Computer Desks and UPS's?

As the search for the perfect computer desk continues, singularity adds in another chapter: "I just bought a desk for my home computer. The problem that I have is that I have a dual monitor set-up, and I would like to be able to add on another computer to the set-up (laptop with full docking station with additional monitor). Most desks I have found tend to be set up exclusively for single monitor set-ups. The other two limitations were size and budget. As the desk was going to have to go into my (already crowded) bedroom, I did not want it to take over. In addition, I did not want to put down a grand on a computer desk. That is currently worth more than my main computer!" What solutions for multi-monitor desks have you found?

"I looked into Anthro Desks and Biomorph Desks and decided that they were out of my price range. I finally settled on Ikea's Jerker workstation (no picture available online that I have seen). Some of the things I like about it is that the height is adjustable (granted you have to take the desk apart to change that) and that I can add shelves on the side capable of holding up a 17" monitor.

I have had it a couple of weeks and like it, but wondered what solutions other people found.

In addition, what solution have Slashdot readers come up with for the hundreds of cables that currently reside under and behind computer desks everywhere?

I was also reading the article about quiet PCs and saw the reference to APC UPS's. I have been looking at them, and found that Tripp Lite UPS's tend to be cheaper and work better with the Mac OS. What experiences do Slashdot people have with different UPS's?"

Comments

same problem

[Snafoo]

I have a dual-monitor setup; I feel your pain. Although being able to put, say, Maple on one screen and Emacs on the other has done wonders for my workflow (at least, I *feel* more productive ;) I now have less room for those all-important back-of-the-envelope calculations.

Space-saving tips and tricks: Get rid of your speakers. Get wall- or ceiling-mounted lighting (preferably halogen track lighting; I don't care what you prefer, halogen track lighting's the best :P). Get an n-port KVM to handle your n-1 'other' computers, or run them headless if possible. (Neat point: When you switch computers w/ the KVM, only one monitor will change, so hook it up to your 'secondary' screen (google-search for it, man) because they have ridiculously small footprints. Get a trackball, or better yet one of those little 'mousing pads' (a la laptop); the latter is just amazing for workflow if you put it where you can get your thumb on it w/o leaving home row. Using the pointer becomes almost as efficient as the keyboard. ;) If you go for the trackball option or don't like 'thumbing' the pointer, then see if (like myself) you can comfortably type with the keyboard on your lap (the trick is to lean back and keep the board as close to your knees as possible). Finally, take one or both of your dual heads, a stud-finder (the sonic kind for walls, not some sort of attractive-male GPS locator), some screws, a plank of plywood and some 0.40$ L-supports, and put one/both of the monitors (the smaller one, preferably! Really important that the shelf can bear the load! Do not do this with a 30" monstrosity!) on your wall, and then fiddle your XF86Config to give you a 'tall/narrow' Xinerama rather than 'short/wide' (assuming that you left one monitor on the desk, as I have). Now go and install a cool windowmanager, like Oroborus, and decorate your monitors with whatever stickers/ornaments appeal to you. This makes the workspace *feel* more comfortable and therefore more spacious. Or something.

Then, get some moist towelettes for your friends to clean themselves up with after they've stopped drooling. ;)

Wall mount your monitors

[dattaway]

I picked up an attractive, modern looking wall mount bracket from the local furniture/appliance store. Its good enough for up to 27" televisions and holds my other large computer monitor well. The monitors can easily be swiveled in any angle with these mounts.

Mounting the monitors on the wall left my entire desk surface free for papers and books. With the remaining opening in the desk, I shoehorned in two a stout UPS unit with two marine batteries coupled by 6 guage wire. I also included recessed lighting under the desk. If the power ever goes out for a long time, I'll still have lights, room to work, and play on my computer for a day or two.

HomeDepot

[jmenezes]

While not what most people would think of as classy, I was in teh search for a desk that i could put in at least 2 computers, and maybe still have space for doing my paperwork in the middle...
I was even considering getting a somewhat cheap computer desk for around $200, which would definately crimp my wallet for a while.
But instead, i found the perfect solution, which gave me far more space then any desk that ive seen available...
a quick trip to home depot:
I picked up a 3/4" sheet of pine, 2x6 ft. for $25
Using 2 speakers i had lying around (from an old ent center i obtained, about 30" high) i put the table on top of them, gave it a nice coat of stain..
The result: a good, sturdy desk thats currently holding 2 comps, gives me space for 2 keyboards and associated mice on the table, and i still have a foot or 2 of paper/junk space in between.
all for $30, and less time then it would take to assemble one of the desks you get from most places.
Definately a good idea for the geek on a budget.
My next step, is to build some shelves onto it, to keep my books and assorted periperals..
estimated cost: another $20 or so.