4 Attributes of Quality Computer Desks

The history of desks is long and varied. Desks have been used as both functional pieces of furniture by the working class and monks and decorative pieces used by royalty themselves and their clerks. As desks have evolved, they have done so both to increase function and to be pleasing to the eye. But the most recent and newest style of desk, for which there was no use 30 years ago, is the computer desk. Using a desk for a computer instead of clerical purposes has called for a lot of design modifications. Let’s face it, we do not need a lot of small cubby holes and paper slots anymore. But to have a truly functional computer desk, there are some attributes that should be present to get the best use out of it possible. Let’s take a look at some of these key features.

1. One of the most helpful features on a computer desk is a sliding keyboard shelf. These are hooked on under the main desk surface and slide out when in use. A couple of really nice things about a keyboard shelf are that they allow the surface to be clear of the keyboard, it is safely kept tucked away until needed, freeing up work space. A second benefit is that it allows the keyboard to be in a more ergonomically friendly position. Having your arms and hands a few inches lower than the top of the desk is more natural and comfortable.
2. An out of the way place for the main CPU. Unless your are fortunate enough to have an all in one computer and monitor or a laptop, you probably have a separate CPU. It is really nice if you have somewhere else to place it than on top of your desk. The floor works, but it is nice to keep an expensive unit off the floor. Most good computer desks have a lower shelf or other area that is specially designed to hold the computer, sometimes with room for a printer as well.
3. Have enough work surface for both the computer and regular long hand work. Let’s face it, though you may do most of your work on the computer, you also sometimes need a regular work surface for other things. Many desks have been designed in different ways to address this problem. Some solutions include a larger executive style desk that has room for your monitor to be set back with work room in front, others have a small shelf set up a bit from the main work surface for the monitor. This is often seen on computer carts that have a small foot print and corner desks. Another solution to this dilemma has been the design of “L” shaped desks. This style offers two work areas, one for the computer and a second, perpendicular surface for other work.
4. The desk should offer some form of storage capacity for discs, peripherals, computer programs, manuals and books, etc. Let’s face it, even with computers, there is still the need for things that need to be kept near by. Different desks solve this problem in different ways. Some have drawers and cabinets, others have hutches that rests on top of the desk (sometimes offered separately), and others have specialty racks built in that will hold items like discs. You know what type of extra items you use, so make sure the desk you purchase will provide adequate storage.

Though there may be other attributes and features that you desire in a computer desk, these four attributes are key features that have been identified and can be found on quality computer desks.

About the Author

MJ is a freelance writer for Clickshops, Inc. where you can find a large selection of desks for your home or office at www.qualitycomputerdesks.com.

Get a Mac – Computer Cart

PUR 18 Cup Dispenser with One Pitcher Filter DS-1800Z $24.05 It conveniently fits in the sink for refilling with a special fill-tray design that helps distribute weight and handles that make it easy to carry. Plus, the slim, space-saving design makes optimum use of your refrigerator shelf….

Thermos Stainless King SK3000MBTRI4 Food Jar, Midnight Blue $16.26 STAINLESS KING FOOD JAW WITH SPOON THERMAX(R) DOUBLE WALL VACUUM INSULATION FOR MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE RETENTION HOT OR COLDUNBREAKABLE STAINLESS STEEL INTERIOR & EXTERIOREXTRA WIDE MOUTH IS EASY TO FILL SERVE FROM & CLEANCOOL TO THE TOUCH WITH HOT LIQUIDS SWEAT-PROOF WITH COLDCOMPACT & INSULATED STAINLESS STEEL SERVING BOWLFULL-SIZE TELESCOPING STAINLESS STEEL SPOONKEEPS CONTENTS COLD FOR 9 HOURS & …

Black & Decker HC306 1-1/2-Cup One-Touch Electric Chopper $13.99 You’ll use this handy 1-1/2 cup, 70 watt chopper to quickly chop onions without shedding a tear, as well as for chopping many other recipe ingredients. With one speed and pulse and a safety lock, the bi-level stainless steel blade makes quick work of each task. The parts are dishwasher safe for easy clean-up….

Toy Story [VHS] $3.22 There is greatness in film that can be discussed, dissected, and talked about late into the night. Then there is genius that is right in front of our faces–we smile at the spell it puts us into and are refreshed, and nary a word needs to be spoken. This kind of entertainment is what they used to call “movie magic,” and there is loads of it in this irresistible computer animation feature. Just a p…

First Alert CO615 Carbon Monoxide Plug-In Alarm with Battery Backup and Digital Display $27.95 Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, yet many people don’t know they are suffering from CO poisoning until its too late. Since symptoms of CO poisoning are like the flu, you might not even know you’re in danger at first. That’s why a carbon monoxide alarm is an excellent way to protect your family. It can detect the CO you can’t see, smell or taste i…

Magna Cart Personal Hand Truck $29.99 With Magna Cart Personal Hand Truck you can take care of all those heavy lifting jobs without breaking your back. The Magna Cart Personal Hand Truck is lightweight, can hold up to 150 pounds and is perfect for air travel. It extends over 39 inches in height and folds flat for easy storage. Why strain your back, get the Magna Cart Personal Hand Truck!…

Bowling for Columbine $2.73 Michael Moore’s superb documentary (following in the footsteps of Roger & Me and The Big One) tackles a meaty subject: gun control. Moore skillfully lays out arguments surrounding the issue and short-circuits them all, leaving one impossible question: why do Americans kill each other more often than people in any other democratic nation? Moore focuses his quest around the shootings at Columbine Hi…

Dude, Where’s My Car? $6.15 Sometimes, stupidity is its own reward. Dude, Where’s My Car? is one of the most ridiculous movies ever made–so ridiculous, and so thoroughly cheerful about being ridiculous, that it’s thoroughly entertaining. Jesse and Chester (Ashton Kutcher and Seann William Scott) wake up one morning with absolutely no memory of the night before, but they’re confident they must have had a good time. An irate …

Non-Sound Amplivox Multimedia Computer Lectern $626.00 ###############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################…

The Sims 2 Pets Expansion Pack $5.84 The Sims 2 Pets PC…

ROLLING COMPUTER CART NATURAL $99.98 ROLLING COMPUTER CART NATURAL

Graphite Laptop Computer Cart $77 MDF panel construction with powder coated steel frame. Extra 4th leg provides better stability. Handy side panel for extra work space. Easy height adjustment from 30″ to 47″ with an easy-pin spring system. Panels include a safety edge to prevent laptop accidents. Large double-wheel non-marking casters with locking mechanism. Ready to assemble.

Mahogany Laptop Computer Cart $77 MDF panel construction with powder coated steel frame. Extra 4th leg provides better stability. Handy side panel for extra work space. Easy height adjustment from 30″ to 47″ with an easy-pin spring system. Panels include a safety edge to prevent laptop accidents. Large double-wheel non-marking casters with locking mechanism. Ready to assemble.

Orion Black Computer Cart $128 -Modern design for the PC. -Sleek Steel Frame in Champagne finish. -Slide out key board Tray. -Four Carpet Casters with Front Locking Casters. -Large bottom shelf for CPU or additional component storage. -Tempered Glass Top. -Easy to assemble. -Please note accessories are not included.

Orion Champagne Computer Cart $128 -Modern design for the PC. -Sleek Steel Frame in Black finish. -Slide out key board Tray. -Four Carpet Casters with Front Locking Casters. -Large bottom shelf for CPU or additional component storage. -Tempered Glass Top. -Easy to assemble. -Please note accessories are not included.

LAPTOP CART $149.98 Laptop Computer Cart compact and mobile, cherry finished melamine laminated pull-out shelf just the right size for a laptop computer plus two fixed shelves for a small printer and supplies, books and manuals. Full-sized file drawer and a second drawer for

Laptop Cart $149.98 Laptop Computer Cart compact and mobile, cherry finished melamine laminated pull-out shelf just the right size for a laptop computer plus two fixed shelves for a small printer and supplies, books and manuals. Full-sized file drawer and a second drawer for

LUXOR Compact Computer Cart – Gray (CHLEMFP-GRAY) $364 LUXOR Compact Computer Cart is ideal for areas where multi-user access to computer files is necessary. Features two 191/2″Wx16″D adjustable pull-out shelves. Keyboard includes a slide-out mouse tray. Bottom shelves are spaced 12″ apart. Other features include: UL-/CSA-listed 15′ 3-outlet surge-suppressing power cord and mounted cord wrap. 4″ swivel casters, 2 with brakes. NOTE: Shown with optional print-out basket, sold separately.

Bretford EC4-P4 Mini All-In-One Computer Cart $256.99 18″ 2 24″ 33″ 48 lb 6 Desktop Computer Laptop Computer Printer Grounded UL and C-UL listed 2-outlet electrical assembly with 20 foot power cord and cord winder Keyboard and printer rest on roll-out and locking shelves (roll out 8″) Keyboard shelf height adjusts: 25″, 27″, 29″ Printer shelf height adjusts: 14″, 16″,18″ Heavy-duty 1″ square tubular leg Beige Bretford Bretford Manufacturing, Inc EC4-P4 EC4-P4 Mini All-In-One Computer Cart Locking Wheels Projector Stand Putty Steel www.bretford.com

Bretford EC4X-E4 Mini All-In-One Computer Cart $308.99 18″ 2 24″ 33″ 54.50 lb 6 Desktop Computer Laptop Computer Printer Grounded UL and C-UL listed 2-outlet electrical assembly with 20 foot power cord and cord winder Keyboard and printer rest on roll-out and locking shelves (roll out 8″) Mouse pad shelf which extends out from under the keyboard shelf Keyboard shelf height adjusts: 25″, 27″, 29″ Printer shelf height adjusts: 14″, 16″, 18″ Heavy-duty 1″ square tubular leg Beige Bretford Bretford Manufacturing, Inc EC4X-E4 EC4X-E4 Mini All-In-One Computer Cart Locking Wheels Notebook Stand Putty Steel www.bretford.com

Porter Case PCi Computer with Cart 22in. $314 The new injection molded PCi Standard Case with CART is engineered as a hard side rolling wheeled US airline carry-on luggage case that easily rolls down the aisle of an airplane and will fit under many seats and/or in overhead compartments. Type: Carry-On Color: Black/Gray Color Mapping: Black

Bretford EC4E Mini All-In-One Computer Cart with 2-outlet Electrical Unit $284.99 18″ 2 24″ 33″ 49.50 lb 6 Desktop Computer Laptop Computer Printer EC4E Mini All-In-One Computer Cart with 2-outlet Electrical Unit 2 x Outlet Electrical Unit with 20″ Power Cord Grounded UL and C-UL listed 2-outlet electrical assembly with 20 foot power cord and cord winder Keyboard and printer rest on roll-out and locking shelves (roll out 8″) Keyboard shelf height adjusts: 25″, 27″, 29″ Printer shelf height adjusts: 14″, 16″,18″ Heavy-duty 1″ square tubular leg Bretford Bretford Manufacturing, Inc EC4E EC4E Mini All-In-One Computer Cart with 2-outlet Electrical Unit Locking Wheels Projector Stand Putty Beige Steel www.bretford.com

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions 40-AMP Lithium Battery AC Computer Cart (1781127) $4675.99 High Efficiency AC Powered Computer Cart from Rubbermaid® with 40 AMP Lithium Ion Battery. Features 16 inch height adjustment, internal storage for small form CPU, fully adjustable keyboard tray, keyboard light. Rubbermaid® AC Powered Computer Carts are suited for users running an LCD monitor with smaller CPUs such as mini pc, thin clients, and notebook computers in closed position which can be housed under the work surface.

Bretford Basics NETBOOK32 Micro Computer Notebook Storage Cart $1466.99 1 1 / Carton 100% 154 lb 3 35% 35.50″ Width x 21.50″ Depth x 38″ Height 4 x 5″ – Swivel Basics NETBOOK32 Micro Computer Notebook Storage Cart 32-outlet UL Electrical System with Automatic Timer Resettable Combination Padlock Holds up to 32 netbook computers Top Shelf Dimension: 33″ W x 20-1/2″ D Middle Shelf Dimension: 33-1/2″ W x 19-1/2″ D Bottom Shelf Dimension: 33-1?2″ W x 21-1?2″ D Compartment Dimension: 4-3?16″ W x 15-1/2″ D x 13-1?2″ H Two interior shelves with eight vertical compartments per shelf, allowing for storage of up to 32 netbook computers. Stores and charges up to 32 netbook computers with 10″ screens. Rear Panel Allows access to the electrical. Perforated doors and rear and side panels allow ventilation of equipment when charging. Basics Basics NETBOOK32 Micro Computer Notebook Storage Cart Bretford Bretford Manufacturing, Inc GREENGUARD Laptop Cart NETBOOK32 NETBOOK32-D No Notebook Silver Steel US Yes www.bretford.com

Golf Cart Digital Photo Frame $44.95 Golf Cart Digital Photo Frame Download your favorite pictures from your computer onto the 1:18 scale golf cart and display them in a slide show with multiple options. A great price-point for this unique gift item. Dimensions 3″ x 4″ x 5.5″.

Bretford ECILS2-BK Compact Cart $157.99 18″ 2 24″ 40 lb 42″ 6 Overhead Projector Laptop Computer Printer Seated Heights: 25″, 27″ or 29″ Standing Heights: 33.5″, 35.5″ or 37.5″ Notebook Shelf: 16″w x 23.25″d, pulls out 13″ 4″ Quiet-Glide stem casters, two are locking, are each load rated for 115 lbs Heavy-duty 1″ square tubular legs with “W” bracket shelf design for maximum strength ECILS2-BK is ideal for presentations that use a data projector and notebook computer. Compact Cart is constructed of steel and rolls easily on casters. The notebook computer shelf can be set at three heights in the standing or seated position. A/V Equipment Stand Black Bretford Bretford Manufacturing, Inc ECILS2-BK ECILS2-BK Compact Cart Locking Wheels Steel www.bretford.com

Bretford ECILS2M-BK Mobile Projector Cart $197.99 18″ 24″ 42″ 43 lb Data Projector Notebook Computer Rolls easily on 4″ casters Notebook computer shelf can be set at standing or seated position at time of assembly Mobile Projector Cart is ideal for presentations. Black Bretford Bretford Manufacturing, Inc ECILS2M-BK ECILS2M-BK Mobile Projector Cart Projector Stand Steel www.bretford.com

Cart-Tek GRX-1200 Remote Control Cart $795 Cart-Tek GRX-1200 Remote Control Cart Cart-Tek Comparison Chart This new model for 2010 comes with upgrades like waterproof electronics housing, programmable functions, 2.4 GH remote transmission and 40Ah SLA battey. Program this caddy to your own specific course needs with four programmable speed settings, strength of turn settings and even electronic tracking features. Remote transmitter has rechargeable Lithium Ion battery that can be charged via USB on your computer or on board the caddy. Features Remote Control Functions Programmable speed, tracking and turning control. Full featured Mode Control Use in either Manual or Remote Control mode. Twin 180 Watt – High Torque motors Quick response and whisper quiet operation, 16 speeds forward reverse Single 12 Volt, 40 Ah SLA battery Power for 36 holes, even on hilly courses Frame folds flat for easy transport and storage Single release knob facilitates easy folding process Stabilizer wheel included Rear stabilizer wheel protects cart from tipping backwards No maintenance wheels Rubberized drive wheels for maximum performance Electronic tracking alignment Adjust left or right tracking via programmable remote control transmitter 4 Programmable speed settings Factory set or custom program 4 personal speed settings via the transmitter Dimensions Folded 25W x 32L x 9 12H Weight Chassis: 31 pounds, Total weight 59 pounds including battery

Bretford A2642NS-M5 Presentation Cart $230.99 1 18″ 2 24″ 4 43″ 50 lb 14″ D pull out notebook shelf Adjustable top shelf for heights of 27″ – 43″ Middle to bottom shelf: 15-1/2″ 5″ Casters 3-Outlet Electric 19″-20″ TV Laptop Computer A/V Equipment Stand A2642NS-M5 A2642NS-M5 Presentation Cart Black Bretford Bretford Manufacturing, Inc www.bretford.com

Bretford LECT1-RNGM Multipurpose Cart $426.99 106 lb 20″ 30″ 45″ 6 Overhead Projector Laptop Computer Projector shelf is left or right of the lectern platform and includes a non-slip rubber mat Grommet holes are included for management of computer and projector cords Bottom cabinet height clearance: 15.4375″h Middle cabinet height clearance: 7.96875″h Cabinet height clearance: 6″ Footprint: 15″w x 17.75″d Platform angle: 12.5º Bretford Bretford Manufacturing, Inc Gray LECT1-RNGM LECT1-RNGM Multipurpose Cart Locking Wheels Projector Stand Raven Black Steel Wheel www.bretford.com