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DIY BMW Computer Chair

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the now-thats-a-hack dept.

vortimax writes "Roger Arrick has put up a web page describing his quest to build the ultimate computer chair. It's based on the powered passenger seat from a late-model BMW. Add a power supply, a frame with a working surface, and you've got one unique computer workstation." Nothing like automated lumbar support while you're gam^H^H^H working. Just good luck getting the parts on your own ;)

7 of 209 comments (clear)

  1. Re: Why a BMW seat? by corey_lawson · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Maybe because it's powered, but you can buy a Recaro racing bucket seat as a desk chair as well. Maybe it's because he can (marginally) do it cheaper than $3500.

  2. Here is a chair too, by Marvel+Man · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Here is another computer chair. Interstingly enough, the computet has a BMW logo on it. Atleast, I think it is. I don't read Korean nor can tell for sure if it says "BMW"

  3. He's got it all wrong. by Max+the+Merciless · · Score: 2, Interesting

    If you are going to have a chair like that you don't want to be cramped in a computer desk like you are disabled or something.

    A chair like that deserves a huge wall sized screen and voice activated controls.

    I'd place it in the middle of a room, take a seat and say things like:

    "main screen turn on" or
    "Make your time",
    "make it so",
    or even "Yes, we're gonna have to go right to.....ludicrous speed!"

    --
    * * Always question "the National Interest" - 9 times out of 10 it is a cover for evil
  4. already built a better one myself by spd_rcr · · Score: 3, Interesting

    here
    composite seat, gas shock, aircraft cables, & the seating position stolen from my favorite lazyboy

    --
    - tensions in our lives that are attacking our minds, unite themselves together to make our consciousness blind - op'ivy
  5. I prefer the Snowchash chair by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting
    I prefer the Snowchash chair, which
    integrates the chair, computer, and controls in a more
    mototcycle-like geometry.

    Still, it's cheaper to sit in an Aeron.

  6. the ultimate computer desk... by green+pizza · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Now this is what I consider to be a proper computer workstation...

    http://www.sara.nl/hpc.www/images/unite/unite.jpg

    Ok... so it's 1997 technology, but you get the idea.

    Plus it's cooler looking than SARA's current monster.

  7. Cost, Comfort, and Powered Desktop! by BigBlockMopar · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Now if I can justify the cost for the darn thing, itll be perfect. The ultimate computing machine

    Hey, that seat is a really good idea. However, it disturbs me that the guy didn't go all out and make a powered top, so that it slides into position when you sit down. A couple of power window motors would do that job very nicely.

    Even better, those Lincolns with the seat memory don't have magic seats. All that's needed is appropriate software, and an interface to the computer.

    Imagine it: Sit down. Log in. Immediately, the computer adjusts the seat and desktop position. Heated seats could be employed, which would warm your tender buttocks on those days when the air conditioner is just set a notch too high. Do your work, log off. Instantly, the desktop rolls back and the seat reclines to a position where egress is easy.

    Save money, too. Why bother with a regulated supply to run DC motors? The computer to seat control electronics could run off the computer's power supply. A bunch of relays would control the seat motors, desktop and heater. If they're just DC motors, use a car battery charger - they're cheaper and provide lots more current.

    Jeez. I gotta build me one of these. I've got a set of leather bucket seats from a 1971 Chrysler Imperial kicking around my garage, just begging for a home.(Well, the back seat has already made an excellent sofa in the basement den.)

    --
    Fire and Meat. Yummy.