I have an external monitor, keyboard, and trackpad at my home office desk. However, more and more I'm doing work at another location; kitchen table, coffee shop, table somewhere, etc. Using a Macbook. I'm an editor/proofreader, so am often using my computer for several hours, day after day. After awhile, my shoulders ache. The desktop setup is so much better.

I'm wondering if a laptop stand might help? It would elevate the monitor so I'm not crouched over the computer. I could take the keyboard and trackpad with me, but that would be a hassle.

Recently, I saw the MOFT laptop stand and it looks appealing. But is it comfortable to type on the laptop keyboard with it raised and at an angle? Anyone using a laptop stand?

Here's a link for the MOFT stand.
[www.moft.us]

I have two.

One for my laptop at the coffee table.
[smile.amazon.com]

One a bit more robust and extensible for my laptop at the desk where it shares displays/kbd/mouse with my desktop Mac via KVM switch.
[smile.amazon.com]

(Did not attach the mouse-pad on the second one.)

I used the MOFT stand on my work-laptop for years, from the original funding campaign. Eventually, it started to fall apart, apparently from the friction of going in and out of my bag all the time. I replaced it with another MOFT stand. It was unparalleled for portability and did enhance my typing. But now I'm working in a different environment where it's not so useful.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/14/2023 06:11PM by Tiangou.

So, I assume you're using external keyboard and mouse with the two you have now, right?

Was it comfortable typing directly on the computer keyboard with the MOFT?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/14/2023 06:13PM by Drew.

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Drew

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Tiangou
I have two.

So, I assume you're using external keyboard and mouse, right?

At the desk. Not at the coffee table.

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I edited my message while you were replying.

So, not uncomfortable typing directly on the computer keyboard when it's on the stand?

Was MOFT better in that regard or about the same?

I have this one, I really like it, but now I don't use it much.

[smile.amazon.com]

I bought two of these and put my MacBook Pro 15 on them. Works great. Light weight but works for me. And at $3 total.
[ingka.page.link]

Built mine out of old books... Not optimal. But cheap!

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sekker
Built mine out of old books... Not optimal. But cheap!

It depends on what you read.

I'm overseas and never see anyone using a laptop stand when I'm out and about. But scanning Amazon US I see a huge variety, so I'm guessing that they're common. Maybe I can start a trend.

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Drew
So, not uncomfortable typing directly on the computer keyboard when it's on the stand?

No. So long as I was working on a flat table/desk with sufficient space, it was fine.

Not recommended if you're cramming your laptop into a 6-inch gap at the edge of a crowded shared desk, but I suspect that's not something that happens all that often to other people.

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Drew
Was MOFT better in that regard or about the same?

The MOFT definitely enhanced my typing-comfort.

Its main benefit was providing a more comfortable typing angle on-demand.

Because it collapsed flat, I could easily move from one location to the next, and opt to use it (or not) at whatever desk I ended up at.

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It depends on what you read.


LOL!

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I am that Masked Man.

All you can do, is all you can do.

There’s trouble — it's time to play the sound of my people.

Your boos mean nothing to me, I've seen what you cheer for.

Insisting on your rights without acknowledging your responsibilities isn’t freedom, it’s adolescence.

I've been to the edge of the map, and there be monsters.

We are a government of laws, not men.

Everybody counts or nobody counts.

When a good man is hurt,
all who would be called good
must suffer with him.

You and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead.

There is no safety for honest men except
by believing all possible evil of evil men.

We don’t do focus groups. They just ensure that you don’t offend anyone, and produce bland inoffensive products. —Sir Jonathan Ive

An armed society is a polite society.
And hope is a lousy defense.

You make me pull, I'll put you down.

I *love* SIGs. It's Glocks I hate.

I use this Nexation stand, NLA.
Now they make this one.
But I think the MOFT is the same idea. I really wanted more of an angle to keyboard with that was sturdy to survive travel.

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!#$@@$#!

proofraed by OwEn the c@t.

Still using Road Tools/Targus Poduim CooPad that I got at MWSF late last century, along w/ a couple more that I acquired subsequently because I liked 'em so much (including one from our hosts). IIRC, the MWSF deal was to buy the full size CoolPad at slightly less than retail (like ~10% off) and get the smaller "portable" version for free. These things work great!

Now in the market for a high rise laptop stand for old people..... we're about to move one of the MBP's over to the low coffee table in front of the couch, and it's gonna need some altitude. We'll start with just a mouse and mouse pad on the side, too, and see how that works. May add a small kb later if warranted (read that; if/when other human wants it, too). Will keep an eye here to see what materializes.
==

I think its a personal thing. My wife uses one and seems to think nothing of it. I can't stand it. The angle is all wrong.

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“Live your life, love your life, don’t regret…live, learn and move forward positively.” – CR Johnson
Loving life in Lake Tahoe, CA

Today at dinner table and got some books out for propping up. Feels pretty good.

So, I ordered a MOFT. We'll see how it goes.

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gadje
I have this one, I really like it, but now I don't use it much.

[smile.amazon.com]

These Rain Design stands are a work of art. My wife and I each have one. While not portable or adjustable, it positions your laptop nicely, and its design is better than anything Apple could produce. Money well spent.

That said, I've long thought about getting one of these for more flexible positioning. I'm just not sure about the quality.

[www.amazon.com]

I don't know if it's portable enough for the OP, but it does fold down fairly flat.

I'm wondering if a laptop stand might help? It would elevate the monitor so I'm not crouched over the computer.


Some of the responses, including your mention of the MoFT stand, address angle more than height.

I'm wondering if an angle adjustment is enough to relieve your shoulder pain.

I think you have to very closely examine your arm, hand, and head positions and angles to how each compare to your two work locations.

A stack of books (none that you're currently reading) should tell you what you need to know.

First, I'm thinking the MoFT won't help, much if at all, with just a 2 or 3" lift.

1) I'm guessing you'll need more elevation of the screen than it provides.

2) And typing on a keyboard at either of the angles it provides may not be comfortable for long periods of time.

3) You don't mention what MB you're using.

Is its keyboard as wide as the external you're using?

It's key spacing might be a little tighter, or if you use a 10-key on your external keyboard, that may affect how you feel when using the MB(A/P?)

The QWERTY keys on my two most used externals are both spaced slightly wider and are slightly larger than my MBA's QWERTY keys.


All that said, you may have just cost me $25 (+tax and shipping).

My most common use of my MBA (and MBs before it) was in bed, lying back with it on my stomach.

This makes it awkward to use the keyboard.

To type, I'd have to sit up with my knees raised and angle the iLap up.

The 'Books sit on a Rain Design iLap, purchased at MWSF an eon ago, to keep the 'Books from getting really very warm when resting on a blanket.

It's worked very well in that regard, though the 13" M1 MBA doesn't even get warm.

Since I don't sit bolt upright in bed, some elevation of the keyboard is needed and the iLap doesn't quite provide it.

The MoFT may be just the ticket.

I like everything about it.

---

I am that Masked Man.

All you can do, is all you can do.

There’s trouble — it's time to play the sound of my people.

Your boos mean nothing to me, I've seen what you cheer for.

Insisting on your rights without acknowledging your responsibilities isn’t freedom, it’s adolescence.

I've been to the edge of the map, and there be monsters.

We are a government of laws, not men.

Everybody counts or nobody counts.

When a good man is hurt,
all who would be called good
must suffer with him.

You and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead.

There is no safety for honest men except
by believing all possible evil of evil men.

We don’t do focus groups. They just ensure that you don’t offend anyone, and produce bland inoffensive products. —Sir Jonathan Ive

An armed society is a polite society.
And hope is a lousy defense.

You make me pull, I'll put you down.

I *love* SIGs. It's Glocks I hate.

I'm a part time DJ and some guys like a line by a company called Crane but they are pricey

Some companies make similar knock offs like this one by Pyle

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gadje
I have this one, I really like it, but now I don't use it much.

[smile.amazon.com]

I have this one as well. Use it everyday at work. Its great.

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RAMd®d
Some of the responses, including your mention of the MoFT stand, address angle more than height.

I'm wondering if an angle adjustment is enough to relieve your shoulder pain.

I appreciate your good points. I'm also wondering the same thing. But if I can find at least a pretty good solution without having to tote and set up a keyboard and trackpad when away from my desk I'll be happy.

My MoFT comes tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. Hope yours works well for you.

PS. I'm using a 2020 Macbook Pro 13"



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/15/2023 07:25AM by Drew.

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RAMd®d
The MoFT may be just the ticket.

Does not work well on soft surfaces.

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I made one out of wood that holds my MBPR at about the same angle as the MOFT. I used it a lot while working from home, sometimes alone, sometimes with separate keyboard. Definitely a neck saver!

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"In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion." (1987) -- Carl Sagan