The Absolute Coolest Computer Desk Thread

[drewprops]

Okay guys,

This should be fun. Let's track down the absolute coolest home computer desks that are currently available for purchase. This isn't the same thread as "show your computer setup" (a fun thread btw). This is for people who are currently shopping for computer furniture worthy of a Mac, or dreaming of what they'd like to have if they could get a new desk. From high-tech to traditional, what 's your top pick?

What are the features you appreciate about this desk and what are the features that you wish the manufacturer would have included?

Let me start.



This is a desk that we found while shopping for a small workstation for my Mom. She'd like to get something that's about 36" wide by 24" deep...basically a tiny but well-made workstation. So far it's remained the best solution for her space needs. Let me know if you know who makes this thing, or if you've seen something better in the same styistic vein.

I personally use a big black Anthrocart (www.anthro.com) unit, but if I was buying again I might go for something a bit more stylish. There are some really nice contemporary units in frosted glass, and there are some more traditional furniture setups that have begun incorporating some clever functions.

The hidden drawer shelf has become fairly standard. If you haven't seen it, there's a special drawer where the pencil drawer would traditionally be located. When you tug at the handles the drawer front tilts down. You then pull out the drawer and PRESTO! a keyboard. Some of these now feature a fold-out copy-holder.

Lots of these desks feature space for a tower, a built-in power supply, CD racks, cable feeds and printer shelves.

I look forward to seeing what you folks come up with!

[Splinemodel]

There are some pretty nice desks I've seen, but in most cases, "cool" desks seem tohave annoying drawbacks. Since I have a computer and often a bunch of electronics parts floating around doing something, a BIG desk is the coolest in my regard. So, go to staples and get a big, flat desk. That's the coolest for me.

[Max8319]

<a href="http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/SKU.asp?BCFlag=False&PageType=1&SKU=473068" target="_blank">This is the desk i ordered</a> . it should be here tomorrow. i realize there could be a problem being that it is glass, but it really looks cool and i like it. i'll just keep the windex close at hand.

oh and I got <a href="http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/SKU.asp?BCFlag=False&PageType=1&SKU=473789" target="_blank">this bookcase</a> to match it so i have a little storage area

if you guys are interested, i'll post a little later tomorrow to tell you how it works out

[drewprops]

Yeah, a big flat desk is nice.

And like I said, I use a BIG black Anthrocart. But I've also got it tricked out with speaker shelves, additional over/under shelves, a vertical phone holder, a side basket and a totally adjustable keyboard tray.

But I know that there are some truly innovative computer desks out there, and I'd like to see them.

D

[drewprops]

Here are the photos of Max's desk and bookshelf:

The Desk



The Bookshelf


Cool, I didn't know that the big office equipment chains had anything other than fake wood desks. I'm really curious about how that top shelf works with a big ole monitor on top, and how sturdy the thing is.

D

[sizzle chest]

AnthroCart rules the house! I love Anthro almost as much as I love Apple (and Anthro is right here in town, which is a good thing because their carts & workstations are really, really heavy).

[MCQ]

Xidius... gotta love that desk! What's the base of the iMac made of, a half-basketball? "Bringing the new Infusion basketball... with a built-in pump, and now a built in computer! Just split in half and enjoy! &lt;/randomness&gt;

[drewprops]

Here's another interesting design

Looks like an IV stand for email doesn't it?


That cart came from a place called <a href="http://www.ergotron-ergonomics.com/computer_cart.htm" target="_blank">Ergotron Ergonomics</a>

D

[drewprops]

This one's pretty neat too, and obviously it's aimed at the Mac user....



This one's at a place called <a href="http://www.imacdesk.com" target="_blank">www.imacdesk.com</a>

This might appeal to some folks.

Hey, are the Anthrocarts cheaper if you drive over and pick them up yourself?

Is there a discount/clearance center?

D

[drewprops]

Okay, one more for tonight. This one is really fun, and looks really rugged. I'll call this one the SUV of computer furniture.



D

HEY, it's the same desk! Crap. Sorry, I didn't realize until I'd posted it. Well, now you've seen it from two sides. Happy?

[ 07-02-2002: Message edited by: drewprops ]

[ 07-02-2002: Message edited by: drewprops ]</p>

[Max8319]

this thing is a bitch to put together....i'm still working on it.....i'll try to get it up and take a picture. to put it together, you got to use bolts and screws, but it doesn't seem too sturdy. you can move it back and forth . the bolts become loose and it moves.

we'll see how things work out one i got everything together

btw, i have a powerbook, so i can't see about the monitor stand, but i'll guesstimate fer ya

[Max8319]

all right, i put it together.....when you do it right, it's actually not hard and is very sturdy

<a href="http://homepage.mac.com/mrexrode/PhotoAlbum1.html" target="_blank">here's a website</a> with pics of my new desk setup...it's actually pretty nice...

[drewprops]

Well you know I started this whole thread because I'd been helpig my Mom shop for a computer desk. The latest is that she's looking at what TARGET has to offer and seemingly wanting to settle for the particle-board furniture....a thousand NO's I scream!!!

This doesn't look bad, too bad she's so pressed for space!

D

[TommyBrando]

I personally like this one.

I cheaped out and bought this one for my studio though

[hmurchison]

My all time favorite Desk Setup

[salmonstk]

i want the table/desk that the guy in the iBook tv ad had.

[Falcon]

The problem with all these is that they have no place to rest your feet!

My computer desk has another level below the main one, that I guess was intended for folders and such, but its a great place to prop my feet on.

[frawgz]

[quote]Originally posted by salmonstk:
<strong>i want the table/desk that the guy in the iBook tv ad had.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I hope you're not talking about "Middle Seat."

[drewprops]

Man, those are some heavy-duty rigs.

I seem to remember a desk called the metamorphosis, or something similar. It wasn't cheap, but it was really nice. I think that they used to advertsise in METROPOLIS magazine and perhaps in MACWORLD.

Something new that I've seen are things that are called computer cabinets, or something like that. They're a sort of armoire for computers. I've seen high-tech looking ones and some that look more antique. These are great solutions for people who'd like to hide the computer in something that DOESN'T look like a desk.

D

[TOOL]

Here is my desk..unavailable for sale..my dad made it


[ 07-04-2002: Message edited by: TOOL ]</p>

[neye_eve]

y'all don't mind a PC-Weenie in here, do ya? Here's my setup:



you can see more if you like, including my imac, at:

<a href="http://www.sirlizzard.com/misc/" target="_blank">http://www.sirlizzard.com/misc/</A>

neye

[hmurchison]

[quote]Originally posted by neye_eve:
<strong>y'all don't mind a PC-Weenie in here, do ya? Here's my setup:

you can see more if you like, including my imac, at:

<a href="http://www.sirlizzard.com/misc/" target="_blank">http://www.sirlizzard.com/misc/</a>

neye</strong><hr></blockquote>

That's actually the Desk that I'm going to buy in a few weeks. I like the Corner unit and the vertical height. I will probably get two for the corners in my bedroom.

[salmonstk]

[quote]Originally posted by frawgz:
<strong>

I hope you're not talking about "Middle Seat."</strong><hr></blockquote>

No no... the iPod ad I am sorry not the iBook ad. But he has an iBookk on a glass table, with metal legs. Simple.

[progmac]

here's my homemade computer table. hopefully it doesn't look too much like the drawing posted about 10 message ago

<a href="http://homepage.mac.com/progmac/PhotoAlbum1.html" target="_blank">http://homepage.mac.com/progmac/PhotoAlbum1.html</a>

it's in that album (probably obvious which one it is)

[drewprops]

Well now, in my ever-widening quest to find a small-footprint desk for my Mom I ran across THIS desk unit at Anthro's website:



This baby is 24" wide and only 23 3/4" deep. NOW we're talking about a work station that might fit into her space. Unfortunately it costs about a bajillion times more than the cheaper stuff at Target and Office Depot or Staples.


D

[wmf]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Herman Miller Levity yet.

<a href="http://maccentral.macworld.com/news/9904/27.furniture.shtml" target="_blank">http://maccentral.macworld.com/news/9904/27.furniture.shtml</a>

Looks like it's over $2000, though!

[drewprops]

There's no link to the US version of the HM website, but I found this on the <a href="http://www2.hermanmiller.com/japan/index.bbk/1747" target="_blank">japanese home page</a>.



[ 07-07-2002: Message edited by: drewprops ]</p>

[frawgz]

I like the <a href="http://www.offi.com/*ws4d-db-query-QuickShow.ws4d?1003" target="_blank">Cerise</a>, though it looks to be one expensive desk. Damn those designers.

[Anders]

The best desk is the one you have with you: Your lap. And your Powerbook looks great on it.

And no: There are no other Macs than Powerbooks

[progmac]

[quote]Originally posted by drewprops:
<strong>


[ 07-07-2002: Message edited by: drewprops ]</strong><hr></blockquote>
i don't mean to be culturally insensitive or anything, but don't japanese people get sore knees from sitting on the floor/indian style all of the time? I know if i sit indian style for any more than 20-30 minutes, my knees start to kill. Maybe they have super knees or something.

[ 07-08-2002: Message edited by: progmac ]</p>

[Macmedia]

Dewdrops, I always wonder where someone put their legs with these small footprint desks? I think they're ok for younger people with good eyesight but us old-timers need to sit a little closer.

I still prefer the big flat desk setup. So many of these desks have no space to put any documents/paper that you might be working with (except for that Video workstation).

BTW, for those who haven't seen it. <a href="http://www.macmedia.net/desk.jpg" target="_blank">My desk</a> is made out of 3 solid core doors painted white (cheap) with some 3/8" glass on top (pretty cheap). Lots of space and clean looking. I imagine that you could do a mini version of this for about $125 - 150.

Chas

[ 07-08-2002: Message edited by: Macmedia ]</p>

[salmonstk]

I love this desk of yours. I agree most of these above are too small. I also use a door, but stained rather than painted.

[quote]Originally posted by Macmedia:
I still prefer the big flat desk setup. So many of these desks have no space to put any documents/paper that you might be working with (except for that Video workstation).

BTW, for those who haven't seen it. <a href="http://www.macmedia.net/desk.jpg" target="_blank">My desk</a> is made out of 3 solid core doors painted white (cheap) with some 3/8" glass on top (pretty cheap). Lots of space and clean looking. I imagine that you could do a mini version of this for about $125 - 150.

Chas

[ 07-08-2002: Message edited by: Macmedia ][/QB]<hr></blockquote>

[Artman @_@]

My computer desk...



<img src="graemlins/smokin.gif" border="0" alt="[Chilling]" />

[chych]

I need a much larger desk, hopefully my desk at school fits the bill... many of you have quite the narrow desks, heh...

[ijerry]

Hey tool, do I know you from somewhere?

Still love the desk bro.

[drewprops]

bump

[McBear]

<a href="http://www.poetictech.com/" target="_blank">Need more money, and more room, and more monitors, and a new Dualy</a>

[Giaguara]

Well ..

As i am a rather laptoppy person .. I prefer the laptops! and prefer to use them in bed... <img src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" />

So i normally use ANY desk there is where i happen to live.. if the other comps are on the table i normally have to eat then in bed... or use the other laptops there as well <img src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" />

That japanese table looks pretty... if i'll go now to spain i could get that there..

[pesi]

i hate big, clunky, special purpose computer desks. i hate slide out keyboard drawers. give me a plain old table/desk anyday. that way, if i no longer want to use it for a computer desk, i can use it for something else.

[Michael Grey]

pesi nailed it. Give me a LARGE flat surface...no shelves....no 'hutches'...no pullout drawers or detachable CPU-holders. Last month I looked everywhere for the 'perfect' computer desk...even some $1,600 ones. Finally I went to Ikea and bought a 64" flat desktop with four screw-on legs. Perfect.