Netbooks: Smaller and Lighter; But are They Better?

Volume 5, Number 2

Compact laptop computers, better known as netbooks, have quickly become a viable option for business and personal use when the latest trendy smart phone simply isn't enough.

A netbook is a new type of laptop computer that is defined by size, price, and operating system. The price alone (under $400) makes them attractive to many who would otherwise not be able to afford a pricier PC or laptop. The weight, less than 2.5 lbs, makes them truly portable for those constantly on the go, without having to worry too much about the extra added weight a laptop adds to a backpack or briefcase.

Size Matters

While size and weight make them attractive in terms of portability and price, their diminutive size may pose risks to many users. Screen sizes on most netbooks range from 7–10 inches, which is considerably smaller than the average 15-inch laptop screen. The smaller the screen, the greater the risk of developing neck problems from sustained neck flexion.

Netbooks also tend to have small keyboards. Depending on the brand, they tend to be about 20 percent smaller than normal keyboards. This smaller size tends to put most adult wrists into ulnar deviation—outward twisting to the little finger side. Working with the wrists in this position puts extra strain on the soft tissues (tendons, muscles, ligaments, and nerves) of the hands and wrists.

As with the growing popularity and convenience of smart phones, netbooks have a place in the world of mobile computing. And while the price is attractive, they should not be considered as a replacement for adjustable workstations, but merely a convenience for sending and receiving messages and minimal document work.

If you are considering a netbook, keep the following tips in mind:

• Literally get your hands on one before you buy. Online shopping is convenient, but you won't know if it is right for you unless you actually try one out at a local store. Once you try one, then you can purchase on-line.
• Limit your "hands-on use" time to 1-hour or less.
• When possible, use an external mouse.
• Type with one hand at a time to minimize ulnar deviation.
• For more intensive keying tasks, try a portable, roll-up model (Duraflex Flexible Keyboard) available from AliMed.
• Adjust the screen angle to minimize neck flexion due to the small screen size.

For more information related to this topic, make sure to read the ERGOMATTERS® on Beating "BlackBerry Thumb" as well as Tech-Related Tension Neck.

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