Comparing performance of keyboarding/mousing tasks using notebook computer flat panel displays vs. CRT monitors

Abstract

Use of a notebook computer in an office setting has been implicated as a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to determine if there were differences in performance, posture, and blink rate between workers using cathode ray tube (CRT) computer monitors vs. a notebook computer flat panel display (FPD). Six combinations of typical CRT workstation configurations were presented to twenty-four subjects according to a Latin Square Crossover Design. The treatments consisted of a notebook computer alone, a notebook computer used with external input devices, monitor blocks, a notebook computer stand, and CRT monitors. Each subject performed two tasks (data entry and editing) for 10 minutes in each configuration-task combination. The results of this study indicate that the use of the notebook alone causes an increase in neck angle and viewing angle, while decreasing viewing distance and elbow angle. Use of the notebook computer elevated to eye level with either monitor blocks or a notebook computer stand alleviated these changes in body posture without affecting the blink rate or user performance of the subjects. Use of a CRT monitor, keyboard, and mouse were still generally preferred over the use of the notebook computer. However, if a user needs or desires a notebook computer and intends to use it in an office setting, the results of this study suggest that if a docking station or port replicator are not available, the notebook computer FPD should be elevated to eye level and used only as a visual terminal while using an external keyboard and mouse as input devices.