That Apple iPad or iPad 2 you love so much can be a real pain in the neck and we’re not talking about it’s super simple to use interface, easy to operate camera or other user friendly features, it turns out the device itself might literally be hurting your neck.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health with the help of Microsoft researchers have found that a tablet user strains neck muscles more than a laptop or desktop user because they tend to place the device on their laps and then look down at the devices.
The lead author of the study told the LA Times:
“If you think about your position when you are hunched over looking down, your head is hanging out over space, so you are using your neck muscles to support the weight.”
It isn’t all bad news from the study, it turns out that Tablet users tend to shift their bodies and get blood flowing more actively which has been suggested for sedentary users.
Regardless of your weapon of choice (tablet, desktop, laptop), researchers suggest finding a comfortable spot to sit with good straight posture.
If you wish to avoid neck strain tablet stands are available for most major tablet designs, some also include built-in bluetooth keyboards which allow users to operate their tablet device in much the same way they do a laptop or desktop.
Do you find yourself straining when using an Apple iPad all day or have you figured out comfortable positions for using the best selling tablets?