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Ergonomic Issues with iPad

gregwyattjr

gregwyattjr

macrumors regular
Original poster
Oct 17, 2008
198
1
I love the iPad and think it is the future of computing, but the only thing keeping it from being my personal future of computing is the awkward ergonomics when using the iPad for a long period of time.

If I'm sitting and have the iPad propped up on my lap (no matter which Smart Cover position I use) I have to bow my head down to look at the screen, which causes strain in my neck after a while and is extremely uncomfortable. If I try to hold it out in from of me while sitting, the strain transfers to my wrists and exhausts my arms.

If I'm at a desk using it like I would a computer, I can elevate it enough to save my head from any bowing. But then the issue of my wrists arises again. I have to lift my arm to tap the screen while browsing the internet, which is not ergonomically efficient when compared to a trackpad on a laptop computer. Like Steve Jobs said, touch-based surfaces want to be horizontal, not vertical. So using the iPad on a desk would be like using a laptop with a touch-enabled screen. It doesn't feel comfortable nor natural.

If I lay down on my stomach and place the iPad in front of my face, strain persists in my neck since I have to look up to see the screen. Ditto for laying on my back and placing the iPad on my chest, I have to bow my head to see it.

It seems to me that there is an ergonomic either/or decision that needs to be made by the user when using iPad:
Deal with wrist/arm strain or deal with neck/back strain. And I'd prefer not to deal with either.

That is why I still do most of my computer-related tasks on my laptop rather than my iPad. Merely because I can use my MacBook for long periods of time without sacraficing ergonomic comfort.

Have you guys had similar concerns with your iPad? If so, what do you do to keep the ergonomic strain at a minimum?
 
I have the exact same issue. In fact my neck was hurting reading your post.

The only confortable way for me to use the iPad for an extended period is to place a large pillow on my lap and rest the iPad on it.
 
Crossing my legs and putting the iPad on my thigh up near my knee seems to work well for me when sitting. It helps to have something on the back of the iPad like a Smart Cover or skin to keep it from slipping.
 
I hate having to move a bit when I am on the computer/ipad.

Kidding. Yeah sometimes I do get tired, then I move and find a new position.
but yeah Pillows are nice.
 
Yes, with the smart cover, you don't have many options. However, with a more adjustable case you would have similar options as if you were using a laptop on your lap.

However, like a laptop, the iPad has different required angles for typing than it does for viewing. On a laptop, the keyboard ic flat while the screen is angled. Same for the iPad, however both the "keyboard" and the screen are one in the same. So if you had a case with grooves in it for adjusting the iPad on the fly, it could make things easier for you. That way you can quickly switch from viewing to typing and back without too much hassle.
 
madat42 said:
It's no less ergonomic than reading a hardback book.
Click to expand...

It is, actually - considering most hardback books aren't so large - and their natural thickness inherently make them easier to grip with a human hand...

EDIT - MOST hardback books have a MUCH smaller footprint
 
The only thing that bugs me is the sharp edge if I don't have it in a case or some kind of skin. I don't find the iPad difficult to hold or position in any way, but after a while that edge really digs into your hand.

I'd honestly like to see a bumper, similar to the iPhone 4 come out for it. I don't always want the bulk of a full case, but something that gives a little space between it and flat surfaces, and covers the edges would be perfect.
 
madat42 said:
It's no less ergonomic than reading a hardback book.
Click to expand...

The real issue is you have to touch the screen to use it. If I'm watching a movie I can set the iPad at eye level and relax. However, most everything else requires me to touch the screen; and that's where the neck, wrist, and back pain starts.

If I have a lot of information to read on a screen and need to interact wth the screen or input data, I'll use my pc rather than the iPad because the monitor is at eye level and the keyboard/mouse/trackpad is on the desk where I can rest my arm.
 
gregwyattjr said:
That is why I still do most of my computer-related tasks on my laptop rather than my iPad. Merely because I can use my MacBook for long periods of time without sacraficing ergonomic comfort.

Have you guys had similar concerns with your iPad? If so, what do you do to keep the ergonomic strain at a minimum?
Click to expand...

I agree with what you are saying about the iPad, but how do you use your MacBook? Because unless I'm using the MacBook at a desk, I find all sorts of ergonomic problems with it, too. In fact, even at a desk, the ergonomics of a laptop isn't perfect -- the monitor should ideally be at eye level, but if you raise the laptop that high, then the keyboard is too high to type comfortably. So in my opinion, both the iPad and laptop is problematic with regard to ergonomics, but that's the price we pay for the convenience of increased mobility.
 
Night Spring said:
I agree with what you are saying about the iPad, but how do you use your MacBook? Because unless I'm using the MacBook at a desk, I find all sorts of ergonomic problems with it, too. In fact, even at a desk, the ergonomics of a laptop isn't perfect -- the monitor should ideally be at eye level, but if you raise the laptop that high, then the keyboard is too high to type comfortably. So in my opinion, both the iPad and laptop is problematic with regard to ergonomics, but that's the price we pay for the convenience of increased mobility.
Click to expand...
That's why people have external monitors attached to laptops. I have had a Dell laptop from the company for five years and have not seen the screen in years. It stays closed on the docking station.
 
i find hanging upside down from my feet like Bruce Wayne, is the most ergonomically friendliest way to use my new ipad...
 
johndallas999 said:
Uh...I don't know that i've ever seen Bruce Wayne hand from his feet. That makes 0 cents.:rolleyes::confused:
Click to expand...

watch time burtons 1989 batman movie.

batman08.jpg


you just cant see bruces ipad hes reading there.. ;)
 
Last edited:
VFC said:
I have the exact same issue. In fact my neck was hurting reading your post.

The only confortable way for me to use the iPad for an extended period is to place a large pillow on my lap and rest the iPad on it.
Click to expand...

I'm glad I'm not the only one. Ive been using one of the end pillows off my couch, which miffs my wife pretty good.
 
Problem-Solution

Mak47 said:
The only thing that bugs me is the sharp edge if I don't have it in a case or some kind of skin. I don't find the iPad difficult to hold or position in any way, but after a while that edge really digs into your hand.

I'd honestly like to see a bumper, similar to the iPhone 4 come out for it. I don't always want the bulk of a full case, but something that gives a little space between it and flat surfaces, and covers the edges would be perfect.
Click to expand...

That's EXACTLY what Comfe Hands had in mind with their design: www.comfehands.com. Something lightweight that isn't a case and slips on the sides. Super comfortable. No more edges digging into the hand.
 
bufffilm said:
an answer that says absolutely nothing. reading a hardcover isn't exactly a comfortable thing to do for many people. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Exactly, and yet people have dealt with it much longer than the iPad's been around. :rolleyes: right back at ya
 
gregwyattjr said:
I love the iPad and think it is the future of computing, but the only thing keeping it from being my personal future of computing is the awkward ergonomics when using the iPad for a long period of time.

If I'm sitting and have the iPad propped up on my lap (no matter which Smart Cover position I use) I have to bow my head down to look at the screen, which causes strain in my neck after a while and is extremely uncomfortable. If I try to hold it out in from of me while sitting, the strain transfers to my wrists and exhausts my arms.

If I'm at a desk using it like I would a computer, I can elevate it enough to save my head from any bowing. But then the issue of my wrists arises again. I have to lift my arm to tap the screen while browsing the internet, which is not ergonomically efficient when compared to a trackpad on a laptop computer. Like Steve Jobs said, touch-based surfaces want to be horizontal, not vertical. So using the iPad on a desk would be like using a laptop with a touch-enabled screen. It doesn't feel comfortable nor natural.

If I lay down on my stomach and place the iPad in front of my face, strain persists in my neck since I have to look up to see the screen. Ditto for laying on my back and placing the iPad on my chest, I have to bow my head to see it.

It seems to me that there is an ergonomic either/or decision that needs to be made by the user when using iPad:
Deal with wrist/arm strain or deal with neck/back strain. And I'd prefer not to deal with either.

That is why I still do most of my computer-related tasks on my laptop rather than my iPad. Merely because I can use my MacBook for long periods of time without sacraficing ergonomic comfort.

Have you guys had similar concerns with your iPad? If so, what do you do to keep the ergonomic strain at a minimum?
Click to expand...

Its for these reasons I use the zerochroma case...I can usually get the ipad into a good position on a desktop with it.

Using in one's lap is a no win!

I have said many times on many threads >>>>>>>>>>>> IPADS ARE TOO DAMN HEAVY!!!!!!!!!!!
 
ZipZap said:
Using in one's lap is a no win!

I have said many times on many threads >>>>>>>>>>>> IPADS ARE TOO DAMN HEAVY!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

How are you holding the iPad?

I just do this.

362037907_ipad20lap_xlarge.jpeg


Not heavy at all in this position. This, btw, is also how I hold a hard cover book.
 
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