If you regularly use both a laptop and a desktop computer, you’ve probably already realized that the keyboard on your laptop is smaller than a standard keyboard. This can make it difficult to stay in the best position to reduce stress, and they way you sit and hold your arms might feel awkward because of the size of the keyboard. To compensate for its flatness and the reduced space in between keys, try raising your fingers a bit. Alternatively, you can plug in an external standard keyboard or use a wireless keyboard instead.

This is strictly a personal choice based on what you are more comfortable with. Some would advise you learn touch typing using the keyboard that you will use the majority of time you type, so if you do most of your typing at work on a standard PC but use a laptop for internet chat at home, try to get access to a desktop computer when you’re working on your typing studies.

Keyboard differences with laptops can cause problems, and the same is true with the laptop touchpad that moves the cursor around and performs other functions similar to those performed by a mouse. The touchpad is there for those of you who want to use it. If you’d rather not, you can always plug in an external mouse or use a wireless mouse.

One other problem with laptops is that the screen is fixed to the keyboard. If the keyboard’s low enough for comfortable typing, the screen is probably not at the optimal height to keep you in a good posture. Conversely, if you put your laptop high enough that you can see the screen straight ahead, you’re probably typing with your arms and hands elevated, which will also lead to stress. Again, a plug-in or wireless separate keyboard will help eliminate these problems.