Well Engineered
I've been trying the sit/stand working environment for several months, using a stack of plastic boxes to raise my keyboard and mouse and a double stack of books to raise my monitor. It turns out, that I need a different monitor/keyboard distance ratio for sitting versus standing, and moving all those boxes around got to be a nuisance. The point is, I already know that I like the sit/stand combination, so this review is specifically for the Ergotron WorkFit-A and how it affects the quality of this practice. First impressions out of the box: "Boy, this thing is huge!" It has a much larger footprint than I expected, definitely more so than my old setup. Also, this thing is beautifully engineered! The pieces are solid, quality made and precision-fit. They slide together very easily, and the screws, screw holes and other connections all fit together well. Overall, it went together very easily, and the installation and build instructions (diagrams really) were very clear. I had no issue with the build or the installation. I wasn't able to install the unit at the back of my desktop, but was able to install through the grommet already available. This meant that I had to run the monitor cables behind the desk, but this was pretty straightforward. The first attempt at installing through the grommet resulted in the whole unit tumbling to the floor. After that, I was a little afraid of it tumbling onto my head as I worked under the desk, but balancing the unit above, and simultaneously attaching the clamp below, was easy as the reach across the desktop is very narrow. Long story short: I was able to erect and install the Workfit-A by myself. The adjustment of the unit, however, proved less than straightforward as the diagrams failed to clearly show one bolt that needed tightening so that the unit didn't "sink" under the weight of the monitor and keyboard. I had to call customer support, who were very helpful. They sent me a photograph, which very clearly depicted the placement of the adjustment bolt, and the rest was fairly straightforward. I will say that I didn't expect to have to turn the adjusting bolts quite so far to get the correct adjustment, so keep at it and eventually you'll get there. After two days of using the unit, and adding a cup of coffee and a few other items like my phone to the desktop extension, it appears that another adjustment session will be in order. I didn't compensate enough for the extra weight. I attached the keyboard to the keyboard shelf with velcro as instructed. I'm sorry I did this right out of the box instead of using the unit for a few days. I am right-handed, with the mouse & pad on the right. The placement of the mouse and keyboard result in being slightly askew from the monitor...I am facing the left side of the monitor directly, instead of the middle. I may get used to it, but for now it's a bit of a bother, and while I can adjust the tilt of the monitor, I haven't figured out how to change the camber, which would help in this regard. I don't think there is a way to adjust this, and it's more of an issue standing than sitting. Like others who have purchased the WorkFit-A, I definitely experience the "bounce." The whole unit bounces as I type, and as I learned on an electric typewriter, I prefer a keyboard with a bit of resistance, which apparently makes the bounce worse. I can probably learn to type with less force. Overall, I don't think this is a deal breaker for me, just a minor annoyance, and the bounce is much improved over my improved sit/stand solution with the plastic boxes! The entire sit/stand experience requires some physical and attitude adjustments anyways, so this is just one more. For those for whom this is a deal breaker, other reviewers suggest the WorkFit-S, which is not cantilevered over the desktop on an articulating arm. The WorkFit-S is not an option for me however, as there are shelves right over the desktop and so doesn't fit. I'll stick with the WorkFit-A, as the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks! One additional point I'll make: this unit isn't cheap! But it is much less expensive than an adjustable desk, and more configurable than a static DIY solution.Once you see it, you'll understand the expense. I think it's worth the investment in my health and overall work experience, perhaps much more so than the annual January flock to the gym membership that could cost you 3 times as much! Read more