Originally used mostly by businesspeople who traveled often, laptops have recently begun to outsell desktop computers. More often than not, they’re light, compact and cute as a button, and everyone, from high school students to CEO’s are carrying them around.
First of all, laptops are not actually meant to be used on your lap. Everywhere you look, people are contorted into the strangest positions to make laptops usable. Hunching over, squeezing arms tight and flexing wrists to reach the keyboard and poking your head forward to see the screen can all lead to back, neck, shoulder, wrist arm and hand pain.
The real problem with laptops is that the screen and keyboard are stuck together. Your computer screen should be directly at eye level, and a keyboard should be placed so there is no strain on the wrists or shoulders. If you are using your laptop as your primary computer, use a laptop stand to elevate the screen, and get an external keyboard and mouse. This way, you can place everything so it is properly adjusted to your body. Make sure you are seated properly, and that you are comfortable, not hunching your back or straining your neck or shoulders.
Though laptops are lovely and compact, a bit of accessorizing will help save the long-term user a world of pain.
[...] Original post by jfrancoeur [...]