My Neck, My Back
Hey Guys
I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with notebook docks, stands, or lap stands. I just got my MacBook a few months ago and now that I am actually using my MB in college, my neck, back, and shoulders have been killing me. I'm sure that it is due to the constant use of the MB...poor ergonomics. I'm looking to invest in some sort of dock or stand, whether it be for permanant desk use or both desk and lap use. I just need something. I was curious if anyone here had any recommendation as to which one I should purchase. Thanks a bunch!
I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with notebook docks, stands, or lap stands. I just got my MacBook a few months ago and now that I am actually using my MB in college, my neck, back, and shoulders have been killing me. I'm sure that it is due to the constant use of the MB...poor ergonomics. I'm looking to invest in some sort of dock or stand, whether it be for permanant desk use or both desk and lap use. I just need something. I was curious if anyone here had any recommendation as to which one I should purchase. Thanks a bunch!
Comments
I tend to raise the back of my PB on whatever is available and won't get burnt from heat, leaving as much space as possible for air to circulate (helps keep the machine cooler). For any real lengthy typing episodes I use a spare Apple keyboard (have an ergonomic attached to my desktop machine). This allows me to sit as comfortably as I wish.
At one office I frequent I have a Road Tools Podum pad that works like a charm. Puts the screen high and at a good angle and also keeps the machine cool. With an external keyboard and mouse, the pain is gone.
In the Apple Store in Tokyo, they had a machine standing vertically in a small stand, attached to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Other stands:
http://brainfag.com/writing/203/
http://www.macsonly.com/macimp/kamasMB.html
and yes, the iCurve raises the monitor height more than the iLap.
I recommend iLap.
The iLap is very cool indeed!
On the lap, on placed on a desk.
/that's not me, I donnah have any tattoos.
I recommend iLap.
It looks really nice. Question though: If both the MBP bottom and the iLap are aluminum, what keeps the MBP from sliding off? Is it just that velvet cushion? Or does it somehow stay in place? Any scratching from metal against metal?
It looks really nice. Question though: If both the MBP bottom and the iLap are aluminum, what keeps the MBP from sliding off? Is it just that velvet cushion? Or does it somehow stay in place? Any scratching from metal against metal?
It comes with a set of four rubber feet (much better than the Apple-supplied ones, mind you).
It comes with a set of four rubber feet (much better than the Apple-supplied ones, mind you).
Sorry, but I'm a bit confused. Are the rubber feet for the bottom of the iLap or for the bottom of the MBP? Also, my MBP came with Apple-supplied rubber feet???
The bottom of the MBP. I.e., the MBP sits on those feet, which in turn touch the surface of the iLap, which avoids the MBP sliding off too easily.
Also, my MBP came with Apple-supplied rubber feet???
Yep, tiny round plastic ones, one in each corner. Sometimes they fall off, but you can usually get free replacements from Apple.
The bottom of the MBP. I.e., the MBP sits on those feet, which in turn touch the surface of the iLap, which avoids the MBP sliding off too easily.
Interesting, so do the rubber feet keep the bottom of the MBP from touching the iLap? I thought the metal against metal is what helped dissipate the heat so well.
On second look, it does show air flowing between the MBP and the iLap.
Yep, tiny round plastic ones, one in each corner. Sometimes they fall off, but you can usually get free replacements from Apple.
They should already be on the MBP, otherwise you'd just have holes near the corners of the bottom. They are very tiny bumpers.
As a result, I have an Apple Keyboard and a mouse, boh of which I find very useful, since the keys have more give, and a numpad and other elements are included. I can put the keyboard and other things under the stand and roll out plans and documents in front of it. The only thing I could wish for is a dock connector, so I can get rid of the spaghetti coming out of the sides.
I picked up a lap desk a Sharper Image that I really like, check that out.
I often wonder that if the design in the Apple laptops was better, why does nobody else do it that way? Usually when Apple designs something, others follow eventually.
I don't think it's form factor because Sony make 10" laptops that use the standard hinge design. The Mac design also puts stress on the hinge if you push it even slightly too much.