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The Hunchback of Cupertino: Will the iPad Kill Your Back?

by Caleb Johnson on February 8, 2010 at 04:55 PM

It's only been a couple of weeks since Steve Jobs revealed the iPad to the world and the naysayers are crawling out of the woodwork. But it's not a bunch of nerds that are criticizing the new tablet's features. Rather, it's scientists who say the iPad could be hazardous to your health.

According to Live Science, the iPad's design (and that of some other mobile devices) encourages users to sit in a hunched over position called "airport posture," which can lead to serious back and neck problems. That's right, prolonged periods of poor posture are bad. Anthony Andre, founder of Interface Analysis Associates (IAA), says the problematic posture is a result of the keyboard and monitor being located in the same area, which encourages users to bend over while typing. Combine that with the device's thinness and portability -- meaning you'll be using it more often in more places -- and you've got a recipe for aches and pains.

Since the iPad isn't going to become less attractive, your only option is a little self-restraint. Remember: it's fine to surf the Web while waiting on a flight or riding the subway, but spending an entire afternoon hunched over an iPad is probably a bad idea. It's about moderation, folks, not just for your physical health, but for your mental health, too. [From: Live Science, via: The Awl]

Tags: apple, backpain, doctor, health, ipad, posture, tablet, top

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