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Ask HN: What is the best chair for developers?

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Re: Ask HN: What is the best chair for developers?

#2

Post by mikece »

The complete question is how to achieve the ideal seated posture and/or maintain it. I like the idea of height adjustable desks for the simple reason that it can be lowered/raised to the exact height that's correct for your build. For ideal posture, your thighs should be parallel to the ground, your back should be straight, and your arms slightly lower than parallel to the ground when you're typing. Ideally your monitor should be at eye level to avoid getting "tech neck" which all suggest having height adjustable monitors and desks, and your chair able to adjust height and offer optimal back support.

It's a really long way of saying that even if there is an ideal, perfect chair for you there's no way that can be a universal recommendation.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best chair for developers?

#3

Post by pcunite »

In 2011, I went on a search for the "perfect" chair. Want to know what it is? :-) There is not one!

Of course I bought the Aeron because the internet told me to. In less than 8 hours I was really hurting and had to return it. Today, I use something from neutralposture.com. However, what is "best" for you depends on your body type. The most correct answer is "change your chair, sit and stand, move around" throughout the day, weeks, and years of your life. The desk is super important too. I use a very flat desk. I wished it could raise and lower on demand.

Today, I need to change my chair because I've had it for so long. I think you'll only find the perfect chair if you make it yourself. I really wanted a combo of the Aeron and the Neutral Posture 8500 for my body type and work habits.

I wish I had, but did not, explore all of these options. I wished I had tried the Humanscale. Please do and tell me how it works out for you. Options: Herman Miller, Nuertral Posture, Steelcase, Humanscale.

Re: Ask HN: What is the best chair for developers?

#5

Post by smacktoward »

Anecdata: I have had good results with the Steelcase Leap. It's not cheap, but as you note, you're going to be spending a lot of time in it so this is probably not the place to economize.

I do wish there were more comparative literature on this subject, as it's difficult to find good objective ways to compare chairs.

Here are the Wirecutter's recommendations: https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-office-chair/

Re: Ask HN: What is the best chair for developers?

#6

Post by duxup »

I belive chairs are like shoes, everyone fits them differently.

There are great Aeron chairs out there I like. I work from home a lot and I've got a $100 ikea chair that I find plenty comfortable.

Keep an eye out for places that resell used office furniture if you're buying, you can save good money that way.

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