Laptops - ergonomics and medical issues

The convenience of a laptop is indisputable. Its size, portability and relative quietness are all features of a laptop that many users consider when purchasing their equipment. However, the unfortunate truth is that if you don't take care when using it, then your handy laptop could end up causing you more problems than it's worth.

Examples of some medical problems

Problems with laptop use include:

Screen height, resulting in back or neck problems.
Poor posture resulting in potential musculoskeletal problems.
Closeness of the screen, resulting in eyestrain.
Carrying laptops and associated equipment can result in back, neck, shoulder or arm problems.

To avoid getting into problems there are a few simple rules that laptop users should always try to adhere to.

Your laptop working environment

If your laptop allows for the addition of external devices then, wherever possible, use them. An external keyboard and/or mouse allows freedom in the positioning of the screen, reducing the possibility of potential eye or back damage.
The ideal position for any computer monitor is for it to be raised off the desk surface, closer to eye-level. Laptop supports are an adjustable platform designed to bring the laptop up from desk-level to a more suitable height. Supports are also available to adjust the height of the laptop on your legs for those who work without a desk.
If you carry your laptop around with you, think about investing in an ergonomic laptop carrying bag, designed to put the least amount of stress possible on your back and shoulders.
Some recent models of laptop allow for the removal of the screen, allowing the user to place it wherever they choose. If your laptop doesn't have this capability, try a glare filter. Similar to those used with desktop computer monitors, they attach to the screen, cutting glare and reducing the potential for eyestrain.
As well as being a benefit, the portability of laptops can also create eyestrain problems as not all places a laptop is used has adequate lighting. If this is the case, try using a laptop light. These attach to your notebook and are adjustable to provide optimum luminosity.

It is important to always consider your posture when using a laptop. Sitting up straight and ensuring a comfortable position is essential. If you begin to experience any discomfort at all, take a break and, if necessary, seek medical advice.

And finally …

Don't let this scare you but balancing a notebook computer on the lap could potentially damage a man's fertility. Initial studies, completed with a group of 29 men, showed that the operating heat of a laptop caused a rise in temperature of a man's scrotum. Since sperms require a constant temperature to survive, possibly damaging effects could result.

The limited information acquired from this small sample is inconclusive and more research needs to be completed to determine whether regular laptop use can be considered a fertility risk.