My review of the Bento Box
I recently attended a virtual ergonomics supplier event and, as you can imagine, I was in ergo-nerd heaven! To make it even more exciting I won a prize too – the Bento Box from Dataflex.
It is described as “Inspired by the Japanese lunch box, the Addit Bento® ergonomic toolbox neatly stores your personal items inside. It also ergonomically supports your favourite devices or documents – whether you are working at your desk from the office or from home.”
The Bento Box
My verdict
I really like the concept. It is a very elegant and functional dual solution product.
I’m a big fan of laptop / tablet stands and document holders, and it works as both. For those of us (myself included) who don’t touch type, it works best when placed in the vertical line with the monitor and keyboard, as that is the sightline line we are already using.
Plus it gives you somewhere to store and transport all those essential ‘bits and bobs’ (a.k.a essential clutter) keeping them contained and portable.
Limitations
It is quite heavy - fine to move around the house / workplace but I wouldn’t want to be travelling and carrying it in a bag if /when we return to fully mobile working. This version wasn’t designed with this is mind, but I do know the design team are experimenting with creating a lighter weight version – watch this space!
The removable inner liner means you can expand the available internal depth for a portable keyboard and mouse for example. It holds an A4 pad of paper, but it would need to be a fraction wider to hold a ring-bound A4 project style notepad (which is my working preference).
P.S. Elfy seems quite keen on it too!!
Elfy with the Bento Box
Elfy’s top tip
If you like the idea of a laptop stand but haven’t got a Bento box, try using a separate mouse and keyboard and raising your laptop on something stable, like a box, file or books, to raise the screen height.
This makes a really positive difference.
Wellbeing at your workstation - wherever it is!
I can make a difference to your workspace right now - whatever and wherever that is currently! Pop over to The Virtual Elf page too see how I can help.
If you like the sound of being an ergo-nerd, you can register for the next two friendly and informative Online Ergonomic Network Events here: