Computer Desks
You've just purchased a new computer  and now you are faced with the dilemma of where to put it? Perhaps a table or a desk, or maybe you would like to have a whole workstation? Luckily there's a plethora of options available. Let's dive into the vast world of computer desks.
Advice- You could be at this desk for more hours a day than you are anywhere else, so pick it with care.
- A comfortable desk (and chair) could be the difference between enjoying work and hating it.
- The more adjustable components your desk has (assuming they are sturdy) the more flexibility you'll have in creating an area that meets all your needs.
- Adjustable drawers, trays, heights, and doors will let you change your appliances over time and make your desk a smoothly running workstation.
What to Think About- Size should be a primary concern. Desks can get as big or as small as you'd like.
- Do you want your whole life on this desk?
- How much room do you have for this desk?
- Do you have a flat screen monitor or a hulking CRT monitor?
- Make sure that any shelving on top of the desk (often called a "hutch") is not to low or shallow for your monitor.
- All of your purchases should come with dimensions — make sure they match up.
- Ergonomics ensure comfort in your work environment.
- Does the desk have tilt options?
- Can it be used standing or sitting?
- Is it made with hypoallergenic materials?
- Is it large enough to allow for wheelchair access?
- Weight and Height
- How much are you willing to carry?
- How tall do you want it to climb?
- At what level do you need the keyboard and monitor?
- Normal desk heights of 29-30 inches are often too high for typing.
- If you're an average height, you'll want to type at 26-28 inches, mouse at 27-29", and write at 28-30".
- If you have a chair with armrests, make sure they can fit under the desk.
- Some desks come with standing or sitting styles for your typing convenience.
- Wheels are sometimes nice to have, but can be a hazard.
- Holes for Wires come in some desks or their accompanying hutches.
- They're a great way to keep your area neat. Just thread your cords all through a single hole and they are out of your way.
- Some desks even have special spots for surge protectors to sit and collect all of your cords.
- Adjustability to add or subtract drawers, cabinets, shelves, etc.
- Ease of Assembly
- Doing it by yourself?
- Want something pre-assembled?
- Will it be Installed by someone else?
- Warranty
- Most mid-market desks will have 5-15 year warranties. Higher quality ones are guaranteed for longer.
- Your warranty may say a lot about the quality you're buying.
Desk Characteristics
Shape
|
|
|
Rectangular - Nice, simple and classic.
- Usually has a good amount of storage drawers.
|
L-Shaped - Can fit in a corner or face one side.
- Gives you room to maneuver and perhaps even share.
|
Corner - A serious space-saver.
- Fit everything you need at an angle and maximize the space of your room.
|
Drawers, Cabinets, Trays and Shelves
|
|
|
|
|
Drawers can come in many shapes and sizes and some have locks. - A gap between a closed drawer and its desk shows poor construction. Avoid.
|
Cabinets are available with or without doors. - Some are specially fitted for your CPU tower, speakers and printer.
|
Trays slide back and forth with your keyboard, mouse and/or monitor. - Make sure they're wide enough. Some don't fit a mousepad.
|
Shelves hold books, CDs, or anything else you'd want. - Make sure they're high enough to get your monitor underneath.
|
Style
|
|
|
|
|
|
Antique desks follow in a long, epistolary tradition. |
Modern desks are sleek and chic. |
Simple desks are no-frills but do the trick. |
Compact desks save space; perfect for small aparments and dorm rooms. |
Executive desks have many features and make you look and feel powerful. |
Construction Material
|
|
|
|
|
Wood desks can come in all sorts of qualities. - The quality of the wood will greatly affect the price.
- A wood veneer or panelling will be cheaper in price and quality.
|
Plastic desks are lighter, cheaper, and can look like anything. - Could be combined with any number of other materials.
- Poor construction and too many detachable parts could lead to some serious disrepair.
|
Metal desks can also vary greatly in weight or strength. - They can be cold and corporate or space-age and hip.
- A sturdy option for those who are hard on their furniture.
|
Glass is unique and the ultimate in streamlining. - Impossible to hide your papers.
- Not for the clumsy.
- Very modern but more elegant than metal or plastic.
|
Desktops
|
|
|
|
Leather tops are classy and no-slip. It's a shame about the cow, though. |
Felt has similar no-slip properties, without all the class — less animal cruelty. |
Glass tops make everything clear. Be careful not to break it. |
Related Articles
External Links
|
|
Shopping Directory
