Creating a Laptop Workstation, Part III

In the last installment of our three-part series on creating a laptop workstation, we will discuss external keyboards that are suited for mobile laptop users. We will also mention some special laptop stand applications.

 

Why External Keyboards are Necessary

 

The addition of an external keyboard to your laptop workstation is not, ergonomically speaking, an optional luxury anymore but a necessity. Why? Because most laptop stands are designed to elevate the height of the laptop's monitor and so end up angling the laptop keyboard at an excessively high angle. This requires that one use an external keyboard, since the angle of the laptop's keyboard would be too steep to allow any kind of typing (and for those laptop stands with in-line document holders, it would also be impossible to do so). External keyboards are therefore an essential part of any dedicated laptop workstation.

The same point can be made by looking at two basic ergonomic principles relating to computer workstations. First, the height of one's monitor should be at eye level, so that one's viewing angle is slightly looking downward (to the center of the screen). Second, one's keyboard should be almost on one's lap, so that arms and wrists are angled slightly downward at the elbow on a negative incline. Given the compact design of laptop computers where screen and keyboard are physically joined together, following these two sound ergonomic principles is virtually impossible. Hence the requirement of an external keyboard.

 

Features to Consider in an External Keyboard

 

What should you look for in an external keyboard for your laptop? Of course, that will depend in part on how much importance you wish to give portability (especially for mobile laptop users) versus ergonomics. In many cases, you do not need to compromise too much, since there are many compact keyboards on the market that also have good ergonomic features. Some particular features to consider include:

 

1. Do you require a numeric keypad? Since only a small number of people use a numeric keypad with any regularity, there is no good reason to purchase a keyboard that does have one. If this is the case with you, simply get a 'compact' keyboard that does not have a discrete keypad integrated into the keyboard. Not only will it be more portable and compact, but you will also have more space to use your mouse without overreaching. If you do need a numeric keypad and still want portability, consider getting the Matias Folding Keyboard.

 

2. Do you require tenting or splaying? If you need portability yet still want an ergonomic keyboard, that is, one that either splays or tents (or both), consider a keyboard like the new Goldtouch Go! Travel Keyboard. If portability is not an issue because you intend to use your laptop as a desktop substitute, then almost any adjustable or separated keyboard should still work fine - for example, the Kinesis Freestyle Solo Keyboard. In either case, one no longer needs to sacrifice ergonomic features in a keyboard when using a laptop computer as one's primary computer. Ergonomic products are all about giving you more options to make better choices for you!

 

Special Laptop Stand Applications

 

Given the relative portability and compactness of laptop computers versus desktop computers, there may be some novel applications for them where even conventional laptop accessories won't work adequately: for example, when lying down or in a reclined position. While most people would not choose these positions as their normal mode of working, certain injuries or conditions may require them. In these cases, special devices have been created to achieve the best results from an ergonomic point of view. These include not only specially designed laptop stands, but arms which actually articulate and are comparable to many monitor arms. There are even devices designed to allow you to create a laptop workstation in a vehicle, although they are obviously not meant to be used while driving.

Given the wide range of new products available now for laptop computers, there is most likely one that can be adapted to your unique situation. Again, more ergonomic products means more options, which in turn means better choices for you.