Staples® MobileTech Personal Computer Station

This desk looks much better than the photos. Price can't be beat for what you get. It's a solid desk.

What sold me was the three level surfaces: keyboard, desktop, monitor shelf. I love the nooks under the monitor shelf. It's a lot smaller than my prior desk, but I don't seem to miss the real estate.

USB hub is sort of cool, and I like the velvet gadget dock (just a fuzzy cardboard tray with slots for your charger cables - fits in the nook)

I'm not sure that I like the arc to the desk top - it forces me to be too far from the screen when using the keyboard tray. I'll probably get a monitor arm to put the screen closer to the front of the desk. The round pillars and chrome collars look out of place on this desk, but it's a minor thing. Desk edges could be more rounded for comfort.

I'd like to see a full size desk version of this, with drawers. Haven't seen a matching file cabinet, but I'd buy one if there were.

** On Assembly - I've heard two people complain about step 2. My solution was to use the hardware packing box to prop up the bottom part which seemed to be just the right height.

This desk was an easy two-person project due to the Staples patented assembly instructions. For such a reasonably priced piece of furniture, it is remarkably sturdy and well-made.

Fits my computer setup nicely (Mac G4, 22" cinema)

Just a couple cautions regarding setup: in my opinion, step 2 is one where a second person is needed, unless you elevate the back edge of the main desk somehow; at this stage the only connections are the 2 screws you are putting thru the back piece, and you need to be very careful that they aren't ripped out of the holes before firmly attached.

Also, if you have any plans of using a power adaptor (not incl) for the usb hub (instead of connecting to a computer), decide before assembling as it seems quite difficult to get to the adaptor connection once everything is in place. Also, I neglected to look on the back of the hub to see what type of power adaptor (voltage, polarity) would be required. If it's not printed there, then make inquiries because it is not specified in the accompanying sheet or manual.

On the plus side, I kind of like Staples system of prepackaging the small parts according to each step rather then just one big pile of screws, cams, dowels, etc.

If you were wondering, (as the web page nor the box details this) the top shelf and keyboard shelf are 11.5" deep, the main desk work area arcs from 13" at the edge to 17.5" at the center. The top of the keyboard shelf is 25.5" from the ground, the desk is standard at 29.5".

I think it is a good value for the money, and looks sharp.