Are you tired of hunching over your laptop, feeling that familiar ache creep into your neck and shoulders? Well, I can say you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll explore some ways to keep your laptop at eye level, thus reducing your neck and back pain and increase productivity.
Please also read our article on how to use a laptop stand for more information about laptop stand setup and ergonomics.
Table of Contents
Why Keeping Your Laptop at Eye Level Matters
You may wonder why it’s so important to use your laptop with your eyes in the right level, and well, I’m here to tell you why.
Using a laptop regularly on a desk or anywhere with your eyes way over the laptop screen forces you to look down a lot, which hurts your neck and back in the long run. Actually, not even only in the long run – you may feel pain tomorrow morning!
Poor eye-level positioning can also cause eye strain from having to look in an unnatural direction for an extended period. Therefore keeping your laptop stand at eye level can reduce eye strain from laptop.
DIY Solutions: Elevate Your Laptop on a Budget
If you’re on a budget or just want a fast way to rise your laptop to the correct level you can use some books or a sturdy box of any kind as a DIY laptop stand.
You could also simply build yourself a laptop stand with cardboard, or wood by nailing some pieces together.
Invest in an Ergonomic Laptop Stand
What I suggest you do if you’re serious about improving your ergonomics and having a good posture while working is to buy a laptop stand. If you don’t want to invest that much in one there are many stands for under $20 on Amazon and other places.
If you’re often on the go and like to travel with your laptop a lot, it could be smart to buy a more lightweight, foldable and portable laptop stand. This should fit in any bag and make your work easier wherever in the world you are. It’s not that hard to learn how to use most of these laptop stands either.
There is a wide variety of different laptop stands on the market – some have cooling fans and USB hubs and some are heavier and more stable, etc. It’s up to you to decide what laptop stand you want but our article on how to choose laptop stand may help you if you want more guidance and tips.
Buy a Laptop With Bigger Screen
You may want to buy a new laptop with a bigger size if you always have to hunch over to see on your current laptop. If you want, you could also just increase the font size and zoom in to see more without having to change into an uncomfortable position.
Use an Adjustable Standing Desk
An adjustable standing desk is a good solution to neck and back pain. After you’ve sat in your chair with your laptop for too long, you could rise the desk so you stand. This gives you a whole new posture and variety in your workspace.
I actually think I’m going to start using an adjustable laptop stand myself every day pretty soon. With this, I’ll be able to work for longer without having to sit down all day.
With a standing desk, you could also have a treadmill under the desk so you get some steps in while working. With this, you’ll reach your 10 000 steps per day without even noticing.
Use a Portable Standing Desk Converter
With a portable standing desk converter, you can stand with your laptop at the optimal level (with your eyes at level with the top or slightly over the top of your laptop) and your keyboard and mouse below that at the best height for you.
These are especially good if you don’t want an adjustable standing desk which can be a bit more expensive.
How To Keep Laptop at Eye Level – Conclusion
Congratulations! You’re now armed with fantastic ways to keep your laptop at eye level and have a more comfortable work position. Whether you opt for a DIY solution, invest in a high-tech stand, or combine multiple approaches, your neck and shoulders will thank you. Don’t wait to start feeling better – implement these tips today, ASAP, and experience the joy of pain-free computing.
FAQ
Q1: Won’t raising the laptop make the keyboard too high?
A: This is a valid concern. If the keyboard is too high, you may experience wrist or arm discomfort. The solution is to use a separate, detachable keyboard that can be placed at a comfortable typing height, while the laptop screen remains at eye level.
Q2: I don’t have space for a separate keyboard. What are my options?
A: In tight workspaces, a laptop riser with a slight slope can help position the screen at eye level while keeping the laptop’s keyboard at a natural typing angle. If you use a laptop stand with just a slight slope you’ll, in other words, not need an external keyboard.