Health Issues and Laptop Computers

There have been a number of health concerns about computer usage ever since the 1970s. In consequence both manufacturers and employers have paid considerable attention to improving the ergonomics of computer design (keyboards, screen layout etc) and of furniture (properly designed desks, chairs etc). Equally a fairly widely accepted set of guidelines for sensible usage has emerged, including:

The importance of taking regular breaks;
The importance of posture;
Good ventilation;
Avoidance of screen glare from sunlight.

However, with the development of cheap and genuinely portable laptop computers a new set of concerns have emerged.

The biggest concern was the smaller screen size compared to most desktop machines (made worse by the poor quality of some early models). To this, was added a concern that the integration of screen with the keyboard could add to this difficulty. Essentially, unlike a desktop PC, users would be unable to arrange the keyboard and the monitor separately so that both were ideally placed.

The research has tended to find that there is no particular problem associated with laptop as opposed to desktop computers per se. Thus both will lead to health problems if used too much, in conditions of poor light or ventilation. However, the nature of a laptop is they can be used in a variety of situations (hotel rooms, trains, airport departure lounges etc) and this can lead to problems. Essentially these situations can lead to poor bodily posture and thus problems with back pain due to lack of space and appropriate seating arrangements.

The early attempts to develop lighter computers worked by minimization and this affected the layout of the keyboard. If you can type at any speed then trying to use a too small keyboard will increase strain (and the error rate) as well as reducing efficiency.

Another unintended effect, especially with earlier models, was that many laptops were actually quite heavy. So if they were being carried with other items they could lead to shoulder strain.

In general, the solutions to these problems have come from the development of better laptops with improved screens, better keyboard layout and reduced weight. Since it is likely that people will continue to use laptops in sub-optimal situations (after all one of the reasons for buying one in the first place), then there is an emphasis on users monitoring their own usage. If tired, or feeling eyestrain it is important to take breaks no matter where you are.