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Ask HN: Are height adjustable desks worth it?

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Re: Ask HN: Are height adjustable desks worth it?

#61

Post by shmeeed »

A few years ago, our company purchased a hundred or so used height adjustable desks. I passed on the opportunity to get one, because I didn't see myself using it much and would have had to give up a lot of real estate.

Anecdotally, I barely see anyone using them either, it's maybe 10% of the people 20% of the time. The exception is the occasional coworker with back pain.

There's really no comparison to the sturdiness of a fixed desk. Even tough these were pretty expensive models, they are all very wobbly when used at standing height, which is something I just can't stand (pun intended). So no, even though in the brochure there's a certain appeal to the idea, I still wouldn't want one myself.

But YMMV. Maybe you have the opportunity to try one, to see if it's for you?

Re: Ask HN: Are height adjustable desks worth it?

#62

Post by maltalex »

I have a "Progressive Desk" frame with a third-party table top (which was much cheaper than what Progressive Desk offered). There's no wobble, and the table is very stable.

The biggest benefit for me actually ended up being able to quickly adjust the table height while sitting down. I don't often stand in front of the desk. However, I do frequently adjust the table up and down a bit to change the angle my elbows are bent at so I have less or more support for my arms and shoulders. Before being able to do that, I used to suffer from occasional shoulder pain/stiffness.

Re: Ask HN: Are height adjustable desks worth it?

#63

Post by raman162 »

I started off with a regular desk and instead of throwing out my old desk, I just bought a standing desk converter and I really like it. I alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day and it has helped significantly with my back pain. Here's the standing desk converter that I bought[0]. In hindsight I wish I started off with a high quality adjustable desk but I don't regret my path at all.

[0]: https://www.vari.com/varidesk-converters/for-desktops/

Re: Ask HN: Are height adjustable desks worth it?

#64

Post by pawelwentpawel »

Is it worth getting a better desk? Better chair? Larger screen? On average sleep + work will take 2/3 of your day. Back problems are common and if not prevented early enough they really can take away from quality of your life. Having a comfortable bed and a comfortable work setup is an investment with a very high return in my opinion. Height adjustable desk are not only used as standing desks - they also allow you to get the setup just right for you.

Re: Ask HN: Are height adjustable desks worth it?

#65

Post by shmeeed »

Night_Thastus wrote: post #45

I got one a few years back. However, I have so much electronics with cables going everywhere that it ended up being impossible to raise once I had connected everything - even if I had used one of those brackets to hold the PC to the desk.

It really only makes sense if you relocate all mains connections to a power strip attached to the desk table, so there's only one cable moving.

Re: Ask HN: Are height adjustable desks worth it?

#66

Post by Zealotux »

pawelwentpawel wrote: post #64

Is it worth getting a better desk? Better chair? Larger screen? On average sleep + work will take 2/3 of your day. Back problems are common and if not prevented early enough they really can take away from quality of your life. Having a comfortable bed and a comfortable work setup is an investment with a very high return in my opinion. Height adjustable desk are not only used as standing desks - they also allow you to…

What I’m about to say is purely anecdotal. Posture, in my experience, is vastly overrated in preventing back pain. No amount of high-quality equipment will prevent issues because we’re simply not meant to remain static for extended periods of time. All of my back and hip pains went away the moment I started weightlifting, resistance training will do wonders to your body assuming you’re not injuring yourself in your practice.

You need to keep your body moving, and even mild resistance training is much better than any standing desk.

Re: Ask HN: Are height adjustable desks worth it?

#69

Post by rspoerri »

Depending on the chair and your work.

I do like to stand sometimes when on meetings or presentations. I have a chair that promotes movent on it, which is good for changing the position and should be healthly. But i have never stood without any support (chair or stool) for a longer time on a table.

When i'm writing or coding i must sit, standing or leaning are really bad for me when i need to concentrate.

Re: Ask HN: Are height adjustable desks worth it?

#70

Post by cassianoleal »

CoastalCoder wrote: post #24

For me, yes. I've had a Jarvis desk for some years now (at least 7? not sure). The overall build quality feels quite good for the price. I originally bought it because I'd heard that alternating between standing and sitting was good for you, and I imagined myself switching its height multiple times per day. I ended up mostly just sitting at it. But it's nice to have the ability to get the height just right for each p…

I also have a Jarvis. The largest model (180x80cm), I don't even think they make them this large anymore.

No wobbliness. My monitor is on an adjustable arm, so if I forcibly jolt the desk I can see the monitor wobbling a little but otherwise it's just fine.

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