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The ergonomic desk and related computer desk are furniture pieces designed to comfortably and aesthetically provide a working surface and house or conceal office equipment including computers, peripherals and cabling for office and home-office users.
Ergonomic desk
The ergonomic desk is a modern desk form which, like the adjustable drawing table or drafting table, offers mechanical adjustments for the placement of its elements in order to maximize user comfort and efficiency. The ergonomic desk is usually a "stand-alone" piece of furniture allowing access to the adjustment mechanisms. Some ergonomic desks have a sufficiently large desktop height adjustment to create either a "sit-down" desk or a standing desk, which allows the user to work while standing. The ergonomic desk is usually a close companion to the ergonomic chair.
The ergonomic desk originated with the beginning of the field of human factors or ergonomics after World War II. Legislation stating minimal requirements for furniture used by office workers referred to ergonomic desk standards.
Computer desk
The most common form of the computer desk is a variant of the ergonomic desk, having an adjustable keyboard tray and sufficient desktop space for handwriting. Provisions for a monitor shelf and holes for routing cables are integrated in the design, making it easier to connect the computer components together. Space is provided for a keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer and speakers. The typical armoire desk is usually sold with these features and better cubicle desk designs include holes, trays and shelves for computer systems.
There is a seemingly endless variety of computer desk shapes and forms. Large multi-student computer desks configured in rows are designed to house dozens of computer systems in novel ways while also facilitating wiring, general maintenance, theft prevention and vandalism reduction. Small rolling lectern desks or computer carts with tiny desktops provide just enough room for a laptop computer and a mouse pad. Computer desks are typically mass-produced and require some self-assembly. Local crafts persons can build desks to order or produce unique designs.
The computer itself is normally separate from the desk. The desk is designed generically to hold a typically sized computer, monitor and accessories. Cabling must be carefully routed through the channels and access openings provided by the desk design. A few computers are built within a desk made specially for them, like the British iDesk. The computer is not removable and cannot be separated from the desk. Office of the future proposed other integrated designs.
A rolling computer table configuration offers mobility and improved access in situations where a desk is not convenient. Gyratory computer tables can be used over a bed. Modular computer tables separate user interface elements from the computing and network connection, allowing more placement flexibility. The modules are connected via wireless technology.
See also
"Computer desk"