Ask Slashdot: What's Your Take On Stand-Up Desks?

An anonymous reader writes "I work at a non-profit that doesn't have the resources to automatically bend to each and every whim. However, I've been told that I can't use a cardboard box to put my computer on, for OSHA and fire prevention reasons. So the choice is, sit down for nine hours each day or else get a standup desk to the tune of 500 bucks or more. Is this worth it? Can I make one myself? Anything to know before I get in deep?" There are lots of home-grown stand-up desks out there (search IKEA Hackers for "stand-up desk" if that's your aesthetic leaning), and some ready-made ones from plainish to very expensive. If you've used a stand-up desk, what are your thoughts?

Comments

My take?

[Krojack]

That I get tired of standing and want to sit down... That's my take.

They are nice for a workbench but not a computer desk unless you're always moving between several different stations. Stock Market stuff comes to mind.

In the end, sitting for 9 hours is bad but also standing for 9 hours is bad. Need to find that middle road and balance it out.

They have their uses....fans...foes...

[raydobbs]

...like anything else. People with certain back conditions find sitting for any length of time would probably relish the idea of being able to stand at work for the entire period - while others would find it akin to torture to stand for nine hours straight. Sitting puts pressure on the base of your spine, but standing on hard floors is pressure on your feet and knees. Six of one, half dozen of the other.

As long as your aren't FORCED to use a stand-up desk because someone figures they take up less space or that it prevents you from falling asleep at work; then they can be a good thing. If it's a half-baked idea at further cost effective micro-management bullshit - then count me out. And set that manager on fire. Now.

Are those really the only choices?

[QilessQi]

You said:

So the choice is, sit down for nine hours each day or else get a standup desk to the tune of 500 bucks or more.

Sorry, but what about just standing up to stretch and walk around every few minutes? I hack code at a traditional desk, but I'm certainly not chained to my chair. Walk around, go to the water cooler, talk to your peers, go outside for lunch. Even if you had a stand-up desk you should still move around a little.