Laptops are great! They are portable and compact, easy to take anywhere. But laptop computers are just not designed to be ergonomic. At your home or office, you can add ergonomic tools or a docking station to improvement comfort, but this is practically impossible when you are on the road.

Here are some guidelines for laptop ergonomics while you are traveling:

• Find a good place to sit! Look for a comfortable chair, where you can lean back slightly, and where you back is well supported. For a quick fix you can try a rolled towel or sweatshirt; or better yet, bring your own portable lumbar support cushion. Make sure your feet can rest solidly on the floor, to help support your back and the rest of your body.
• Bring your own keyboard. A wireless, mini keyboard is light, compact and portable, with no cables to worry about. With a separate keyboard, you can place the laptop on a table or desk with the screen as close to eye level as possible. Then place the keyboard directly on your lap, preferably at a slight negative incline away from your body. This will allow you to keep your hands in good position without having to look down at your laptop screen.
• Place your laptop on your lap, if you don’t have a separate keyboard. This is the ergonomic compromise when using a laptop – do you maintain good wrist posture or good neck posture? Most experts agree that you are normally better off protecting the small muscles in your hands and wrists. With the computer on your lap, you can maintain a neutral wrist posture; find a good angle where you can keep your wrists straight and your hands and arms relaxed.
• Angle your laptop screen up as much as possible to minimize the strain on your neck. Just remember that in this position, you will need to take frequent breaks to stretch. Whenever you can, look up from your screen and roll your shoulders and neck.

While many of us enjoy the flexibility of laptops, they also increase concerns about ergonomics. For better comfort and faster typing, bring your own mini keyboard. And be prepared whatever  sitting options with your own portable lumbar support. These guidelines can help you make good ergonomic choices while on the road.

Filed under: Category Uncategorized | Tags: ergonomic keyboard,ergonomic tips,laptops,lumbar support,mini keyboard,posture by christy