Standing Desks Part II

I first wrote about standing desks four years ago. I couldn’t find the kind of standing desk I wanted then under $500.00. At that point, I was looking for a standing desk in the purest sense; one that was used only when standing. So I opted for a couple of ersatz standing desks from repurposed bookcases, instead of buying a desk that wasn’t quite what I wanted.

I’ve done due diligence in trying before buying; I know I want to use standing desk, and I want to alternate between sitting and standing.

Since then we’ve learned a lot more about using standing desks. First, sitting and standing in alteration is a much better option, long term; hence the phrase “sit-stand desk.” Moving around, instead of sitting or standing for long periods, being able to switch between sitting or standing, or adjust position while standing, is important. Mobility is key; it’s not the standing that’s the issue, is that I’m not just sitting.

Now, I’m looking for a more permanent solution, one that will continue to work in the future. My MacBook is approaching end-of-life, and I’m increasingly having visual problems beyond the ability of adaptive tech or glasses to compensate. I see a larger screen iMac in my future.

There are do-it-yourself standing desk solutions; like this $200 do-it-yourself convertible standing desk designed by a friend at Instructables. There are a number of Instructable-do-it-yourself standing desks; this one is an Ikea Standing Desk Hack or this one that is electronically adjustable. For those of you who have a desk or table already, there are options like The Standesk 2200, a $22.00 IKEA hack.

I’m not all that handy (being able to see strikes me as a positive in terms of using hammers and saws) and don’t currently have a desk at all, other than my converted bookcases, so I’m looking at pre-made standing desk solutions, and preferably, ones that are adjustable (I’m short) and that can switch between sitting and standing.

I’m resigned to the fact that a durable high-quality adjustable sit-stand desk is going to be in the neighborhood of $700.00 to $1000.00.

The Wirecutter, my go-to site for reliable, thorough reviews, likes the Ergo Depot Jarvis Bamboo. I do too (especially the bamboo top!), but it’s c. $700.00, which is really not an option for me. Ergo Depot sells the Jarvis frame separately, as well, but honestly, I’d likely be putting something like the Bamboo top on it in any case.

Ergo Depot also makes a smaller version, the Jarvis Junior that is awfully tempting, Just the frame is $499.00. If I add the Bamboo top in the medium size (36” x 27”) $25.00, the digital memory switch to raise and lower the top (and remember settings, so it can be easily used by more than one person, standing and sitting) is an additional $35.00, locking canisters (so it can be moved to different locations) are $29.00, a solution for wire and cable management is $39.00, and a pencil tray (cat) is another $29.00. The total, before tax (shipping is included) to $656.00. If I go with the largest top available on the Jarvis Junior (42” x 27”)  that brings it to $680.00 before taxes (I’m pretty sure I’d be fine with the medium 36” x 27”; that’s a lot of space even with an iMac, keyboard and trackpad/mouse).

That’s under $700.00, with either configuration, and not bad, particularly given the high quality materials and warranty. At this point, that’s a target for me, so I’m going to be trying a different temporary standing desk, one that comes with a birds-eye view.