Ergonomic Laptop Accessories
The laptop and the netbook have become the preferred means of mobile computing now that their prices have dropped to more reasonable levels. Their size and portability make them extremely usefool tools, but what many people fail to recognize is how ergonomically challenged they are. If you've ever burned your leg from a hot battery or got a cramp in your back from huddling over your laptop you know what I'm talking about. In this article I will recommend a few relatively inexpensive products you can buy to alleviate some of the ergonomic problems laptops and netbooks have.
Laptop Stands - Most stands are elevated and angled to provide the optimum and ergonomically correct viewing level. They block heat from your lap and provide cushioning for your legs. Cooling vents and fans are sometimes included to prevent the computer from overheating. Fans usually require a USB chord to be powered. Cooling the laptop extends battery life the and the life the of the computer. Price with fan: ~$50; Price 
without fan: ~$35- Laptop Carts - These are usually small platforms that ride on wheels about 3-5 feet off the ground. They are extremely adaptable to almost all environments. What makes them ergonomic is the fact that they require you to stand while working. This prevents spine injuries because you maintain good posture more often while standing. Price: ~$125
Full-size keyboards - Most laptops and netbooks have small, uncomfortable keyboards that lack any ergonomic properties. To remedy this I suggest purchasing a wired USB or wireless full size keyboard with a number pad. This will allow your arms and shoulders to take a better position, alleving pressure on your spine and decreasing all around stress. Price for USB: ~$10; Price for wireless: ~$25
As technology progresses at a faster and faster rate the barrier between humans and machines will start to diminish and the need for ergonomic products like the ones mentioned above will become unnecessary. But until the day that happens we will still need to recognize the importance of good posture and the advantages of stress relief from ergonomics.