Computer desk Solution needed!

[xioticin]

Hello all, I am currently in the market for a new desk solution to house both my 26" tv and 27" monitor. I want this to be centered in a bedroom on the opposing wall (no L desks). I am currently using a kitchen table as my desk lol. It offers horrible cable management options, just enough space to put my monitor/tv side by side, and a place to cram the rest behind it all.

I haven't quite decided on a price range because some solutions require more physical work in constructing which might cheapen the deal. I come to you, Anandtech community, to help me in my quest to resolve this horrible desk situation i'm in right now!

I would like this to be an all in one desk setup without having to separate the monitor and tv, but if someone finds a decent solution with two desks then that could very well be a possibility! I appreciate any help given

 

[KaOTiK]

I'm using an old high school lab desk that would seat 2 people, bought it nearly 10 years ago from one of their surplus sales for $10.

It is great, nice large surface and all metal. Only downside is, it is a little ugly but if I did paint it it would actually be pretty decent looking.

I know this isn't ideal for many, but figured I'd throw it out there since it is a solid desk.

 

[PowerYoga]

If you can find a jerker, those are THE BEST. So awesome.

When I had to give it away I cried a little. It's so good and has so many useful attachments, and it's built solid. I hate Ikea for discontinuing it.

 

[xioticin]

Honestly, that isn't too crazy! Sometimes these solutions work way better and don't break the wallet at the same time. I am looking for any and all solutions other than the "Dude, just buy the Gamer Elite 5000x Desk Star for $899!" I know most computer people, DIY oriented, tech masters get rather creative with their setups. I am simply tired of reading old reviews on baby small desks that look like an 11 yr old would use it. I am certain someone on here has some solid ideas

 

[Sentrosi2121]

Here is what I would do.

A. Get one of these: 27" Dual LCD Monitor Arm
B. Get a small cart for your PC.
C. Invest in some spiral cable wrap similar to this: Monster Medium Cable wrap and get some cable ties of various lengths.

Once you make those purchases, disassemble your entire setup. Take all the cables out of the equation and mount your hardware first. This will mean mounting the LCD arm in the center of your desk and moving your PC down to the cart right next to the desk, or underneath it to save space.

Next hook up your TV to the cable box (I assume that's what's in the center of the desk) and spiral wrap the cables that are on the box together. I would probably mount your power strip centrally and underneath your table. Once you verify that the TV is set up correctly, do the same with your PC. Don't try to use one huge cable wrap for the PC cables. Try to space them out accordingly. Then, finally, I would look at the runs you have and try to mount the cables underneath your table and then into the monitor.

Others might have better suggestions.

 

[xioticin]

Sentrosi, I like where your head is at, and you have provided ample information for your solution. I will def. put that into the considering pile! I appreciate your thought and effort. I have considered getting a mounting monitor arm before but have always feared the durability and support they boast. Cable wrap, however, has not been considered and will most likely be used regardless of my desk setup choice.

Keep them coming guys, this is all extremely helpful! I am enjoying the variety i'm getting so far

 

[SMOGZINN]

I have two desks (one for me, and one for my SO), one I bought in a auction, the other I bought just this weekend at a used office furniture store. I paid about $100 for each.

Both look something like this:

 

[Martimus]

Look into used office desks. They are usually long and rectangular rather than L shaped. I have 2 of them I wish I could get rid of. If you live in Michigan and have a truck you can have mine.

 

[Craig234]

I toyed with the idea of contacting a furniture maker to design a computer gaming desk.

It would be sturdy and suitable for living room in front of a big screen.

 

[xioticin]

Still reviewing over options. Names of brands of desks would help if you are suggesting something prebuilt. I know I can contact a craftsmen to build a dream desk, as do I know I can build one by hand lol. It would be more the schematics for such a build that I would need.

 

[xioticin]

More like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o5HRc8esQA

And less like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvPCIEdNr_4

I don't have near the hardware as the latter link, so I wouldn't need as much support as he has. The first link is a lot cleaner, more streamlined, and has less on it. I love the desk, but I cannot find that anywhere. I wish they made more desks just like that, instead of the flimsy thin metal bar setups.

 

[zerogear]

Isn't the desk available @ walmart?

 

[xioticin]

I can't find it if it is? I looked for a while and didn't find that exact model. Did you find it?

 

[VulgarDisplay]

http://www.ikeahackers.net/

Tons of cool ideas for desks here.

 

[xioticin]

I really appreciate that, VulgarDisplay! These are some very interesting solutions and def. something I can tackle Plus its creative and gives a personal stamp on it without being a total custom job. Any other sites just like this?

 

[SMOGZINN]

If you are looking to do a full roll your own, you could also look into PVC. There is an entire PVC furniture library that includes sketchup plans.

Ah, here it is: Free PVC Furniture Plans

 

[xioticin]

While the Ikea hacks were a great, new idea, I personally fear that pvc will be a poor, ugly substitute Having worked with it before, I find that it would be harder to make something out of such tiny parts that will be both solid and strong in application.

My one worry is shipping for Ikea! I live in northern Mississippi, and we do not have an Ikea store anywhere around... I haven't looked for shipping quotes yet, but I can imagine it will not be cheap lol

 

[Pia]

Monitor arms are sick good. I recently bought an Ergotron; in hindsight I should have bought it years ago. Now I can easily move my display wherever I want, including out of the way when I want to watch the video projector.

One option is to wall mount one of the displays (can't wall mount both since they wouldn't be aligned right... unless your wall is curved, lol). Cheaper than good monitor arms, maximizes use of space. No reason both displays have to be on the table, or on an arm. Just do whatever it takes to put the displays where you need them.

I think the ultimate desk ergonomics are when there desk curves inward so your elbows fall naturally on the table and are completely supported without shoulder tension. With a straight desk, if it's deep enough, you may be able to cut a hole on the side to create that inward curve.

 

[imaheadcase]

Not sure budget..but Anthro desks are the best desks you can own. I bought one about 3 years ago and it is awesome.

This is the one I bought.
http://www.anthro.com/computer-furniture.aspx?desk=fit-console

Its used by pros all around world. I know Conan uses them backstage, dreamworks, etc.

 

[SMOGZINN]

While the Ikea hacks were a great, new idea, I personally fear that pvc will be a poor, ugly substitute Having worked with it before, I find that it would be harder to make something out of such tiny parts that will be both solid and strong in application.

My one worry is shipping for Ikea! I live in northern Mississippi, and we do not have an Ikea store anywhere around... I haven't looked for shipping quotes yet, but I can imagine it will not be cheap lol

PVC is a better material then you think. It can be painted or even dyed. But, if you don't like PVC, I think there would be no reason that you couldn't easily adapt the same schematics with some minor modifications to copper or steel pipe, if you have, or are willing to learn, the skills to work in that material.

 

[ZetaEpyon]

It may sound a little strange, but I use a door (intended to be a sliding closet door) laid across a pair of two-drawer file cabinets. This provides an enormous amount of space (I have two 22" LCDs and a 17" LCD side by side) and can be quite inexpensive. It's necessarily not the most beautiful solution, but you could always paint or stain the door to your liking.

 

[xioticin]

The copper/steel piping would be more expensive than PVC for sure, and in the long run would cost me much more in using it without the proper tools. The Door Desk is another type I have been introduced to in the past year and find it interesting. I would still rather have a bit more than a door + 4 legs, though I am starting to wonder if I will ever find the right solution without spending way too much.

Anthro is some great looking stuff, too bad I am not about to drop 700+ on a desk lol.

 

[imaheadcase]

Anthro is some great looking stuff, too bad I am not about to drop 700+ on a desk lol.

Considering how long you use a desk its worth it imo. Same goes for a monitor and chair. 3 things you use the most on a computer but are negated the most is sad.

 

[VulgarDisplay]

Not sure budget..but Anthro desks are the best desks you can own. I bought one about 3 years ago and it is awesome.

This is the one I bought.
http://www.anthro.com/computer-furniture.aspx?desk=fit-console

Its used by pros all around world. I know Conan uses them backstage, dreamworks, etc.

All for the low low price of 1200 dollars....

I would personally hack something together myself before paying that much for anything.

 

[zerogear]

Craigslist sometimes have some nice stuff. Got a Herman miller chair for 40$ hah

I took a look on Google, I saw it on Walmart site, but it was out of stock