Author Topic: Recommended Standing Desks (<$1000)  (Read 48966 times)

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Offline plainbriny

  • Posts: 192
  • Location: Taiwan
Re: Recommended Standing Desks (<$1000)
« Reply #51 on: Thu, 17 April 2014, 04:06:34 »
Unfortunately my desk does not facing a wall, so wall-mount is not possible

I am using a LCD stand/keyboard tray now, the space below can hold some misc items
Though not optimal, it is usable now

And after a couple of days using computer in standing position, I found it rather fun
It also saves some space, since I don't need to have chair around

The current setting is far from tidy, but I am satisfied with it, for now

Offline Altis

  • Posts: 974
  • Location: Canada
Re: Recommended Standing Desks (<$1000)
« Reply #52 on: Tue, 06 May 2014, 11:41:14 »
What I did is mount my computer box (mid-tower) transversely behind my 23" monitor (at the back of the desk running lengthwise). I have my monitor sitting on a 6" (15cm) cube box.

When I want to stand at my desk, I just lift the monitor and box and place them on top of the computer box. I then use a small shelf with legs (or just use another box) for the keyboard, and if need, the mouse.

Works well as a free alternative that lets me try a standing desk in my home office. I'm putting in a raised shelf at the back of the desk which will get rid of the need for a box, as the whole back of the desk will be raised ~6" already.

Another thing I'm going to do is mount a shelf or two on the wall in my office, very small, that will be used for a standing workstation. It won't be a desk, but a standing computing solution. Let's me have another keyboard to use, as well. ;)

I can take photos if anyone is interested.
WhiteFox (Gateron Brown) -- Realforce 87U 45g -- Realforce 104UG (Hi Pro 45g) -- Realforce 108US 30g JIS -- HHKB Pro 2 -- IBM Model M ('90) -- IBM Model M SSK ('87) -- NMB RT-101 & RT-8255C+ (Hi-Tek Space Invaders) -- Chicony KB-5181 (Monterey Blue Alps) -- KPT-102 (KPT Alps) -- KUL ES-87 (62/65g Purple Zealios) -- CM QFR (MX Red) -- Apple Aluminum BT -- Realforce 23u Numpad -- Logitech K740 -- QSENN DT-35 -- Zenith Z-150 (Green Alps)

Offline Heliobb

  • Posts: 94
Re: Recommended Standing Desks (<$1000)
« Reply #53 on: Sat, 29 August 2015, 05:57:45 »
One build in the same mood as opendesk :

The laptop is now in a better place to doesn't have to lower your head too much.

Novatouch TKL - Leopold FC660C - PBT my life.

Offline templanet

  • Posts: 14
Re: Recommended Standing Desks (<$1000)
« Reply #54 on: Sun, 22 April 2018, 03:47:28 »
I have been researching sit stand desks for more than a year and still haven't made a decision. I am very picky!

What I learned is standing all the time is just as bad for you as sitting. So the idea is you have to keep moving. That's the main argument for sit stand desks.

https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2017/09/standing-too-much-at-work-is-seriously-bad-for-you/

I read an article a while back where they said you can look at the structure and tell if a desk is going to be wobbly at standing height or solid. If the lifting mechanism is thinner at the top than at the bottom that is a bad sign. The ones made by people who know what they are doing add extra metal bracing where the column joins the frame.
The latest trend in sit stand desks is to remove the bar mid way down the desk, this can also lead to instability if extra bracing is not added.

They also said the super cheap ones designed and made in China can be manufactured poorly. They said they aren't good with electrical tolerances in the motors or something like that, so they don't last long. I can't explain it properly as I am not an electrical engineer.  There are only three linear actuator manufacturers that have been in the standing desk scene for a long time, so they are ones to look for. If I find the link that named them I will post it. Linak was one of them.

I think these are the guys that talk about that kind of thing a lot. They review standing desks and make their own called iMovR. so it could be all just a sales pitch. But read around there to get some ideas on what to look for,.
http://www.workwhilewalking.com/diy-standing-desk-choosing-the-right-base
http://www.imovr.com/imovr-cascade-corner-standing-desk.html


Here's what I know about some desk brands:
 
Ergotron look good but never go high enough or low enough for me. They are set up to use keyboard tray paradigm, but I want to have my forearms sit flat on the desk, like this picture. I also like body pockets which is a cut out made in the desk, that lets you rest your forearms on it.
https://activdesk.com.au/sit-stand-ergonomics/

I looked at IKEA but from what I read their desks don't last long and people were having trouble getting IKEA to fix them inside the warranty.

Conset

Dual column:
https://www.conset.us/Product/default.aspx?m=prod&id=120

I read a comment where the 501-25, 501-27 have trouble if you have an unbalanced desk, but if you have a single monitor setup they would be fine. The one that is solid as a rock and can take 150 kg is the 501-11. I saw a guy say it is design brilliance, but it is their top of the line model, far more than I want to spend and its too big for my home.

Single column:
https://www.conset.us/Product/default.aspx?m=prod&id=118

I read a comment at Fully where they said the 501-7 wobbles at standing height. The 501-19 is the one I will probably get as it is single column and will leave enough room for my feet as I use a saddle chair.


Jaswig
This is a wooden standing desk for around $300. No sitting down unless you get one of those ergonomic seats on a stick. They also make a little wooden stool for it, but their seat looks like it would cut off my circulation. I would have bought it if I used a laptop and it was designed to be used with a saddle chair.

http://www.jaswig.com/

This video gives a good look at the structure and stability.

Then there are desk risers made of wood. If I could lean on them with my forearms and use my chair with them I might get one.
https://humbleworks.uk/compare-standing-desks/

This is one I found recently. It is only for laptops, but it is a metal tripod you can fold up and take with you. I would have to assume it wobbles at standing height.
http://www.instand.com/cr5/cr5.shtml
« Last Edit: Sun, 22 April 2018, 16:54:49 by templanet »

Offline Altis

  • Posts: 974
  • Location: Canada
Re: Recommended Standing Desks (<$1000)
« Reply #55 on: Sun, 22 April 2018, 10:26:36 »
IKEA Skarsta, rock solid sit-stand desk for around $250.

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49084965/
WhiteFox (Gateron Brown) -- Realforce 87U 45g -- Realforce 104UG (Hi Pro 45g) -- Realforce 108US 30g JIS -- HHKB Pro 2 -- IBM Model M ('90) -- IBM Model M SSK ('87) -- NMB RT-101 & RT-8255C+ (Hi-Tek Space Invaders) -- Chicony KB-5181 (Monterey Blue Alps) -- KPT-102 (KPT Alps) -- KUL ES-87 (62/65g Purple Zealios) -- CM QFR (MX Red) -- Apple Aluminum BT -- Realforce 23u Numpad -- Logitech K740 -- QSENN DT-35 -- Zenith Z-150 (Green Alps)

Offline templanet

  • Posts: 14
Re: Recommended Standing Desks (<$1000)
« Reply #56 on: Sun, 22 April 2018, 16:23:37 »
I found the articles that name component makers and structure at this website. My memory is terrible. I remembered only one correctly.

Quote
1. Motorized Desks Are Expensive

The most common questions and concerns our customers have about this type of standing desk are related to the cost. Because of the technology added to the desk, the cost will typically be greater than a comparable sitting desk. While the sticker price might shock you, it’s important to note that you get what you pay for. Opting for the cheapest standing desk might get you standing sooner; however, issues with cheap standing desks are more likely to occur within the first 12 months.

Buying Tips: It’s important to look at the brand and how long they have been producing a product. Most of the motorized sit to stand desks are actually being produced by other companies. While longer warranties are important and should be considered during your purchase, a manufacturer’s track record can tell you a lot about the products durability. Find out who the actual manufacturer is and research them in greater detail. Motorized standing desks have been around a long time and the manufacturers of the best components are located in Europe. Only within the last five to six years have the Chinese manufacturers begun to produce the motors, gears, and other electronics found in most motorized desks. We highly recommend brands that are utilizing components from companies, such as Linak, Oelschläger Metalltechnik (OMT), LogicData, and Ketterer. These companies have proven to be leaders in the field since the inception of the motorized standing desk category.
...

https://www.btod.com/blog/2017/02/12/9-most-common-problems-with-motorized-standing-desks/


Quote
Reasons for Standing Desk Instability

There are a lot of reasons why a standing desk will have stability issues. The problem goes beyond the traditional cross support. It’s important that we address these issues so that when you’re shopping you know what to look for. While some of these will require testing the desk, others can be spotted through pictures. Knowing what to look for and the questions to ask will ensure you don’t end up with an unstable desk.

...

No Traditional Cross Support
While this one would appear to be obvious, the lack of a traditional cross support almost guarantees a desk will have lateral stability issues. While all cross supports were not created equal, those used on the VertDesk v3 and GeekDesk v3 are good examples of a good cross support. While many brands say their standing desks are just as stable without a cross support, the truth is that’s not physically possible. I imagine most shoppers are savvy enough to see through these claims.

Lack of Wedge System
While desks without traditional cross supports suffer lateral stability issues, there are ways to improve these problems. The Uplift Desk is a good example, with the use of a wedge in the upper portion of their column they have improved their lateral stability. While this won’t be equal to a desk with a cross support, it is a big improvement over standing desks that do not feature a traditional cross support.

...

https://www.btod.com/blog/2017/09/29/top-6-most-unstable-electric-sit-stand-desks/


And here they name their top desks
https://www.btod.com/blog/2017/08/26/4-best-electric-standing-desks-under-1000-in-2017/
https://www.btod.com/blog/2018/01/04/the-best-electric-sit-to-stand-desks-for-2018/
« Last Edit: Sun, 22 April 2018, 16:47:36 by templanet »

Offline heyitsqi

  • Posts: 69
Re: Recommended Standing Desks (<$1000)
« Reply #57 on: Sat, 09 June 2018, 23:06:25 »
One thing I will say from personal experience is that generally the higher price tag for better inner components, such as the motor can be worth it.

I went from an expensive standing desk at work at an older company (I forget the model but they were around 1k+) then went to a newer company that has about 250-400 dollar standing desks and the quality is very apparent.

The BIGGEST issue for ME personally is the noiseness of the motor. If I was buying for at home I'd definitely think hard about saving up for a nicer one that has a quieter motor. The 1k+ one motor wasn't silent but the noise wasn't jarring if that makes sense. The cheaper ones the motor just makes this horrible sounding noise to me that I honestly hate and I sometimes loathe to change from standing to sitting just because the motor noise bothers me so much.