Computer Desks - Not Just For Computers

This may appear trivial but pause for a thought, are computer desks actually made just for the use of computers? Think about it you buy a computer desk, put it together, what's the first thing you put on that desk? Is it a computer? Nine times out of ten the answer to that question is probably no. This is because computer desks are actually tables - mainly situated in an office - with a designated space for a 'computer' to be kept. This does not mean they are solely made for computers alone as they are designed for many and are being utilized for other tasks as well.

Computer desks can be used to fulfil many purposes other than that of just accommodating a computer or laptop device. For example, they are commonly used to support monitors and television sets and speaker. They are excellent for students or academics requiring adequate workspace to write documents, read textbooks and perform other necessary tasks. A lot of students even use them as their personal dining space when eating meals when in student accommodation. Humans are naturally creative so this should not come as too much of a surprise. Another way 'computer' desks are commonly utilized is for the arrangement and organization of important documents such as bills, bank statements and contracts - the list of documents goes on. Certain types of desks are fitted with drawers for these documents and other items to be stored, labelled as well as securely locked for privacy. The use of a computer desk is limited only to the creativity of its owner. It could be strictly for work aims or be used as a palette for an entertainment set-up - the choice is entirely that of its user.

The answer to this lies with the fact that these desks are primarily designed for users of personal computers. For example, many computer desks have a keyboard tray placed in an optimal position for users of PC's (or users with a keyboard) to type. These trays slide in and out and depending on the specifications of the desk can also perform additional functions. Other desks have the ability to be adjusted by height so that the user has complete control and flexibility over their sitting position. These desks are of the ergonomic variety meaning they are specifically developed for this purpose. Some ergonomic desks can even be adjusted to a height where users can stand if they prefer while using the computer. Desks of this particular type are often found in work offices where PC users usually spend most (if not all) of their day using a PC. This is because they allow comfort and proper body posture to be achieved and maintained while in use. Of course the chair the user is sat on is also an important factor in the amount of comfort and support that can actually be attained. Nevertheless, ergonomic desks are the ideal furniture for PC users.

In an ideal world computer desks should simply be called ergonomic desks. This argument is based upon the fact that the majority of computer desks mass produced and distributed all over the globe do not perform well enough to be given such a definitive title. Ergonomic desks on the other hand do. This is probably the reason why a lot of this furniture is acquired or even thought of for purposes non-related to using a personal computer, such as to display photographs, or to place a lamp on so reading is made easier.

Computer desks are mainly used as work spaces and this 'work' does include that of using a PC. However, these personal computers come in the form of a laptop in very high numbers, so unless an external keyboard is incorporated with the user's design wouldn't a normal table do? Well, the answer to that is yes and no. Yes because there wouldn't be a need for a keyboard tray and no because normal tables are normal, meaning they do not have as much adaptability to their interior surroundings as computer desks. Corner computer desks for example are designed to (wait for it) fit into a corner. This saves more space and basically makes a room look more attractive and spacious. Normal tables could fit into a corner but not as well because of their basic appearance. But the fact still remains, even for 'corner' computer desks, that their title is quite misleading.

Well, not much really. It makes you wonder when and where computer desks were given that name. Maybe it is easier to imagine why they were given such a title. For example, it is very likely they began as normal tables before PCs existed. Then all of a sudden computers were developed and somebody placed one on top of a normal table and hey presto, the title 'computer desk' was born, leading to a mad flurry of innovative-oriented designs aimed to make these tables more user-friendly and targeted towards PC users. On this note, it would seem the title 'ergonomic' would be more fitting to be related to a desk based mainly for this purpose because it at least suggests what the aim of the desk is, which is to allow users to utilize their personal computers with as much ease and comfort as possible. The name 'computer desks' does not lend to the lack lustre performance and inflexibility many of these structures offer. They should be named something else like maybe 'multi-purpose desks' or 'desks for all' where the name is more in line with the actual usability of the desk.