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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: a_fluffy_kitten on Fri, 24 September 2010, 06:50:17

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: a_fluffy_kitten on Fri, 24 September 2010, 06:50:17

I used to have a very nice Klipsch 5.1 setup.  But like all Klipsch gear, eventually the electronics died and so the Klipsch subwoofer became a computer stand.

But I have a new computer, and it's massive, and entirely too big for the subwoofer.  So for now the new box is sitting on a large slab of wood on the (carpeted) floor awaiting a proper home.

My best friend Google has suggested many solutions.  The most common is some sort of rolling plastic stand.  But plastic does not furniture make, and so that's right out.

An ideal solution would be a table that was about 22" long, 9" wide, and 5" high.  The local unfinished furniture shop promised to have something custom made for me, but when the chips were down they bailed.

What creative solutions have you nerds (and I mean that in the most complimentary way) come up with for computer stands?  And before someone says "put it on your desk" I don't want to put it on my desk.  It dominates the view and ruins the minimalist look.

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=12595&d=1285244259)

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: a_fluffy_kitten on Fri, 24 September 2010, 06:54:35

Hehehe look closely and you can see a SHINY SPACEBAR ON A ONE-DAY OLD KEYBOARD hehehehe.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: firestorm on Fri, 24 September 2010, 10:02:58

I'm often quite particular about things, but not this subject.  My 'putes either sit on the floor (least ideal) or on the desk.

If you are unwilling/unable to make your own table, here's a couple suggestions off the top of my head:

- Buy a PC wall mount, or have a simple L bracket bent up at a metal fabrication shop.  Mount this (strap, clamps or screws) to your desk or wall.  If you have one made, you could have it bent in more of a 'C' shape (really [ shaped) so the top could be screwed to the underside of the desk.

- Find a wooden bin or crate that is roughly those dimensions and use it upside down.  A craft store may have something close.  The trouble would be finding something that size, yet made of sturdy wood and not some cheap balsa wood craft bin.

- Use a service like Craiglist to solicit someone willing to take on the project.  Anyone should be able to whip that out fairly quickly, depending on the level of refinement you're looking for.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: audioave10 on Fri, 24 September 2010, 12:09:02

I spend more for a nice chair and my desks are cheap but useable.

Edit: A little cable management is a good thing.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: microsoft windows on Fri, 24 September 2010, 13:34:50

When I didn't have enough space, I went with the real minimalist look, no computer stand at all. I just put the monitor and mouse on top of the tower and used the keyboard on my lap.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: Parak on Fri, 24 September 2010, 14:34:41

I linked this setup of mine sometime back in a different thread (http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=205688&postcount=24). Alarm: Not for the budget conscious.

I should update it at some point to reflect a slight change in keyboards... teehee.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: a_fluffy_kitten on Sat, 25 September 2010, 09:37:22

Quote from: firestorm;226253

Use a service like Craiglist to solicit someone willing to take on the project.  Anyone should be able to whip that out fairly quickly, depending on the level of refinement you're looking for.

That is a great idea, and it turns out there are several people advertising in my area.

I would make it myself, but last time I tried to nail two pieces of wood together I burned down the house.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 25 September 2010, 09:39:23

Quote from: a_fluffy_kitten

I would make it myself, but last time I tried to nail two pieces of wood together I burned down the house.

Whoah! Now that sounds like a story!!

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: a_fluffy_kitten on Sat, 25 September 2010, 09:41:56

Quote from: ripster;226250

Wire management is for OCN wusses

Haha yeah ... zooming out a little bit shows I'm in complete agreement with you.

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=12626&stc=1&d=1285425696)

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: microsoft windows on Sat, 25 September 2010, 09:58:07

Quote from: a_fluffy_kitten;226198

What creative solutions have you nerds (and I mean that in the most complimentary way) come up with for computer stands?  And before someone says "put it on your desk" I don't want to put it on my desk.  It dominates the view and ruins the minimalist look.

Going for the minimalist look? Well, nobody really needs a desk.
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8323&stc=1&d=1268357534)
Now this is what I call minimalist.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 25 September 2010, 09:59:26

Quote from: microsoft windows;226582

Going for the minimalist look? Well, nobody really needs a desk.
Now this is what I call minimalist.

That looks like it would extremely uncomfortable to type at for any extended period of time.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: kill will on Sat, 25 September 2010, 10:19:34

ikea jerker

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: a_fluffy_kitten on Sat, 25 September 2010, 10:23:26

Quote from: keyboardlover;226572

Whoah! Now that sounds like a story!!

It's a story that starts out great but gets kind of boring once you get past the part with all the cocaine and dead hookers.  By the time the house is on fire things have calmed way down.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: a_fluffy_kitten on Sat, 25 September 2010, 10:24:58

Quote from: microsoft windows;226582

Going for the minimalist look? Well, nobody really needs a desk.

Show Image

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8323&stc=1&d=1268357534)

Now this is what I call minimalist.

It's a proven fact that computers work best when placed next to large, extremely hot blocks of cast iron.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: microsoft windows on Sat, 25 September 2010, 10:46:37

Quote from: keyboardlover;226583

That looks like it would extremely uncomfortable to type at for any extended period of time.

Not really. All I did was I just put the keyboard on my lap and the mouse on the table when I was typing.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: microsoft windows on Sat, 25 September 2010, 10:48:44

Quote from: a_fluffy_kitten;226592

It's a proven fact that computers work best when placed next to large, extremely hot blocks of cast iron.

Don't worry. My cat used to sleep right behind that stove inside the fireplace when it was on (The surface was over 1000 degrees F). If it doesn't hurt the cat, it can't hurt the computer.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: a_fluffy_kitten on Sat, 25 September 2010, 10:52:49

Quote from: microsoft windows;226597

Don't worry. My cat used to sleep right behind that stove inside the fireplace when it was on (The surface was over 1000 degrees F). If it doesn't hurt the cat, it can't hurt the computer.

This is precisely how I learned not to hold my computer underwater for more than two minutes.  When the cat refused to come up for air, I figured the computer would fare no better.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: microsoft windows on Sat, 25 September 2010, 13:28:01

Quote from: kill will;226587

ikea jerker

I'd never buy furniture from Ikea. It's all just particleboard junk that falls apart. And at least in my opinion, their styling looks ugly.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: Ekaros on Sat, 25 September 2010, 17:23:24

Some stuff IKEA sells is pretty decent, I got an exelent kitchen stable with solid steel-chasis, but on other hand the new work-desk I got is somewhat bad, it's just too light...

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: microsoft windows on Sat, 25 September 2010, 17:54:15

But there's a lot of much higher quality stuff out there.

I also got a challenge for you all: Find a piece of furniture from IKEA made from oak. Or even pine!

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 25 September 2010, 17:55:47

Quote from: a_fluffy_kitten;226601

This is precisely how I learned not to hold my computer underwater for more than two minutes.  When the cat refused to come up for air, I figured the computer would fare no better.

I lol'd. Well played sir.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: frvrngn on Sat, 25 September 2010, 18:03:48

Quote from: microsoft windows;226798

But there's a lot of much higher quality stuff out there.

I also got a challenge for you all: Find a piece of furniture from IKEA made from oak. Or even pine!

I have a outdoor dining table from IKEA made of solid Acacia wood.  They have some bed frames, particularly kids lofts that are solid wood.  Not sure of the species - but they are definitely solid wood and not particle board or laminations.

IKEA has its good and bad.  Some stuff is grossly overpriced for what it is.  Some stuff is a relative bargain (lots of great things for kids).  You definitely need to go to the store to inspect what you are buying though.  Some items feel like they would last a week, while other items are pretty well built.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: frvrngn on Sat, 25 September 2010, 19:07:14

I like the chocolate overload cake.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: keyboardlover on Sat, 25 September 2010, 19:12:33

Quote from: microsoft windows;226798

But there's a lot of much higher quality stuff out there.

I also got a challenge for you all: Find a piece of furniture from IKEA made from oak. Or even pine!

Actually I tend to prefer older furniture...I've found that furniture from thrift stores or handovers from older relatives tends to be really nice and well-built. Tends to be really heavy though!

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: kill will on Sat, 25 September 2010, 21:04:46

that fartfull looks like it has a nice compartment for your farts lol

(http://angrydictator.com/wp-content/uploads/images/070429-jerkerupgrade.jpg)

the ikea jerker is legendary

http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&biw=1920&bih=845&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=ikea+jerker&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai= (http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&biw=1920&bih=845&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=ikea+jerker&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=)

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: D-EJ915 on Sat, 25 September 2010, 21:46:36

That's what she said.


Anyway they sell Marabou chocolate at Ikea which is amazing and I get a few bars each time I visit one.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: Ekaros on Sun, 26 September 2010, 05:37:43

Quote from: frvrngn;226802

I have a outdoor dining table from IKEA made of solid Acacia wood.  They have some bed frames, particularly kids lofts that are solid wood.  Not sure of the species - but they are definitely solid wood and not particle board or laminations.

IKEA has its good and bad.  Some stuff is grossly overpriced for what it is.  Some stuff is a relative bargain (lots of great things for kids).  You definitely need to go to the store to inspect what you are buying though.  Some items feel like they would last a week, while other items are pretty well built.

One great thing with IKEA is that you acctualy see what you are getting if you use the store.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: GenEric35 on Sun, 26 September 2010, 07:53:19

Ikea had a nice one but it's discontinued, it was basically a wood(birchwood) box slightly bigger than the computer case with the side being a long vertical drawer. If I was to make one myself, I would replace the side drawer since it's only flaw was that it's wasn't possible to access the components without pulling the computer out of the wood enclosure.

Have you considered buying a nice sober case like a lian-li (http://www.dvhardware.net/news/lian_li_tyr_pc_x500.jpg)? the quality is similar to cases for home theaters. This is what I did, with some silent case fans(noctua).

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: microsoft windows on Sun, 26 September 2010, 12:47:10

Quote

Show Image

(http://angrydictator.com/wp-content/uploads/images/070429-jerkerupgrade.jpg)

That chair looks like a piece of junk, but that is a nice slide rule you got hanging on the wall.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: didjamatic on Sun, 26 September 2010, 16:16:10

That's actually an awesome chair.  Very nice setup around it as well.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: microsoft windows on Sun, 26 September 2010, 17:28:02

All that chair is is just a bunch of plastic from China. My computer chair's a lot sturdier and more comfy.

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8598&stc=1&d=1269114637)

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: Brodie337 on Sun, 26 September 2010, 17:47:20

Quote from: kill will;226841

that fartfull looks like it has a nice compartment for your farts lol

Show Image

(http://angrydictator.com/wp-content/uploads/images/070429-jerkerupgrade.jpg)

the ikea jerker is legendary

http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&biw=1920&bih=845&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=ikea+jerker&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai= (http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&biw=1920&bih=845&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=ikea+jerker&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=)

Kickass setup. I'll post mine in a bit, but the computer just sits on the desk and looks pretty. The only reason I can get away with it on the desk is because I jammed it into the smallest case that I could fit it all in, so I can get away with putting my second monitor in front of it.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: microsoft windows on Sun, 26 September 2010, 17:49:00

It'll take a bunch of pictures to show my whole setup (I have basically a whole computer lab). But I think I will anyways.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: Rajagra on Sun, 26 September 2010, 18:23:45

Quote from: ripster;227091

I REALLY don't think it's Kill Will's setup.

In any case, note the floor protector mat under the chair. I have something similar, and it's large enough to cover much of the floor under my desk, and the PCs sit on that. Makes it easy to slide them out when necessary.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: microsoft windows on Sun, 26 September 2010, 18:40:48

I cram all my computers on five tables in my basement.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: kill will on Sun, 26 September 2010, 20:01:43

thats not my set up.  my set up is a full size 10 person poker table lol

and that chair is an aeron....

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Mon, 27 September 2010, 10:35:38

My PC rests on this
(http://img.hexus.net/v2/sidewinder1.jpg)

The carton mind you, I am currently still using the product. Might stick it in the carton after I choose from Deck,Das,Filco. Just for additional sturdiness ;)

The only reason the PC is on the ground is that my desk would be too cramped otherwise. The only reason its on the X4 carton is because I have a carpet.
I don't really feel a need to build sth to put my PC on. For my screen on the other hand ....
I have been searching for a screen stand that is high enough to put my center speaker below for ages. All I came up with was plexi glass crap that costs like 50€ W T F ?!?

I may built sth from wood someday. May... someday... :)

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: Shawn Stanford on Mon, 27 September 2010, 12:25:48

Quote from: ripster;226250

• Chu Totoro to censor porn

?

Also, some of this http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/departments/bedroom/19087/ is serving me as a desk.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: microsoft windows on Tue, 28 September 2010, 15:54:26

Alright, I've got you all some pictures of my computers. And the desks too. (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?p=227759#post227759)

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Wed, 29 September 2010, 05:51:54

Those pics look like screenshots from Fallout 3.

Better graphics though

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: firestorm on Wed, 29 September 2010, 07:55:28

I avoid taking any pictures of our "workstation".  That area is the one true remnant from our college years.  The desk was compiled from an office work surface (e.g. cubicle desk top) and oak printed MDF.  The "ped" (i.e. Pedestal; aka file cabinet for cubes) is from the summer I worked for a furniture remanufacturer.  Some kid smacked the side with a fork lift = free "$300" ped for me.

The work surface was pulled from the manufacturer's dumpster back in 1996 (West MI is home of Herman Miller, Haworth, Steelcase.)  It still has holes in the top from the original 2x4 legs that once suspended it.  It would look fine in the basement, but it looks silly in a room full of nice coordinated furniture.  We had plans (and the money) to finally replace it, but I bought a camera lens instead.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: phillip on Wed, 29 September 2010, 13:42:25

id rather have a plastic mesh backed chair like that than a wood framed/leather chair

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: Brodie337 on Wed, 29 September 2010, 21:43:41

Finally got off my arse and took some pics of my setup... Monitors are an Asus VK266H and a Hanns G HW191D.

The case is a Lian Li PC-V351 with a Phenom II 1055t at 4.1GHz and an Asus GTX480.

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=12697&d=1285814612)
(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=12696&d=1285814581)

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: Senor_Cartmenez on Thu, 30 September 2010, 06:59:15

Quote from: ripster;228106

What did you think of that Sidewinder X4?   Here Microsoft R&D poured a ton of money into a NKRO USB rubber dome keyboard and it seemed to just fade away from view.

I didn't really like it to be honest.
The tiny F-keys I could deal with. The shinyness was annoying but I could deal with (still don't understand why they opted for that). The Media keys were nice imho and the 11 key or whatever rollover was just friggin awesome for a rubber dome. NEVER had ANY ghosting issues with this board for sure.
The key stroke was also preferrable over a regular ass logitech or whatever, as I had been using laptopts for quite a while and had gotten used to the flat scissor switches and keys, I preffered this as a nice compromise between regular desktop keyboard keys and laptop scissor keys.

But the board just didn't work for me, the main breaking point was the spacebar. It is just too long! Why would anyone want to divert from the standard length of a spacebar? It's always these small little things that designers mess up  that ruin the experience.

On the GER layout you need the ALT Gr (right ALT) key quite frequently. I ended up hitting space instead of that key ALL THE FRIGGIN TIME.
Very annoying when typing and just didn't work for me. Also the keys seemed a bit too flat/unformed, so that I frequently missed a key also because I couldn't feel that I had wandered a row down or up but that could just be me. Also I think I would prefer a compact keyboard in my current setup, which of course has nothing to do with the sidewinder X4 :)
Although the macro keys kind of eat a lot of room and make the board even longer. I have never used them finnally as well, so it was just annoying.

All in all, for me personally I didn't like it. Would I recommend it to others? ABSOLUTELY !
Because you won't get as much keyboard for this amount of money anywhere imho. Even though it's a rubber dome, it's one of the best for sure. I would however tell anyone to make sure that that stupidly long spacebar wouldn't disturb them.

/Edit
now that I laid my hands on a Deck however, I would tell anyone that their first option should be to get sth like that :D
I can't go back now.. I've seen things!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3944514925_33ee4853ef.jpg)

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: a_fluffy_kitten on Tue, 23 November 2010, 08:19:11

Quote from: firestorm;226253

- Use a service like Craiglist to solicit someone willing to take on the project.  Anyone should be able to whip that out fairly quickly, depending on the level of refinement you're looking for.

Great idea!  Although we payed too much for them, and they aren't made as well as we would have liked, our house can now remain plastic- and particleboard-furniture free.  I'm just waiting for them to dry.

Ironically, in the time while these were being made, Mrs. a_f_k sold her Gateway tower and bought a Mac mini, so the second stand is a bit redundant.

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13638&stc=1&d=1290521778)

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: a_fluffy_kitten on Thu, 25 November 2010, 08:50:50

And to wrap this thread up with a pretty little bow, here's the final result:

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13652&stc=1&d=1290696240)

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13653&stc=1&d=1290696240)

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: Oqsy on Thu, 25 November 2010, 09:55:30

My Klipsch speakers are still performing beautifully 10 years later.  They are easily the best multimedia purchase I've ever made.  If something happened to mine today, I'd gladly buy another set without thinking twice.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: a_fluffy_kitten on Thu, 25 November 2010, 10:14:04

Quote from: microsoft windows;227762

Alright, I've got you all some pictures of my computers. And the desks too. (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?p=227759#post227759)

I just noticed what you used your old wine corks for.

Here's what I used mine for:

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13654&stc=1&d=1290701578)

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: microsoft windows on Fri, 26 November 2010, 15:19:36

Made yourself a cork-board to hang up papers?

I wanted to do that for a while.

Title: Computer Stands
Post by: a_fluffy_kitten on Fri, 26 November 2010, 20:15:35

You're both wrong - it's the boat I used to escape from Cuba.