When I used to be reaching out to firms in the hunt for ridiculous standing desk accessories for a recent article I wrote, a laptop computer stand was on my record of must-gets. I don’t imply the desk converters that provide you with a standing desk-like expertise, however the little ones that just seem to prop the laptop up a bit. As a perennial desktop consumer they at all times appeared like a waste of time to me. Just get a desktop, or one other monitor, proper?
Well think about me suitably chastised and with sufficient humble pie in my abdomen that I received’t must eat for every week, as a result of these items aren’t as silly as I assumed. In truth, after a few months of enjoying round with one, they’re really fairly nice.
I’m an idiot. And to show simply how a lot, listed below are all of the helpful methods I’ve discovered to make use of my new laptop computer stand.
What’s in a laptop computer stand?
Jon Martindale
Just earlier than we dive into what I like about my new laptop computer stand, let’s simply outline what we’re speaking about. The one I’ve is that this overblown, overpriced thing from Egonofis. Gorgeous as it’s – it even matches the wooden grain of my desk – it’s fully pointless.
Branch does one which is each sturdy and enticing, with equally wood-grain impressed styling, and it’s nicely underneath $100. It additionally has close to flawless opinions with near 100 of them, which is uncommon to seek out on any product, not to mention a laptop computer stand.
Rain Design’s all-metal one isn’t as straightforward to fold away, however it’s very sturdy and provides you most of what you want from a laptop computer stand for lower than $50. There are additionally some capable Amazon Basics models too, which you’ll have for round $25.
Point being, you don’t must spend over $200 on a laptop computer stand. You definitely can although, and there could also be some high quality of life the reason why you may.
Useful for third display screen
Who wants a monitor arm when you possibly can simply setup your laptop computer on a stand as an additional display screen.
Jon Martindale
Until I can afford that super, ultra-wide gaming and professional grade do-it-all monitor of my desires, I’m a multi-screen man. I’ve an enormous vertical 4K factor from Dell, and an older however still-good Asus excessive refresh price show for gaming. But I may at all times use extra display screen house. That’s the place the laptop computer stand is available in.
I don’t desire a display screen that’s flat down on the desk – it’ll wreck my posture watching that factor. But with the Egonofis stand, I can have my gaming laptop computer propped up subsequent to me with one thing helpful on it. Maybe it’s my electronic mail, or the various chat apps I use through Rambox.
Whatever I need, it’s proper there, and with the stand it’s straightforward to place it wherever it’s helpful or not cluttering up the desk house.
Improving ergonomics and posture
I’m an utter bore when it comes to posture during the work day, however whenever you’ve gone by means of months of crippling nerve ache, you’ll do virtually something to keep away from it. Even utilizing foolish laptop computer stands that show to be something however.
I’ve my desk and screens setup simply how I like them for glorious posture. Proper eye top, correct distance, and many others. That’s actually onerous to do with most laptops, as they’re both down on a desk floor, otherwise you’re crunched up attempting to get all the way down to their stage. Not so with a laptop computer stand.
It’s not fairly a desk converter, however for getting the laptop computer up off of the desk and at a greater, extra impartial, posture-enhancing top, it really works like a attraction. It’s additionally simpler to place the keyboard at a impartial top and angle for comfy arm and wrist place. Alternatively, I can extra simply connect an exterior keyboard and preserve the best distance from the display screen by making the laptop computer extra vertical.
Great for controller gaming
As foolish as this will likely look, the practicality of bringing your display screen nearer to you whereas gaming on a laptop computer makes it value it.
Jon Martindale
A laptop computer keyboard is a crucial part for day-to-day use, however if you happen to’re gaming with a controller and attempting to chill out again to do it, I typically discover myself sitting too removed from the laptop computer to see the display screen as comfortably. The keyboard simply finally ends up pushing the laptop computer farther from me as a result of there isn’t the bodily house in my cramped workplace to place it the place I need.
With a laptop computer stand, I can profit from the house I’ve, whereas sitting as shut as I like for max visible readability.
Using a laptop computer like a Kindle
Proprietary Eponym apart (I’m a Kobo man, myself), I’ve discovered my laptop computer stand will also be notably helpful for turning my laptop computer right into a multi-device… machine. Either propped on its facet, or flipped round in pill mode, I can carry the laptop computer up into a snug, vertical place and prop it up someplace inside straightforward attain. Combine it with reader mode and a wi-fi mouse for straightforward scrolling, and it’s an effective way to set your self up for studying longform paperwork, web site articles, and even an Ebook.
The similar goes for watching films and TV exhibits, too. With a laptop computer stand you simply have a lot extra management over how you have a look at your laptop computer. That makes it the right software for constructing out somewhat media station for watching your favorites. Much higher than slouching down and watching it in your lap. My again hurts even writing that.
Better thermals
A laptop computer stand permits for higher airflow which might improve thermal proficiency.
Sincerely Media
This one is extra necessary for gaming laptops, however most laptop computer stands may act like a fundamental cooling pad. They don’t (often) have followers inbuilt, in order that they aren’t going to extend airflow dramatically, however by lifting your laptop computer up off of no matter floor it was on, it definitely will increase its entry to cooler air. Especially if it tends to drag that air in from the underside.
This is especially helpful if you wish to use your laptop computer on a mattress or in any other case versatile cloth floor that may virtually fully block up any consumption and exhaust vents your laptop computer has, inflicting it to swiftly overheat.
Using a laptop computer stand isn’t good, however it’s significantly better than attempting to play video games on a cushion.
Portability
I don’t find out about you, however after I journey, I actually miss my house workplace arrange. The a number of screens, the ergonomic show arms, the keyboard tray and standing desk set at simply the best top.
While I can’t carry all that with me after I journey, I can carry my laptop computer stand. It’s not the identical, and I nonetheless miss my typical arrange when utilizing it, but when I need to carry somewhat style of ergonomic house comforts with me, I now can. It’s even the best wooden grain.
Regardless of the way it appears to be like, although, a laptop computer stand is an ergonomic enhancer that you may carry with you. Considering the potential for worse posture and dangerous habits forming when working or dwelling out of a resort or airport lounge for some time, a laptop computer stand will now perpetually be on my journey stock. It’s that necessary.