This was actually the form factor of numerous 1980s portables, most notably the TRS-80 Model 100 mentioned in the article, but also others such as the Epson HX-

This was actually the form factor of numerous 1980s portables, most notably the TRS-80 Model 100 mentioned in the article, but also others such as the Epson HX-20 and Clive Sinclair's Z88. You don't really "crane your neck" any more than you do with modern smartphone which likewise has the (virtual) keyboard in the same plane as the rest of the screen.