Compaq Compaq Presario Manual

b
Presario Mobile Internet PC
Safety and Comfort Guide
Document Part Number: 191432-003
June 2001

© 2001 Compaq Computer Corporation
Compaq, the Compaq logo, and Presario Registered in U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and other countries.
All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective
companies.
Compaq shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions
contained herein. The information in this document is provided “as is” without
warranty of any kind and is subject to change without notice. The warranties for
Compaq products are set forth in the express limited warranty statements
accompanying such products. Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an additional warranty.
Compaq Presario Mobile Internet PC
Safety and Comfort Guide
First Edition (June 2001)
Document Part Number: 191432-003

Compaq Presario Mobile Internet PC iii
Safety and Comfort Guide
Contents
1 Safety and Comfort
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–1
Promoting a Safe and Comfortable
Work Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2
Important Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2
Take Action for Safety and Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–3
Key Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–4
Finding Your Comfort Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5
A Range of Positions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–5
Different Tasks, Different Postures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–6
Organizing Your Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7
Feet, Knees, and Legs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7
Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–9
Forearms, Wrists, and Hands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–10
Shoulders and Elbows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–12
Eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–12
Arranging Your Work Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–14
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–14
Keyboard and Pointing Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–17
Arm Supports and a Palm Rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–19
Papers and Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–20
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–21

iv Compaq Presario Mobile Internet PC
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Contents
Working in Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–22
Using a Notebook Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–22
Typing Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–24
Pointing Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–25
Using a Keyboard on a Sofa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–27
Taking Breaks and Varying Your Tasks . . . . . . . . . 1–28
Monitoring Your Health Habits and Exercise . . . . . 1–29
Organizing Your Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–31
From the Ground Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–31
From the Top Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–32
Self-Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–33
Seated Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–33
Shoulders, Arms, Wrists, and Hands. . . . . . . . . . . . 1–33
Eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–34
Typing Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–34
Keyboard and Pointing Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–34
Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–35
Notebook Computing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–36
General Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–36
Double Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–36
Electrical and Mechanical Safety Information. . . . . . . . 1–37
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–37
Product Safety Policy and General Practice . . . . . . 1–37
Safety Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–38
Installation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–38
General Precautions for Compaq Products . . . . . . . 1–40
Precautions for Portable Computer Products. . . . . . 1–45
Precautions for Server and Network Products. . . . . 1–46
Precautions for Products with External
Television Antenna Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–48
Precautions for Products with Modems,
Telecommunications, or Local Area
Network Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–51
Precautions for Products with Laser Devices . . . . . 1–51
For More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–54

Contents
Compaq Presario Mobile Internet PC v
Safety and Comfort Guide
2 Government Approvals
European Union Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–1
Federal Communications Commission Notice. . . . . . . . . 2–2
Modifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2
Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–2
Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3
Products Marked with the FCC Logo
(United States Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3
Canadian Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3
Avis Canadien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–3
Japanese Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–4
Telecommunications Device Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–4
U.S. Modem Regulatory Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–4
Canadian Modem Regulatory Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–7
New Zealand Modem Regulatory Statements . . . . . . . . . 2–8
Voice Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–9
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–10
Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–10
Power Cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–11
Laser Assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–11
CDRH Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–12
Using the Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–13
German Ergonomics Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–14
German Ergonomics Notice (Mobile Products) . . . 2–14
Energy Star Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–14

Compaq Presario Mobile Internet PC 1–1
Safety and Comfort Guide

Safety and Comfort
Introduction
ÅWARNING: There may be a risk of serious physical injuries from
working at your computer workstation. Read and follow the
recommendations in this section to minimize the risk of injury and
to increase your comfort.
Some studies have suggested that long periods of typing,
improper workstation setup, incorrect work habits, stressful work
conditions and relationships, or problems in your personal health
may be linked to injuries. These injuries could include carpal
tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, and other
musculoskeletal disorders.
The warning signs of these disorders can occur in the hands,
wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, or back, and can include:
■Numbness, burning, or tingling
■Soreness, aching, or tenderness
■Pain, throbbing, or swelling
■Tightness or stiffness
■Weakness or coldness

1–2Compaq Presario Mobile Internet PC
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Safety and Comfort
Symptoms may be felt during typing, while using a mouse, or at
other times when no work with the hands is being performed,
including during the night when these symptoms might awaken
you. If you experience these symptoms, or any other persistent or
recurring pain or discomfort that you think may be related to
using a computer, you should promptly consult a qualified
physician and, if available, your company’s health and safety
department. The earlier a problem is properly diagnosed and
treated, the less chance there is that it will progress to a disabling
condition.
The following pages describe proper workstation setup, posture,
and health and work habits for computer users. In addition, this
guide contains product safety information applicable to all
Compaq products.
Promoting a Safe and Comfortable
Work Environment
Posture, lighting, furniture, work organization, and other work
conditions and habits may affect the way you feel and how well
you work. By adjusting your work environment and personal
practices, you may be able to minimize fatigue and discomfort
and reduce the risk of resulting strains that some scientists believe
can lead to injury.
Important Choices
If you share a computer with others, readjust the work
environment to your needs. Each time you sit down to work,
adjust into your comfort zone.

Safety and Comfort
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Safety and Comfort Guide
Whenever you use a computer, you make choices that can affect
your comfort and potentially your safety. This is true whether you
use a full-size keyboard and monitor on a desk, a notebook
computer, or a wireless keyboard on your lap. In every case, you
choose your working posture and your body’s position relative to
your keyboard, pointing device, monitor, remote control, phone,
and any reference books and papers. You may also have some
control over lighting and other factors.
Take Action for Safety and Comfort
Many factors in our work environment determine whether you
work efficiently and in a manner that promotes good health and
safety.
By considering, acting on, and periodically reevaluating the
recommendations in this section, you can create a safer, more
comfortable, healthful, and efficient work environment.
✎Note Some scientists believe that working intensely, or for a long
time in uncomfortable or unnatural positions, may pose risks,
such as those mentioned in the warning at the beginning of this
chapter. The information included in this section is designed to
help you work more safely by recommending ways to work more
comfortably and effectively.
JTip Self-check: After reviewing the information in this chapter,
double-check your postures and habits using the “Self-Check”
section on page 1–33.

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Safety and Comfort Guide
Safety and Comfort
ey Principles
To promote safety and comfort, follow these principles whenever
you use your computer.
Adjust
Adjust your body position and your
work equipment. There is no one
“right”position. Find your comfort
zone, as described in this section, and
when working at your computer,
frequently adjust within this zone.
Move
Vary your tasks so that you can move
around; avoid sitting in one posture all
day. Perform tasks that require
walking.
Relax
Build positive relationships at work
and home. Relax and strive to reduce
sources of stress. Stay aware of
physical tension such as clenching
your muscles and shrugging your
shoulders. Continually release
tension. Take frequent short breaks.

Safety and Comfort
Compaq Presario Mobile Internet PC 1–5
Safety and Comfort Guide
Listen
Listen to your body. Pay attention to
any tension, discomfort, or pain you
may feel, and take immediate action
to relieve it.
Remember
Remember to exercise regularly and
maintain general fitness. Doing this
will help your body withstand the
rigors of sedentary work. Respect any
medical conditions you may have or
other health factors you may know of.
Adjust your work habits accordingly.
Finding Your Comfort Zone
A Range of Positions
Rather than working in a single posture, find your comfort zone.
Your comfort zone is a range of positions that is generally
appropriate and comfortable for your given work situation.
Vary Your Posture
Depending on your tasks, you may
find a range of seated and standing
postures that are comfortable. Within
your comfort zone, change postures
often throughout the day.

1–6Compaq Presario Mobile Internet PC
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Safety and Comfort
Move
Sitting still for long periods can cause discomfort and muscle
fatigue. Changing postures is good for many parts of your body,
including your spine, joints, muscles, and circulatory system.
Within your comfort zone, change postures often throughout the
day. Take frequent short breaks: stand up, carefully stretch, or
walk around. Frequently switch to brief tasks that require getting
up, such as retrieving output from a printer, filing paperwork, or
consulting a colleague down the hall.
If your furniture offers a wide range of adjustments, you might
find it comfortable to switch back and forth between sitting and
standing positions.
Different Tasks, Different Postures
Your choice of posture within your comfort zone may vary with
your task. For example, you may find a reclined posture most
comfortable for computer tasks, and a more upright posture more
comfortable for tasks requiring frequent reference to papers or
books.

Safety and Comfort
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Safety and Comfort Guide
Organizing Your Adjustments
The order in which you make various adjustments to your body
position and work area may vary depending on how adjustable
your furniture is. For tips on how to order your adjustments see
the “Arranging Your Work Area”section on page 1–14.
JTip That afternoon slump: Pay particular attention to adjusting
your posture in the afternoon when you may tend to get fatigued.
JTip Everything is connected: When you reposition any one part
of your body, you may need to adjust other parts as well.
Avoid!
■Don’t sit in one fixed posture all day.
■Avoid slouching forward.
■Be sure not to lean back too far.
Feet, nees, and Legs
While sitting, make sure your feet can rest solidly and
comfortably on the floor. Use an adjustable work surface and
chair that allow your feet to rest firmly on the floor, or use a
footrest. If you use a footrest, be sure it is wide enough to
accommodate different leg positions within your comfort zone.

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Safety and Comfort
Providing Enough Leg Room
Be sure you have sufficient space under your work surface for
your knees and legs. Avoid concentrated pressure points along the
underside of your thigh near the knee and the back side of your
lower leg. Stretch your legs and vary your leg posture throughout
the day.
RIGHT!
Rest your feet firmly on the floor or a
footrest.
WRONG!
Don’t dangle your feet and compress your
thighs.
JTip Walk: Get up from your desk frequently and take brief walks.
JTip Leg comfort: Vary your leg positions throughout the day.
Avoid!
Avoid placing boxes or other items under your desk that limit
your leg room. You should be able to pull yourself all the way up
to your desk without interference.

Safety and Comfort
Compaq Presario Mobile Internet PC 1–9
Safety and Comfort Guide
Back
Use your chair to fully support your body. Distribute your weight
evenly and use the entire seat and backrest to support your body.
If your chair has adjustable lower back support, match the
contours of the chair’s backrest to the natural curve of your lower
spine.
Getting Comfortable
Always make sure your lower back is well supported. Make sure
it feels comfortable in the position in which you are working.
RIGHT!
Distribute your weight evenly and use
the entire seat and backrest to support
your body.
WRONG!
Don’t slouch forward.
JTip Adjust often: If your chair is adjustable, experiment with the
adjustments to find numerous comfortable positions, then adjust
the chair frequently.

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Avoid!
If you get a new adjustable chair, or if you share a chair with
someone else, don’t assume that the settings are properly set for
you.
Forearms, Wrists, and Hands
Keep your forearms, wrists, and hands aligned in a straight,
neutral position, whether you are working at a desk or table, or
sitting on a couch or bed. Avoid bending or angling your wrists
while typing or using a pointing device.
Don’t Anchor Your Wrists
When typing, do not anchor or rest your wrists on your work
surface, your thighs, or a palm rest (sometimes called a wrist
rest). Resting your palms while typing may be harmful because it
can cause you to bend your wrists back and can apply pressure to
the undersides of your wrists. A palm rest is designed to provide
support during pauses, when you are not typing.
RIGHT!
Hold a straight, neutral wrist position
while typing.
WRONG!
Don’t rest your palms on a work
surface while typing.

Safety and Comfort
Compaq Presario Mobile Internet PC 1–11
Safety and Comfort Guide
RIGHT!
Hold a straight, neutral wrist position
while typing.
WRONG!
Don’t angle your wrists; this may
cause unnecessary strain.
JTip Split keyboards: If you find it difficult to type with a straight,
neutral wrist position, you may want to try a split keyboard. Be
aware, however, that improper setup or posture while using a
split keyboard can increase bending in your wrists. So if you try
one, set it up properly to align your forearms, wrists, and hands.
Avoid!
Be sure not to rest your wrists on sharp edges.

1–12 Compaq Presario Mobile Internet PC
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Safety and Comfort
Shoulders and Elbows
Adjust your chair height or keyboard height so that your
shoulders are relaxed and your elbows hang comfortably at your
sides. Adjust your keyboard slope so that your wrists are straight.
Checking Elbow Height
Position your elbows in a zone that is near the height of your
keyboard’s home row (the row that includes the letters G and H).
This position allows you to relax your shoulders. If you have long
upper arms, you may need to position your elbows a bit below the
height of home row in order to provide enough space under the
work surface for your knees and legs.
RIGHT!
Turn your chair to the side to help
determine if your elbow height is
near the height of your keyboard’s
home row.
JTip Relax: Remember to relax, particularly in areas where
muscle tension often builds, such as your shoulders.
Eyes
Working at your computer for long periods can be a visually
demanding task and may cause your eyes to become irritated and
fatigued. Therefore, you should give special attention to vision
care.
Resting Your Eyes
Give your eyes frequent breaks. Periodically look away from the
monitor and focus at a distant point. This may also be a good time
to stretch, breathe deeply, and relax.

Safety and Comfort
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Safety and Comfort Guide
Cleaning Your Monitor and Eyeglasses
Keep your display screen and your eyeglasses or contact lenses
clean. If you use a glare-reduction filter, clean it according to the
manufacturer’s directions.
Having Your Eyes Examined
To be sure that your vision is adequately corrected, have your
eyes examined regularly by a vision care specialist. Consider
having glasses made that are specifically suited for working with
a computer monitor. If you wear bifocals or trifocals, you may
find these special glasses more comfortable for computer use.
For more information, see the “Adjusting Monitor Height for
Bifocal and Trifocal Users”section on page 1–15.
JTip Eye comfort: Remember to blink while looking at your
monitor and also while resting your eyes. This helps keep your
eyes naturally protected and lubricated and helps prevent
dryness, a common source of discomfort.
JTip Eye break: Give your eyes frequent rests by focusing them on
a distant point.

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Arranging Your Work Area
You may find a range of monitor heights that allows your head to
be balanced comfortably over your shoulders.
Monitor
You can reduce eye strain and muscle fatigue in your neck,
shoulders, and upper back by properly positioning your monitor
and adjusting its angle.
Positioning the Monitor
Place the monitor directly in
front of you. To determine a
comfortable viewing distance,
stretch your arm toward the
monitor and notice the location of
your knuckles. Place your
monitor near that location. You
should be able to clearly see the
text on your monitor.
Adjusting the Monitor Height
Your monitor position should allow your head to be balanced
comfortably over your shoulders. Do not bend your neck forward
uncomfortably or backward to any degree. You may find it more
comfortable to position the monitor so that the top line of text is
just below your eye height. Your eyes should look slightly
downward when viewing the middle of the screen.
Many computer designs allow you to place the monitor on top of
the system unit. If this places the monitor too high, you may want
to move the monitor to the desktop. On the other hand, if the
monitor sits on your work surface and you feel any discomfort in
your neck or upper back, the monitor may be too low. In that case,
try using a thick book or a monitor stand to raise the monitor.