Convenience vs. Ergonomics

Laptop stands are probably the single most important accessory needed to construct a good laptop workstation. Laptops, however, are used in a greater variety of situations than desktops are. As a consequence, there are a variety of stands designed specifically for each different situation, depending primarily on whether the setup will be semi-permanent (where the laptop basically replaces the desktop computer on the desk) or transient (for example, at school, or on an airplane while traveling).

It is important to keep in mind that laptops are essentially combination devices designed with convenience in mind. These 'all-in-one' devices house a monitor, a CPU, a keyboard and (usually) a touchpad, and have all the disadvantages one typically encounters with combination devices. This is why it is equally important to offset these disadvantages when creating a workstation with a laptop by delegating the most used functions to accessory devices that perform optimally for that function. The goal is to find the appropriate balance of portability (convenience) and comfort (ergonomics) that meets your needs. Ultra-Compact Laptop Stands are usually more convenient and less ergonomic, and Compact Laptop Stands are usually less convenient and more ergonomic.

Ultra Compact Portable Laptop Stands

 

Primary Purpose: Elevate Laptop Screen to a More Appropriate Height

 

Ergonomic Basis: The recommended height for the top of the viewable portion of a computer monitor is level with the eyes of the user. Use a stand to elevate the back of the laptop in a stable fashion while maintaining the position (or lowering i.e. cantilevering) the front of the laptop. This creates a greater height differential between the laptop's keyboard and screen than is otherwise possible, improving the ergonomics when not using an external keyboard and mouse.

 

Additional Features to Consider: 1) Ability to cantilever the laptop over the edge of the surface the laptop is sitting on. 2) Multiple angles of adjustment (yielding more range of laptop display height).

 

Sample Products in this Category: Aviator Laptop Stand, Cricket Laptop Stand

 

Compact Portable Laptop Stands

 

Primary Purpose: Elevate Laptop Screen to the Correct Height

 

Ergonomic Basis: In order to achieve the correct height, multiple positions or settings are required and compact stands usually have 5 or more 'angles' which ensure that users can adjust the laptop to the optimal height. However as you increase the height of the screen, you also increase the positive inclination of the keyboard which increases the attractiveness of an external keyboard.

 

Additional Features to Consider: 1) An in-line document holder which offers an easel to cover up the laptop keyboard and position reference documents (this can be built-in to the laptop stand or be a completely separate accessory (such as the Compact Microdesk, our Featured Promo of the Month) 2) How compact the unit is during transport 3) Cooling Fans, Hubs and other 'plug-in' accessories

 

Sample Products in this Category: Ergo-Q Notebook Stands, Go! Travel Notebook Stand, Lap Lounge