While it's possible to use the laptop keyboard while looking at an external monitor, I don't think it's nearly as easy or beneficial as both an external monitor and a separate keyboard. The reason is because you're still going to use that screen, which leads to the original problem, or you won't use it and it gets in the way of the external monitor. Or even worse, you put it off to one side and the external monitor to the other side.
So even if that separate keyboard is no better ergonomically than the laptop keyboard, it's still highly recommended. And let's be honest, it's hard for a non-laptop keyboard to not be better to use at a desk than even some of the best laptop keyboards.
Not defending the other poster. Sit/stand desk shouldn't be the first adjustment you make, but it should be considered soon after the first.
I emphasize the same for my team: get an external monitor, get a separate separate keyboard & mouse, and then either setup the laptop at a good height to be just another monitor or leave it closed while connected to the dock. (We provide this in the office, but we only provide a laptop & dock when they work from home.)
> you won't use it and it gets in the way of the external monitor
Did this with a Thinkpad X1 for some weeks recently. Unexpectedly, no trouble at all: the laptop is small and flexible enough to not get in the way at all. Built-in keyboard was worse than my tried and true KB-06X, better than some of the keyboards I came across in the office — but most of the days I just don't type enough for that to be important. External monitor and mouse are crucial though.
I haven't held an X1, but according to specs online, it looks like the top edge of the screen would be about 9-10" tall when open. Does that match yours?
I measured my desk setup, and the bottom edge of my monitors is 10" from the desktop. My work laptop overlaps the monitors by about 1" when open and placed in front.
I do like ThinkPad keyboards, and I use a trackpoint on my UHK. However, the open laptop screen would block things stored around my keyboard. I also hate the up-the-nose shot on video meetings from such a low webcam.
> I haven't held an X1, but according to specs online, it looks like the top edge of the screen would be about 9-10" tall when open. Does that match yours?
I think yes, more like 9". Don't have that laptop now to measure.
But I don't use a stacked setup, too short for that. Bottom of my monitor is now 4" from the desktop.
I just open the laptop to almost 180˚ (I meant this by "flexible enough") and then a modern wide 14" screen doesn't push the monitor stand too far or the keyboard too near — this part might be worse with a bigger laptop.
So even if that separate keyboard is no better ergonomically than the laptop keyboard, it's still highly recommended. And let's be honest, it's hard for a non-laptop keyboard to not be better to use at a desk than even some of the best laptop keyboards.
Not defending the other poster. Sit/stand desk shouldn't be the first adjustment you make, but it should be considered soon after the first.
I emphasize the same for my team: get an external monitor, get a separate separate keyboard & mouse, and then either setup the laptop at a good height to be just another monitor or leave it closed while connected to the dock. (We provide this in the office, but we only provide a laptop & dock when they work from home.)