You Asked for It
November 2001

"I like to stand at my workstation about half of the time and sit the other half. Do you know where I can get some products that can allow for the movement of my monitor/keyboard and mouse up and down depending on how I want it at the moment? I would ideally like to move my position a couple of times a day. I was at [a big box store] and they don't have anything I'm interested in. "
Louis Olson
Olson Marketing and Consulting Ltd.

In order to alternate sitting and standing, you have three choices: adjust both the keyboard and monitor independently; raise and lower the entire work surface; or change working heights depending on the task done.

Option 1
Depending on how tall you are, this may not even be an option. Because your hands and eyes elevate about 16" when you rise from a seated to a standing position (more if you are taller) you would need a keyboard tray and adjustable monitor stand that have the same range. You will find a suitable monitor stand at "Solutions...the furniture people" - they carry a product line called Ergonomic Accessories. If you are short, the Cobra keyboard tray may work for you. If you are tall, I don't recommend considering either aspects of this option, because you will end up reaching down to the keyboard and looking down to the monitor, both of which increase strain to the back and neck.

Option 2
For most people, raising and lowering the entire surface, although expensive, is the most effective method. The most common adjustable table has a pneumatic and counterbalanced system to make the table adjust with fingertip control. There are also crank and electric models depending on your abilities and pocketbook. Most major furniture companies (Impact, Solutions, RGO, Allwest) carry height adjustable tables. You will not find them at the big box stores. Expect to pay at least $1500 for a good one.

Option 3
If you have two distinct tasks (or two separate computers, for that matter), one activity could be done at desk level and the other done at standing level. For example, the computer work could be done in a seated position and the reading, writing and telephone work could be done standing. Or vice versa. Then it is a matter of selecting the correct working height for the two activities based on your stature and typing skills. A standing work station for writing / reading etc. could be fabricated by placing a lectern on the desk. For a standing computer table, you may be able to devise a system with wooden or plastic crates on the desk surface, or invest in a trestle desk from Ikea. If you have a fancy office, then it is easy to put up a standing surface by using panel hung systems furniture. If you are a touch typer, the desk surface should be about 2" below the level of your flexed elbow. If you use the hunt & peck method of typing, then the desk surface should be at just below elbow level so that you don't strain your neck looking down at the keys.

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