• 

The portability of laptops has opened a wonderful new world for those who like to work on the go. So much so that many of us use our laptop as a primary PC. This is not always ideal, as laptops lack the ergonomic features of a desktop computer. This is mainly because the screen of a laptop is attached to its keyboard, limiting the way you can position the device. Whether you use your laptop on a daily basis or as an occasional alternative to your main desktop computer, here are some simple steps you can take to make it more user-friendly.

Docking Station and Full Sized Monitor

The fixed screen and keyboard placement of a laptop can cause bad posture. As such, investing in an external monitor that plugs into your laptop is a great idea if you use your device on a regular basis. Clocking in at 22 to 33 inches, monitors provide a clear display, and let you adjust the height ratio between the screen and the keyboard. Alternatively, connect your laptop to a docking station that already comes with a keyboard and mouse. This way you will be able to adjust the placement of the monitor, keyboard and mouse to your specific height.

External Keyboard

Attaching a separate keyboard to your laptop, rather than using the one in-built into the device, lets you adjust the height of your laptop screen. When working on your laptop, your elbows should be bent at a 90-degree angle, around an inch above the keyboard. This will stop you from hunching and building tension in your shoulders, and pulling your neck muscles, while you work.

External Mouse

Attaching an external computer mouse to your laptop can be a game changer—particularly if it’s an ergonomic one. This is because using an external mouse helps to keep your shoulders in an open and relaxed position while working. Computer mouse design has come a long way since the 80s, with modern designs promoting natural hand and wrist placement rather than forcing them into an unnatural placement. Today, many mouse designs let you work in a handshake position, placing your hand, wrist and arm at more ergonomic angles to reduce muscles strain. If you don’t like the idea of cords, opt for a mouse that connects to your laptop via Bluetooth. Every good computer mouse should come with a great mouse pad. Having the correct padded support underneath your computer mouse will help you maintain neutral wrist position and reduce nerve compression caused by resting your wrists on a hard surface.

Laptop Desk

A portable laptop desk can take the discomfort out of using your laptop while on the move. Laptop desks are placed on regular desks, letting you position the screen so it is at a more ergonomic angle. Lightweight and thin, they can be easily carried in your laptop bag for use on planes, in hotel rooms or at your colleague’s office. They also often feature ventilation holes on the bottom to keep the laptop cool during use. To make the most out of a laptop desk, use it in conjunction with an external keyboard and mouse.

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.

You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.

Why do this?

• Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
• Because it will help you focus you own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it.

The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish.

To help you get started, here are a few questions:

• Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?
• What topics do you think you’ll write about?
• Who would you love to connect with via your blog?
• If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?

You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.

Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.

When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.