I just checked it out on a pc, and the site resized with the browser window. I haven't checked it out on a phone. Does it not resize? I had this problem before on a website I made a while back. I forgot the meta viewport tag.
Most people using standing desks have to hack something together. But what do you do if you're buying standing desks for your whole office? That's why we need companies like this to mass produce them. I wish you the best of luck. If more offices used standing desks, we'd all be a little bit healthier... I think. Maybe there's some unforseen consequence.
There are some great mass produced standing desks already. The Humanscale Float is priciest but it also has it all: height range, no motor (counterbalance mechanism), no support brace that gets in the way of your legs, good size (up to 72x30") and weight support (200 lbs).
Hmm standing desks have been the standard for office work in many years here in Denmark. You can buy them in any store that sells office equipment. Seems weird that would not be the case in the US. They usually cost from around $300 to $1000.
They are becoming more and more popular in tech companies around Seattle. I personally own one from GeekDesk which ran about $900 and I've seen other versions go up to $2000. Something like this at a much more reasonable cost could allow for them to grow in popularity with ease.
Same in Sweden. When I worked at Tilgin (7 years ago), everybody got a standing desk (quite like the one in the video) without even asking. If I recall correctly, they were around 1500 SEK (250 USD) each. Nothing fancy, but worked very well.
I especially liked having a standing desk, since I had severe RSI problems a few years before that. I managed to get rid of it, mostly thanks to using a break program, an ergonomic keyboard and a pen-like mouse, but being able to alternate between sitting and standing also helps. I've written more about my problems and how I got rid of them here: http://henrikwarne.com/2012/02/18/how-i-beat-rsi/
The thing that I liked about that top was that it was unfinished solid wood. You should be able to stain it no problem. I used polyurethane to seal the table top and give it a glossy finish.
There's virtually identical, very nicely done desk from SteelCase, which goes for a bit over $1,000. If they can halve this without compromising on the quality, they will do well. Otherwise, it'll be just another "artisans who care sooo deeply about quality" KickStarter flop.
Edit: At about the 1:20 mark in the video, they've just talked about how reducing the number of parts reduced the cost. And then "Starting at $399" is written on the screen. They don't actually say it. Text only.
I agree. Even if it's in the video, they should have the price front and center. Standing desks are nothing new, although publicizing them has been difficult. Part of that is the high price, usually around 800-1000 USD. To put one out around 400 USD would be worthwhile.
Great, looking forward to picking one up! The one thing that was holding me back form buying a sit-stand desk was the cost. Even the Geek Desk, which is much cheaper than others, is pricey. This is quite affordable while having the luxuries of the motorized heigh adjustment.
I'd be much more interested in purchasing just the frame so I could use my own desk top instead. I hope eventually that will be an option. Other than that, I'm glad someone is trying to make mechanical standing desks more affordable to everyone.
This desk doesn't look like it does very low. When I do sit, I like my desk to be almost on my lap, so that my arms hang straight down, and my elbows are very close to 90 degrees. I find this very comfortable. However, it means the desk itself has to go fairly low (mine is at 26.5 inches or 670mm right now).
Point is ... if you get a standing desk, make sure it works when sitting just as well as when standing. Check the 'lowest height' and compare it to what you use.
EDIT: I am impressed with the removal of the stabilizer between the legs. That's a great feature.
If you want something relatively cheap, IKEA has been selling them for years for around the $100 mark. The only catch is that it's not easily adjustable. I paired mine with a walking treadmill. Unfortunately IKEA has increased the price to $200 http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50219044/
The problem I find with StandDesk and others like it is that it only has one level, when in reality you need a shelf for the monitor or you get into a situation where you're crouching to stare at the screen or your arms aren't in an ergonomic position.
It would be great if some of the info from the video was on the page. I was just about to ask questions related to how this differs from the GeekDesks we are using now, before I decided to play through the whole video.
After watching the video, I saw it was mentioned that the horizontal stabilizer was removed, which saves on material costs. Have you compared the stability of the StandDesk with other solutions? Currently I've found the GeekDesk to flex a little more than I would like when at standing height and I lean on it.
For a few years Ikea has been selling a _relatively_ cheap motorized adjustable standing desk with Linak legs: http://www.ikea.com/nl/nl/catalog/products/90088946/ -- this also only has the two legs and no stabilizer. (I'm not sure what the StandDesk patent could possibly be for, it looks identical to the Ikea version)
I bought mine in The Netherlands for EUR 560 and I love it to bits. The more affordable adjustable standing desks, the better!
When I started looking for one I didn't want to use an electric motor... too slow, used up a plug, etc. I wanted a mechanical one that was affordable and didn't use a crank. Counter-balance or pneumatic-assist only!
I found the Ergotron Workfit-B HD [0] to be good for me. It's just the base and let me convert my existing desk. It was about $150 more than the price mentioned in the video for the StandDesk via on online retailer.
It does have cross-bars which may be annoying for some people though but I don't find that they're much of an impediment. It rises and lowers almost effortlessly with just a squeeze of the lever. However there are lock-points where it locks into place that are about 1-inch apart. However I also use a monitor arm and keyboard tray so I get every height I need perfectly anyway.
Might be something worth investigating if you're not interested in the slow-electric motor tables and want something you can get now.
I've been using a "Haworth Eddy Adjustable Height Desk"[1] that I picked up at Crate & Barrel. It was inexpensive and I liked the aesthetic, however it has one flaw that makes me excited to find an alternative.
The max height is only 40". At the time of purchase it seemed like it would be sufficient, however in practice my arms are not been parallel to the keyboard. I've started to notice some RSI/pain in my wrists/hands from the downward slope. When I return to sitting mode for a day or so with proper ergonomic positioning, my wrist pain clears right up. I'm 6'1", so my next desk needs to be at least 42"-43" tall -- the more the better! (I'd prefer not to have to be at the highest elevation setting).
Right now I'm experimenting with elevating my keyboard furniture risers to life the whole thing up.
I have a drafting chair + standup desk (modified IKEA Jerker). I can sit, or stand, total cost $60 (used). Both are solid and will probably outlast me.
I never understand the fascination with moveable standing desks, instead of just getting a tall "drafting" chair like you did. That also lets you put shelves or hanging holders (eg for tower cases) under the desk.
You may be able to find the Ikea Jerker on craigslist or other classifieds. I got mine from a college student for relatively cheap, I think around $40 or $60. It works great as a standing desk but you don't have any motorized mechanism to lower or lift the desk. This is probably a good thing if you are trying to stand but an alternative solution is getting a high-rise stool/seat. I alternate between standing and sitting now.
My setup is similar. I've wall-mounted my screen and a keyboard shelf at standing height, then I pull up a tall drafting chair when I want to sit. When it takes only a couple of seconds to switch between sitting and standing, you don't even have to think about the change. Cheap and simple, very space efficient.
I had a motorized standing desk from a Danish maker, about 1500USD. The Bosch motor was always shaking everything on my desk and made a lot of noise.
A year later I bought one from Ikea[1], much cheaper around 750USD. The motor was so smooth and felt much more premium. Now we use only those Ikea desks in our office. Picture of desk[2]
I tried looking the desk up in Ikea US website, but it seems it's not sold in the US guys, unfortunately.
If someone is not to fuzzy about having the crossbar between the legs, scandinaviandesigns sells one at $439, and a bigger, no cross bar, and very good looking one at $879 (org price at $1099). Or go manual with single pivot lever with their $200 tiny desk one.
Or just look into craigslist for office warehouses where they usually sell used $1k ones for 25%-50% off (which is where I got mine).
EDIT: Just want to provide some alternatives for someone who wants/needs one now vs. waiting. I think the standdesk is a very good bargain at $399, I've signed up.
> Standing to work has long known to be problematic, it is more tiring, it dramatically increases the risks of carotid atherosclerosis (ninefold) because of the additional load on the circulatory system, and it also increases the risks of varicose veins, so standing all day is unhealthy. The performance of many fine motor skills also is less good when people stand rather than sit.
> The key is to build movement variety into the normal workday.”
That woman in the second photo has crazy ankle range of motion. Also helps if your torso is relatively long compared to your femurs -- relatively common among east Asians.
A Japanese doctor once told me that asians tend to have slightly curved femurs from a lifetime of sitting on the floor. He told me this as he was treating me for tendonitis of the ankle that I got from sitting in the seiza position too long.
After experimenting with standing desks for a while I have noticed the following (YMMV):
1) You should ease into it - go from one hour to two in a week, two to three in a couple of weeks
2) GET Anti-Fatigue MATS to stand on otherwise sustained standing is going to Screw-up your legs
3) Have a stand-by(!) sitting desk and alternate between the two once you "get tired" standing
4) Don't be afraid to say "This does not work for me".
A colleague who tried it with me hated to say this, but she was in constant knee pain standing up but would not go back to her sitting desk.
As for 3, the desk in the article can be raised and lowered electically. I have a similar one and it makes it really easy to switch between standing and sitting.
<two non-adjustable sturdy desks works out cheaper>
Yes this works for many people, but there's several issues with this:
1. You need more real estate to place 2 desks, not everyone has the space in their home or office.
2. Finding that perfect ergonomic height become a chore when you have to prop something under each leg of the desk - and that's - if the desk is too short. If the desk is too high, then may have to saw the leg or resort to any other labor intensive activity. With an automatic desk, you just press a button.
3. If you have monitor(s), keyboard, mouse, etc. When you transition from sitting to standing or vice versa then you have to move everything over one desk to the next. That becomes annoying after a while, unless you just use a laptop. The problem with a laptop, is you only have one screen and its horrible for your neck posture and may lead to shoulder and neck problems in the future.
That said, in the beginning use whatever works for you to stand, whether it be 2 desk setup or simply a cardboard box on top of your desk. The mail goal is to get off you duff and stand more. Use whatever tools you please
My cheap solution was to have a single desk that is standing height and a tall stool that lets me sit in front of that same desk. Add a large wooden box of the right height for a footrest and it's perfect. I don't even have to move the box out of the way for standing up because it's tucked just far enough underneath that it's not in the way.
I tested many of the anti-fatigue mats, but personally prefer the "Imprint CumulusPro Commercial Grade". It's heaven on your feet, and it makes a huge difference once you start standing 6+ hours a day.
Unfortunately, the CumulusPro is out of stock everywhere, but I found you could order it online at a significant discount on Costco ($69 vs $115). Here's the link.
I'm very interested in the UpDesk (http://updesk.com). They have a motorized desk (PowerUp) and a manual desk (CrankUp) that are both lacking the middle crossbar and are very affordable. They also can handle up to 300lbs. I'm hoping to get one next month.
They have these at Google Venice (in LA), but I think they are prototypes because these look much more refined. Maybe it was a different brand actually.
I just interviewed at Google Boston (in Cambridge) and it looks like there's lots of automatic standing/sitting desks there, but they're definitely the expensive versions ($1,200+ on amazon).
117 comments
[ 3.4 ms ] story [ 189 ms ] threadI especially liked having a standing desk, since I had severe RSI problems a few years before that. I managed to get rid of it, mostly thanks to using a break program, an ergonomic keyboard and a pen-like mouse, but being able to alternate between sitting and standing also helps. I've written more about my problems and how I got rid of them here: http://henrikwarne.com/2012/02/18/how-i-beat-rsi/
I'm thinking about buying a modtable (crank or motor powered: http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A3733671%2Cp_4%...) without a top, then find/buy a rustic wood finished top. No keyboard tray - put mouse and keyboard on the desk, then attach monitors with a nice Atdec monitor mount (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/909028-REG/Atdec_l_pb_...).
* desk base unit ($479): http://heightadjustableworktable.com/index.php/manual-modtab...
* table top ($79.99 - I treated the table top with polyurethane): http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50106773/
* monitor stand ($21.26): http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=108&cp_id=10828&cs_id=...
* mat for standing ($53.99 - optional but highly recommended): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BYRDK2/ref=oh_details_o...
Total: $580.25 (with mat: $634.24)
Here's a picture of the finished product: http://imgur.com/UW8CvWz (kind of need to organize the wires still)
I recycled this reply from an earlier conversation :)
Edit: Wonder if I could stain that top!
I just ordered one because of this post. I'm going to replace my barely-adjustable ikea hodge-podge setup.
Edit: At about the 1:20 mark in the video, they've just talked about how reducing the number of parts reduced the cost. And then "Starting at $399" is written on the screen. They don't actually say it. Text only.
Point is ... if you get a standing desk, make sure it works when sitting just as well as when standing. Check the 'lowest height' and compare it to what you use.
EDIT: I am impressed with the removal of the stabilizer between the legs. That's a great feature.
The problem I find with StandDesk and others like it is that it only has one level, when in reality you need a shelf for the monitor or you get into a situation where you're crouching to stare at the screen or your arms aren't in an ergonomic position.
After watching the video, I saw it was mentioned that the horizontal stabilizer was removed, which saves on material costs. Have you compared the stability of the StandDesk with other solutions? Currently I've found the GeekDesk to flex a little more than I would like when at standing height and I lean on it.
I bought mine in The Netherlands for EUR 560 and I love it to bits. The more affordable adjustable standing desks, the better!
When I started looking for one I didn't want to use an electric motor... too slow, used up a plug, etc. I wanted a mechanical one that was affordable and didn't use a crank. Counter-balance or pneumatic-assist only!
I found the Ergotron Workfit-B HD [0] to be good for me. It's just the base and let me convert my existing desk. It was about $150 more than the price mentioned in the video for the StandDesk via on online retailer.
It does have cross-bars which may be annoying for some people though but I don't find that they're much of an impediment. It rises and lowers almost effortlessly with just a squeeze of the lever. However there are lock-points where it locks into place that are about 1-inch apart. However I also use a monitor arm and keyboard tray so I get every height I need perfectly anyway.
Might be something worth investigating if you're not interested in the slow-electric motor tables and want something you can get now.
[0] http://www.ergotron.com/ProductsDetails/tabid/65/PRDID/757/l...
The max height is only 40". At the time of purchase it seemed like it would be sufficient, however in practice my arms are not been parallel to the keyboard. I've started to notice some RSI/pain in my wrists/hands from the downward slope. When I return to sitting mode for a day or so with proper ergonomic positioning, my wrist pain clears right up. I'm 6'1", so my next desk needs to be at least 42"-43" tall -- the more the better! (I'd prefer not to have to be at the highest elevation setting).
Right now I'm experimenting with elevating my keyboard furniture risers to life the whole thing up.
[1] http://www.polyvore.com/haworth_eddy_adjustable_height_desk/...
The Jerker no longer being available is mourned by some http://www.ikeafans.com/home/modular-desks-ikeas-jerker-is-u...
It's $100 and it's almost perfect - the one thing I may do is add an angled footrest. But I'm not in a big rush.
[1] http://store.focaluprightfurniture.com/mogo.html
A year later I bought one from Ikea[1], much cheaper around 750USD. The motor was so smooth and felt much more premium. Now we use only those Ikea desks in our office. Picture of desk[2]
I tried looking the desk up in Ikea US website, but it seems it's not sold in the US guys, unfortunately.
[1] http://www.ikea.com/nl/nl/catalog/products/S49895941/ [2] http://cl.ly/image/250M1n3Z1v3H
It hugely influenced my purchase of a NextDesk Terra :)
Somebody's been drinking a little too much buttered coffee.
Or just look into craigslist for office warehouses where they usually sell used $1k ones for 25%-50% off (which is where I got mine).
EDIT: Just want to provide some alternatives for someone who wants/needs one now vs. waiting. I think the standdesk is a very good bargain at $399, I've signed up.
> The key is to build movement variety into the normal workday.”
http://saveyourself.ca/articles/chair-warriorism.php
http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/CUESitStand.html
Details:
http://www.reddit.com/r/raldi/comments/kfjet/cornells_standi...
http://bitehype.com/screw-your-standing-desk-how-about-squat...
But this lack of flexibility is common. It has a name and I forgot it.
1) You should ease into it - go from one hour to two in a week, two to three in a couple of weeks
2) GET Anti-Fatigue MATS to stand on otherwise sustained standing is going to Screw-up your legs
3) Have a stand-by(!) sitting desk and alternate between the two once you "get tired" standing
4) Don't be afraid to say "This does not work for me". A colleague who tried it with me hated to say this, but she was in constant knee pain standing up but would not go back to her sitting desk.
Surprisingly - two non-adjustible sturdy desks works out cheaper.
Yes this works for many people, but there's several issues with this:
1. You need more real estate to place 2 desks, not everyone has the space in their home or office.
2. Finding that perfect ergonomic height become a chore when you have to prop something under each leg of the desk - and that's - if the desk is too short. If the desk is too high, then may have to saw the leg or resort to any other labor intensive activity. With an automatic desk, you just press a button.
3. If you have monitor(s), keyboard, mouse, etc. When you transition from sitting to standing or vice versa then you have to move everything over one desk to the next. That becomes annoying after a while, unless you just use a laptop. The problem with a laptop, is you only have one screen and its horrible for your neck posture and may lead to shoulder and neck problems in the future.
That said, in the beginning use whatever works for you to stand, whether it be 2 desk setup or simply a cardboard box on top of your desk. The mail goal is to get off you duff and stand more. Use whatever tools you please
My next thought was to look into kitchen mats as line cooks tend to stand for long periods of time.
I have the $60 one from Amazon, a step down from what Wirecutter recommends, but I think I will upgrade. I can generally do 4-5 hours standing with this: http://www.amazon.com/Imprint-Comfort-Nantucket-20-Inch-Cinn...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005GZRS22
Unfortunately, the CumulusPro is out of stock everywhere, but I found you could order it online at a significant discount on Costco ($69 vs $115). Here's the link.
http://www2.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11762518&w...
"A motorized standing desk for just $399." would've grabbed my interest right away.
They're really great. You can sit on them and they're powerful enough to lift you up. They also have settings, so you can save your favorite heights.