[dasboot]

I made this site, trying to build a useful buying guide.

I'll be in and out, but feel free to ask any questions here or through the contact form on the site. I'll try my best to get back in a reasonable time frame.

I'd also appreciate any feedback on the technical/marketing aspects of the site.

Thanks! Ben

[terra_t]

I think the products are too expensive. This guy made his own standing desk for $0.00 (reusing stuff lying around the house) and then added sit/stand capability by adding a drafting chair from Staples for about $120...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paul_houle/4681895723/

[dasboot]

I agree, they are expensive, and I'm actually planning on adding a do-it-yourself section with solutions like the one you've referenced.

Some people pay a lot of money for fancy office chairs though (Aerons for example), and I'd always advise to go with a sit-stand desk.

Drafting chairs with a tall desk are certainly worth a try, but it can be difficult to impossible to get the same relative height sitting on the drafting chair and standing up - this can put your wrists at a very uncomfortable angle when typing for example. (I'm pretty tall, maybe that's why this hasn't worked so well for me).

[tansey]

I scanned the page for the word "Buy" on the left or top, hoping to find links to sites that sell ergonomic desks. Maybe it's just me, but I would find the left side more helpful if it was titled "Ergonomic Desks You Can Buy" or something similar, rather than just "The Desks" since those two words are so commonly used throughout the page.

[dasboot]

Thanks. I took your suggestion verbatim. :)

[binspace]

Hey, are there any cheaper options that you have found? For example I would be happy with a desk that can be manually adjusted.

[dasboot]

There are two significant aspects for these desks:

1. Do they cover the sitting and standing range (or just some variable sitting range)?

2. Can you adjust the height without taking everything off your desk?

Regarding 1: There are some desks with hand cranks that may be marginally cheaper - but the ones I can think of right now don't cover the standing range, they are only good for sitting positions for people of different heights.

Also, while there are some possibly cheaper ones, they look so flimsy and poorly constructed that I wouldn't recommend them for serious work, e.g., the frame is so weak that the desktop just wobbles and shakes at the slightest touch.

Regarding 2: Many cheaper desks have pin-based mechanisms. I used to have the Ikea Fredrik desk (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60111123), but I found that I never adjusted it, because taking everything off was too cumbersome. Then I had it at a standing height, and found standing all day too uncomfortable.

I will keep my eyes open and add more desks as I find them - if you come across anything, please pass it on.

[binspace]

I have been noticing some cheaper desks that cover 1 & 2 using google.

http://www.ergoindemand.com/pneumatic-sit-stand-adjustable-c...

http://www.amazon.com/Balt-Inc-Ergo-Easy-Workstation/dp/B000...

I also found a DIY tables, but it does'n quite fit #2. http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/article.asp?article_id=60365

This one does but the plans cost $17. http://www.leviteq.com/

All that ikea piece needs is pneumatic adjustment. It' amazing how difficult it is to find an adjustable desk in the right price point ($150-$400).

[dasboot]

Yeah, these are definitely cheaper. I remember seeing these and similar ones before. I think they may be below satisfactory for professional use, though.

The range is a bit limited (29-39 inches - too tall for short people sitting and too short for tall people standing, but fine for the mid-range of body heights).

Also, these things look a bit flimsy (no information on load capacity) and a bit awkward to adjust (seems like you have to loosen grips on both legs and then move up/down.

I didn't include them on my site, because I really wanted to present desks that can satisfy serious desk workers (like most geeks).

The DIY one looks like fun, I've built my own furniture before. I'll add it to my future DIY section.

The one with the plan is an interesting idea, but unless building hardware is your hobby, probably not so feasible.

I agree that the prices seem really high. I've looked around a lot for any DIY height adjustment mechanisms to retrofit a regular desk, but finding "desk grade" pneumatic cylinders in retail is pretty difficult.