MOBILE COMPUTING

MOBILE COMPUTING

The ergonomic tips below will help you feel comfortable no matter where you are using your notebook computer -- meeting room, car, airplane, or hotel.

General Mobile Computing Rules

When using your notebook computer in your work or home office, you may be more comfortable using a standard keyboard and display along with comfortable furniture.


Use a chair that gives you good lower back support. In a mobile computing environment, consider propping a pillow, rolled-up towel or other soft object against the back of your chair. Sitting on a soft object such as a cushion is an easy way to adjust an otherwise non-adjustable chair such as those typically found in a kitchen or hotel room. Keep your forearms, wrists and hands in a relaxed, neutral position. This can be accomplished by adjusting the height of either the work surface or your chair.

Keep your thighs parallel to the floor and your feet flat on the floor or a footrest. In a mobile computing environment, consider placing your feet on a book, briefcase or other solid object. Keep your head in a comfortable position. A 15-degree downward viewing angle is optimal. Maintain a comfortable viewing distance. 20 to 30 inches is optimal.

Position your display so as to avoid glare or reflections from overhead lighting, outside sources of light, or even reflections off of your own shirt. Consider closing blinds, turning off some overhead lights and/or orienting the display perpendicular to the light source.

Keep your display screen clean and set the contrast and brightness to levels that allow you to see the screen clearly. Remember that LCD displays are not as bright as standard displays.

Frequent short work/rest breaks are especially important in a mobile computing environment. In addition, it is especially important to listen to your body and take a work/rest break when the first signs and symptoms of discomfort arise. You may also want to try some basic stretching exercises.