It may look a bit like a dentist’s chair, but this desk could change the way we work.It lets users sit, stand or recline while working, with their computer and table perfectly positioned to let them concentrate on their job.However, such comfort comes at a cost, because the Altwork Station costs around $3,900 (£2,540). The Altwork Stationlets users sit, stand or recline while working (shown in this photograph), with their computer and table perfectly positioned to let them concentrate on their jobThe chair-meets-desk is made in Sonoma County, California and the firm behind it claims it will make employees more productive, while boosting their health.Studies have linked sitting at a desk for hours on end with everything from posture problems and obesity to a shorter life expectancy.They have led to increased demand for alternative desks, such as those requiring users to stand up. A 2014 study found we think differently when lying down.University of Toronto Scarborough and Rotman School of Management marketing professor Pankaj Aggarwal revealed that when test subjects believe they are physically higher up – on a tall stool or a top floor – they are more likely to consider a 'big-picture' approach to a decision.'It may be more effective for stores located on a higher level of a mall to promote rich features
, superior functions, or performance of their products,' says Aggarwal.'It may be more effective for stores on a lower level to promote feasibility aspects such as high convenience or ease of usage for their products.'The researchers say it all has to do with a phenomenon known as 'mental construal,'A person in a higher-level state of mental construal makes decisions based on questions of 'Why?' while lower-level mental construal focuses on the immediate logistics of 'How?'It’s the difference between 'Why do I need a new desk?' and 'How am I going to get this thing set up in my office?', they say. However, the Altwork Station is still designed for comfort, comprising a padded chair with a large metal arm on the left-hand side, which supports a table and mounted computer screen.The arm swivels out to create a workstation that can be raised up and down, so it can be used as a standing desk.But its most striking feature is that once reclined, the table and monitor move to enable a user to continue to work comfortably.
Strong magnets hold a mouse or keyboard in place on the table, while a 30lb (14kg) monitor or laptop attached to the stand looms over a user’s head so they can work while essentially lying down.The company, which has worked on the design for five years, says: ‘Altwork redefines how humans interact with their computers by allowing the computer screen and keyboard to physically conform to the needs of humans in the workplace.‘Unlike standard desk and chair workstations, high intensity computer users can use the product to sit, stand, focus (recline) and collaborate.‘In simplest terms, it allows you to work any way you wants and the computers seamlessly moves with you, instead of forcing you to conform to it.’A control panel on the desk allows a user to adjust the workstation’s height and save their preference so they can get to work quickly. The company says: 'Unlike standard desk and chair workstations, high intensity computer users can use the product to sit (pictured left), stand (shown right), focus (recline) and collaborateThere are also extra controls to adjust the curvature of the chair and lift up an optional leg rest, which folds underneath the seat when not in use.
The technology is crammed into as small a space as possible, with the workstation measuring 36 inches (92cm) wide so it can fit through standard-sized doors.It does however weigh a hefty 210 lbs (95kg).The workstation is designed to best-fit people between 5’2 (156cm) to 6’6 (198cm) up to 250lbs (113kg), but has worked for people outside those parameters.The incredible desk will be available in the West Coast of the US in mid-2016, and internationally later next year.With a special offer price of $3,900 (£2,540) and a list price of $5,900 (£3,844) the workstations may appeal to Silicon Valley executives and come with a five year warranty. If standing desks just seem too much like hard work and you'd really prefer to stay in bed - Japan has the answer.The 'dozing desk' went on sale in July 2014, allowing users to type on their laptop while lying in bed. The 'dozing desk' went on sale in July 2014, allowing users to type on their laptop while lying in bed (shown)The contraption securely mounts a laptop above the user, and its legs can be moved to any position, transforming into a sofa desk and even a dinner table.
Made by Japanese firm Sanko, it has a top plate that rotates 360 degrees, while three joints on each leg allow it to be moved into the perfect position - even if you are lying down on the the job.And if you're worried about the 'hot lap' caused by a laptop that's been on all day, don't worry - the dozing desk has fans built in to cool you and your laptop down.The desk costs 8,980 yen (around US$90), according to Kotaku. Sofas, armchairs, sofa beds and more – in fine fabrics or beautiful 100% leather. Whatever your décor, and whatever size your room you’ll find something perfectly proportioned and wonderfully comfortable, in a style and colour to suit.Watch a video on improving your posture You can reduce your risk of back pain by adjusting your chair so your lower back is properly supported. A correctly adjusted chair will reduce the strain on your back. Get one that is easily adjustable so you can change the height, back position and tilt. Your knees should be slightly lower than your hips.
Use a footrest, if it feels necessary. Adjust your chair height so you can use the keyboard with your wrists and forearms straight and level with the floor. This can help prevent repetitive strain injuries. Your elbows should be by the side of your body so the arm forms an L-shape at the elbow joint. Place your feet flat on the floor. If they're not, ask if you can have a footrest, which lets you rest your feet at a level that's comfortable. Don't cross your legs, as this may contribute to posture-related problems. Your screen should be directly in front of you. A good guide is to place the monitor about an arm's length away, with the top of the screen roughly at eye level. To achieve this, you may need a monitor stand. If the screen is too high or too low, you'll have to bend your neck, which can be uncomfortable. Place your keyboard in front of you when typing. Leave a gap of about four to six inches (100mm-150mm) at the front of the desk to rest your wrists between bouts of typing.
Keep your arms bent in an L-shape and your elbows by your sides. Some people like to use a wrist rest to keep their wrists straight and at the same level as the keys. Position and use the mouse as close to you as possible. A mouse mat with a wrist pad may help keep your wrist straight and avoid awkward bending. If you're not using your keyboard, push it to one side to move the mouse closer to you. Your screen should be as glare-free as possible. If there's glare on your screen, hold a mirror in front of the screen so you know what's causing it. Position the monitor to avoid reflection from overhead lighting and sunlight. If necessary, pull blinds across the windows. Adjusting the screen's brightness or contrast can make it much easier to use. People with bifocal spectacles may find them less than ideal for computer work. It's important to be able to see the screen easily without having to raise or lower your head. If you can't work comfortably with bifocals, you may need a different type of spectacles.