For quite some time, I’ve felt somewhat dissatisfied with my office setup. This is mostly due to the fact that I know that I need to spend a portion of my day standing while I work. At the same time, I want to be able to sit when the knees start to complain.
I configured my office for such a setup in the past, allowing me to work in either position.
The only issue here is that I could not use my 23” ACD in both positions. We’re talking about a real first world problem here, I know. But the fact is, I’ve wanted a desk that configures to my preference at any moment, but also allows me to use the same hardware for both positions.
Today, Cameron Moll linked to a new desk from Herman Miller that does just that. It adjusts to either a sitting or standing position. Great news, as I’ve been trying to figure out how to build one for myself, but have had issues finding suitable parts that would allow the desk legs to extend and retract. But, once you’ve solved this issue, you’re still only half way done. Even this Herman Miller doesn’t address the entire situation.
As you can see from the woman in the picture, a couple of hours in this position will lead to a cramped neck. Ask any occupational therapist and they will tell you that proper desk ergonomics call for a configuration where the users head is pointed straight ahead. The monitor needs to be elevated for that to happen.
Now, slap on a LCD mount from Ergotron on a desk like this and you’ve solved your problem. That would be my ideal setup.
With our recent move to the farm, I once again had a chance to put together an office setup that pleased me in every way. My past offices at home have been decent, but always ended with something I dislike — a messy pile of cables.
As I’m slightly leery of going wireless everything, I realized I can never get away from cables completely. So I wanted to make a better effort and managing the chaos and did so with some purchases from Bluelounge.
And secondly, I wanted to incorporate a standing desk. I’ve been working from the standing position for a good part of the day the past two months. But I did so my sticking some cardboard boxes under the my laptop and display. Not ideal of course, so with this move I wanted to add a proper standing desk to the office collection.
I had planned to build one, but realized that I already owned a desk that fit the bill. The only issue was that the raised platform was designed to be on the backside of the desk. So I drilled some new holes in the desk and moved it closer to the edge I work from. Add in a wall shelf at the right height for the external display and I’ve got a great standing desk.
The only issue remaining then was to get the laptop at a decent ergonomic height. Easily solved with a rain design mStand.
Now I can stand or sit as needed. On a normal work day, I stand about 60% of the time. This has done wonder for overall health, especially the back.
This is the best home office setup I’ve had. Which is good, cause I’m out of cash …
