Work Gear Review- The Ergotron WorkFit Sit-Stand Desk

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I have a bad back, and when it goes out I have a very difficult time sitting for extended period. This can be more than a slight problem in light of the fact that, between my work as a rabbi and my work on the site, I do so much writing. At times I’ve ended up placing my keyboard on a box and typing … and that way works, but it’s not the best solution.

That is the reason I was thrilled when Ergotron reached out to me and asked if I might be interested in reviewing one of their standing desks. To be honest, the review unit they sent isn’t exactly a standing desk. No, the Ergotron WorkFit Sit-Stand allows you to either stand or sit and to move from one position to the other within about 3 seconds. Let’s take a closer look.

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From the Company:

Transform any surface into a personalized sit-stand work area. Get affordable ergonomics!
Stay energized, healthy and productive while you compute—change from a sitting to a standing position whenever you want. This height-adjustable workstation moves your keyboard and display in one simple motion, making computing comfortable for prolonged periods.

The company explains the benefits of such a computer set up for end-users in this way…

Improve your energy and productivity by standing or sitting as you work, and then switch positions whenever you choose. This work style encourages healthy movement throughout the day

Counterbalanced adjustment points allow instantaneous, tool-free re-positioning while you work!

Promote fitness and comfort as you compute, reducing potential back and neck pain by adding movement into your work routine in a truly ergonomic workstation

Easily and simultaneously lift keyboard, laptop and LCD screen to proper height for unsurpassed ergonomic comfort
Patented Constant Force lift technology provides fluid, one-touch adjustments of the keyboard and monitor positions for personalized computing

Simply combine your laptop with an LCD display, separate keyboard and mouse to create a healthy and productive dual-display configuration

Burn more calories by choosing to stand for periods of your work-day; periodic standing also promotes greater bone density and better sleep at night. WorkFit-S counteracts an increasingly sedentary workstyle

They also explain the benefits for IT and Facilities Staff, as well as for HR/Risk Management on this page in the Web site.

The company offers a number of different setups of the Sit-Stand so that you can find one that best works with your computing approach. The key systems they offer are…

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The WorkFit-S, Single LD Sit-Stand Workstation which is designed for a keyboard and a single monitor.

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The WorkFit-S, Dual Sit-Stand Workstation which is designed to handle two monitors at the same time.

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And the WorkFit-S, LCD & Laptop Sit-Stand Workstation which is designed for a laptop, monitor and a keyboard. Ergotron sent me that LCD and Laptop Sit-Stand Workstation and I’m finding it quite useful. Here are the specs…

Includes height-adjustment column, desk clamp, crossbar, LCD pivot, laptop tray, keyboard tray with left/right mouse tray

Weight Capacity: Maximum load on height-adjustment assembly = 31 lbs (14 kg). LCD weight = 6–16 lbs (2.7–7.2 kg), laptop = 6–10 lbs (2.7–4.5 kg), combined weight of LCD/laptop = 12–26 lbs (5.5–11.8 kg)

Use laptop with a separate, external keyboard for proper ergonomics

Lift Range: LCD and keyboard adjust 18″ (46 cm) in tandem; LCD and laptop adjust 5″ (13 cm) independently; maximum LCD/laptop height adjustment = 23″ (58 cm)

Desk Clamp attaches to surface edge .4″ to 2.4″ (1 to 6 cm) thick

Ergonomic back-tilt keyboard tray ensures wrists remain in a neutral position during data entry—avoid repetitive-stress injuries while increasing comfort and productivity

Keyboard tray includes mouse tray that installs on left or right

Durable, easy-to-clean exterior composed of aluminium, high-grade plastic and powder coated painted steel

Mounting Standards: VESA FDMI MIS-D, 100/75, C (hole pattern: 100 x 100 mm & 75 x 75 mm)

Patented Constant Force (CF) lift-and-pivot motion technology

Shipping Dimensions: 8″H x 23″W x 44″D (20 x 58 x 115 cm)

Shipping Weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)

Warranty: Five (5) years

Be warned, the box that comes when you order this device is big and it’s heavy. If you’re ordering one of these because you have a bad back, then you’re going to want help bringing the box inside and unpacking it. Trust me, I know, because I tried to schlep it into my house on my own, and I didn’t do myself any favors in the process.

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As you might expect, the unit needs to be put together. Fortunately there aren’t lots and lots of small pieces and the instructions are quite clear. In fact you don’t really need to read the instructions. Rather, just by looking at the pictures you can quickly figure out what needs to go where. I had the unit together in about 15 min. and was ready to place it on my desk and start using it.

Seriously, the above chart looks complicated but after studying it for only few minutes the setup was clear and simple.

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At first I was wondering how stable it would be in light of the fact that it just sits on top of the desk with a U shape opening slipping over the front of the desk. I quickly discovered that is incredibly well designed and, when it is in place, is remarkably stable. I’m surprised at how stable it really is… and that just reflects how well designed this is.

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Unfortunately the unit is not able to accommodate the weight of a 27 inch iMac so I got one that will allow me to use my MacBook, an additional screen, and a keyboard instead. It’s actually where my MacBook now lives because it is so convenient and allows me to have the 13 inch MacBook screen and a 20 inch Dell monitor I had lying around right next to each other.

It works great for this setup. The monitor is on the right, the notebook is on the left and, if I want it, a keyboard is in the middle. The way I have been using the system has not required the use of a separate keyboard but I am glad to know I have the option is I so choose.

The slide built into the Sit-Stand is already counterbalanced in such a manner that, once the monitor and notebook are on it, it holds position easily. If needed you can adjust the counterbalance with a small wrench but I have not found it to be necessary.

In order to give a good sense of the unit, its size and its utility I made a quick video. Hopefully this shows just how useful this device is.

So do I like this? YES! If I had not been sent a review unit would I be buying one? YES again. Having the option to work either sitting or standing and to quickly move between the two is great. Having a unit as well-built and stable as this is even better. I am VERY impressed with this piece of work gear. VERY!

The WorkFit Sit-Stand is available directly from Ergotron.

MSRP: $379 or $399 depending on configuration

What I Like: Gives total flexibility for working either sitting OR standing; adjusts in seconds; amazingly well-made; durable; well-conceived and executed; will clearly endure years of use

What Needs Improvement: Takes time to adjust to having the extra bulk on the deck; not inexpensive… but what is a saved back worth??

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.

8 Comments on "Work Gear Review- The Ergotron WorkFit Sit-Stand Desk"

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  7. RT @GearDiarySite: Work Gear Review- The Ergotron WorkFit Sit-Stand Desk http://goo.gl/fb/B6AQG

  8. hey dan, appreciate the review and especially useful video.

    quick question – do you think the Workfit-S that you have (with the laptop stand) could support a 24″ monitor?

    Thanks!

    Kareem

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