| Laptop computer usage is a significant portion of business computer use. Many mobile computer users face problems with laptop and peripheral equipment transportation. This study gathered and analyzed data concerning three methods of laptop transportation: a briefcase, a shoulder bag, and a rolling cart. Methods were compared on the bases of heart rate, oxygen consumption, and subjective responses.; With the rolling cart, a significantly lower average heart rate was measured in 10 out of 12 subjects, which in turn, resulted in a lower estimated transportation oxygen consumption. When participants used a wheeled bag to transport laptop and peripherals, they reported less pain in the shoulder, upper arm, elbow, lower back, lower arm, wrists, and hands than when they used a shoulder bag or a briefcase.; It was determined that the most effective laptop transportation method of those studied was the rolling cart. The rolling cart was associated with reduced discomfort, resulted in lower heart rate, and estimated oxygen consumption as compared to the briefcase or the shoulder bag, and was reported to be the preferred method of transportation. |
