In the last few years, consumer electronics manufacturers have placed a greater emphasis on designing products that are "ergonomic", meaning they lend themselves to more physically comfortable long term use that is better for your body. Because many workers spend most of their day sitting at a desk using these devices, it's important to shape them in such a way that users aren't damaging their joints and developing posture problems that could affect their musculoskeletal health.

CNet has a list of five tips for computer users trying to adopt more ergonomic practices while they're working at the office. Here are the three best pieces of advice:

• Exercise caution when using products marked as "ergonomic". There's no regulation of the use of this term, so companies can simply slap the label on anything they want, even if it doesn't actually qualify.

• Ignoring early warning signs such as an aching back, numb buttocks or wrist pain is a mistake. These issues may not seem that bad, but they could be a precursor to later health issues that are difficult to correct.

• Standing desks have become a popular solution for office workers who are concerned about the effects of sitting on their cardiovascular health. But they should be cautious of any magic bullet theories, as standing all day can also create its own adverse health risks. The optimal workstation allows an employee to both sit and stand.

It's a good idea to look into issues of ergonomics when you're designing your workspace. If you're using a custom laptop, we recommend investing in some notebook accessories from PortableOne that can make the computing experience physically easier.