse and keyboard to your laptop and place them on the work surface so that your hands/wrists are straight with your elbows by your side* You will now be able to position Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse as you would a normal desktop in order to achieve the best working posture.Speak to your Fix Program Physio to assist you in finding you the correct equipment for your improved laptop working environment. A small cost now to invest in the future of an improved posture and a happy pain free neck and back. The following links can give you an idea of the solutions out there if you regularly use a laptop computer. http://www.standit.com/ http://www.auzspec.com.au/s174558392_Laptop+Solutions.html
