You spend hours at a time sitting at your desk, so you want to have the most comfortable chair you can get for your money. If you get aches and pains while you work, it might be time for an upgrade. This week we're checking out five office chairs that offer the best combination of value, comfort and ergonomics. The Aeron chair set a new standard for ergonomics and comfort when it was first released, making it one of the most famous office chairs in the world. It also set a new bar in terms of cost: new models having a starting retail price of $1200, although they can usually be found for less if you buy second-hand. The Aeron's design is so popular that companies around the world order them by the hundreds, and the chair even has a permanent instalment at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It was initially designed in 1994, so even though it still looks modern and comfortable, recent studies have pointed out that the Aeron may not be the best ergonomic choice over long sitting sessions.
But there's no doubt the Aeron is comfortable, adaptable, highly customisable and still has a huge fan base. The Embody is Herman Miller's next-generation office chair, and it was designed by one of the original designers of the Aeron. It takes a more modern approach and hones in on ergonomics and full back support. Any complaints about the Aeron's ergonomics were largely addressed in the Embody, which can be independently adjusted and moved separately from the base and arms. It's still a pricey model at over $1700, but it's easily one of the most comfortable chairs you'll ever sit in. The back conforms to your shape using what Herman Miller calls "Pixelated Mesh" and multiple points of flexibility all along the length of the chair back. Some people complain the Embody has subpar lumbar support and more complicated settings compared to the Aeron, but most will tell you it's the best chair they've ever owned. The Steelcase Leap earned praise for affordability, superior construction and customisability.
It's a bit more of a task chair than others, but the design makes sure your whole back is supported. Its design includes a special breathable foam padding that airs itself out through special slots that ensure you won't get too hot during long work sessions. Rather than conform to you, Steelcase designers give you individual control over everything from the arm height to the seat depth. They retail for around $1000, but they can be found for less, especially if you buy second-hand. I was lucky enough to sit in a Leap every day at my last job, and it's just as sturdy and customisable as the marketing promos say. The Raynor Ergohuman series was designed primarily for people who sit in their chairs for long periods of time. The design may not win any artsy awards, but its customisable components, add-ons and independent control over the seat height, arm height, headrest and rocker tension are impressive. It has breathable mesh and leather upholstery, a high back and comfortable headrest.
The Ergohuman also features a slightly wider seat pan than most chairs, and it's ideal for taller folks who want decent back support. Raynor just unveiled the Ergohuman v2, which offers a number of improvements in design, ergonomics and weight capacity. The v1 will run you around $900 at retail, while the v2 has a list price of around $1000. The $399 IKEA Markus is a high-backed chair that comes in a variety of colours and your choice of leather or padded fabric. The Markus lacks some of the features and customisability you'll find in the others, but it has been praised for being remarkably comfortable (I was thinking about getting one myself before I got my Embody). It's height adjustable with tilt and lock, but don't expect to independently adjust the armrest or change the seat depth. The curved design, mesh back and shallow seat pan enforces good posture, making it a great bang-for-your-buck office chair. This week's honourable mention goes to the simple exercise ball for its comfort (once you're used to it), flexibility, and the fact that it naturally enforces proper posture.
Plus, the fact that they're widely available for little cash (at least compared to the other five mentioned here) makes them an attractive option for home office workers on a budget. Also worth mentioning is the Herman Miller Mirra, one of the more affordable Herman Miller chairs that also has space-saving and comfort options. Have something to say about one of the contenders? Want to make the case for your personal favourite, even if it wasn't included in the list? Let us know in the comments below.A TEENAGER has been left fuming after mistakenly buying a photo of an in-demand computer console online.Peter Clatworthy thought he had paid £450 for an XBox One console on eBay, but actually received a picture of one in the post.The 19-year-old student, of Bilborough, had saved up in order to buy a limited edition Day One version of the console as a surprise Christmas present for his four-year-old son, McKenzie.He has now contested the purchase with eBay, which has investigated and stated he should get a full refund from the seller.
Nottingham teenager gets £450 refund after buying a photo of an XBox One on eBay Claimant receives payout after 94 unwanted PPI calls Couple return from holiday to find grass by their street cut to different lengths Runaway ferret that injured three people is captured eBay seller flogged £90k of designer goods 950,000 log on to Nottingham Post website after eBay Xbox One scam shock CeX saves Christmas for Nottingham teenager hit by Xbox eBay scam Nottingham teenager hit by eBay scam warns people not to fall for golden Xbox 'gimmick' Nottingham man Peter Clatworthy marks one year since Xbox eBay story went global Mum finds 'strange creature' in her can of tuna Mr Clatworthy said: "I've had to make a joke out of it because I was that angry. At least we've now got something to laugh about in the years to come."I always buy stuff on eBay and this had never happened before."Mr Clatworthy made the purchase on November 28, paying £450 plus £8 packaging.
Despite the listing stating it was a photo of an XBox One Day One edition console, Mr Clatworthy said he'd expected to receive the console as it was listed in the video games and consoles category on eBay.He said: "It said 'photo' and I was in two minds, but I looked at the description and the fact it was in the right category made me think it was genuine."I looked at the seller's feedback and there was nothing negative. I bought it there and then because I thought it was a good deal."It's obvious now I've been conned out of my money."Mr Clatworthy received the photo in the post on Monday, saying: "They'd written on the back of it 'thank you for your purchase'. The XBox One was released in the UK on November 22, with a special Day One edition reserved for those who picked the machine up on its first day of sale.Since then, there have been reports of people buying empty XBox One packaging via eBay, and paying hundreds of pounds for the privilege.When the Post searched for 'XBox One Day One edition consoles' on the website yesterday, a number of genuine consoles were up for sale.
There was, however, one lot of 'XBox One Day One edition retail packaging' which received 80 bids and sold for £7,200.Mr Clatworthy was informed by eBay yesterday that, as he paid via PayPal, he can expect to receive a full refund from the seller, who has until Monday to pay up.A spokesman for eBay, the online marketplace, said: "We don't allow listings which mislead, and will take action against this seller."Customers can shop with confidence on eBay as we guarantee you will get your item or your money back. Mr Clatworthy is covered by the eBay money-back guarantee and we will be contacting him to put things right."Tessa Coates, Trading Standards Officer at Notts County Council, said: "We are not aware of an eBay scam of this nature."However, we would encourage all eBay buyers to pay for their goods using PayPal to give them extra protection."PayPal states that if the item doesn't match the seller's description or gets lost in the post then it will give the buyer their money back."She added: "Our main tips for buying online generally this Christmas is make sure you're getting a good deal, know who you're dealing with and protect your personal and financial information."