Comments on: Ergonomics of the iPad

By: Adam Parsons

Adam Parsons — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 17:23:50 +0000

I’ve found that if I am in the bathroom and reading a book or play a game, my shoulders will ache intensely from the weight of the ipad. I spoke to a physical therapist and he said that the way that you hold the ipad and the length of time at that angle could easily cause the ball of your shoulder to be in an abnormal position (curled forward) and so cause that ache, even though it’s weight is fairly minimal.

I didn’t connect the two until recently. Some exercises can require very little additional weight before it is not good to do for long periods of time and I’m thinking this might be one of them. Looks like bathroom time is going to have to stick with the iphone!

By: Tess

Tess — Tue, 18 May 2010 01:09:33 +0000

As the proverbial gadget user and someone who uses an ebook reader (nook) I find that it is very easy to use as a book, it’s light and e-ink is very easy on the eyes; even though it needs a light it weighs next to nothing. I suspect the iPad is similar enough as I also use an iTouch. I enjoy using the small hand held device and reading in the dark is no problem but it causes eye strain more so than the eBook reader and except for brief notes the keyboard is really next to useless (although it works perfectly well to send in your password at the iTunes store) but it’s purpose isn’t to write the next bestseller. I would liken the iPad to a portfolio/pad that you’d take to a meeting so you can jot information with it’s built in keyboard and perhaps surf the company’s intranet the send a Tweet on your boring meeting to your non-company friends. Taking the show on the road I’d definitely make use of the iPad docking station, unless you really need some heavy duty processing power your mileage may vary
Thanks for your insights and information this really makes a lot of sense and thanks too to your other commentators.

By: Kelly O'Malley

Kelly O'Malley — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:40:36 +0000

Thanks for the comment!

I do agree that the iPad is not a replacement for a full sized desktop computer. However, I do think it offers a nice alternative to the bulky laptops. Some people will find that a laptop works better for them, especially if they are using it long term. Yet others will find the light weight, easy to carry option of the iPad works better for them. I do think that, as with any product, what works well for someone, will not suit the needs of another.

That being said…I think you said it best by “I have learned to adjust for comfort”. I think this is the most important idea in all of these conversations about ergonomics. Each of us has to look at our environment and determine what works for US, and adjust accordingly. There is no “magic bullet”. We each need to be aware of our environment and how it is affecting our physical state, and take measures to reduce wear and tear on our bodies.

Again thanks for the comment. Good luck with that patent!

By: iPad Tester

iPad Tester — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:39:45 +0000

I work for a software company and have been using the iPad since it came out. This device is not condusive to long-term use. My neck and shoulder are killing me. I have tried propping it up, sitting it on my desk, I even tried leaning back in my chair and crossing one leg over the other as a iPad-stand (patent pending heh). Being a tall person with a desk job, ergonomics is not a new concern for me and I have learned to adjust for comfort. Unfortunately, I simply can not make the iPad comfortable.

By: ErgoJournal, ErgoBlog, the UK site for Health & Safety in the Workplace » One week after the Ipad’s launch – a round-up of ergonomic concerns

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:53:56 +0000

[...] Kelley O’Malley, on Injury Free Blog, had no concerns over the weight or shape. [...]