So I started thinking about what I need my desk to do, and have quickly descended into Paradox of Choice hell. At a minimum, a new desk would need to be able to handle:
- Two Monitors
- Keyboard and Mouse (Preferably in a pullout thingy)
- Cable Modem and Router
- Tower Computer (needs good ventilation, especially considering that there are a couple fans mounted on the side of my computer)
- Two speakers
- External Hard Drive
- Associated Cables/Wires
In terms of taste, I tend to be a minimalist. I don't need lots of flying doodads or space-age design. Just something simple that covers the above. In looking around, this seems to be a rarity. As per usual when it comes to this sort of thing, Jeff Atwood has already posted about this, and the comment thread there is quite interesting (and still being updated, years later).
The best desk I've found so far seems to be the D2 Pocket Desk. Of course the big problem with that one is that it's obscenely expensive (even on sale, it's wayyyy to expensive). But it's perfect for me. It's notable almost as much for what you don't see as what you do see - apparently there's a big compartment in the back that's big enough to stuff all the cables, wires, routers, etc... that I need (and you can see the two little holes meant to corral the wires into that area). It being as expensive as it is, it's not something I'm seriously considering, but I'm trying to find a cheaper, but similarly designed option (perhaps something that doesn't use cherry wood, which is apparently quite expensive). I'm kinda surprised at how few computer desks even attempt to account for cable management. Anyway, here's a quick picture:
The other notable option I found at Jeff's site was from a company called Anthro. Not the model he mentions, which is a monstrosity. However, Anthro features lots of models and everything is customizable in the extreme. While they seem like good quality desks, they're also much more reasonably priced. Unfortunately, their configuration tool does little to help you visualize what I'll end up with. Still, the 48" AnthroCart seems like it would fit my needs and given the modular nature of the desk, I can always add on to it later. If you look at the 3rd picture on that page, it's kinda what I'm looking for (but without the bottom shelf and maybe a filing cabinet attachment)
The big questions I have about the AnthroCart are how well their keyboard/mouse solutions work (all of the varieties have seem to be quite small - and my current option is actually kinda large, which I really like for some reason...) There's also the question of how well those extra shelfs on the top and bottom work. And color. Yeah, so this one is definitely in Paradox of Choice territory. However, they're apparently pretty agreeable and will help guide you in choosing the various accessories, etc... So maybe I'll start up a chat with a rep when I get a chance...
Some other stuff I've been looking at:
- Liso Computer Desk with Keyboard (from Target)
- Onyx Matrix Computer Desk (from Office Depot)
- Drake Desk (from Crate & Barrel - would be good if it weren't for the glass top)
- Ikea has some interesting stuff, but most of it is too small. On the other hand, for my bedroom, I did buy one of those generic Ikea tables and made it work as a desk. But it's also kinda tucked into the corner of my room - the new desk needs to be in the middle of my living room, so it needs to look somewhat more presentable...
Update: Desk 51 from BlueDot (via) is pretty interesting. I'm wondering how sturdy it is.
Again Update: This Landon Desk from Crate and Barrel has grown on me a bit, especially after seeing a similar desk on Flickr. The good thing about C&B is that there is a store near me, so I can at least check it out in person...
Another Update: Well, that's an idea... which I suppose also brings up the "Build your own" option, which could be a rewarding experience.
Yet Another Update: For reference, here's a pic of my desk as currently configured, and here's the surprisingly sturdy keyboard tray.
Spencer
Ahh, this is a problem I myself had a few months ago. I was using a corner desk with flip-down front, pull-out keyboard tray that could only fit the keyboard. I had to use the mouse on top of the desk. The corner design worked well for the apartment office since that room wasn't too big, but in our new office, I was ready for a rectangular desk with a wider keyboard/mouse tray, *without* a flip-down front. On that particular desk, the front really did flip down at an angle and that obstructed my legs and the arms of my chair. From what I see of that Liso desk, the front flips down but remains horizontal and parallel to the floor, so maybe it wouldn't be annoying, but then I'd also be worried about the handle on the front and how sturdy it is.
I really like that Drake desk, but like you said, the glass top is a problem. I really hate glass-topped anything. You could get crafty and figure out a way to securely cover the glass, but why spend $400 on something you don't completely like?
The Onyx Matrix desk fails what Mr. Atwood called the "Wife Acceptance Factor," and I would extend that to "(Future) Girlfriend Acceptance Factor." I very strongly suggested...persuaded...my husband into getting rid of his black and blue plastic computer desk he'd had since his teenage years because it was 1) ugly ugly and 2) creaky and kind of falling apart. That was hard to do and took me several years actually. Charles is extremely picky and does not like change. But he was willing to think about it, and being able to test out desks at IKEA was the turning point. Not that he absolutely adores his IKEA Galant desk, but he does like it well enough, and the simple colors and lines (black desk top with chrome A legs) blend well into the room to the point that the actual desk goes unnoticed. He thought he was going to miss having a separate keyboard tray, but the desk top sits low enough that he can have his keyboard and mouse at the same level without bending his wrists oddly.
I, however, do not want to consume desk top space with a keyboard and mouse, so I got my new desk from Office Depot - an extremely heavy, particle board thing for cheap. But, I like that the keyboard tray has no front cover and is wide enough to fit the keyboard and mouse, and they're not even squished together. It also has computer tower storage (a shelf inside that holds my laptop and docking station, and most of my cables/wires occupy the rest of the space) and two drawers, one that can hold hanging files. It's this RS Dawson desk.
Have you thought about mounting your monitors to the wall with arms that can swing out to position the monitors at a suitable distance from your eyes? I have no idea how much something like that would cost. Also, can you not put your computer tower on the floor? Charles did that, even when we had carpet, but I don't know how good of an idea it is. I know I've seen completely separate computer carts on casters that hold towers, and those are cool because the computer can be moved around as far as the cables will let you go, and it's separate from the desk. You could easily make your own - buy whatever size of wood you need, paint it, and attach your own casters. Those are all supplies that hardware stores carry, at least the big box ones.
AnthroCart doesn't look too bad though. Unfortunately, furniture is more of a pain to return if you don't like it.
Fledgling Otaku
actually both our desks are Jerker models from Ikea. They series is now called FREDRIK but its pretty much teh same thing and highly modular:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/series/10216/
these are superior desks because they are wide open. The vertical "hutch" part is optional and you can adjust to whatever height you like. its basically an extra shelf, also open which makes for great air flow and cleaning. The desks are really deep, in that you can put your monitr and keyboard on them and still have plenty of actual desk space.
If theres an Ikea near you, definitely stop by and take a look. The desks are solid and cheap. Ive had mine for over 5 years and its survived several moves, including our epic one from Houston to Wisconsin.
Mark
I gather I will indeed need to make the trek to Ikea at some point to try some stuff out. It's not that far, and I'm in the market for some other small furniture stuff too.
The impression I have is that the Jerker is a legendary geek accessory and that the Fredrik is not a worthy successor. In any case, it does seem a lot like the Anthro models, but cheaper, so it's definitely worth a look. For some reason, I've always assumed those desks were tiny, but I just looked at the measurements and they look fine. Also, from the pictures, I just always assumed that they wouldn't be all that sturdy... Anyway, like I said, I use a generic ikea table as a desk in my bedroom, and that worked out ok... so I should definitely see what's going on at ikea.
Anthro definitely has these crazy monitor mount/arm things that are pretty awesome. They mount to the desk, not the wall, but it's an interesting idea. I've been thinking about non-traditional desk solutions, like a really big shelf off the wall with wall mounted monitors. But that's probably too much work and no flexibility.
Yeah, the Drake would be awesome if it weren't for that glass surface. I've seen some frosted glass tops that look nicer, but even that is a bit iffy for me. The Landon Desk that I posted an update for definitely looks cool, but I want to see it in person. The impression I get from their pics isn't that great, but a guy on Flickr had the previous model and it looks great there...
I should post some pics of mu current desk. There are a couple of things I love about this desk, and in particular, the keyboard tray thing is awesome. It saves space on the desktop and it's very sturdy (I can lean on it without worrying that I'll flip the desk over, etc...) One of the things that I really like about the Pocket Desk is the way the keyboard drawer is the full width of the desk. That would be awesome. But anyway, my current desk one of those cheapo particleboard things and is falling apart. It should last long enough that I can research other options though...
Wonderduck
I have a fairly large L-shaped corner desk that I got from Orifice Max some years ago. While it's only designed for one monitor because of the CD rack that the monitor sits on, it isn't integral to the structural integrity of the desk. If it was removed, one could easily fit two monitors in the space. While I have two hutches (one of which I rescued from a dumpster), they too can be removed, allowing for even more space.
Of course, I couldn't find it on the OM website. For all I know they don't make it anymore... if you imagine this thingy: http://www.sauder.com/furniture/product.asp?p=870 with six-foot wings, that's close.
Mark
The desk is going in the middle of what's basically a long room, so an L-shaped desk is probably not ideal... but thanks for the link to Sauder, as they appear to have a ton of desks, some of which seem interesting.
I also uploaded a couple of crappy pics of my current desk (post hutch removal), which would be fine if it weren't falling apart.
Author
I much prefer a lab table kit to a desk, because I want at least 25% higher work surface than a usual desk. Also, lab tables are much more sturdy (although not as much of a problem with LCDs). My current set is from IKEA, but the bastards stopped selling them.