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Optimal Laptop Ergonomics
According to the Occupational Safety
& Health Administration (OSHA), the best position for the body when
using a computer is a neutral position. The key points are (see full
OSHA report here):
Optimum laptop ergonomics requires the correct position of both the display and the keyboard. The first 5 items in the OSHA list above will be affected by the position of your laptop, while 5 - 8 will be primarily a function of the chair. The back is affected by the chair and laptop positioning. We will focus on the first five since they are affected by the use of a laptop stand.
Ideal Position: The ideal laptop stand allows the body to be in a neutral position. However, this requires the use of a laptop stand which can support the laptop in a vertical position, and also a remote keyboard. This may work well for those who compute in the same location everyday. However these items may be too bulky to travel with.
Hands & Wrists are in line with forearm.
Head is level or bent slightly forward; it's in line with torso
Shoulders are relaxed with arms hanging down
Elbows are bent 90 - 120 deg.
Back is supported
The Latosta Position: We believe that this represents the optimal position when using both the display and keyboard of your laptop computer. There is a slight compromise of the elbow position, but the wrists are straight, reducing the chance of carpal tunnel.
Hands & Wrists are in line with forearm.
Head is level or bent slightly forward; it's in line with torso
Shoulders are relaxed with arms hanging down
Elbows are bent 90 - 120 deg.
Back is supported
The Crouch Position: Look around in a coffee shop at those using their laptops and you will probably find this is a common position. The benefit is that eyes are close to the screen. However this position compromises the wrist, elbow, neck/shoulders and back.
Hands & Wrists are in line with forearm.
Head is level or bent slightly forward; it's in line with torso
Shoulders are relaxed with arms hanging down
Elbows are bent 90 - 120 deg.
Back is supported
The Slouch Position: Here's another common position. The benefit is that the wrists are straight. The eyes are far from the screen. This position compromises the elbow, neck/shoulders and back.
Hands & Wrists are in line with forearm.
Head is level or bent slightly forward; it's in line with torso
Shoulders are relaxed with arms hanging down
Elbows are bent 90 - 120 deg.
Back is supported
The Cooling Pad Position: Many people use laptop cooling pads to reduce laptop overheating. Most of these are flat, with built in fans. The flat laptop cooling pad goes underneath the keyboard. Lifting the front of the keyboard while leaving the keyboard flat will be worse for the wrists than having the laptop flat on a table. This will also cause a minor lift in the shoulders.
Hands & Wrists are in line with forearm.
Head is level or bent slightly forward; it's in line with torso
Shoulders are relaxed with arms hanging down
Elbows are bent 90 - 120 deg.
Back is supported
How does the Latosta position compare to using the laptop flat on a table or desk? Here is a comparison of the Latosta Portable laptop stand position to the best possible posture with your laptop flat on a table. The Latosta creates a significant improvement in the wrist position, bringing it to the optimal alignment. The Latosta position also lifts the display slightly, improving the viewing angle. The lifted keyboard will also allow for better laptop cooling using natural convective air currents!
We think the best position when using a laptop on a table is with the front of the keyboard as low as possible (resting on the table), and the back of the keyboard raised enough to get the wrists straight. Although still too low, the display is closer to the ideal position. The wrists will be in the optimal position, but the elbow will be slightly less than 90 degrees. In order to get a better position than this will require a separate keyboard and a stand that can raise up the display approx. 6 - 10 inches. Most people are unwilling to carry around a separate keyboard and large laptop stand.
If you want a simple laptop stand that is easy to take with you and provides the best possible ergonomics with the native keyboard, the Latosta portable laptop stand is an excellent choice!
- Hands, wrists,
and forearms are straight,
in-line and roughly parallel to the floor.
- Head is level, or bent
slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced. Generally
it is in-line with the torso.
- Shoulders are relaxed
and upper arms hang normally
at the side of the body.
- Elbows stay in close to
the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.
- Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.
- Feet are fully supported by the floor or a footrest may be used if the desk height is not adjustable.
- Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and generally parallel to the floor.
- Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward.
Optimum laptop ergonomics requires the correct position of both the display and the keyboard. The first 5 items in the OSHA list above will be affected by the position of your laptop, while 5 - 8 will be primarily a function of the chair. The back is affected by the chair and laptop positioning. We will focus on the first five since they are affected by the use of a laptop stand.
Ideal Position: The ideal laptop stand allows the body to be in a neutral position. However, this requires the use of a laptop stand which can support the laptop in a vertical position, and also a remote keyboard. This may work well for those who compute in the same location everyday. However these items may be too bulky to travel with.
Hands & Wrists are in line with forearm. Head is level or bent slightly forward; it's in line with torso Shoulders are relaxed with arms hanging down Elbows are bent 90 - 120 deg. Back is supportedThe Latosta Position: We believe that this represents the optimal position when using both the display and keyboard of your laptop computer. There is a slight compromise of the elbow position, but the wrists are straight, reducing the chance of carpal tunnel.
Hands & Wrists are in line with forearm. Head is level or bent slightly forward; it's in line with torso Shoulders are relaxed with arms hanging down Elbows are bent 90 - 120 deg. Back is supportedThe Crouch Position: Look around in a coffee shop at those using their laptops and you will probably find this is a common position. The benefit is that eyes are close to the screen. However this position compromises the wrist, elbow, neck/shoulders and back.
Hands & Wrists are in line with forearm. Head is level or bent slightly forward; it's in line with torso Shoulders are relaxed with arms hanging down Elbows are bent 90 - 120 deg. Back is supportedThe Slouch Position: Here's another common position. The benefit is that the wrists are straight. The eyes are far from the screen. This position compromises the elbow, neck/shoulders and back.
Hands & Wrists are in line with forearm. Head is level or bent slightly forward; it's in line with torso Shoulders are relaxed with arms hanging down Elbows are bent 90 - 120 deg. Back is supportedThe Cooling Pad Position: Many people use laptop cooling pads to reduce laptop overheating. Most of these are flat, with built in fans. The flat laptop cooling pad goes underneath the keyboard. Lifting the front of the keyboard while leaving the keyboard flat will be worse for the wrists than having the laptop flat on a table. This will also cause a minor lift in the shoulders.
Hands & Wrists are in line with forearm. Head is level or bent slightly forward; it's in line with torso Shoulders are relaxed with arms hanging down Elbows are bent 90 - 120 deg. Back is supportedHow does the Latosta position compare to using the laptop flat on a table or desk? Here is a comparison of the Latosta Portable laptop stand position to the best possible posture with your laptop flat on a table. The Latosta creates a significant improvement in the wrist position, bringing it to the optimal alignment. The Latosta position also lifts the display slightly, improving the viewing angle. The lifted keyboard will also allow for better laptop cooling using natural convective air currents!
We think the best position when using a laptop on a table is with the front of the keyboard as low as possible (resting on the table), and the back of the keyboard raised enough to get the wrists straight. Although still too low, the display is closer to the ideal position. The wrists will be in the optimal position, but the elbow will be slightly less than 90 degrees. In order to get a better position than this will require a separate keyboard and a stand that can raise up the display approx. 6 - 10 inches. Most people are unwilling to carry around a separate keyboard and large laptop stand.
If you want a simple laptop stand that is easy to take with you and provides the best possible ergonomics with the native keyboard, the Latosta portable laptop stand is an excellent choice!
Latosta Ultra portable laptop stand:
- Small enough to fit into a shirt pocket
- Stainless steel versions weigh 2 oz. (56 g)/set
- Anodized aluminum versions weigh 0.72 oz (20 g) /set
- Only 4 1/2" x 2" x 1/4" (114mm x 51mm x 6mm)
Better Laptop Ergonomics:
- Lifts the display screen for reduced neck strain
- Tilts the keyboard for improved wrist position
- Completely stable on the stand
Improved Laptop Cooling:
- Increases air circulation to allow draw heat away from your laptop
- Passive laptop cooling is quiet
- An overheating laptop can drain your laptop batteries faster
- Improving laptop cooling increases battery life
Fast Easy Laptop Stand Setup:
- Sets up and takes down in seconds
- Easily adjustable laptop stand for different keyboard tilt angles
- Fits laptops of any width
Quality Construction:
- Minimalist all metal design
- 5 year Warranty against failure in normal use
- 30 day satisfaction guarantee
- Made in USA
- Patent Pending
Originally $14.95, Now on Sale for $9.95!
