Why to use a programmable standing desk – and not a manual one

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It’s not being lazy, either. Having a programmable standing desk is about consistency and efficiency, but let me unpack that a bit here.

First off, I started using a manual VariDesk in 2017 and have enjoyed the magic of standing desks ever since. That worked well, and I never had a problem or thought I did. Pull it up all the way. Done. Right position. On the way down, it was a bit more of an eyeball of where to stop. There was no hard stop, so to speak.

My move to an electric standup desk is more recent – probably late 2023 or early 2024.

When it comes to a programmable standing desk, it’s way easier to program or mark the spots where you want to stand and where you want to sit. Most programmable standup desks have several programmable positions. I have not had to use more than two – one to stand and one to sit, but perhaps there’s more if more than one person uses the desk.

Once set up and plugged in, I tested where I wanted the desk to be when I was standing. In my case, that ended up being 47 inches. Then, I wanted to see about the seating position, which I also need to align with where my arms and hands sit on the office chair.

The No. 2 programmable spot for me is set to 31 inches. So, from standing to sitting, that’s a 16-inch swing.

Read next: Podcast setup: Should I sit or stand?

Options for a programmable standing desk

There are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some for your consideration.

Straight wooden desk

L-shaped standing desk

With keyboard tray

With a rounded bay to stand in

Split top with monitor riser

There are certainly other ways to set up a desk like this. For example, I use the manual VariDesk that I’ve had for years on top of a flat standing desk. That way, the monitors can be pushed up to the best height.

Certainly, a manual standing desk can do the trick, but programmable ones take the guesswork out of whether or not they are in the right position. I’m a fan.

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