Computer Desk - Advice Please

[Nuggs]

Hi All

I have a mate that's looking for a good quality computer desk. He suffers from a bad back, so a decent ergonomic design is essential.

He needs to fit a 17" TFT, printer, decent sized tower case, mouse, keyboard and joystick on there.

Target price is £200, but cheaper and more expensive options wouldn't be disregarded.

Could anyone point him in the right direction (and photos/weblinks would be much appreciated).

Thanks in advance

[pdV6]

Shirley, a decent chair is what his back needs?

[Plotloss]

Ikea

But not a desk, buy a desktop and a set of legs...

[sjg]

Plotloss said:

Ikea But not a desk, buy a desktop and a set of legs...

Seconded. I hate the "computer desk" things - if you've got the space just get a big flat desk!

I've got one of the "effectiv" ones from their office range - Ikea sell some cheap and nasty stuff but this is superb. Big steel beam across the middle down to sturdy height-adjustable T-legs, then a top bolted to that - I can stand on it quite happily.

Cost me about £130 and worth every penny.

>> Edited by sjg on Wednesday 23 March 20:18

[agent006]

Proper desk every time. You'll just end up hunched over a computer desk, and they invariably look crap. As has been said, the chair is as important as the desk, if not more so.

[Nacnud]

Big gotcha on non-computer desks can be a thick edge to the table preventing most chairs from being raised to an appropriate working height. I'd suggest 1.5inches as the maximum I'd be happy with.

Don't buy a cheap and nasty bargain chair. Your back will never forgive you. Cheap yes - nasty no! For me I look for the small of my back being supported when I'm in my normal typing slouch and seat should stop you sliding forwards.

I got a bullet proof L-shaped desk from Staples for £90. Huge surface area for all the toys. Surface doesn't appear too thick but it is well supported and I'd have no hesitation jumping on any part of the surface

[Nuggs]

Thanks chaps, all good advice.

He bought an orthopedic chair months ago, so that's not a worry. He just needs a nice, ergonic desk to give him room to sit properly and comfortably.

[Frik]

Pah! Build your own.

My room at uni is tiny this year and the floor is not exactly what you would call level so I got a big bit of MDF for the top (although you could get hold something a lot nicer), a length of 2x2 to cut into some legs and some baton to tie it all together. Set the top somewhere between 700-800mm (according to preference), screw down into the legs, screw batons between them and Bob's your Auntie's fancy man.

[Nuggs]

Frik said:

Pah! Build your own.

Errr.... No, my mate wants it to look good

[Frik]

Nuggs said:

Frik said: Pah! Build your own. Errr.... No, my mate wants it to look good

Depends on the craftsman...

[d3ano]

I have an Ikea desk if he wants it.
Its the Jerker desk in a birch colour (about £60 in Ikea)

www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=7&productId=47022&langId=-20&parentCats=10121*10389

[agent006]

d3ano said:

Jerker desk

Is that a bad translation or a description of its intended computer-related use?

[d3ano]

erm....bad translation.

[thepeoplespal]

The Jerker with the toys (movable shelf for the monitor & computer holder) is a good choice as far as I'm concerned. You can raise the height to suit yourself and it is deep enough not to knock your knees on the backboard or a shelf.

I've look at 100s of desks and far to many of them have glaring design errors that are all to likely to cripple you, if you use them for any length of time.

[Nuggs]

d3ano said:

I have an Ikea desk if he wants it. Its the Jerker desk in a birch colour (about £60 in Ikea)

Many thanks d3ano, I'll pass the offer on...