There is great diversity in the kinds of laptop stands and arms available for desktop use. Depending on your specific requirements, you have to balance your primary needs over the most ergonomically suitable options.  Many desks are less than ideal at accommodating the requirements of a modern office (unfortunately, in many cases this even applies to so-called contemporary designs of desks).  As such they may not provide suitable features to allow the user to create an ergonomic workstation.  No desk is designed to ensure that a laptop user can use his laptop in an ergonomic fashion.  However, with the addition of laptop accessories (stands and arms), even the least optimal workspace can be made usable and even comfortable.

 

Permanent Laptop Stand Category

Primary Purpose: To provide a solid base while elevating the screen height to replicate an ergonomically correct desktop workstation.

 

Ergonomic Basis: In order to create an ergonomically correct desktop workstation using a laptop, the laptop must: a) be angled to raise the height of the monitor to the correct eye level; b) provide sufficient air circulation to cool the laptop over longer periods of use; c) manage all cables connecting peripherals to the laptop, etc., and d) be strong and sturdy enough to accomodate all the above features while keeping the laptop secure on the stand.

 

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. 2) A docking station which can more effectively manage all cables connecting peripherals to the laptop without compromising the laptop's portability.

 

Sample Products in this Category: Ergo T340 Laptop Stand, LX600MB Notebook and Projector Riser, XBrand Laptop Stand.

 

Adjustable Laptop Arm Category

 

Primary Purpose: To securely hold laptop while allowing it to be easily positioned for use (either sitting or standing) or stored compactly when not in use in order to maximize space.

 

Ergonomic Basis: Sit/Stand workstations or space restricted workstations will need to incorporate some mechanism to easily adjust the laptop's position for use when needed. An articulating arm device can accomplish this requirement, though many will not accomodate an external keyboard and mouse. If adjustability of the laptop is the primary goal as opposed to strict ergonomics for typing (especially applicable in those cases where the laptop is used only periodically), an adjustable arm is justifiably the best option.

 

Additional Features to Consider: 1) Will multiple users be accessing the arm? If so, an easily adjustable arm is recommended, particularly an arm with a gas cylinder or some other mechanism to counterbalance the weight of the laptop. 2) Is storability essential? If so, an easily adjustable arm with a gas cylinder, etc., is also recommended.

 

Sample Products in this Category: Articulating Laptop Height-Adjustable Arm from IOP, EVO Laptop Arm from IOP, or the EZ Adjust Notebook Arm, Desk-Mounted from 3M.