Tripod vs. Lap Desk: Which Setup Supports You Best?
As a court reporter or stenographer, having the right equipment isn’t just about convenience — it’s about protecting your body. Whether you’re in court, at a depo, or reporting from home, your setup can play a big role in how you feel at the end of the day.
Most steno machines come mounted on a tripod. But after our founder Lauren Lawrence casually posted a photo of her lap desk setup on Facebook (yes, during a Taco Tuesday chat), the post blew up with questions.
Lauren prefers a lap desk over a tripod — and after reading her reasons, you might consider it, too. Let’s explore the pros and cons of both to help you decide what works best for your posture, comfort, and workflow.
Tripod Pros and Cons
Tripods are lightweight, easy to transport, and great for in-person jobs. With adjustable height and tilt features, you can quickly find your ideal steno position. And because they stand independently, you never have to wonder where to set your machine during breaks.
But tripods also have limitations. Most don’t offer wrist support, so unless you add accessories (which can be a pain to pack and set up), your arms and wrists might fatigue over time. And depending on your chair and body size, the steno machine may not sit close enough to you without a special court reporter chair with a tripod cutout.
Let’s be honest — most chairs at law firms are built for professional men. If you’re smaller-framed, the seat depth likely isn’t in your favor. You’re often left with two options: perch at the edge of the seat or lean back and overextend your arms, which leads to “hunching” and tension if your posture isn’t locked in (or if you’re just… human and tired).
Every reporter is different, but the physical strain is real. It’s no surprise that many in the profession experience aches and pains — which is why we’re big fans of regular, guilt-free massages to help you reset.
Lap Desk Pros and Cons
Switching to a lap desk does require a few adjustments. You’ll lose tripod-specific customizations like extreme tilt, and the lap desk isn’t quite as compact for travel. But what you gain in ergonomic comfort might be well worth it.
A lap desk lets you sit all the way back in your chair — using that built-in lumbar and neck support that your body craves. You can position the steno machine as close or far as you like and allow your arms to rest naturally in an L-shape. With the right lap desk, you also get built-in wrist and forearm support, helping you stay level with the keys and avoid unnecessary tension in your hands and shoulders.
And it’s not just about posture. Lauren even comfortably crosses her legs during slower depos (something impossible with a center-mounted tripod in front of you). Once you’re settled into your chair, you may find the deep-tilt sacrifice is minimal — and the overall comfort is a big win.
Conclusion
Tripods and lap desks both have their place — it’s all about what works best for your body, your workflow, and your mix of remote vs. in-person jobs.
If portability is your top concern, the tripod wins. But if you’re struggling with wrist, back, or shoulder fatigue and want to take pressure off your joints, a lap desk could be your new favorite tool.
Not sure which one fits you best? Try using a lap desk for remote jobs and your tripod when you’re out and about. You’ll know within a couple of proceedings if it’s a keeper.
Looking for more setup advice? Check out our guide to essential ergonomics for stenographers.
And if you’re new here, don’t forget — Stenovate helps you organize your transcript deadlines, files, and notes while collaborating seamlessly with your favorite scopists and proofreaders. Got questions? Email us at support@stenovate.com. We’re here for you.
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