Ask HN: Really awesome chair for computer use?

[swix]

Curious if there is a known brand or some specific chairs for home/office use tailored for us hackers who desire a bit of extra comfort? I am talking about something like dentist chairs or something like this: http://videogames.techfresh.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Emperor_1510.jpg , does anyone here use similar at home or in the office?

[UnoriginalGuy]

I've tried half a dozen chairs ranging in price from £30 up to £150, they were all terrible and all broke inside of 12 months.

So my advice right now is either go really cheap (£30) or go really expensive (£500+). Nothing between the two is worth it. It is a waste of time and a waste of money.

Also seriously think about your desk. My desk was too high and as a direct result I had to depend on the gas-compressor (gas-lift) working fully (to its highest point) or I would get shoulder/wrist strain.

I wound up getting an Ikea adjustable desk. They're less stable than regular desks (I have mine against a wall to stabilise it) but they resolve the height issue.

PS - Don't assume that just because a gas-lift has a maximum weight well above your weight that it will be any more reliable. I got one with a 350 pound claimed-maximum load, and the damn thing still only functioned correctly for six months before it started slowly leaking air.

[bornhuetter]

> Ikea adjustable desk

I second this wholeheartedly. I'm the other way around, in that I'm too tall for regular desks; and it's great having it raised. Good quality and great prices at Ikea for adjustable desks.

[kaolinite]

Aeron chairs seem to be the preferred chair around here, nowhere near as crazy-looking as the chair/desk thing you linked though. They cost about $1000 or so but if that's too much you can get them second hand for around $500ish. I have no idea if they're worth it or not but a lot of people swear by them.

[johnrgrace]

If you ever happen to be in western michigan Herman Miller, maker of the aeron, has a factory outlet in Holland, Mi. The Aeron's sell for $350-$500 but other less well known chairs like the Mira can sell for $200 plus they are new vs. used.

[caw]

I didn't like the Aeron, but I think Embody is pretty great. Make sure you sit in the chairs. Herman Miller runs a bi-annual 15% off sale, one is around Thanksgiving.

My work chair is a Steelcase Leap

[johnx123-up]

Direct link http://www.hermanmiller.com/products/seating/work-chairs/aer...

[schoash]

I paid the 2nd hand price and it is worth every cent. Best chair ever and I have no backpain anymore.

[jaz]

Where do you find 2nd hand Aerons?

[kaolinite]

Google for "Second Hand Aerons". There are companies that buy them in bulk (from when offices close, etc) and then sell them individually. Here's one example: http://www.usedaeron.co.uk/

[UnoriginalGuy]

eBay, Craigslist, or maybe Google. Typically you'll want to find one locally since shipping would be really expensive.

[johnfuller]

I'm gunning for one of these, but I think I have to unseat Arnold first. Not an easy task.

http://swordsedge.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/kingconan2.j...

Or, if you are a Dungeons and Dragons geek, you might be interested in the Throne of the Gods for a +10 in coding awesomeness among other benefits.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throne_of_the_Gods

[harwoodr]

I've only ever seen one of these in the wild:

http://www.poetictech.com/aura/index.html

...and I remember that the price tag was around $15K at the time, but they are super sweet... and can be set to rotate the workstation based on time of day, in order to avoid sunlight glare.

[stevekemp]

My partner recently bought a (backless) saddle-chair which I immediately mocked. Having sat on it for a few days though it has really grown on me.

I tend to favour the ergonomic kneeling chairs myself, and I'm on my second in ten years. This time it came from the local Argos store, fwiw.

[fasteo]

Not what you are asking, but save you some money and get some IKEA DIY stand-up desk. Been using it for about a year.

for example, http://lukethomas.com/100-dollar-ikea-stand-up-desk/

[UnoriginalGuy]

I own that, and trust me when I tell you that even when the legs aren't fully extended (as shown) the thing isn't super-stable.

It is impossible to get all four legs to exactly the same length (even if you use the guide marks). He has it resting against a wall for a reason.

I would recommend it, but it might wobble around a little if you put any weight unevenly on the surface.

[yaj]

I will recommend this DIY standing desk, http://www.ikeahackers.net/2012/05/standing-desk-with-utby-l.... It is simple, cheap and very stable.

I have the desk for a year now and it solved my shoulder and back problems from sitting too long.

[shail]

how abt these? http://www.varierfurniture.com/Collections/Work/Thatsit-bala...

PS: really expensive though.