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Potential Hazards
in using laptops
Notebook computers were originally designed as a
temporary solution - a short-term replacement for the
traveler's desktop computer. But as they improved,
laptops became many people's primary (and sometimes
only) computer. Companies have been finding ways to make
them smaller and more portable ever since, and laptops
are now a staple of business and educational computing.
Yet not much attention has been paid to the ergonomics
of mobile computing, and most products are designed with
portability - not user safety - in mind. So what can you
do to protect yourself? Read on to find
HealthyComputing.com's™ guide to laptop computing,
including an overview of ergonomic pitfalls, tips for
healthy usage, and a guide to ergonomic products and
accessories. In five minutes, you'll be an expert on
safe and comfortable computing.
If you can't change
your laptop, can you add anything to make it better? You
bet. Companies make a variety of laptop accessories to
remedy the problems. From document holders and external
keyboards to screens that detach entirely from the
notebook to let you place them anywhere, there's no lack
of solutions. Here's HealthyComputing.com's™ quick guide
to laptop accessories and their uses:
Laptop Stands
resemble a music stand; laptops are placed on a
height-adjustable platform which allows a wider variety
of adjustment. In essence, it's a portable desk -
meaning you're not confined to the height of whatever
desks or countertops happen to be convenient. Laptop
stands are great for people who have a favorite chair
from which they work; it lets them bring the desk to
them.
Glare Filters
(also known as glare screens) help cut reflections and
glare, both of which are common causes of eyestrain.
Attached to your screen, they filter out up to 99% of
reflected light, allowing you to see your screen more
clearly. (If you work with sensitive documents, you may
also want to consider a combination glare filter/privacy
filter).
External Mice
are often used by people who find the laptop's built-in
touchpad or trackball difficult to negotiate. The bigger
size of a traditional mouse lets you use your entire
hand to move the mouse, distributing the motion over a
wider area and leading to a more comfortable experience
for many users.
This is a partial extract from the original document.
For more information, please refer to the website
http://www.healthycomputing.com/mobile/laptops/index.html
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