****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
My son, who owns a software design company, has Varidesks for all his employees and because I have chronic lower-back pain, he suggested I get one for myself. As a home-based writer, I sometimes spend 8-9 hours a day sitting in front of my PC, and being able to alternate between standing and sitting is a big improvement in my quality of life. My back feels MUCH better. But the Varidesk was expensive, so I looked for lower-cost alternatives. I'm glad I did, because the Rocelco ADR Adjustable Sit/Stand desk is absolutely perfect and cost half of what I would have paid for a Varidesk model.One of the problems with Varidesk is that the lower-cost models can only support 35 pounds. I have a Dell XPS 27, which is a screen and computer all in one, and that weighs 35 pounds all by itself. Add keyboard, mouse and a few other desk essentials, and I'm over the limit. To get a Varidesk model that can support as much as 45 pounds, you'll pay $500.This Rocelco ADR Adjustable desk can support 50 pounds, cost only about $250, and is extremely well-made. Yes, the platforms for the PC and keyboard are pressed board, but it's solid, and the rest of the unit-- the base and weight-bearing supports -- are steel. One big plus: no assembly required. Take it out of the box, put it on your existing desk, and you're done. And it comes in very sturdy packing.I thought the only drawback to the Rocelco desk was that the keyboard tray was recessed too far underneath the top platform, making it hard for me to see the top row of function keys -- then I realized that the keyboard tray is retractable. I just slid it out, and now this setup is has no drawbacks at all. It's perfect.I was worried that the Rocelco would be hard to lift and drop down because of my 35-pound PC, but the steel gas springs make it easier than I thought. The only thing that takes a little learning-curve is how it locks in place. This can be set at four different heights, and when I'm standing (I'm 5-foot-10), I use it in the second-highest position. To get there, I lift the Rocelco desk all the way to the top position (where it will stay even without being locked). Then I reach my hands around each side, resting my arms on the top platform, while putting a thumb on each of the sliding lock rings on either side. Applying downward weight with my arms, I ease the desk downward while gently pushing down on the lock-ring knobs. When it reaches one of the pre-set height stops, I feel the lock slide into place. Then I double-check to make sure each side is properly locked (the word "locked" will be in the middle of the lock ring).That sounds more complicated than it is. Once you know how it's done, you can do it in seconds. And you can drop it all the way down in 2 seconds, with the gas springs easing it downwards.A sit/stand desk may sound like a luxury, but if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer, or you have back issues, you'll find this a godsend. In fact, I'd recommend it for any healthy person who doesn't want to ever develop back issues.
