Macbook setup advice

[Macb00k]

Recently I've purchased a laptop table for myself , the Ikea Dave. This is a really nice table but I keep wondering if I would be better off purchasing an external monitor for my macbook.

Does anyone here use a macbook exclusively? I keep wondering if I'm going to be doing any damage to my eyes if I don't have a bigger screen. My eyesights not the best, but I have no problems seeing anything on my screen.

The only problem I can see is that I won't be able to set up a monitor on this table, so I might need to get a small desk. Failing this would a stand for the laptop help? One of those that slants your laptop at an angle. I don't mind purchasing an additional keyboard/mouse. I've seen some macbook pro setups where someone has done this and it looks pretty nice.

Any help would be appreciated , I can't see a thread dedicated to macbook setups, just one for the macbook pro.

 

[Alhambra2606]

I only ever use a MacBook and dont have any problems with the screen size. Use it for at least 6-8 a day.

 

[paolo-]

I don't see how it could damage your eyes other than if you have trouble seeing what's on the screen. Most people with a secondary screen don't use it to have a larger image. They use it to see more stuff at the same time on the screen. If you don't have any problem with the resolution, there's no need to get a second screen. It really depends what you do with your computer and how you use it.

 

[Tomorrow]

I don't think it's going to harm your eyes. The only downside I experienced in using a MacBook as my primary computer was the screen size, so adding a large external display would have been nice.

If you're okay with the 13" screen and don't think you need a larger one for workspace, I wouldn't worry about it. You're most likely not harming your eyes. (I am not a doctor)

 

[GoCubsGo]

Looking down at a laptop even for an entire day at work (as I have done many times before) causes great neck strain on me. That being said, if you just want to raise your screen then get a stand. If you need more real estate get an external monitor and a new desk. I found that using my PowerBook as my primary computer for about 1-2 months before I bought a stand was tough. I bought a stand, then came the external monitor/keyboard/mouse and the PB was used as my desktop outside of when I tossed it into a bag to go to class.

3+ years using a PB driving a 20" Dell then a 30" ACD ... I never had an issue. I highly recommend getting the stand/keyboard/mouse and see how you roll. If you need more real estate get the monitor and desk.

 

[raremage]

I've been using laptops nearly exclusively for the past ten years for work (I have a desktop rig I use for gaming at home).
That collection has included a 15" PB, 12"PB, 15:MBP, and now a 13" MB (among others).

 

[dextermorgan]

If you want to use an external monitor and keep your table consider a monitor stand. You can place the macbook (closed) under the monitor and save tons of space.