Originally posted on November 9, 2010 @ 10:21 am
The thing with portable computers is that we take them everywhere. We’re not tied to a desk when we need to work. We can work on a kitchen counter, type with one hand while carrying it around with the other, or even work in bed. Heck, I use my netbook in bed most of the time. It’s rather comfy working in bed, of course, but how comfortable is it, really?
A study done by Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) published by Core77 featured a variety of netbook usability factors on non-Windows surfaces. The study focused on a variety of factors including user interfaces, various use scenarios, and ergonomics.
Apparently, most of the popular ways of using netbooks are actually not comfortable. Most positions can subject your joints to stress and cause pain.
They discovered that a conventional small clamshell laptop is most comfortably used lying down in bed with the device on the thigh when the knees are kept up.
Take note, however that this study was done with a sample group of children 11 to 14 years old. I wonder if people in different age groups have the results applicable to them. Because, of course, ergonomics that applies to a 14-year old would probably be different for a 26-year old.
So, tell me guys, how do you use your netbooks? Do you put it on your thigh with your knees kept up and lying down, or is another position more comfortable for you? Give me your ideas in the comments!