Laptop Stands: Improving Screen Position
Using a laptop directly on a desk may seem like the simplest solution, but the low position of the screen can encourage you to look down for extended periods. This can contribute to strain through the neck and shoulders and encourage a hunched posture that can also place additional stress on the lower back.
Laptop stands, sometimes referred to as laptop risers, provide a simple solution by raising the screen to a more suitable viewing height. Rather than looking down towards the laptop, the screen can be positioned higher to encourage a more upright and comfortable posture.
However, raising a laptop creates an important consideration: the built-in keyboard and trackpad are raised along with the screen. Once the laptop has been positioned at the correct height, using the built-in keyboard can require the wrists to bend upwards, particularly if the stand is angled. We therefore recommend the use of a separate keyboard and mouse for prolongued use, so that typing and mouse work remains comfortable.
Positioning A Laptop Stand
As a general guide, the laptop should be approximately an arm's length away, with the top of the screen around eye level. The screen should also be positioned directly in front of you, allowing you to look straight ahead rather than repeatedly turning or tilting your head. If you work from a monitor as well as a laptop, you may like to have your primary, larger screen in front of you and the laptop to one side raised as much as possible to match your eye line across the two devices.
Height-Adjustable Laptop Stands
A height-adjustable laptop stand makes it easier to achieve the optimal viewing position while still allowing you to fine-tune the screen angle for comfortable viewing. Our recommended height-adjustable laptop stands include FoldineX Portable Laptop Stand and Slimcool Laptop Stand. Other popular models include those manufactured by Ergonomic Cafe, BakkerElkhuizen and Mousetrapper.
Integrated Document Holders
If your work involves regularly referring to paperwork, a laptop stand with integrated document holder can be a useful feature to look for. Several laptop stands incorporate a document holder that positions paperwork upright, often over the keyboard area of the laptop. This helps keep documents within the same general viewing area as the screen, rather than requiring you to look down at paperwork lying flat on the desk.
Some recommendations which include integrated document holders include Ergo-Q 330 Circular Laptop Stand, Ergo-Q 260 Laptop Stand and Go Eco Air Laptop & Tablet Stand.
Laptop Holders on Monitor Arms
A laptop doesn't necessarily need to sit on the desk at all. For example, you may like to raise your laptop using Laptop Holder, which attaches to a monitor arm. This provides a highly adjustable solution, allowing the laptop to be moved easily in terms of height, angle and distance.
Another benefit is that mounting the laptop on an arm frees up valuable desk space underneath it. This can be particularly useful on smaller desks or when the workstation needs to accommodate other equipment. For users who regularly change between tasks or need a high degree of flexibility, a laptop holder mounted on an arm can provide an alternative to a conventional desk-based laptop stand.
Our recommended Laptop Holder is the BC Universal Laptop Holder, which is available to purchase by itself, or as part of a bundle with the Screen Lift or EasyView Gas arms.
How To Choose The Right Laptop Stand For You
There are several things to consider when choosing a suitable laptop stand. The right option will depend not only on the ergonomic requirements of your workstation but also on how and where you use your laptop.
- Laptop Size - Check that the stand is designed to accommodate the size and weight of your laptop. The platform should provide sufficient support without making the laptop feel unstable.
- Portability - If you regularly work in different locations, a lightweight or folding stand may be more suitable. A more substantial fixed-height stand may be preferable for a permanent workstation where portability is less important.
- Weight - The weight of the stand can be an important consideration, particularly if you intend to carry it with your laptop. Heavier stands can provide greater stability, while lighter designs are generally easier to transport.
- Integrated Document Holder - If your work involves regularly referencing paperwork, consider whether an integrated document holder would be useful. Keeping documents raised and within a comfortable viewing area can help reduce unnecessary downward movements of the head and neck.
Conclusions
A laptop stand is a simple way to raise a laptop screen and create a more comfortable viewing position. By bringing the top of the screen closer to eye level and keeping it approximately an arm's length away, a stand can help reduce the need to look down and encourage a more upright posture.
However, raising the laptop also raises its keyboard and trackpad, which is why a separate keyboard and mouse are recommended for prolonged use. From adjustable desk-based stands and integrated document holders to laptop holders mounted on monitor arms, there are solutions to suit different working environments and requirements.
If you're unsure which solution is right for you, don’t hesitate to Contact Us so that we can recommend a Laptop Stand that meets your requirements.
