Meeting Pearls 1/Meeting Pearls Vol 1 (1994).iso/installed_progs/text/faqs/typing-injury-faq.furniture

Internet Message Format | 1994-03-20 | 17.1 KB

Subject: FAQ: Typing Injuries (5/5): Furniture Information [monthly posting]
Newsgroups: sci.med,sci.med.occupational,comp.human-factors,comp.answers,sci.answers,news.answers
From: Dan Wallach <[e-mail]>
Date: Sat, 19 Mar 1994 00:02:09 GMT

Archive-name: typing-injury-faq/furniture
Version: @(#)computer_furniture    1.3 94/01/07 11:27:30

Prologue
--------

This FAQ may be cited as:

 Baker, Carl P.  (1994) "Typing Injury FAQ: Furniture Information" Usenet
 news.answers.  Available via anonymous ftp from rtfm.mit.edu in
 pub/usenet/news.answers/typing-injury-faq/furniture.  5 pages.

World-Wide-Web users will find this available as hypertext:
 http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/typing-injury-faq/top.html

(Dan Wallach's page) http://www.cs.princeton.edu/grad/Dan_Wallach/top.html

This FAQ is actually maintained by Carl P Baker <[e-mail]>.
I post it, along with the other FAQ stuff.  If you have questions, you want
to send mail to Carl, not me.  -- Dan


Rumors and calls for information
--------------------------------

We've heard rumor of a furniture system called the "Forminco Power
Center," but haven't found them anywhere in our limited search.  If
anyone can get us contact information, we can add it to the list.

We've also had some interest in furniture for the disabled (or whatever
the current PC term is for people other than us TABs [Temporarily
Able Bodied]).  If anyone is aware of furniture designed for non-TABs
or has had any luck using or modifying any commercially available
furniture or knows about any companies who manufacture equipment
for non-TABs that could be persuaded to develop something, please
let me know.


Furniture Information
---------------------

OK, what we have here is a list of all the manufacturers of computer type
office furniture that I know of.  The style of furniture and any known
dimensions are listed together with the addresses of the manufacturer (if
known) and any known suppliers.  Also, I'll make a rough stab at what it
would cost to equip me with appropriate tableage for each manufacturer.

DISCLAIMER: I have no interest, financial or otherwise an any supplier
listed in this FAQ.  I have not (at this point) done business with any
of these suppliers and have no information about their trustworthiness,
reliability, or ability to deliver the products they claim to sell.

For this purpose, you should know what equipment I'm using.  I've got
a sun Sparcstation (Pizza box) with a 19 inch monitor (HUGE, 90 lbs), and
external (shoebox) hard disk, tape drive, and CD units.  All of this
equipment is set on a 30 inch be 60 inch table that is 30 inches high.
I'm using the table "sideways,~ meaning that I sit at the head of the table
with the keyboard in front of me, the monitor and pizza box behind the
keyboard, and way down at the other end of the table, I have the shoebox
units.

I'd like to have a table which was about 27 inches high with an adjustable
keyboard and mouse shelf.  The table should be at least 36 inches deep (or
face into a corner), and it needs to be wide enough that I can have
papers and such on either side of the keyboard.  It would be nice to be able
to put the shoebox equipment on a shelf or some such _under_ the table top
(to preserve table space and reduce noise).

First, some comments on "good" computer furniture.  Generally, it is accepted
that keyboard heights should be in the range of 26.5 to 29 inches.  This
means that whatever you have, it's too high.  Many computer tables have some
sort of shelf, stand, or table which raises the monitor.  I think that this
is a real mistake, as you end up hunched forward with your neck tilted back
in order to see the screen.  This is particularly painful if you wear
bifocals (I'm told).  Virtually all modern monitors offer some kind of tilt
and swivel, so for the furniture to provide this functionality is usually
redundant and silly.

Many computers (such as mine) require a vast amount of table depth - I'm using
about 44 inches.  One solution to this problem to to design a "corner" type
workstation which is designed to be placed facing into a corner with the
users back to the room.  This is a convenient way to create the required
depth, and work tables can be placed on either side of the corner unit
for a great deal of usable work area.  However, you can't see anyone come
into your office (your back is to the door), and I would expect that there
would be a possibility of severe glare problems (it's hard to move the screen
around to get rid of glare).

The furniture, sources, and my comments
---------------------------------------

1) Bretford Mobile workstations

  These are basically a set of tubular frames carts on casters.  Most of these
  place the monitor on a shelf above the keyboard surface.  The only one that
  doesn't is basically a desk on wheels except that it is only 24 inches deep.
  It is, however 26.5 inches high.  Prices run from $223 to $370.

  Known supplier:

  Husk office furniture and supplies
  327 W Clark
  PO Box 886
  Pasco, WA 99301
  547-7593



2) Communicore CAD system

  This is a "corner" type workstation - designed to be placed facing into a
  corner with the users back to the room.  All units are 26.5 inches high and
  the extension tables are 30 inches deep.  The workstation extension tables
  have an under-table storage shelf.  Basically, you have the corner unit,
  the "plain" extension table, and the "tilting" extension table (useful
  for working from prints or other large paper).  Additionally, there is
  something called a "workstation" which is neither shown in the picture
  that I have, nor described in the text.  Prices run from $225 for a
  36w x 30d x 26.5h "workstation" (also available in 60w for $304) to $345
  for the 66w x 52d x 26.5h corner workstation.  A basic setup (corner
  workstation, layout table and extension) would run about $900.  The flaws
  with this are in the area of accessories - no drawer space, and no over
  work-surface shelf space (for manuals, not monitors).

  Known supplier:

  ComputerVision
  400 Horsham Road
  Horsham, PA 19044
  1-800-786-2231



3) Ergotron

  This is a line of "ergonomic" workstations and "dense pack" racks for network
  installations.  Basically, you buy a frame which can be fitted with legs,
  legs with casters, or attached to the wall.  The top of this frame is about
  70-78 inches above the floor; near the top is an adjustable shelf.  To the
  bottom of the shelf is attached a "truck" which holds the monitor, allowing
  for the monitor to slide from side to side, tilt, or swivel.  A "swing-arm"
  version of the monitor truck is available as well; this allows the monitor to
  be repositioned more freely.  The frame can be fitted with a work surface
  (to which a keyboard holder can be attached) or with a digitizer support
  frame.  Keyboard trays are also available to fit directly to the monitor
  suspension truck.  No undertable storage is provided, although there is a
  CPU caddy which attaches to the side of the unit.  Side tables, pencil boxes,
  and print holders are also available.  Frame prices run from $160 (for a
  wall mount unit) to $300 for a freestanding unit.  Shelves run $250;
  monitor suspension from $200 to $425, and legs from $78 to $800.  Keyboard
  trays can run as high as $300, and CPU holders from $100 to $250.

  Known supplier:
  Ergotron
  3450 Yankee Drive, Ste. 100
  Eagan, MN 55121
  1-800-888-8458


4) Hon computer furniture (66000 series)

  This is essentially a set of tables which match one another.  Under table
  storage is limited to a center pencil drawer or a center keyboard drawer,
  either of which can be mounted to the task desk (which has no keyboard
  shelf).  Cable management is provided.  The keyboard shelf is a cutout/
  dropdown; it's not clear if it is adjustable.  My guess is not.  The
  following table types are available:

  Table with center keyboard shelf (30 deep by 36 or 48 wide)
  Table with right or left keyboard shelf (30 deep by 60 wide)
  Task desk (30 by 60)
  Printer Stand (36w x 30d x 26.5h) with paper feed slot.
  Return (42w x 20d x 26.5h) freestanding.

  Cost is from $300 for the Typing Return to $500 for the table with keyboard
  shelf.

  Known supplier:

  Husk office furniture and supplies
  327 W Clark
  PO Box 886
  Pasco, WA 99301
  547-7593


5) Image Setter Workstation

  This is a pretty complete modular workstation.  It includes tables
  with and without keyboard cutouts, tilting tables, tilting light
  tables, corner units, keyboard trays, CPU racks, mobile files,
  drawers, and overhead storage.  They also have connector parts
  that allow two tables to be connected together in a corner
  to form a corner workstation.

  Known supplier:

  Foster Manufacturing Company
  414 North 13th Street
  Philadelphia, PA 19108-1001
  1-800-523-4855
  Fax: [phone]


6) Mayline/Hamilton

  There are two lines of furniture from Mayline/Hamilton:
  The Creativity Corner line is similar to the Communicore cad system.  The
  table height for this system is not listed in my catalog.  There is a corner
  unit with under table storage and a "reference desk" with under table storage.
  The adjustable table seems to be adjustable for height, and it looks as if
  the reference desk top can be tilted.  The adjustable table has no under
  table storage.  There are drawer (pencil and storage) and shelf (hutch)
  accessories for the reference table and a corner shelf (for the monitor -
  yuck) for the corner unit.  Costs run from $256 for a 36w x 30d reference
  desk to $512 for the tilt top adjustable table.  Hutches are about $200,
  corner shelf $118, two drawer unit $215, keyboard/pencil drawer $91.
  A basic setup (Adjustable table, reference table, and corner unit) would
  run $1150; with pencil drawer, storage drawer and hutch it would run $1650.

  The CADCorner units from Mayline Hamilton are similar to the creativity
  corner units.  All units are 29 inches high (too high!!), but they come in
  both 30 inch and 36 inch depths.  No under table shelf space is provided,
  but a two drawer storage unit can be got for $336.  Rather than a full
  hutch, a bookshelf is available (8h x 12d).  A 20 inch wide keyboard
  drawer is available (where am I to put my mouse?), as is a two drawer
  storage unit.  Prices range from $400 for a basic 36w x 30d x 29h desk
  to $760 for the 36d corner unit.  A setup with the 36d corner unit,
  a 36w desk, a 60w desk, a bookshelf, a two drawer storage unit and
  a keyboard drawer runs about $2200.

  Known supplier:

  ComputerVision
  400 Horsham Road
  Horsham, PA 19044
  1-800-786-2231


7) Tiffany Office Furniture

  This is a line of stands and carts; there is a basic workstation cart (mobile
  bilevel table) for about $450 and a more elaborate but smaller cart (less
  available workspace for $400.  The smaller cart has space under it for a
  printer.  The stands consist of towers on pedestals with casters;  The monitor
  sits on a stand atop the tower, the keyboard on a tray clamped to the tower
  and the cpu unit on a bracket at the base.

  Tiffany also makes a line of terminal stands; these are simply small tables
  on pedestals with casters.  Prices range from $200 for a simple table to
  $320 for a very adjustable table.  Larger units are available too.

  The smaller cart may work for what I need if the keyboard tray will adjust
  out from the table far enough; the keyboard tray is a little too narrow
  for my keyboard and mouse together (stupid optical mice!  The only thing
  worse is a mechanical mouse; think I'll get a trackball).  There is no
  workspace on this thing, but I could put it right next to a table.

  Known supplier:

  Husk office furniture and supplies
  327 W Clark
  PO Box 886
  Pasco, WA 99301
  547-7593


8) Ultra View, Ultra View Plus, and Ergo Pro workstations

  In overall appearance, these units are similar to many "particle board
  covered with vinyl veneer" type computer workstations.  However, these
  have the computer monitor on a recessed tilted shelf, so the monitor is
  angled up toward the operator.  Unfortunately, they'll only handle
  monitors as large as 14"h 24"w 21"d.

  Known suppliers:

  MISCO
  One Misco Plaza
  Holmdel, NJ 07733
  1-800-876-4726
  Fax: [phone]

  Global Computer Supplies
  2318 East Del Amo Blvd.
  Dept 51
  Compton, CA 90220
  1-800-8global
  1-800-845-6225


9) VariTask Workcenter

  This is a fully adjustable two surface workstation.  The keyboard surface is
  24d x 48w or 30d x 48w; the monitor surface is 18d x 48w.  The two surfaces
  can be tilted and elevated independently; adjustment range is 27.5 to 42.5h
  for the monitor table and 26h to 41h for the keyboard surface.  Price runs
  from $2915 to $4052, depending on which of the lift and tilt operations
  are manual vs electrical and depending on table size.

  Known supplier:

  ComputerVision
  400 Horsham Road
  Horsham, PA 19044
  1-800-786-2231


10) WorkManager System

  This is a line of tables, corner units, dividers and accessories which can
  be configured in a number of different ways - corner units, clustered
  workstations, lab workstations, etc.  They have a clean, futuristic look
  to them that I like; others may not.  No undertable storage is provided
  except on the printer stand; roll-under type storage units and undertable
  brackets for CPU's are available.  No table heights are given in my
  descriptions.  There are corner units with keyboard shelves (where am I
  supposed to put my mouse?), tables 34, 48, and 60 inches wide, a tilt top
  table, printer stand, and laser printer stand with supplies storage.  Prices
  run about $300 to $350 per desk or corner unit; printer stand is $200,
  underdesk file cabinet is $200.

  Known supplier:

  ComputerVision
  400 Horsham Road
  Horsham, PA 19044
  1-800-786-2231

  MISCO
  One Misco Plaza
  Holmdel, NJ 07733
  1-800-876-4726
  Fax: [phone]


Suppliers in this FAQ and the products they carry
-------------------------------------------------

1) Husk office furniture and supplies

  327 W Clark
  PO Box 886
  Pasco, WA 99301
  547-7593

  Carries the Bretford, Hon and Tiffany lines of furniture


2) ComputerVision

  400 Horsham Road
  Horsham, PA 19044
  1-800-786-2231

  ComputerVision carries the following furniture: Communicore CAD system;
  CADCorner units from Mayline Hamilton; VariTask Workcenter; WorkManager
  System;

  ComputerVision also markets a line of carts of varying descriptions; some
  are basically traditional raised monitor computer carts, but one has the
  monitor dropped down inside the cart and tilted toward the user.  This cart
  has a wing for the mouse pad and under table CPU storage.  Runs about $300.

  Other accessories are available from ComputerVision as well, such as an
  adjustable monitor stand (swingarm), tilt swivel base for the monitor, and
  copy holders.


3) Ergotron

  3450 Yankee Drive, Ste. 100
  Eagan, MN 55121
  1-800-888-8458

  Ergotron is a direct marketer of their own rack style computer furniture.



4) MISCO

  One Misco Plaza
  Holmdel, NJ 07733
  1-800-876-4726
  Fax: [phone]

  MISCO carries a wide variety of computer supplies as well as printer stands,
  mobile workstations, secure workstations, ergonomic workstations, chairs,
  modular workstations and the Work Manager system from MicroComputer Accessories.
  Among the chairs the MISCO has are a nice looking adjustable "posture chair."
  I always called this type of chair a "back chair."  It has no back, and supports
  the user at the knee and buttocks in a "tilted forward" position.


5) Global Computer Supplies

  2318 East Del Amo Blvd.
  Dept 51
  Compton, CA 90220
  1-800-8global
  1-800-845-6225

  Global is another supplier of just about any computer related supply you can think
  of.  They have the same "posture chair" that MISCO carries, as well as a full
  line of "regular" chairs and computer furniture.  The computer furniture
  includes the Work Manager, Ultra View and similar Comfort-Ease units, SnapEase
  PC Workcenter, PC Perma Cart, and a host of other computer stands, racks and
  furniture.  They also have some furniture which somewhat resembles traditional
  office furniture, including the "Classic View" desk, which has a glass work
  surface with the computer monitor located underneath and tilted up at an
  angle.  Global also has a separate catalog of "Business Furniture."  This
  includes such items as button tufted wing back leather chairs and couches for
  your waiting area; executive tilt/swivel chairs; wood desks, bookshelves and
  other furniture; file cabinets (including fire resistant); carts; mail room
  organizers and so on.



6) Foster Manufacturing Company

  414 North 13th Street
  Philedelphia, PA 19108-1001
  1-800-523-4855
  Fax: [phone]

  Foster concentrates on the Engineering Market, with files for engineering
  drawings and medical records, layout light tables, drafting chairs,
  and paper cutters.  They also carry the Image Setter modular workstation.
--
Dan Wallach                "One of the most attractive features of a Connection
[e-mail]  Machine is the array of blinking lights on the faces
Phone#: [phone]       of its cabinet." -- CM Paris Ref. Manual, v6.0, p48.

(World-Wide-Web) http://www.cs.princeton.edu/grad/Dan_Wallach/top.html