Working on a Laptop is Bad for Health
Published January 4, 2008
Ever since i got my MacBook in August last year i've been using it as my primary work machine. Switching from a desktop computer to being a full-time laptop user has, especially in the beginning, caused me some back-pain. I recently noticed that I'm now fairly accustomed with a hunched, goblin-like sitting position and that trying to sit in a correct sitting position for a longer time is causing issues.
Due to the unergonomic design of laptops (keyboard and screen are not separated) most doctors and chiropractors recommend working on it for one hour at most. If the keyboard is in an optimal position for the user, the screen isn't and if the screen is optimal the keyboard isn't.
Students use their laptop for an average of almost five-and-a-half hours a day and according to british research, over 50% experienced aches and pains owing to laptop use. Neck, back and shoulder problems build up over time, they can go by years unnoticed and then all of a sudden strike you.
From my point of view there are two options: you have to buy a separate keyboard with either a laptop stand or a separate monitor, so you can have the screen at the right height.