$140 adjustable height standing/sitting table • Hacker News Board

Re: $140 adjustable height standing/sitting table

#31

Post by gregwebs » Fri, Apr 01, 2011, 4:02 PM UTC

I see all of these solutions to have a giant raisable desk- as a programmer I don't actually use my desk anymore. A desk is a computer, computer monitor, and computer keyboard holder. I normally just make a stack of (free) books or boxes on top of a desk to create a place to set my monitor on. Boxes that still have foam inserts work best, as do books on Java or C.

I use this ballpark-vendor like laptop holder sometimes: http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/bags/a988/ The big problem is you have to crane your neck down. I am trying out an artist's easel for a standing desk. Cheap and portable. I Can hold the monitor while I use the connect-a-desk for my keyboard.

Re: $140 adjustable height standing/sitting table

#32

Post by morlad » Fri, Apr 01, 2011, 4:28 PM UTC

slackerIII wrote: post #24

If you are going to try a standing desk, make sure to buy an anti-fatigue mat. It makes a big difference in how much foot pain you'll experience, even if you are standing on carpet + padding.

I agree, some cushioning is vitally important. As I prefer to be barefooted and my floor has no carpet or padding whatsoever my heels started to hurt at the end of the very first day. On the next day I felt that pain from the very beginning, so being productive was out of the question. Contrary to the general consensus I got myself a really cheap gymnastics mat for less than 20EUR which is only 2cm thick, instead of an expensive special purpose mat. Within 2 days the pain was gone and standing/working for more than 10hrs a day was not a problem anymore. So get a mat or wear shoes if you plan on trying a standing desk configuration.

Re: $140 adjustable height standing/sitting table

#33

Post by notJim » Fri, Apr 01, 2011, 4:29 PM UTC

bryanlarsen wrote: post #28

allwein wrote: post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't know anyone who only has a 7-inch height difference between when they're sitting and standing.

I'm 6'1 and my eye-level difference is 13-inches. My monitor has 5 inches of adjustment. If you think you need more than 12 inches you're slouching while you're sitting.

You're damn right I am!

But when I stand, I stand up straight. Or at least I slouch less.

Re: $140 adjustable height standing/sitting table

#34

Post by pasbesoin » Fri, Apr 01, 2011, 4:38 PM UTC

allwein wrote: post #25

bryanlarsen wrote: post #17

My $180 solution is much nicer and doesn't require two people to lift. http://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?c=&p=4057... Ignore the text about a maximum of 20lb. When you get it, it's actually a MINIMUM of 20 lbs required. 20lbs is the balance point: if you have less than that, it stays permanently up. But if you have less than 20lbs you can take out one of the springs. Of course, most woodworkers using it…

I don't know anyone who only has a 7-inch height difference between when they're sitting and standing.

I'm looking at that difference, for me, right now (two adjacent desks). It's about 15 1/4 inches (39 cm).

P.S. When sitting, I have my desk 1 - 1 1/2 inches lower than "typical", primarily to provide a better typing position.

Re: $140 adjustable height standing/sitting table

#35

Post by pasbesoin » Fri, Apr 01, 2011, 4:48 PM UTC

javan wrote: post #23

I use a crank-adjustable base ( http://www.gibraltarinc.com/item.asp?id=66 ) and with a birch counter top from Ikea ( http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90014922 ). It's easy to adjust and cost around $425 total.

Note the beveled edge. Too many people overlook this detail that can make a large difference to comfort in uses that cause contact with the desk edge.

Re: $140 adjustable height standing/sitting table

#36

Post by allwein » Fri, Apr 01, 2011, 6:11 PM UTC

bryanlarsen wrote: post #28

allwein wrote: post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't know anyone who only has a 7-inch height difference between when they're sitting and standing.

I'm 6'1 and my eye-level difference is 13-inches. My monitor has 5 inches of adjustment. If you think you need more than 12 inches you're slouching while you're sitting.

It's not just about monitor placement though. Keyboard height, at least for me, is more important for a comfortable computing environment that monitor height.

Just checking now, I've got about 18-inches difference between my seated keyboard height and my standing keyboard height.

Re: $140 adjustable height standing/sitting table

#37

Post by allwein » Fri, Apr 01, 2011, 6:24 PM UTC

jaxn wrote: post #2

Could add ropes and put pulleys on the ceiling with a couple of nautical cleats and make it something that can be done single-handed.

I was thinking that you could just install a couple of scissor jacks in the middle and you'd be able to do it yourself as well.

Re: $140 adjustable height standing/sitting table

#38

Post by bryanlarsen » Fri, Apr 01, 2011, 6:32 PM UTC

allwein wrote: post #36

bryanlarsen wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm 6'1 and my eye-level difference is 13-inches. My monitor has 5 inches of adjustment. If you think you need more than 12 inches you're slouching while you're sitting.

It's not just about monitor placement though. Keyboard height, at least for me, is more important for a comfortable computing environment that monitor height. Just checking now, I've got about 18-inches difference between my seated keyboard height and my standing keyboard height.

Interesting. I actually appreciate the low standing keyboard height in my setup. My setup is far from ideal, but does have some advantages.

META: why is my 5 ranked post at the top? There's more interesting posts more highly ranked further down. Because it has more comments? To those who care, I think `javan`'s post is the most relevant for somebody looking to make a cheap & easy desk.

Re: $140 adjustable height standing/sitting table

#39

Post by greencircle » Fri, Apr 01, 2011, 6:34 PM UTC

I used to alternate between sitting and standing. I don't need to any more. The trick for me, figured out by a therapist, was to build the proper muscles, and to always hold proper posture. I find that I can sit anywhere with comfort now, even on the crappiest chairs, because I use my muscles to support me, not the chair. When you stand, you do the same. I've come to appreciate the importance of our muscles and how they contribute to one's quality of life.

Re: $140 adjustable height standing/sitting table

#40

Post by elasticdog » Fri, Apr 01, 2011, 9:03 PM UTC

I made a standing desk out of a cheap shelf system back in January [1], and haven't looked back. About the only change I've made since putting up those pictures is swapping out the Apple keyboard for a Kinesis Freestyle.

I'd like to build some small shelves off the sides of the top level to add some speakers, but beyond that I've been extremely impressed with making the switch.

[1] http://elasticdog.com/2011/01/shelf-made-standing-desk/