[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.