Why I Backed StandDesk on Kickstarter

I have long been interested in getting away from the standard desk and chair setup when I’m working. I’ve read plenty about the dangers of too much sitting and, even though I am more active than most, there is a lot of room for improvement.

The idea of a treadmill desk intrigued me – and still does – but when I discovered StandDesk on Kickstarter, I was really excited because a healthier office setup was actually attainable. What is on the market doesn’t really match up. StandDesk checks every box for me.

Be Affordable

$1,000 (or more) just isn’t happening. StandDesk’s $399 base model (plus the $60 to $99 shipping charge) makes this desk a cost effective option for many people.

Work How I Work

I am not giving up my three monitors. Full stop. Many low cost standing desk solutions are devices that you prop on top of your existing desk. None of those can support three monitors.  StandDesk is wide enough (60 inches) and supports enough weight (up to 225 pounds) to do so.

Don’t Slow Me Down

It can’t disrupt me or waste my time. Standing too much is also bad. That means I’ll be switching multiple times per day. I want to hit a button and have it change to my preset height for standing. And then, when I want, it goes back to my preset for when I am seated. I don’t want to have to crank anything, lift anything, whatever. I don’t want to have to finagle with it to find the proper height again. I want it to remember.

StandDesk covers all of this. I opted for the $549 deluxe model because it has the memory options (it also comes with a cord management  tray). The ability to preset heights is huge to me because I want to find that perfect heights for sitting and standing and then never have to do it again. Even at that price, it’s cheaper than anything remotely similar.

You can back this project on Kickstarter through May 16 and the first wave of desks is estimated for delivery, in the U.S., in September. I cannot wait.

Patrick O'Keefe

Managing online communities since 2000, I publish a collective of websites known as the iFroggy Network. I wrote the book Managing Online Forums and, as a public speaker, have presented for organizations like CNN, institutions like Australian National University and conferences like SXSW. More about me.

2 Comments

Brandon Eley

about 9 years ago

I've been really considering backing this project, but I'm not sure it would do that much good having a standing desk at home when I spend most of my day at the office. Maybe I could use that as an excuse to work from home a few days a week :)

Reply

Patrick O'Keefe

about 9 years ago

I know you have those uniform desks at work, but if you can, I'd consider trying switching it out for this, even at your own expense. If you stand half of your day and it works for you, from what I've read, the health benefits will be well worth it for the $500-$700 you'll spend on this desk. The StandDesk people have linked to this research: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0055542. Conclusion: "One hour of daily physical exercise cannot compensate the negative effects of inactivity on insulin level and plasma lipids if the rest of the day is spent sitting. Reducing inactivity by increasing the time spent walking/standing is more effective than one hour of physical exercise, when energy expenditure is kept constant." If it ends up not being usable at work, you can always use it at home or at 2BigFeet - wherever you might be able to spend more time. But I'd try it at the office if you can manage it. We can do it together! :)

Reply

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