As notebook computers become more powerful and more relevant to complete the most demanding tasks, one aspect, for certain, continues to digress. Notebook computers are inherently "unergonomic", sacrificing your personal posture and comfort in favour of increased portability. Slouching over at a desk eight hours a day is bound to wear away at your personal health.
To drive this fact home: I am typing this on an iPad, which, when on its own, could be one of the most unergonomic devices ever created for writing. I am hunched over this screen, pecking away at zero-feedback keys on a $20 school chair. My back, neck and eyes are screaming for relief.
Desktop computers, coupled with a proper office chair and a well designed desk, help to improve computer posture. Shoulders can sit back in a proper posture, hands and elbows can be extended at appropriate distances and a screen can be situated far enough way to not cause future blindness.
When people ask me what form of computer to buy, I generally ask that question in response. How you use a computer is more indicative of what form of computer to buy than what you will use the computer for.
Luckily, someone was smart enough to identify the posture problem for notebook users and has designed a device to hoist a laptop screen into a more beneficial position. This by no means is a new proposition, but it has been rare for designers to determine the most effective design. My favourite laptop stand that combines simple, efficient design with excellent build quality: Rain Design's mStand.
The mStand has been around for a few years and remains one of the best laptop stands on the market. Competitors, such as Twelve South, offer much the same experience as an mStand. But I have always preferred the mStand due to its lack of moving parts and one-piece construction. What you choose is your prerogative; there really is no going wrong if you choose Twelve South.
The mStand is designed to hoist a notebook to a healthy height. Generally, it is assumed users will couple a keyboard and mouse to their notebook while using the mStand to further simulate the desktop experience. I actually find this less comfortable and choose to use the notebook's built-in keyboard and trackpad at an angle instead of using a second keyboard and mouse. Maybe it's my natural tendency to slouch when at a desk. Maybe it's my dislike of many poorly designed keyboards. Your mileage may vary, but I have found using the mStand solely on its own has helped any sort of back pain I've experienced in the past.
Ideally, the mStand would be used in a multi-display workspace. With a monitor attached to a notebook, the mStand enables an efficient multi-display environment for improved productivity. Again, I've chosen against utilizing a multi-display setup. I've used a few different types of Apple displays and other garbage monitors found in schools or offices and I've never been happy with the "productive" feel. I reach flow more often when utilizing one display. My brother-in-law, on the other hand, just bought an Apple display from me and uses it every day with extreme pleasure. I must be the odd person out.
The most important factor when designing a good notebook stand is build quality. The mStand's solid aluminum construction is second to none. There are no customizable heights or angles, but the mStand chooses a generic set of characteristics and instead focuses on strength and stability. The manner in which I use my stand (that of using the notebook without peripherals or second displays) leads to my dependency on strong build quality. I often lean on the stand, move it across my desk or even throw it into the back of my car if I know I'll be at a desk for a considerable amount of time when at work. The mStand is bullet proof, stable and (seemingly) structurally infallible.
I am more confused than surprised that so few people utilize a notebook stand to improve their work posture. Many people spend more hours sitting in front of a computer at work than they do sleeping in a bed. As technology progresses and pushes more and more workers into a desk position, workers must become more and more aware of the stationary aspect of their health. A proper office chair, a proper desk and a proper notebook stand will go a long way in improving long term health.
The mStand is a simple, well built notebook stand that promises to look cool and maintain your health while doing it.
You can find the mStand in the online Apple Store.
