Laptops are now much more popular than desktops—but they’re not nearly as kind on your neck and shoulders. A laptop stand props up your computer so you don’t have to hunch over—it’s a low-cost, tiny addition that can make a huge difference in your comfort.
Ideally, while working, your eyes should hit a couple of inches below the top of the screen, forming a parallel line with your desk. Under normal use, laptops force us to tilt the neck downwards, which can cause neck and back pain.
Using a laptop stand usually means you’ll have to opt for a separate keyboard and mouse (or trackpad), which can connect with Bluetooth. This can also help make using your computer easier; external keyboards are larger and more comfortable to use than the one in your laptop.
Laptop stands come in a few varieties. If your laptop generally stays in one place, like in a home office or at a dedicated work space, you can get a sturdy stand and not worry about portability. But if you carry your laptop around and set it up in different places, look for a portable stand, which are generally made of lighter materials like plastic and can fold up into small packages.
