Updated (ergonomically) 8/2025
Five things to look at to save your head, shoulders, neck, back, and wrists. (and maybe knees and toes). Laptop ergonomics explained simply.
Ergonomics for your laptop computer.
Ergonomics: The thing No One was passionate about Ever.
Then there’s me.
Right up front let me say it: I’m sorry. Sorry for making you face this fact of life. I confess, it is a passion.
Erg-o-NOM-ics is the word for how we position ourselves to do our work.
What we do to our bodies with poor positioning will cause us lost production, fatigue, pain, and possibly even surgery. Please look at FIVE ESSENTIAL THINGS you can do to stop the harm.
I promise to make it quick and relatively painless. Once you know these five things, you can do your own research and shopping.
Today is about ergonomics for using your laptop computer.
Five things to look at to save your head, shoulders, neck, back, and wrists. (and maybe knees and toes)
The fast explanation: Our bodies weren’t made to be seated at a computer. They were made to lift, squat, turn, walk, and stretch. And more.
The word “ergonomics” is the combination of two words that mean work and economics. Go ahead. Google it. I know you will. But then come back here for the quick five things. (Or even better: Read now, Google later.)
I’m not going to burden you with all the facts. You could study forever, and some people do, about this worthy subject. I will suggest five things you need to assess.
Most of us have moved to a laptop/notebook as opposed to a desktop. This quick article is to correct any bad behavior this move has caused.
When you’ve read the five things, you’ll see it so clearly. Pay attention to the advice about positioning, and you’ll see why no laptop can satisfy all these body parts.
So here’s what I’ll say: You can use your laptop, but not alone! You can be alone, but your laptop cannot! Read on to find out why.
1. Thing One: Monitor height.
Are you looking down? Please, don’t do that. Your neck will be damaged. The top 1/3 of your monitor should be in front of your forehead. Look straight at the monitor. Can you see it, top to bottom, without tilting your head slightly up or down? Neck in neutral position, facing straight forward. Your head is centered right on top of a straight neck, just like a new chocolate Tootsie Pop. That’s what you’re after.
I like a big monitor. Check out this one, almost exactly what I have.
The thinking is this: basically “more real estate” for your viewing area. You’ll have less eye strain, and you’ll see more detail.
And there’s more – You may need a monitor stand or riser, to lift that monitor to the correct height. Once you see how functional these things are, you’ll have to get one!
This actually frees up some desktop space as an added bonus. Like doubling the surface area!
Monitor stand/riser options are available in many different styles, materials, and heights. Really think about what you can gain by using one before you purchase.
The selection is surprising.
2. Thing Two: Keyboard.
You need a natural position with arms and shoulders. Your elbows should be at your side and comfortable. Forearms should be parallel to the floor. Not reaching up or down. And one more thing.
You need to consider a split keyboard.
Like vegetables, you may hate it at first, but it’s good for you. You need to be able to move your shoulders and elbows as you type. Unfortunately, with a standard or small fixed keyboard it’s almost impossible. It causes you to pull your elbows in too tightly, to get both hands on that small keyboard.
The good news: You get used to the split keyboard in one day. Then you love it. You have my word. And don’t forget the keyboard shelf. See Thing Four in a minute.
Here’s the takeaway on the keyboard: The tiny area of a laptop keyboard will never serve proper body mechanics. It’s just too small. Simple explanation: Your keyboard width should equal your shoulder width.
A regular keyboard is fine. But an ergonomic one is way better. Allows your shoulders to move more naturally. They are getting a little harder to find. Here’s one that has good reviews and is still affordable.
Remember: It’s okay to use a laptop. Just not alone. (You can be alone, but the laptop cannot.) Attach either a keyboard, or a monitor, or both. I’m serious. Because of Thing One and Thing Two, above.
No laptop I know of can have the monitor at proper eye level and the keyboard at proper waist level all at once. When you finally make the decision to get away from this positioning, you’ll see what a difference it makes.
I wanted the optimum setup.
- The keyboard shelf to put the keyboard at the right height. (The mouse is there too.)
- The monitor on a stand, to put that in the right position.
Which left the laptop completely out. 🙁 Except it’s my computer. I need it.
Did you know you can set the thing to stay on with the lid closed? Yep. Now where will you put it?
I actually have a standing file folder rack, and the whole thing sits there closed, upright, quietly powering all my work!
I like a few “current” folders within arm’s reach. And now, my laptop nestles there with them in a sturdy rack.
3. Thing Three: Docking Station, or Ports.
When you purchase the computer, make a note of the ports you have. If you’re going to plug in peripherals, like a monitor, keyboard, mouse, you need space to do that. I was able to program my mouse and keyboard to the same receiver (that little thing that goes into the USB port). They share. My printer is wireless. My monitor plugs right into the laptop. And I’m completely set up.
Or, get a docking station. Then you can plug lots of stuff in. If anyone tells you docking stations all left on the Mayflower, they’re wrong.
You need to do some shopping for this one. Since I’ve used mine, port types have evolved. USB, USB-C, Thunderbolt, (what?); and they still are evolving. You can check these out online.
4. Thing Four: Keyboard shelf.
You don’t need your keyboard on the table or desk. You need it slightly below your waist, just a few inches above your lap.
Simple test: Are your forearms parallel with the floor? If you’re reaching up, or reaching down, your hands are too high or too low. It puts either your arms or shoulders in a strain. You can also use a cushioned lap desk (like those college things) with the keyboard on top. It really works.
Here’s what I have, a fully-installed (not clip or clamp on) under-mount wood keyboard shelf. It’s wide (for that new keyboard you just got a minute ago, Thing Two, plus your mouse) and disappears completely under the desktop when not in use.
5. Thing Five: Chair.
Good padding, supportive back at a good angle, and proper seat height. You should be comfortably seated, thighs parallel to the floor (parallel, there’s that word again), with your feet resting flat on the floor. If everything but the good padding is present, just get a gel pad to sit on. You will thank me. There is no substitute for gel chair pads.
You don’t have to spend a fortune. Just think about your size, your setup, and your spending plan. When I am ready for the next one, this is what I’m looking for.
For this chair or any other, if you’ve ever wanted a cushion for comfort, you’ll never regret getting a gel cushion. They don’t break down like foam, and you can’t beat the comfort.
Wow. Thanks for hanging around.
That wraps it up for laptop computer ergonomics.
All these are truly pay-later health issues.
So please pay attention now.
Take care of your muscles and joints,
practice good posture and good ergonomics.
Grandmothers say there’s nothing prettier than perfect posture.
Thanks for letting me be bossy today.
I really do care enough to say it.
If styling is an issue we didn’t cover here, get some more tips on making your workspace pretty.
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-Grammye
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