Upon my Dr.'s suggestion (due to a hip issue), I researched how to reduce 12-13 hours of sitting per day. Due to a limited budget, and inability to perform a full-on redesign of my desk, I found VARIDESK.
I was tentative investing over $400 on a "desk riser". After looking through my options, VARIDESK was the only product to fit my needs. I wanted a solution that could be placed atop my existing desk without modification or installation. It needed to hold 2 heavy monitors and the keyboard/mouse needed to be lower than the monitors (for typing ergonomics).
Despite the price tag, I decided to order VARIDESK (it fit my requirements). The unit was well packed and came with simple instructions. Unpack, then place on desk. Use small levers on left and right side to raise/lower. Doesn't get any simpler than that!
I was standing in less than 10 minutes (after shifting wires and re-configuring my desktop). The operation of the riser is awesome. Smooth as silk and lighter than expected. With the weight of my monitors and everything else on the unit, I was expecting a heavy load while raising. However, the lever mechanics helps reduce weight, making the raising and lowering easy. I've had a full glass of water on top while raising and lowering and not a drop has spilled!
The unit is surprisingly heavy and sturdy. It's simple construction, but gets the job done perfectly. It's worth every penny of the $400 plus price, and I'll be purchasing one for each of my team.
Pros:
- Shipped completely assembled - you pull it out of the box, and it's ready to go
- Very well built and sturdy enough to hold 2 heavy 19" monitors, keyboard, mouse, cellphone, business card holder, glass of water, and my occasion leaning on it. It's not wobbly and it's roomy (could fit more stuff on it)
- It's easy to lift and lower as needed throughout the day (smooth operation)
- Rubber pads on bottom of unit to protect desk
- Easy to relocate (to another office or desk)
- While you can't adjust the keyboard/mouse tray, I haven't had the need to. Worse case scenario, you could adjust the height of your monitors and raise/lower the unit for ergonomic typing
Cons:
- The unit does go up and forward; make sure you have long enough wires for monitors and peripherals
- There is noise when raising and lowering, although not overly disruptive (the springs and levers click into place)
Recommendations:
- Measure your current workspace (desk and cabinets) to make sure this unit will fit (width and height) fully extended and contracted
- Be prepared to swap cables/wires if yours don't reach while it's fully extended
- Order a foot pad; it will save your feet/legs!
- Work your way into standing - try 30 minutes standing, 30 minutes sitting and switch on/off throughout the day increasing intervals
All said and done, this is a great product that will last many years (probably a lifetime). The health benefits of standing far outweigh the cost of purchase and is significantly less than a full-on raising desk. Buy this for your improved health-you'll be happy you did.
| Finish Type | Laminated |
|---|---|
| Shape | Rectangle |
| Base Type | Leg |
| Assembly Required | Yes |
| Manufacturer | Vari |
| UPC | 086786499658 813866020040 |
| Item Weight | 52 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 36 x 29.75 x 4.5 inches |
| Item model number | 49965 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Material Type | White |
| Size | Pro Plus 36 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 49965 |
