Archive for the ‘ergonomic laptop’ Category

Apple MacBook Pro Review from an Ergonomic Perspective

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008

Admit it, you’ve probably fallen under the Apple marketing campaign and found yourself singing along to one of their catchy songs they use to promote new products, stood in line for the latest iPhone, or purchased one –or several—iPods to carry your personal music library wherever you go. And did I mention their desktop computer and laptops? Not only are they sleek, but incredibly user-friendly. In a world of telecommuting and online business, laptop ergonomics are becoming incredibly important to the average computer user.

Apple’s popularity boom has not only come from their trendy marketing campaign, but also because their products produce longevity and reliability. Here are some tips to take from the latest in Apple MacBook review if you are looking to make a purchase of an ergonomic laptop.

Some laptop keyboards can appear to stiff and even “sticky” when compared to the traditional desktop keyboard. These types of laptop keyboards will in turn require that you put extra pressure when typing, which can result in wrist strain and other uncomfortable feelings. For some time, college students and young professionals purchased smaller laptops so they could easily transfer them from school to work, or comfortably fit them in their book bags. In turn, the keyboards also became much smaller and forced users to scrunch their hands and fingers together when typing.

The keyboard on the MacBook Pro is easy to type on and will respond to even the lightest of touch. The MacBook Pro comes in two different screen sizes and both keyboards are comfortable to use. To become even more efficient with the laptop ergonomics of the MacBook Pro, take a refresher course on the key shortcuts to save time and reduce finger and wrist strain.

Laptop mouse pads are often difficult to get used to. Some mouse pads are uber sensitive and will respond to the lightest of touch and may disfigure program screens or relocate your cursor when you are typing a word document. On the flip side, other mouse pads require you to put extra pressure on the device, which can induce extra strain on the fingers.

The MacBook Pro offers a comfortable halfway point between the two. Test out the efficiency of the touchpad. Sweep your fingers across the pad to see how the touchpad responds. There are no extra left click and right click buttons, which gives you more room to navigate. Apple engineers have developed multi-touch gestures as well, letting you swipe, pinch, rotate and use four fingers to swipe and move through programs and the Internet, making it the most ergonomic MackBook Pro track pad to date. You can set the touchpad to respond to a tapping gesture of plug in your own mobile mouse that you feel comfortable using.

Another important feature that comes in to play with Apple ergonomics is that the keyboard is light sensitive and will illuminate in a darker room. Although it is not ergonomically correct to type in the dark, the illuminated keys help those that still look at the letters and keys when typing. The weight of the MacBook Pro is also considerable lighter when compared to other laptops. The 15 inch model is one inch thick and weighs less than five pounds, yet is strong and durable enough to take refuge in any backpack or book bag. The MacBook Pro is made of a single piece of aluminum which may also add to the lighter and compact nature of Apple ergonomics and products.

Other laptop ergonomics that the MacBook Pro includes is the LED backlight in the computer. Apple engineers have noticed that LED creates the same amount of brightness with less space than an LCD or CCFL display would normally use. This causes for a thinner structure and also allows for maximum brightness instantly without a “warm up” waiting period.

Do some of your own research and you will find many other types of Apple MacBook reviews. Apple products are not only user friendly, but also aesthetically pleasing. With so many satisfied customers of Apple products, you might also want to ask your neighbors and friends about the laptop ergonomic benefits of the MacBook.

Cool Laptop Accessories you must have!

Monday, October 13th, 2008

What good is having a laptop if you can’t trick it out with the coolest, most technologically advanced accessories? The following is a look at the laptop accessories that can make you more efficient, browse the web from more places and just generally enhance your computing experience.

Fingerprint access

In the name of enhanced security, companies have moved beyond the standard password access system. Now, individuals who want to insure that they are the ONLY ONE who can access their laptops can purchase fingerprint scanners that make it possible for anyone else to startup the machine, let alone access the valuable information contained within. These sharp little pieces of technology can purchased as an add-on, and even come standard in many new units from Dell and other computer manufacturers.

The wireless web card

In days gone by (say, 2006) we were forced to hunt high and low for our WiFi connections. It forced us to stay home and mooch off of our neighbor’s connection - or worse yet sit in a coffee shop and pay a fortune for the privilege in latte form. But then AT&T, Verizon and several other major carriers created broadband networks in major cities that allowed us to plug a simple device into our laptops and connect anywhere, anytime – all for a nominal monthly fee. The wireless web card has made mobile computing a breeze in major urban areas devoted to high-tech enhancements.

The tiny wireless mouse

The problem with many laptops is that using the finger-pad to maneuver the pointer around the screen can be a frustrating affair – it’s highly inaccurate and just plan awkward. And nobody wants to carry a big clunky mouse around from place to place either, so what are you to do? Use the mini mouse – a highly portable wireless device that provides top notch point-and-click accuracy without taking up tons of room in your laptop bag. Tiny wireless mice don’t provide support against carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive stress injuries.

External Speakers

As laptops have become more technically advanced over the past several years, so too have their multimedia capabilities become much meatier. High definition monitors and Blu-Ray DVD functionality have given people a chance to run some serious entertainment through their laptops. But what good is it all if the sound comes through on tiny, muffled speakers? Luckily, companies like Bose and Sony have filled the void with amazing portable speakers that plug right in via USB and create sound worthy of the most expensive home theater units.

Docking Stations

The ability to use desktop computer monitors and accessories with your laptop was just a pipe dream until several years ago when Dell introduced the docking station to its list of PC innovations. Now, users can take their work anywhere, but always return home to plug it into the dock and use their favorite keyboards and monitor. The result is a dual-use system that serves the individual who has to travel often, but needs the stability of an office-based PC as well.

As laptops continue to grow beyond their roots, and surpass desktops in terms of sales, look for more and more accessories to make the mobile computing experience better (and cooler).

The Un-ergonomic Laptop

Monday, September 29th, 2008

So you just got your brand new laptop in the mail.  What an exciting moment!  You grab a pen knife, cut into the box and…oh no, it’s an un-ergonomic laptop!  It’s got all the RAM and storage you could ever want, but where are the features you need to maintain good health while you work?  While we look for the receipt, let’s check out some of the most prominent features of the un-ergonomic laptop.

Feature #1 – No anti-glare protection on the screen

We hope you aren’t planning on using your laptop anywhere outside…or near a window or lamp.  That’s because the un-ergonomic laptop does not feature the anti-glare protection that helps reduce eye strain and allows you to use your computer almost anywhere.  Luckily, most laptops now come equipped with this helpful, headache-reducing feature.

Feature #2 – No wrist rests anywhere to be seen

Wouldn’t you know it, the un-ergonomic laptop has the keyboard right at the edge of the laptop.  So you can look forward to some serious wrist soreness, and even a potential carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis down the road.  You should have kept you eye open for one of the thousands of ergonomic laptops that feature an ample wrist rest area that provides an extra layer of protection for your hard-working digits.

Feature #3   - No ergonomic keyboard included

When it comes to the keyboard, the modern laptop is not all that ergonomic to begin with.  And the fact that this un-ergonomic keyboard features a flat, standard QWERTY design doesn’t help matters one bit.  Many laptop users simply forgo their laptop’s installed keyboard and instead plug in a USB controlled model that features solid ergonomic design.

Things we can do to make our un-ergonomic keyboard more ergonomic

So we’re stuck with our un-ergonomic keyboard.  Instead of getting upset and falling victim to any number of work-related health problems, there are some proactive measures we can take to get the best out of the device.

Make your workstation more ergonomically correct

Use adjustable chairs with proper backrests and armrests to help reduce the chance of getting aches, pains or repetitive stress disorders.    Make sure that the laptop is placed at a level just below the seated area, so that your wrists rest comfortably on the keyboard when typing.

Always place the laptop straight ahead of you.  Do not position the computer so that you have to twist or turn in any way to properly view the screen.  This can add up to huge neck and back issues over time.

Keep proper lighting in mind when you position your laptop.  Even if you purchase an anti-glare add-on for your un-ergonomic laptop, you should still not position that computer in the path of direct sunlight or overhead lighting.  Take a desk lamp and place it behind the laptop to achieve a better lighting concept for your workspace.

Engage in good workplace health

Another way to offset the potentially negative impact of our un-ergonomic laptop is to get up and move around!  Over the course of an 8-hour work day, every one should take several short breaks throughout the day to get up and stretch, or if time permits, take a short walk around the block.  The fresh air and natural light is good for the spirit, and the activity helps keep you heart healthy, your back loose and your weight down.