My neck is honestly killing me lately. I started a remote data entry job about three weeks ago here in Chicago and I spend like 8 to 9 hours a day hunched over this cheap laptop at my kitchen table. I feel like a human shrimp by the time 5pm rolls around. Ive tried stacking some old textbooks under it to get the screen higher but it just feels super wobbly and sketchy honestly.

I really dont know anything about ergonomic gear and feel kind of embarrassed asking such a basic question, but what do people actually use to fix this? I see all these weird metal stands and separate keyboards online but have no idea if that stuff is worth the money or just a gimmick. My budget is pretty tight since I just moved but I really need something that actually works because my back is starting to ache by lunchtime. Should I just get a stand? Do I need a separate mouse or something? Any tips for a total beginner who just wants to stop feeling like a pretzel after work would be amazing...