[javan]

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.

[AndrewO]

Thanks, I've been looking for a crank adjustable base like this. The motor-operated ones seem overly complex for a task that could easily be accomplished manually and the OP's 2 person solution struck me as horribly inefficient.

[pasbesoin]

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.