If you’ve ever used a laptop or tablet for an extended period, you’ve probably experienced stiffness or pain in your neck and back well before the day is over. This is largely due the low height of the laptop screen which forces you to look down to view it.
Studies have demonstrated that an enormous amount of stress is placed on the neck when it is in a forward bent position. As the head comes forward when sitting with poor posture, the cervical spine must support the increased weight – the larger the angle, the more weight is being loaded through the spine. Therefore, if the average head weighs 4.5 to 5.5 kilograms, one or two inches of forward head posture can double or triple the load on the cervical spine.1
A laptop or tablet stand allows you to elevate your screen to eye height, which is the recommended height to support an upright upper body posture. This will help prevent neck and back pain and save you from seeking costly medical treatment.
These are 5 things to keep in mind before buying a laptop or tablet stand:
1. Portability of The Stand
Your work habits and environment will determine the type of laptop or tablet stand you use. If you travel frequently for work, you might need to consider the extra weight being added to your bag. A portable laptop stand is designed to be lightweight and compact so you can toss it in your bag without noticing it.
2. Size of The Stand
Laptop and tablet risers come in all different sizes. The size of the stand should match the size of the device. If it is too small, your laptop or tablet is at risk of falling and being damaged. A stand that is too big can be a hassle to set up and can take up valuable desk space. We recommend that you measure your laptop or tablet and find a stand that is similar in size.
3. Height and Angle Adjustability
Check that the stand can be raised and angled in various positions. Depending on your laptop, the screen may only open to a certain point or can be adjusted to be completely flat. A stand that has angle adjustment will allow you to find the correct viewing height and angle for your laptop or tablet screen.
4. Durability
The best laptop and tablet solutions are ones that are strong but easy to carry and set up. The ViewRiser Laptop Stand and Tablet Riser are great options as they are made from premium alloy and have a strong and stable metal base. They also allow for different viewing angles as they are designed with two rotating screws. Most importantly, they fold up easily and can be packed up into any bag or luggage without risk of damage due to the durability of the products.
5. Cost
A good laptop or tablet stand is worth investing in but shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Look for one that is sturdy and similar in size to your device – the cost should match its quality. It is best to do some research before you purchase one as you don’t want to end up getting something you won’t use.
References
1. Hansraj KK. Assessment of Stresses in the Cervical Spine Caused by Posture and Position of the Head. Surgical Technology International. 2014;11(25):277-9.