A month and half ago I put together an article on here looking at how to create my dream computer and stated that I would be doing this. Then life happened, doctor’s visits, and the cash that would have been there was gone. But I’m back and I’m ready to begin this process.
This is going to be my whole process documented for critique by the Internet, because the Internet is always nice. Right?
But before we get into the actual computer, I don’t have any place to put it and need to get myself an excellent computer desk.
Here are the criteria and options I see, but I’d love feedback:
- I want a standing desk because my job requires a lot of sitting and the last thing I need is to sit more.
- It’s going to be in my son’s play room so I can game or edit while I am with him.
- It needs room for dual monitors, keyboard, mouse, PC tower, microphone, and tripod for my Canon T3i.
- It’s still part of being on a budget, but won’t eat into my dream computer budget.
- I’m not above building it myself.
Here are some of the best options I have found.
Evo Standing Desk
Price: $1,349
This is the premium of all desks and I only include it because it is mentioned so much. The desk includes cable management, a second tier display, keyboard arm, and programmable adjustment so the table can go up and down. Obviously this is too much and not an option.
Varidesk Pro Plus 36
Price: $350
This is one that came up in my search, but I have not seen any reviews which makes me cautious. I want to know that what I am purchasing is reliable. Sure, it says best seller on the site, but does not say anything more anywhere else I can find. And to be honest, I fear my son could tip it over on to himself.
Bekant Desk Sit/Stand
Price: $489
The benefits of this computer desk is it can transform from a sitting desk to a standing one, though with monitors, I fear that. Yet, in the world of the transforming desks, this is SUPER cheap. The downside is that it is too expensive for my budget and looks ugly. It reminds me of a terrible office space or the desks you would use in college. My creativity is shot just looking at a picture of it on the Internet. I can’t do it.
DIY Standing Desk
Price: Approx. $125
The benefits start with the price, but that’s a terrible single reason to purchase something. Better though is the creativity that this brings about, as if I am at a construction warehouse or coffee shop. I love the idea of having a second tier their for my monitors to actually give myself more space. Further, I love doing woodwork and crafting things. The downside is I could screw it up and it will take a while to put together. Yet, I think this is the one for me.
Auggie says
I love the diy bit. I feel it’s a simple enough concept and lots of stuff out there that creating one should be easy. My biggest struggle would be that diy projects usually don’t ever end for me. Always something I have to change add adjust.
Eric Dye says
I built a desk for myself in an afternoon that was slightly cheaper than a laminated desk, but hardwood. And I was able to design it to fit my EXACT needs. There is not another desk like mine out there. TOTALLY worth the time and materials spent. DIY FTW!
Jeremy Smith says
The fear of perfection is a scary one for me. But if I keep in mind that I won’t be able to use my computer until I get it down, that pushes me through quickly enough.
Michael Hyatt says
Great post. Thanks for outlining so many options.
In my experience DIY projects are the most expensive way to go. It really comes down to how much you make an hour and what else you could do with your time. For example, if it takes you six hours to build it, and you make $50 an hour, that’s $300, plus the $125 in materials. Now you have invested $425. If you make $100 an hour, you have invested a total of $725. Would you pay that much for the final product if you were purchasing online?
Eric Dye says
Most of us don’t make $50-100 per hour on a Saturday afternoon, so this equation doesn’t add up. Besides, geeks like us enjoy the change of pace. Creating with the organic is always refreshing after a full week of working in the digital.
But what you’ve highlighted is an important way to think—personally and professionally. We have a podcast on this topic coming up. There are many ways to “count the cost”—just how you’ve outlined. 😀
Jeremy Smith says
I agree with the change of pace aspect. I love woodworking, so it was great to plan out.
Jeremy Smith says
I didn’t think about it that way, but I also love to do woodworking and truly don’t have the budget to do something more than $125, so I have to be limited in what I get. Even with the per hour cost that you’d factor in, I wouldn’t me losing that money and can give away the time towards a DIY project. But I did not factor that in, thanks Michael!
Kristy Henry says
I actually have the Varidesk and I love it. I assure you that its very durable and heavy. I would think your son would really have to do a lot to tip it over. I lead on it and it doesn’t budge.
Jeremy Smith says
I couldn’t find any reviews on it, so had to go with my gut.
Chess Hoyle says
I went the DIY route as well. I actually found a forum where DJ’s were talking about their home desk setups (full thread here: http://www.djforums.com/forums/printthread.php?t=105&pp=40), most of which were built out of IKEA stuff. I wound up going with this guy’s design & guide, and I couldn’t be happier with it. http://blog.schertz.name/2014/04/home-office-standing-desk/
As far as price, and to counter Michael’s point: I would absolutely pay this much for a custom built desk. I landed with plenty of storage, an excellent amount of desk space, and construction was fairly minimal. Keep in mind, you’re probably only going to buy a desk once, maybe twice over the span of your career. It’s kinda like buying a mattress: You’ll be spending a lot of your time there, so don’t worry so much about money. Worry about doing it right so that you’ll end up with a product you’re excited about using.
Jeremy Smith says
I loved the link. New inspiration!
Eric Dye says
Noice!
Simon L Smith says
I have my grandfather’s old roll-top “preachers” desk. Solid, heavy, and awesome.
The roll part of the roll top is gone, but the rest is in fantastic shape.
My DIY is this – a stack of books on top of the highest part of the roll-top frame, which is level with the shelves in my home office, for my monitor and my youngest daughter’s doll box/cabinet thingy for my keyboard.
It looks a bit wonky – but it works and I love it!
(Now off to get a gel pad per today’s post….)
Simon
Jeremy Smith says
Nice work upgrading where you can, though books seems to be potentially unstable and I’d fear my monitor and other tech could get broken.