Laptop Computers Guidelines

Today, many computer users have turned to convenient portable laptops as either an adjunct to their work stations, or as an alternative to a desk top computer. Just as desktop computers have specific guidelines and recommendations for safe and healthy use, so do laptops. The following is a list of things to consider and try to promote and ensure comfort when using them.

Laptop Typing Guidelines

• Set up the laptop keyboard, much like you would your regular keyboard. Elbows should be level with or slightly higher than the keyboard (elbows at approximately 90 degrees, wrists level, upper arms hanging as vertically as possible)
• Try using a chair that does not have arm rests so that you will have room to move your arms.
• If you have the option to plug in your regular keyboard and monitor to your lap top, do so.
• If not, avoid resting on the wrist rest areas WHILE typing. Try using whole hand and arm movements to navigate around the keys.
• If you are unfamiliar with your laptop keyboard, try watching your hands at first to learn where all the keys are placed. Some of them may have been rearranged.
• As the touch on lap tops are often lighter, and the key bed is shallow, be especially careful not to pound on the keys.
• If your laptop has a glide point that is difficult to move, try plugging in an external mouse, and / or try using key commands instead.
• When looking down at the screen, be careful not to bend your neck and head forward to see. Try tucking in your chin to look down, keeping your head and neck more or less balanced over the spine.