Furniture Fast Facts:
Computer Tables and Workstations
Do you prefer each student to have their own computer station or are you looking to maximize space and add a series of computers in an organized way? There are many computer tables and workstations available and here are a few tips to keep in mind when sorting through your options:
SIZE: Height is one thing to think about when shopping for computer tables. Is your table for young students or teens and adults? Many computer tables have adjustable height so they can be adjusted to suit a range of different people. Typing height is 2-3” lower than desk height, and adjusting the table may be necessary to correct the height if used without a keyboard tray. Be sure the computer table meets ADA requirements of 28-34”H x 19”D x 30”W if you want students in wheelchairs to be able to use it.
MATERIALS:
Laminate tops are most commonly found on computer workstations and are available in a range of colors and wood grains. Laminate is easy to wipe clean and resists scratches from the movement of computer equipment. The legs and frame of computer tables are usually made of steel. Keep in mind that the lower the gauge, the stronger the steel. For example, a 14-gauge steel frame is stronger and sturdier than a 24-gauge steel frame.
CASTERS vs. GLIDES: If you move your computer equipment from room to room or share with another classroom, you should consider shopping for computer furniture with casters. Casters make it easier for you to move an entire computer system by simply unplugging the power supply and pushing the cart to the desired location. If your computer workstation is going to be used in a permanent location, then consider glides that will keep your station in place. Glides adjust to keep your computer tabletop level and make it easier for you to move your table short distances across carpet.
ACCESSORIES: By knowing what kind of computer system will be used on a computer table or workstation, you can decide which accessories will be needed. For instance, if you are using laptops you may not need a CPU rack or a keyboard tray. Read the product information carefully to find out if certain accessories come standard with the computer furniture, or if they are optional for an additional purchase.
CPU Holder: A CPU holder attaches to the legs of your computer table and keeps your tower off of the floor and out of the way of feet and bags.
Grommets: Pass cords from your computer system to the wall outlet or surge protector right through a hole in the tabletop called a cord grommet. Some computer tables have multiple cord grommets and some computer cluster workstations have large enough grommets to allow a power pole to pass through the center of the tabletops.
Cord Management Tray: Unorganized computer cords can be frustrating and dangerous. Cord management trays typically run the width of the computer table and are an inexpensive way to keep your cords organized. Some computer tables have flip-top cord management bins that allow easy access to power and data cords.
Keyboard Trays: Keyboard trays are a great way to maximize space by allowing for a 24” deep table rather than a 30” deep table; this could allow room for one more row of computer tables in a lab! Less table space is needed because the keyboard can be stored underneath the tabletop. Most keyboard trays slide on metal runners for quick access. Some keyboard trays are wide enough and include space for a mouse pad. Carefully check the keyboard tray width against the table width to ensure that you will be able to assemble the tray properly under the table.
Surge Protector: Surge protectors keep your computer equipment from shorting out when an electrical “surge” occurs. Anything from lightning to the starting up of electrical devices can create a surge that, without a protector, can cause you to lose important files stored on your hard drive. You can add a surge protector to most computer tables.
NEW FEATURES: With the continual advancement of computer technology, computer furniture has also advanced. Flat panel monitors are reducing the size of table or workstation needed. These flat panel monitors have smaller footprints and can be knocked over easier, so some computer tables have special cutouts and recessed areas to keep the monitor safe. Other computer tables have locking tabletop compartments that allow the user to simply lift the lid and reveal the monitor and keyboard stored safely inside.
Call our experienced customer service team for information on a specific computer table or computer workstation at 800-599-6636. Or email: sales@worthingtondirect.com
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