This is the time of year when I do more writing than any other. In addition to my normal sermons and Gear Diary reviews, this is the time of year when I have to write my high holy day sermons. That’s where something like the amazing Ergotron WorkFit-T, Sit-Stand Desktop Workstation comes in more than a bit handy.
My preferred laptop mode.
I have reviewed other products from Ergotron previously allowed me to do my writing while sitting or standing. I reviewed the Ergotron Workout Sit-Stand desk (read the review) and then reviewed the Ergotron Workout P Sit-Stand Workstation for Apple (read the review) and liked them both. Those products were amazing but each clamped onto your desk and required a certain type of desk in order to work their magic. In addition, because they clamped onto the desk they took up extra space, were a bit on the bulky side, and were more than a bit awkward. This is a product offers all of the amazing features I’ve come to appreciate from the company that takes an entirely different approach. Rather than clamping onto your desk this product sits on top of and becomes your new work surface. It’s a large product that can, at least initially, be a bit overwhelming, but as I’ve been using it for the past few weeks I’ve come to appreciate many of its features and I’m actually considering purchasing a second one for use in my work office. (The review product is here at home and I’m using it to write this review.)
This is one solid product.
Basically, this is a desktop that sits atop her desk and has been waiting on either side of the upper portion.
Side “wing” that, when both are lifted simultaneously, allows you to adjust the height.
When both of the wings are squeezed upward and close simultaneously latching mechanism is free and you’re able to move the desktop portion higher or lower. As soon as you release the wings, the desktop locks in place at the height you selected and gives you a solid workstation.
At lowest, “sit in a chair and get work done” setting.
That means that when the desk is lowered as far as it goes you still have the ability to sit in an office chair and get your work done. It also means that you can raise or lower the desk to whatever height best serves you.
At full “Dan-height”
I’m 6’1” tall so I tend to raise the desk as high as it possibly can go. Someone who is a bit more vertically challenged can choose a different kind height and have both their keyboard and monitor in the proper position while they stand at their computer.
Using the laptop in “desktop mode” with an external monitor, keyboard and mouse.
This is by no means a small product. It is 35″ x 25″ and fits on desk surfaces 24″ deep or larger. It also weighs a whopping 49 pounds. The keyboard tray is 25″ x 9″ and they recommended a maximum keyboard width 18”. Ergotron recommends using up to a 30” display.
It is also worth noting that the keyboard moves in tandem with the work-surface and is positioned 4.5″ below work-surface. This is done in order to, “maintain ergonomic spacing between screen height and keyboard.”
The Sit-Stand desk with the optional monitor mount.
And while the display/s can be placed directly on the work-surface you can also get a monitor mount kits to integrate displays into system for an addition cost.
The company explains the product this way:
Presenting an ultra easy standing desk solution, which quickly converts a tabletop into a healthy sit-stand workstation. Simply place the WorkFit-T on an open surface and you’re ready to work! WorkFit-T saves space because it moves straight up and down, always staying within the footprint of your desktop. The platform is extremely stable throughout its range of motion one can freely lean on it while working without worry of tip or height-drop.
Features and Benefits:
- Sits directly on top of a desk no special mounting or adjustments required for installation
- Sit-stand with 15″” of vertical adjustment
- Instantly move to sit or stand as you work
- Simple release hand brake on either side of unit to position to a standing desk
I love the fact that the Sit-Stand Desktop Workstation ships fully assembled. Yes, it is heavy, but once you pull it out of the box and position it directly on top of your desk you are good to go. No special mounting or tool-adjustments are required for installation. so literally takes just about 30 seconds and, once you position your gear where you want it, you are good to go.
It:
- Provides 15 inches (38 cm) of vertical adjustment
- Instantly move to sit or stand as you work: Simply release hand-brake levers on either side of unit to position the surface higher or lower
- Has no cranks or motors that need to be engage. The counterbalancing mechanism uses CF technology to facilitate quick height adjustment
- Is extremely stable and solid platform
- Has a space-saving design does not protrude beyond tabletop
- Is tested and guaranteed: Full 5-year warranty!
I called the product out of its box, place it on my desk, and, within minutes was working on it. I love how stable a surface it provides. I love the ease with which I can move from a sitting to a standing position. And I can’t imagine not having it here in my home workplace now. I like it so much that, as previously mentioned, I am seriously considering investing in one for my work office. That says a lot considering the fact that the Ergotron WorkFit-T, Sit-Stand Desktop Workstation is currently $460 at Staples. You can learn more and order yours here.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample of the Ergotron WorkFit-T, Sit-Stand Desktop Workstation
What I Like: Creates a stable base for your computer setup; Easily adjusts from a sitting to a standing position; Doesn’t require complicated setup; Sits atop any stable surface
What Needs Improvement: This is a pricey proposition… but worth the cost