Author Topic: Dektops, laptops and ergonomics  (Read 2210 times)

Offline ejc

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Dektops, laptops and ergonomics
« on: May 03, 2003, 05:27:00 PM »
Many desktop manuals (I know only Mac) maintain that  an optimal seating posture, height of keyboard and monitor is important. They provide illustrations too. The way I see it, these recommendations cannot be fulfilled with a laptop. Does this mean that we risk damage to our bodies if we use a laptop for long periods of time?
Anybody have views/experience on this topic? What gives here folks?

ejc

Offline CyberPet

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Dektops, laptops and ergonomics
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2003, 06:06:00 PM »
Well.. don't have any numbers but I have a few years of experience using a laptop.

The main thing when it comes to ergonomics is that you are relaxed, i.e. that you don't strain one or several muscles to handle your computer.

One of the most comon suggestions is to keep your elbows to your body and that your underarms are resting comfortable as well as your shoulders. A laptop is very good in your lap, since it's the perfect height for your upper arms to rest comfortable while you rest your lower arms on the arms rest on the laptop and it's even better with it's mousepad in the middle since you don't hold out your left or right arm to work your mouse.

So if you're sitting by a desk you might need to find the perfect height for your desk so that your upper arms are nice and relaxed to your sides and that your under arms are relaxed aswell and not in a weird position. When it comes to sitting on a chair it's the same rules as sitting on any chair, either your work with our without a computer at all.

Both on laptops and on stationary the ideal screen height is that you have the top of the screen in eye level, that means  that you're not bending your head upwards and get a stiff neck, and it shouldn't be too low either since you then would get a stiff neck aswell. And it happens to be that the laptops are in that height automatically when you have your laptop in your lap. So there again it's important to find a table in the right height to view the monitor (and not stress your shoulders and upper arms).

This is what I've learnt during the years, both with working with laptop computers as well as stationary machines.

Oh, and if you have one of those nice desks at work where you can rise the table so you can stand, do that at least once a day, that's good for your back. Sitting on a chair too long is never good for any body.
/Petra

Offline ejc

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Dektops, laptops and ergonomics
« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2003, 06:43:00 PM »
Hi Petra,

I take your point about keyboard height on your lap but surely it's necessary to incline the head downwards quite a lot to read the display?
BTW, I greatly respect the views of a Swedish person when it comes to a question of ergonomics. I believe that Sweden is one of the leaders in this.
Another BTW - and OT, - I have a close English buddy from student days who became a professor of nuclear technology at Chalmers Techniska Hogskule (?spelling) in Göteberg, now retired.

Thanks for your reply

ejc

Offline CyberPet

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« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2003, 07:06:00 PM »
If your head has to move downwards to read the monitor, either your have a big-ass huge monitor, you're sitting too close or your eye movements isn't enough.

When I'm sitting by my PowerBook now, I have my head very straight and if I were to look straight forward I'd see the edge of the monitor in eye level. When I reach for the top of the monitor it's about in the middle of my palm with my arm straight forward.

I have no problem reading from the top to the bottom of the screen at this distance without having to move my head in an akward position for my neck. When I'm reading the screen I'm looking down with my eyes, not with my head.
/Petra

Offline Bernie

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Dektops, laptops and ergonomics
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2003, 07:11:00 PM »
Boy Oh Boy. If you only knew what daily pain is. Jeezzzz
No offense meant.
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Offline Bill

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« Reply #5 on: May 03, 2003, 07:38:00 PM »
Does it matter if you 'tilt' the screen back the vertical level?
Instead of a "L" shape,more like bent backwards "L" with the monitor Petra?
You'd be looking down at the monitor (sort of) yet still be able to view its entirety.
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Offline CyberPet

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« Reply #6 on: May 03, 2003, 07:56:00 PM »
Yes, you shouldn't have the viewing angle at 90° but perhaps 10-15° over that vertical angle (backwards that is). When it comes to LCD-screens you yourself feel what's the best angle where you see the same brightness both at the top and the bottom of the screen. That's usually about 10-15° over the vertical 90° angle.
/Petra

Offline Bill

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« Reply #7 on: May 03, 2003, 08:49:00 PM »
For viewing the same brightness both at the top and the bottom of the screen it appears about what you said Petra  is right on the money. Around 10 past 90.
Didn't get out no fancy measuring device ... so ... <gr>
 
 [ 05-03-2003, 09:52 PM: Message edited by: Bill ]
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