Reduce Neck Strain when Using Your Laptop as a Desktop

In my office most of the workstations have laptops. While this is convenient for people who take work home, a laptop is not exactly designed for using 40 hours a week. To make our laptops a little easier to use, desks with laptops also have the 3M Ergonomic Notebook Computer Stand.

The Basics
This is a black plastic stand with a platform that raises your laptop up off of your desk. It is adjustable from 4” to 6”. The platform is approximately 13” square with cutouts to allow for air circulation. The base features non-stick feet to keep the stand from sliding. There are two small detachable shelves, about 4” square to hold speakers, a PDA or an MP3

My Experience
Working all day with a small laptop screen is not my idea of fun, but this stand does make it a lot easier. The laptop sits open on top of the platform while my regular sized keyboard and mouse sit on my desk. Essentially my laptop functions only as a computer monitor. My work station came with the platform adjusted to its maximum 6” height and I had no need to change it. The platform puts the laptop screen at a comfortable height to eliminate neck strain. Instead of looking down toward my desk to look at my monitor the laptop sits at a good height off my desk.

The stand seems sturdy and I have not had any trouble with it sliding around on my desk. The open space under the platform helps keep the keyboard and mouse wires under control. I have no use for the small side shelves so I just popped them off.

Final Thoughts
If you use your laptop with a full size keyboard and mouse, I highly recommend the 3M Ergonomic Computer Stand. While I would rather have a regular computer monitor at work (and I soon will) this stand certainly makes it easier to use a laptop all day.