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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: cupraikso on Sat, 11 February 2012, 17:41:20

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: cupraikso on Sat, 11 February 2012, 17:41:20

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good, inexpensive, simple ergonomic desk?

I'm just looking for a basic table with a keyboard/mouse tray and that's it. I don't need holders for computer cases, printers, or speakers. Just a place to work with my laptop connected to a big display.

Extra points if the tray has adjustable height.

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: cupraikso on Sat, 11 February 2012, 18:58:49

Quote from: harrison;512040

are we talking walmart inexpensive, ikea budget, or ...?  'inexpensive' is relative.  i've spent a ~800 on a desk and feel it was still a great deal.  i've also spent $60 on a used desk off craigslist and been pleased.

personally, if a keyboard tray isn't a requirement, finding a used jerker is the way to go.

Yeah, maybe I shouldn't said inexpensive. I don't mind if it's $500; I just want it to be good and my requirements are pretty simple, I think.

Is the keyboard tray problematic on cheap desks? Your comment seems to suggest so.

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: alaricljs on Sat, 11 February 2012, 20:32:16

Generally desks in the inexpensive range that are decent quality don't come with KB trays.  On the more expensive end of cheap you might get a tray, but it won't be adjustable enough.  Better to get a used Jerker or if you can't find one then one of the height adjustable ikea desks (Galant) and retro-fit a good tray.

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: isp on Sat, 11 February 2012, 21:29:18

I'd like one of these...Geekdesk (http://www.geekdesk.com/)

You better have a decent wire management strategy though because that's a lot of space for them to hang and look pretty ugly.

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: Snarfangel on Sat, 11 February 2012, 22:54:54

It's probably not what you are looking for (the desk height isn't adjustable), but I have a Leda desk similar to this w/o the drawer or lower shelf:

(http://patiostore.com/office/LEDA/DL-082SD.jpg)

This one runs about $250. I got mine about ten years ago, and it still functions adequately as a desk. :)

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: kryzis on Sun, 12 February 2012, 00:20:30

I use a Galant as well. For keyboard positioning, I just have the table set at it's lowest setting and raise up my chair. I use monitor stands to get my monitors to eye level since my monitors don't have adjustable height. The surface itself is pretty durable and super easy to keep clean. I haven't gotten anything on it yet that I haven't been able to wipe off with warm water and a clean rag. If you just go with the table top and legs you could definitely keep it under $300. If your budget is $500 that gives you plenty to add anything else you want.

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: Wildcard on Sun, 12 February 2012, 01:48:12

Eventually I'm going to have to build my ideal desk. I can't find anything close to what I'm looking for. As far as ergo goes, a desk built to match your height/chair is ideal, with proper depth for your displays. Most desks I find are just a little two short, not wide enough, and not curved.

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: pitashen on Sun, 12 February 2012, 02:39:09

+1 to the above suggestion of IKEA Galant. Think its one of the cheapest solution with decent appearance.

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: sordna on Sun, 12 February 2012, 04:46:56

I use an IKEA tabletop (VIKA something) and adjustable legs (VIKA KAJ - infinitely adjustable from 23-35" or 60 to 90cm) which I'm very happy with. I keep my work surface high (31.5") but I also installed an adjustable keyboard tray so my keyboard/mouse is low where I want it.

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: RTbar on Mon, 13 February 2012, 23:04:15

that's easy... wait until Antro has their 45% off sale and get a fit adjusta desk... it can be adjusted from sitting to standing, and the whole second shelf acts as a giant keyboard tray that is tiltable. I had a galant and the Antrho blows it out of the water

(http://common2.csnimages.com/lf/47/hash/240/4219069/1/Anthro-60-Fit-System-Adjusta-Sit%2FStand-Ergonomic-Workstation-in-Black.jpg)
(http://i21.geccdn.net/site/images/n-picgroup/ATH_FAJ48BK-BK3.jpg)

anthro.com

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: Parak on Mon, 13 February 2012, 23:48:36

The fit adjusta is amazing. I have the 60" one with a bunch of trimmings, shelves, and addons, but I paid retail not knowing and not asking about discounts. At least this was when they offered percentage discounts the more you bought, but I still overpaid. No regrets either way.

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: volund on Wed, 22 February 2012, 18:37:03

Hollow core door, cut down to size (fill the end with appropriate sized block. Use Ikea legs for one side and a file cabinet for the other

Top with a nice sheet of finish luan plywood sanded and polyurithaned, edge with whatever you want (I used angle iron)

you can add a keyboard tray if you want, but building the desk to a good height to start with is the better option

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: Awful on Wed, 22 February 2012, 20:18:50

Quote from: RTbar;513750

that's easy... wait until Antro has their 45% off sale and get a fit adjusta desk... it can be adjusted from sitting to standing, and the whole second shelf acts as a giant keyboard tray that is tiltable. I had a galant and the Antrho blows it out of the water

Show Image

(http://common2.csnimages.com/lf/47/hash/240/4219069/1/Anthro-60-Fit-System-Adjusta-Sit%2FStand-Ergonomic-Workstation-in-Black.jpg)

Show Image

(http://i21.geccdn.net/site/images/n-picgroup/ATH_FAJ48BK-BK3.jpg)

anthro.com

Any idea of the price on that before the 45% off discount whenever they do it? I think I found a list price of 800.00 but alot of times companies take 50% off the list for the actual sale price (At least Pearl drums/other musical instruments) do this. I've never looked into furniture online so I have no idea if the list is the actual retail/purchase price.

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: RTbar on Thu, 23 February 2012, 00:32:25

If you go to their website they have the correct prices, but sometimes you can try googling anthro desks and you may find them for slightly cheaper... I called up with intentions of buying the desk full price because I missed the 45% sale, but they ended up giving me 15% off so it wouldn't hurt to call and ask... but if you are considering any antho desks you should just wait a little because I think the 45% promotion comes back in april, leaving money left over for their cable closet or extra shelves/ side tables if you want

Title: Inexpensive ergonomic desk?
Post by: Inf3rn0_44 on Thu, 23 February 2012, 07:23:12

+1 ikea galant, I use it and its height adjustable. Id say its a good ergo desk.