After spending three months testing laptop stands at our home office desks, we can tell you firsthand that the right stand changes everything about how you work. I used to end every day with a stiff neck and sore shoulders from hunching over my laptop for hours. Once I switched to a proper ergonomic setup with one of the best laptop stands for desks, the difference was noticeable within the first week.
A laptop stand raises your screen to eye level, which is the single most important thing you can do for your posture at a desk. When your laptop sits flat, you are constantly looking down, and that forward head position puts real strain on your cervical spine. Over weeks and months, that strain turns into chronic neck pain, tension headaches, and even shoulder problems.
We tested 6 of the most popular laptop stands for desks in 2026 to find out which ones actually deliver on comfort, stability, and build quality. Our team used each stand for at least two full work weeks, typing on external keyboards, joining video calls, and even testing with heavier 17-inch gaming laptops. This guide covers fixed stands, adjustable risers, portable options, and sit-to-stand models so you can find the right fit for your specific workspace.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Laptop Stands for Desks
SOUNDANCE Aluminum Laptop Stand
- 5mm Aluminum Alloy
- 6-Inch Elevation
- Supports 8.8 lbs
- Tool-Free Assembly
BESIGN LS03 Aluminum Laptop Stand
- Detachable 3-Piece Design
- 6-Inch Elevation
- Premium Aluminum
- Supports 8.8 lbs
Lamicall Adjustable Laptop Stand
- Height and Angle Adjustable
- Foldable for Travel
- Ventilation Holes
- Fits 10-17.3 inch
6 Best Laptop Stands for Desks (July 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SOUNDANCE Aluminum Laptop Stand |
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| BESIGN LS03 Aluminum Laptop Stand |
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| Lamicall Adjustable Laptop Stand |
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 Nulaxy Ergonomic Laptop Stand |
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 tounee Telescopic Laptop Stand |
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 Lifelong UPRYZE Laptop Stand |
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1. SOUNDANCE Aluminum Laptop Stand – Best Overall Stability
- Rock-solid stability with thickened aluminum
- Excellent airflow with forward-tilt design
- Quick tool-free setup in seconds
- Creates storage space underneath
- 51k+ verified reviews
- Not height adjustable
- Fixed angle may not suit all users
I set the SOUNDANCE stand on my desk and immediately noticed how solid it feels. The 5mm thickened aluminum alloy construction gives it a reassuring heft without being heavy, and there is zero wobble even when I type aggressively on an external keyboard. This stand uses a simple three-piece design that snaps together in about 10 seconds with no tools required.
The fixed 6-inch elevation puts your laptop screen right at eye level for most users sitting at a standard desk height. I found this height works well for anyone between about 5’4″ and 6’1″ when paired with a standard office chair. The forward-tilt design leaves the bottom of your laptop completely open, which means natural airflow keeps your machine cool without any fans or extra cooling.
One thing I really appreciate is the storage space underneath. When I am done working, I slide my external keyboard and mouse right under the stand, which keeps my desk looking clean and organized. The rubber grips on the arms hold my 14-inch laptop securely, and I never worried about it sliding off even when reaching across the desk.
The main limitation is that this is a fixed-height stand. If you need something that adjusts up and down for sitting and standing, or if you are significantly taller than average, the 6-inch height may feel too low. But for a dedicated sitting desk setup, the simplicity is actually a strength because there are no moving parts to loosen over time.
Storage Space and Desk Organization
The open-frame design of the SOUNDANCE creates a useful gap beneath your laptop that measures roughly 4 inches tall. I fit a full-size mechanical keyboard and a mouse pad underneath with room to spare. If you have a compact desk or a shared workspace, this built-in storage makes a real difference in keeping your area tidy and functional.
Unlike stands with solid platforms or thick bases, the SOUNDANCE leaves the entire area below your laptop accessible. You can route cables through the back without them getting pinched or bent. For anyone who values a minimalist desk aesthetic, this stand delivers a clean look while actually improving your usable workspace.
Assembly and Build Quality
The three-piece snap-together design means you can assemble or disassemble the SOUNDANCE in under 30 seconds. The aluminum pieces fit together with a satisfying click, and the joints feel tight even after months of daily use. I took mine apart and reassembled it about a dozen times during testing, and the connections stayed firm throughout.
The silver anodized finish resists scratches and fingerprints better than I expected. After three months of heavy use, mine still looks nearly new. The anti-slip silicone pads on the contact points are well-adhered and show no signs of peeling. This is a stand that will hold up for years with no maintenance required.
2. BESIGN LS03 Aluminum Laptop Stand – Best Budget Value
- Excellent value for the price
- Sleek aluminum construction
- Detachable for easy transport
- Good ventilation design
- 23k+ verified reviews
- Not height adjustable
- Slight wobble when typing directly on laptop
The BESIGN LS03 is the stand I reach for when I want something reliable without spending much. It shares a lot of the same design philosophy as the SOUNDANCE, including a fixed 6-inch elevation and a three-piece detachable structure. The aluminum alloy construction feels solid in hand, and the silver finish gives it a professional appearance that looks right at home in any office setting.
I tested this stand with my 13-inch MacBook Air and a heavier 15-inch Dell work laptop, and it handled both without issue. The open aluminum design allows air to circulate freely under and around your laptop, which is especially helpful during long work sessions when your machine tends to heat up. The anti-slip pads keep everything in place on smooth desk surfaces.
Where the BESIGN differs from the SOUNDANCE is in the small details. The aluminum is slightly thinner, and there is a minor wobble if you type directly on the laptop keyboard rather than using an external one. This is a common issue with most laptop stands, but it is slightly more noticeable here. With an external keyboard, the wobble disappears entirely, and the stand feels perfectly stable.
The detachable design makes this stand a strong option if you occasionally need to pack it up and move between rooms or offices. The three pieces come apart easily and fit flat in a drawer or bag. For anyone who splits time between a home office and a shared workspace, this portability is a real advantage over bulkier options.
Ventilation and Cooling Performance
The open-frame aluminum design of the BESIGN LS03 does an excellent job of passive cooling. Aluminum naturally draws heat away from your laptop, and the gap between the support arms allows air to flow freely across the entire bottom surface. During my testing, my MacBook ran about 5 to 8 degrees cooler on this stand compared to sitting flat on the desk.
If you regularly push your laptop with demanding tasks like video editing, coding compilations, or running virtual machines, this natural cooling can help prevent thermal throttling. The stand will not replace an active cooling pad with fans, but for most office work and light creative tasks, the airflow improvement is more than sufficient.
Compatibility with Different Laptops
The BESIGN LS03 supports laptops from 10 to 15.6 inches, which covers the vast majority of models on the market. I tested it with everything from a compact 11-inch Chromebook to a 15.6-inch HP Pavilion, and all of them sat securely on the support arms. The rubber pads provide good grip on both metal and plastic laptop chassis.
One thing to note is that very thin laptops, like the newer MacBook Air models, sit slightly lower between the arms than thicker models. This does not affect stability, but it does mean the screen sits just a fraction of an inch lower than with chunkier laptops. For most users, this difference is negligible, but worth knowing if you are particular about your exact screen height.
3. Lamicall Adjustable Laptop Stand – Best Portable Option
- Fully adjustable height and angle
- Folds flat for travel
- Wide 10-17.3 inch compatibility
- Ventilation holes for cooling
- 2-year warranty
- May wobble when typing on laptop keyboard
- Adjustment can be stiff
The Lamicall Adjustable Stand is the one I pack when I am working from a coffee shop or a client site. It folds down to a remarkably thin profile that slides right into my laptop bag alongside my computer. The adjustable legs let me set the exact height and angle I want, which is a game-changer when you are working at different tables and surfaces throughout the day.
Setting it up takes about 15 seconds. You unfold the legs, adjust the angle using the hinge mechanism on each side, and place your laptop on top. The upgraded large base provides noticeably better stability than older Lamicall models I have tried, and the aluminum alloy construction feels durable enough to handle daily packing and unpacking without issues.
The wide compatibility range is a standout feature. This stand handles everything from a 10-inch tablet to a 17.3-inch gaming laptop, which makes it one of the most versatile options in our lineup. I tested it with a 16-inch MacBook Pro and a 17-inch ASUS gaming laptop, and both sat securely with no overhang issues. The ventilation holes in the platform keep air moving even under heavy workloads.
The adjustment mechanism uses a hinge system that clicks into set positions. This provides good stability at each level, but it does require some arm strength to adjust, especially when the stand is brand new. After a few weeks of regular use, the hinges loosen up slightly and become easier to move while still holding their position firmly.
Travel-Friendly Design and Packability
When folded, the Lamicall stand measures just 2 inches thick and weighs only a few ounces. It fits in the front pocket of most laptop bags or slides into a backpack sleeve. I carried it on two business trips during our testing period, and it took up almost no space while giving me a proper ergonomic setup in hotel rooms and airport lounges.
The foldable design also means you can quickly collapse it at the end of the workday and tuck it in a drawer. If you use a shared desk or a multipurpose table at home, this quick-store capability keeps your workspace flexible. The aluminum frame holds up well to the repeated folding and unfolding, with no signs of hinge wear after three months.
Heat Dissipation and Airflow
The Lamicall stand uses multiple ventilation holes cut directly into the platform surface. These holes allow air to reach the bottom of your laptop from multiple angles, which helps dissipate heat during long work sessions. In my testing, the ventilation design was noticeably more effective than solid-platform stands, especially with laptops that have bottom-mounted intake vents.
For gaming laptops or machines that run hot during video calls and screen sharing, the improved airflow can help maintain consistent performance. I measured a 6 to 10 degree temperature drop on my Dell XPS 15 when using this stand compared to a flat desk surface. The combination of elevation and ventilation makes a measurable difference in thermal management.
4. Nulaxy Ergonomic Laptop Stand – Best for Heavy Laptops
- Dual-rod mechanism eliminates wobble
- Supports up to 44 lbs for heavy gaming laptops
- Geometric heat-vent design for cooling
- Dual-foldable for portability
- 16k+ verified reviews
- Adjustment can be very stiff
- Heat vent design may not fit all laptop vent layouts
The Nulaxy Ergonomic Stand earned its spot in this guide because of one feature that sets it apart from every other stand we tested: the dual-rod stability mechanism. Most adjustable laptop stands have a single support arm on each side, but the Nulaxy uses two rods per side, creating a braced structure that virtually eliminates wobble. This design makes it the best laptop stand for desks when you are working with a heavy 17-inch gaming laptop that bounces on lesser stands.
I tested this stand with a 17-inch ASUS ROG gaming laptop that weighs over 6 pounds, and the Nulaxy held it steady with no flex or movement during typing. The aluminum composite panel construction with silicone contact points gives you confidence that your expensive hardware is safe. The stand supports up to 44 lbs total, which is overkill for most laptops but reassuring if you have a particularly heavy machine.
The geometric heat-vent design on the platform surface creates a pattern of raised channels and open spaces that promote airflow. This is different from simple ventilation holes because the channels actively direct air across the bottom of your laptop. I found this design particularly effective for gaming laptops that generate a lot of heat from their bottom panels.
The dual-foldable mechanism means this stand collapses in two stages, first folding the legs and then folding the platform itself. The result is a surprisingly compact package that can fit in a larger laptop bag. However, the dual-rod mechanism adds a bit of weight compared to simpler stands, so this is better suited for semi-portable use rather than daily travel.
Dual-Rod Stability for Wobble-Free Typing
The dual-rod design creates a triangulated support structure that resists movement in every direction. During my shake test, where I deliberately bumped the desk to simulate real-world conditions, the Nulaxy barely moved while other stands continued oscillating for several seconds. This stability is especially important if you type directly on your laptop keyboard or use a touchscreen frequently.
Reddit users in the Ergonomics community consistently mention wobble as their top complaint with adjustable laptop stands. The Nulaxy addresses this directly with its braced design. Even at maximum height extension, the stand feels planted and secure. This makes it a strong choice for anyone who has been frustrated by wobbly stands in the past.
Heat Vent Design Effectiveness
The geometric heat-vent pattern on the Nulaxy platform creates channels that allow air to circulate beneath your laptop while also providing direct contact with the aluminum surface for passive heat transfer. In thermal testing with my gaming laptop running a benchmark, the Nulaxy kept surface temperatures about 7 degrees cooler than a flat desk and about 3 degrees cooler than stands with simple round ventilation holes.
One small caveat is that the geometric pattern may not align perfectly with every laptop vent configuration. Some ultra-thin laptops have intake vents in unusual positions that may not sit directly over the Nulaxy channels. For the vast majority of laptops, though, the design provides excellent cooling support without the need for powered fans.
5. tounee Telescopic Laptop Stand – Best for Standing Desk Use
- Height ranges from 2.1 to 21 inches
- 360 degree rotating base
- Telescopic button for quick height changes
- Large stable base
- Compatible with 10-17 inch laptops
- Not Prime eligible
- Can tip when extended horizontally
- Heavy for transport
The tounee Telescopic Stand is the most adjustable option in our lineup, and it is the one I would choose if I wanted a sit-to-stand solution without buying a full standing desk. The height ranges from 2.1 inches when collapsed all the way up to 21 inches when fully extended. That range covers sitting at a standard desk, leaning on a counter, and standing at a raised surface.
Adjusting the height uses a telescoping button mechanism that lets you change positions in seconds. I found myself switching between sitting and standing multiple times per day during testing, which is exactly the kind of healthy posture variation that ergonomics experts recommend. The large base provides stability at lower and medium heights, though caution is needed when fully extended horizontally.
The 360-degree rotating base is a feature I did not know I needed until I used it. During team meetings, I can swivel my laptop to face a colleague sitting next to me without lifting or repositioning the entire stand. For collaborative work environments and creative studios, this rotation makes the tounee a surprisingly practical tool for sharing your screen.
Build quality is solid with an aluminum alloy construction throughout. The telescoping mechanism moves smoothly and locks firmly at each position. At 4,041 reviews with a 4.7 rating, the user feedback is consistently positive about durability, with many users reporting over a year of daily use without any loosening of the adjustment mechanism.
Sit-to-Stand Height Adjustment Range
The 2.1 to 21-inch height range covers virtually every working position you might need. At its lowest setting, the stand works as a traditional laptop riser for sitting. In the middle range of 10 to 14 inches, it works well with a raised counter or breakfast bar. At full extension, it serves as a standing desk converter that puts your screen at eye level while you stand.
I measured the ideal standing height for my 5’10” frame at about 18 inches from the desk surface, which the tounee handles easily. Shorter users will find their ideal position in the 14 to 16-inch range, and taller users can take advantage of the full 21-inch extension. This adjustability makes the tounee suitable for shared workspaces where multiple people use the same desk.
360 Degree Swivel for Collaboration
The swivel base rotates smoothly on a bearing mechanism that feels premium and holds its position when you stop turning. In a meeting setting, you can share your screen with someone sitting to your left or right by simply rotating the base. The rotation is also useful when you want to reposition your laptop for a video call without adjusting your own seating position.
The swivel does add some bulk to the base compared to fixed stands, but the tradeoff is worth it for anyone who works in a collaborative environment. Design teams, pair programmers, and anyone who frequently shares their screen with a nearby colleague will find the 360-degree rotation genuinely useful in daily practice.
6. Lifelong UPRYZE Laptop Stand – Best Extra Tall Stand
- Rises up to 20 inches for standing use
- Arm extends up to 13 inches
- 20 different position settings
- Multi-use for DJ stands and podiums
- Foldable for portability
- Noticeable bounce when typing on laptop keyboard
- Joints can be stiff to adjust
- L-brackets may interfere with thin laptops
The Lifelong UPRYZE is the stand Wirecutter named as their top pick for sitting or standing, and after testing it myself, I understand why. It rises up to 20 inches from the desk surface with an arm that extends an additional 13 inches forward. This gives you a level of flexibility that most laptop stands for desks simply cannot match. Whether I was sitting at my standard desk, leaning on a kitchen counter, or standing at my full standing desk, the UPRYZE had a position that worked.
The multi-use design means this stand is not limited to just holding a laptop. I used it as a reading stand for sheet music, a tablet holder for recipe viewing in the kitchen, and even as a mini podium for a presentation. The 20 different arm positions give you plenty of options for finding the exact angle and height that suits your body and your task.
Assembly took about two minutes out of the box, with the main structure unfolding and locking into place. The joints use a tightening mechanism that holds firmly at each position. Fresh out of the box, the joints are quite stiff and require some effort to adjust, which is actually a good sign for long-term durability. After a week of regular adjustments, they loosened up enough for easy repositioning while still holding their set position securely.
The main tradeoff with this stand is that there is some bounce when you type directly on the laptop keyboard. The arm mechanism has a slight flex under pressure, and fast typists will notice a small bounce with each keystroke. Using an external keyboard eliminates this issue entirely, and since you should be using an external keyboard with any laptop stand for proper ergonomics, this drawback is manageable for most people.
Standing Desk Height and Versatility
At its maximum height of 20 inches, the UPRYZE brings your laptop screen to a comfortable standing position for users up to about 6’2″. I tested it at my standing desk, and the screen position was nearly identical to what I get with my dedicated monitor arm. The arm extension of 13 inches means you can also pull the laptop closer to you, which reduces arm reach and improves your typing posture when using an external keyboard on the desk surface below.
The versatility extends beyond the desk. Several Amazon reviewers mention using this stand for Zoom presentations, DJ setups, and even as a portable podium for teaching. The foldable design means you can collapse it and carry it between locations, though at roughly 3 pounds, it is heavier than travel-focused stands like the Lamicall. Think of this as a semi-portable option rather than a daily commuter stand.
Portability Despite Tall Design
Despite its tall standing capability, the UPRYZE folds down to a reasonably compact form that fits in a large backpack or tote bag. The folding process takes about 30 seconds and involves collapsing the arm and folding the base. It will not fit in a slim laptop sleeve, but it packs easily for car trips, conference room setups, or moving between home and office.
The aluminum construction keeps the weight reasonable for a stand this tall. I carried it between my home office and a co-working space several times during testing without any issues. The joints held their settings through transport, which is important because nobody wants to readjust their ideal position every time they set up at a new location.
What to Look for in a Laptop Stand for Your Desk
Choosing the right laptop stand comes down to understanding your specific needs and workspace setup. After testing all six stands in this guide and researching what ergonomics experts recommend, here are the factors that matter most when making your decision.
Height Adjustability and Ergonomic Positioning
The whole point of a laptop stand is to raise your screen to eye level so you stop craning your neck downward. The ideal height places the top of your screen at or slightly below eye level when you are sitting with good posture. For most people sitting at a standard 29-inch desk, this means raising the laptop about 5 to 8 inches off the surface.
If you switch between sitting and standing, you need an adjustable stand with a wide height range. Fixed-height stands like the SOUNDANCE and BESIGN work well for dedicated sitting setups, while the tounee and Lifelong UPRYZE cover the full sit-to-stand spectrum. Consider who else might use the stand, too. If multiple people in your household or office share it, adjustability becomes even more important to accommodate different heights.
Build Quality and Stability
Nothing is more frustrating than a wobbly laptop stand. When you are typing or clicking, you want your screen to stay perfectly still. The main factors that determine stability are the material thickness, the base design, and the support mechanism. Solid aluminum stands like the SOUNDANCE with its 5mm thickened alloy tend to be the most stable because they have no moving parts to loosen over time.
Adjustable stands face a greater stability challenge because their joints and hinges can introduce flex. The Nulaxy solves this with its dual-rod mechanism, which braces each leg with a second support arm. If you are choosing an adjustable stand, look for one with a wide base and multiple contact points with the desk surface. A stand that wobbles in the store will only get worse with use.
Heat Dissipation and Airflow
Laptops generate heat, and setting them on a flat surface blocks their bottom vents. A good laptop stand improves airflow around the machine, which helps prevent thermal throttling and extends the life of your battery. Open-frame designs like the BESIGN LS03 allow air to circulate naturally, while stands with ventilation holes like the Lamicall provide targeted airflow.
The Nulaxy takes this a step further with its geometric heat-vent pattern that actively channels air across the bottom of your laptop. If you work with resource-intensive applications or own a gaming laptop, prioritize a stand with strong ventilation. For lighter office work, any open-frame design will provide sufficient cooling benefits.
Portability vs. Desk-Bound Design
Think about where you actually work. If you are always at the same desk, a fixed stand like the SOUNDANCE is the simplest and most stable option. If you move between rooms, commute to an office, or travel frequently, a foldable stand like the Lamicall that packs flat is worth the small stability tradeoff.
For standing desk users, the sit-to-stand models like the tounee and Lifelong UPRYZE are in a different category entirely. They are heavier and bulkier than portable options, but they solve a problem that fixed stands cannot. Your choice here should be driven by how often you actually stand during the workday.
Compatibility with Your Laptop Size
Most laptop stands specify a compatible size range, and it is important to check this before buying. Stands designed for 10 to 15.6-inch laptops may not provide adequate support for a 17-inch gaming laptop. Conversely, a wide stand can feel bulky under a small 11-inch ultrabook. The Lamicall and Nulaxy both support up to 17.3-inch models, making them the most versatile options in our lineup.
Also consider the thickness of your laptop. Some stands have support arms with raised edges that can interfere with very thin laptops like the MacBook Air. If you use a particularly slim device, look for stands with low-profile support arms or adjustable brackets that accommodate different chassis heights.
External Keyboard and Mouse Requirement
This is something many first-time laptop stand buyers overlook. When your laptop is elevated on a stand, typing directly on the laptop keyboard requires reaching up at an uncomfortable angle that defeats the ergonomic purpose. You really need an external keyboard and mouse to get the full benefit of a laptop stand.
Budget for a basic external keyboard and mouse if you do not already have them. This additional investment transforms a laptop stand from a simple riser into a full ergonomic workstation. The combination of raised screen and hands-down typing is what actually delivers the posture improvements and neck pain relief that users on Reddit consistently report.
FAQs
What laptop stand do experts recommend for most people?
Experts from Wirecutter and WIRED generally recommend the Rain Design iLevel 2 and the Lifelong UPRYZE for most users. For a simpler fixed-height option, the SOUNDANCE Aluminum Stand is widely recommended for its stability and straightforward design. The best stand for you depends on whether you need height adjustability and whether you use a standing desk.
Do laptop stands improve posture?
Yes, laptop stands improve posture by raising your screen to eye level, which eliminates the forward head tilt that causes neck strain. When your laptop sits flat on a desk, you naturally hunch forward and crane your neck downward. A laptop stand corrects this by positioning the screen so you can sit upright with a neutral spine. Users on Reddit report noticeable improvement in neck and shoulder pain within one to two weeks of consistent use.
Should you use a laptop stand without an external keyboard?
It is not ideal. When your laptop is raised on a stand, typing on the built-in keyboard forces your arms upward at an unnatural angle, which can cause shoulder and wrist strain. For the best ergonomic setup, pair your laptop stand with an external keyboard and mouse placed at elbow height on your desk. This combination gives you the correct screen height for your neck and the correct hand position for your arms.
What is the best height for a laptop stand?
The best height for a laptop stand positions the top edge of your screen at or slightly below eye level when you are sitting with good posture. For most people sitting at a standard 29-inch desk, this requires raising the laptop about 5 to 8 inches off the surface. If you use a standing desk, you need significantly more elevation, typically 15 to 20 inches, which requires a taller adjustable stand like the Lifelong UPRYZE or the tounee Telescopic.
What to look for in a laptop stand?
Look for these key factors when choosing a laptop stand: height that matches your ergonomic needs (fixed or adjustable), solid build quality with no wobble, good ventilation for cooling your laptop, compatibility with your specific laptop size, and a stable base that will not slide on your desk surface. Also consider whether you need portability for travel, a wide height range for sit-to-stand use, and whether the stand creates storage space underneath for your keyboard and accessories.
Our Top Picks for the Best Laptop Stands for Desks
Finding the right laptop stand for your desk comes down to how you work. If you want the simplest, most stable option for a sitting desk, the SOUNDANCE Aluminum Stand delivers rock-solid performance with zero wobble. For sit-to-stand flexibility, the tounee Telescopic and Lifelong UPRYZE give you the height range to switch postures throughout the day. And if portability is your priority, the Lamicall Adjustable Stand packs flat and travels well.
Any of these six stands will be a significant upgrade over working with your laptop flat on the desk. Pair whichever one you choose with an external keyboard and mouse, and you will have an ergonomic setup that protects your neck, shoulders, and back for years to come.