Are you sitting comfortably?
1. Screen too close
2. Screen not high enough (looking down)
3. Keyboard uncomfortable
4. Pointing device awkward
More and more people due to the cost of laptops coming down are now having problems with the way they work with them. This is due to the way that they are built with the screen, keyboard and pointing device all connected, great for portability but not good for the back, arms and eyes. Most people buy an external mouse which makes it more comfortable to use but not many people buy any other accessories such as an external keyboard or laptop stand. By getting an external keyboard you are then able to move the screen away from you making it easer on the eyes and with a laptop stand you can then bring your screen up to a great working height.
It is a paradox that people don't buy these accessories when they get there laptop, you wouldn't by a television with out a stand and just place it on the floor, would you?
It is amazing that with laptops being so common the work place of today that there is no legislation that is specific to the use of laptops in the working environment there are areas of health and safety regulations which can be applied to the use of VDU screens and also the use of keyboards.
During the next few years we will be getting more and more problems from people using laptops in the wrong posture, and we are just starting to see large companies asking questions about the health and safety aspects of using laptops for any length of time. The answer to these problems is not an expensive one for either large or small companies or individuals for as little as £70.00 including vat you can get a portable laptop stand with keyboard and mouse (wire less).
Considering all the press that there was a few years ago regarding RSI when companies where taken to court and made to pay massive amounts of money to some of their employees, it seem ridicules that this problem has not been highlight more in the press.
We are now find that some very large companies purchasing laptop stand and keyboards for there mobile work force and for the home workers where they can say that they have given there work force all the tools to get them into a comfortable position and keep them within H & S regulations.
So what is needed is for ALL laptop users to be aware and educated in the problems that laptops can give you with long term use especially for young where there back and necks are still developing.
Don't get me wrong the laptop is a fantastic tool used in the correct manor. this means using a laptop stand and separate keyboard which both need to be portable the same as the laptop.
