Laptops are great when it comes to portability—they enable you to work or play anywhere. But when it comes to ergonomics…not so much. People tend to hunch over a laptop, since the screen and keyboard can’t be positioned separately. But laptops can get fairly hot, so just stacking up some books to put your laptop on might not be a great long-term solution.
Instead, you should consider a laptop riser, which can help you position your laptop more ergonomically while keeping your laptop cool. Consider these characteristics when looking for a laptop riser.
Adjustable Height. Most everyone’s posture can benefit from elevating their laptop screen—especially if you switch between standing and sitting while using your laptop. If you type on your laptop rather than use an external keyboard, the proper height should be a balance between hunching and typing comfort. If you use your laptop as a second screen, a laptop riser can help position it to match any monitors you use, whether standing or sitting.
Adjustable Angle. Changing the angle of your laptop helps elevate the screen. The angle of your laptop can also help reduce screen glare, as well as cool your laptop through heat dissipation.
Material. Compared to plastic stands, which are generally less expensive, metal stands allow passive cooling. You want a laptop riser to be sturdy enough to hold your laptop without wobbling while you type on it. Even if you don’t use the laptop’s keyboard while it’s on the laptop stand, you still want to choose an option that won’t break easily.
Portability. If you’re always on the go, a lightweight, portable design will benefit your lifestyle. If you tend to use your laptop at a single location, a larger, more feature-rich design can be advantageous.
Advanced Features. Some laptop risers have one or more built-in fans to help keep your laptop cool. You can also find laptop stands that can help you manage cables or store a keyboard. Some even come with small built-in lamps for use in low-light conditions.