Computer desk that will work around a La-Z-Boy chair?

September 28, 2005 6:30 AM

Computer equipment ergonomics: My grandmother sits in her La-Z-Boy overstuffed chair and rocks all day. I'm looking for a tray or a stand which will allow her to swivel the monitor and keyboard in front of her and use it comfortably while sitting in that chair. Any suggestions as to where I'd find something like this?

At the moment, she's got a computer on a table just to her left, but constantly having to turn to use the computer is causing her pain. Is there a tray or stand which I can either attach to the chair or place next to it, which would swivel so that the keyboard, mouse and monitor could be rotated in front of her when she wants to use the computer (while sitting in her chair) and then rotated away when she wants to watch TV?

Thanks.

posted by gd779 to computers & internet (8 comments total)

For safety's sake, please get her an LCD panel instead of a CRT, if you haven't already. All LCD panels have an area on the back that can be attached to an arm, like these.
posted by odinsdream at 6:36 AM on September 28, 2005

The first one that came to mind is the scooter. Kinda spendy. I also ran across this thing (criminally ugly website).

I looked for, but could not find, a cantilevered tray-thing on casters that can actually be used over a bed. It's height adjustable and part of the surface tilts. Made of wood. I think it's derived from hospital use, but I know I've seen it for consumers.

I agree with odinsdream--none of these products would be suited for use with a CRT.
posted by adamrice at 6:46 AM on September 28, 2005

This seems like the sort of situation where a laptop would work very well.
posted by mendel at 7:18 AM on September 28, 2005

Is there any way she could use a lightweight laptop? If so, maybe even a padded lapdesk would work for her.
posted by catfood at 8:20 AM on September 28, 2005

this was on gizmodo the other day. it sounds like it is what you are looking for, though the article isn't exactly helpful about finding one, and my japanese is lacking at the moment.

note: i highly advise against the set up in the bottom picture.
posted by bryak at 8:23 AM on September 28, 2005

OK, I found that tray thing I was looking for.

Bryak--that's the "goro-ne de sktop" (my attempt to approximate their idiosyncratic spelling) or "loafing desk". Gotta hand it to thanko, they've got all kinds of crazy stuff. Their website isn't set up to deal with English speakers at all.
posted by adamrice at 9:19 AM on September 28, 2005

More articulated arms can be found at ergotron.com.
posted by Human Flesh at 12:48 PM on September 28, 2005

Hope Gran's not sick or infirm (if so, please disregard), but ...

I'd look into getting her out of the rocker: I'd wager the chair's not the only thing that's overstuffed.
posted by rob511 at 3:05 AM on September 29, 2005