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Ask HN: Best chair for programming?

13 points by jnankin ↗ HN
Not looking for a fancy comfy chair. On the contrary, I'm looking for something that keeps me sitting upright, not leaning back, yet allows me to sit and work for long periods of time without making me stand up because it's so freaking hard.

Right now I'm dealing with a wooden chair, like the kind you'd find at a kitchen table. I've found that to be better than anything at staples/office depot for my productivity.

16 comments

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vellum
I still like the Aerons. You can get a cheap knockoff on Amazon for $150-200, or a used one off Craigslist. Whatever one you end up going with, I'd recommend trying it out in person first.
mturmon
A typical Craigslist price for an Aeron here in LA is $450. If you sit in it for long periods of time, it's probably worth it.
josephkern
Areon with a standing desk (motorized) is a very nice combination. I like having a choice about where/how I work.

Just make sure you get long enough cables if your computer is under your desk.

argonaut
Don't get an Aeron.

1) They're overpriced. You can get an equivalently ergonomic chair for $100.

2) The Aeron chair was never actually designed for ergonomics. It was designed for style. It's a really common misconception that the Aeron chair was designed to be perfectly ergonomic. [1]

It goes without saying that the most ergonomic chair is going to be one which you modify (by adding various supports / strap-ons) to fit your body.

[1] http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_19/b41770712....

jedmeyers
I recommend taking a look at Steelcase Leap. It has a lot of features and a multi-level reclining back.
ishbits
+1 for the leap. 7 years ago I went to a local store to buy an Aeron. The guy sent me home with a Leap to try for 30 days - no deposit. 7 years later and it still looks and operates like new. And I haven't had sitting issues since I got it.

A good chair is not a replacement for physical activity though.

jnankin
Yeah, also let me add the requirement that it can't break the bank. I can't spend 1k on a chair. Perhaps something more in the 120 or less range.
argonaut
Although I believe you can get great chairs for less than $1,000, keep in mind that this is your spine we're talking about. If spending $1,000 prevents you from having to go through $50,000+ surgery and/or physical therapy in the future and significantly improves your quality of life when you're 70 years old, I call that a wise investment.

The same goes for mattresses. You spend 1/3 of your entire life on these things. You should be spending top dollar for the best mattress you can find on the planet.

drharris
Cue the standing desk weirdos...

Get something <$100 that doesn't have armrests and doesn't lean back (or else it locks such a function solidly). It will force you to sit correctly.

pooMonger
Interestingly enough, from what I've read [1], a slight lean to your posture is actually recommended, and considered the healthiest position when sitting in a chair for long periods of time.

I've purchased <$120 chairs for a long time from the usual suspects, Office Depot, Staples, etc. and the padding in the seat just goes to shit after a year. As if I'm sitting on wood, resulting in lower-back-pains galore.

Today, I'm using a Humanscale Freedom with headrest that I got off craigslist used, but reupholstered, for $400. It's one of the best investments I've ever made. I sit in this chair up to 10 hours a day, and not the slightest bit of back pain.

Can't recommend it enough, so my advice would be to seriously consider stretching your budget ever so slightly. Your future 70-year-old self will thank you (and me if you remember this recommendation!).

[1]: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6187080.stm

brador
Go to a big box office furniture store. Sit in every chair, see what you like.
eswat
I’ve been sitting on an exercise ball for the past few months. Don’t really care for the science behind it vs. a real chair, but I do find the constant readjustment to stabilize yourself lets me stay on it longer than if I had sat on a chair.