ApexDeskElite Pro Series 60" x 27" Electric Height Adjustable Stand up Desk, Sit Stand Home Office Desk, Computer Desk - Curved Oak

I purchased this Apex desk to replace a very old writing desk that I was using to hold my computer and related accessories. I did quite a bit of research and wanted to avoid spending the extravagant sums that some famous brands demand. I found major differences between the entry-level desks in the sub-US$250 price range and the US$500-1000 price range. This is one area were you don't get what you don't spend the minimum you need to spend to get decent quality and functionality. A cheap desk is something you will regret forever. This is a very nice price-performance blend.Several reviewers mentioned damages in shipping, and comments from the supplier noted they were working with shippers to improve their packaging. The desk arrived in three boxes, with the metal hardware stand in two boxes and the desktop surface in a third box. The two hardware boxes showed no signs of wear and tear from their trip across country, but the desktop box was not so lucky. Apex adds special wide nylon straps for handling, but they tended to bunch together in the center of the box, so the handlers still grabbed the strong but narrow binding straps and they crushed the box corners in two places with a resulting hole through the protective outer layer. Fortunately for me, the interior foam protected the desktop from intrusion damage and the desktop was fine. So, my first concern, damage in transit, proved unfounded.I was also concerned that assembly might be difficult for one person. But the longest journey begins with a single step, so I started putting things together, double and triple-checking my work. Even with the added checks, I still made at least one mistake. The metric screws that attach the upper desktop support brackets are BLACK and designed so the desk can flush mount on the brackets. I was so accustomed to using the same-thread silver bolts that I inserted the wrong ones and only discovered this when I had four too-few silver bolts to attach the desktop. It was a simple swap to make, but a mistake is a mistake. Upon re-reading the instructions, it clearly identified part "D" versus "A" but I missed that subtlety.I also found assembly Step 4 to be poorly explained. It highlights the instructions as "very importnt", but I think it could describe things better.The legs attach to the cross-member through friction levers and they are very simple once you understand how they work. All four levers are identical and I spent some time trying to find size differences. What was being explained was that one portion of the level was shorter. Actually, one portion of each part is the handle and the other is the axle. The axle is the piece with the dimensions designed to hold the desktop bracket in place when the handle is pressed down. Once I figured this out, it was simple to attach, and probably more stable than bolting things together.I also found the initialization sequence different from the instructions. I needed to briefly touch the DOWN button before the UP+DOWN hold would work. This was a concern before I figured it out through trial and error because I was worried the electronics was not working. There is no light indicator that things have power so when it does not respond, you have no idea where to begin. But once I had it initialized, all has worked very smoothly. I am well over six feet tall and I use this desk at several different settings at different times.One minor issue I found is with mounting the monitor bracket. I purchased the AmazonBasics dual-monitor bracket because of Amazon's reputation and the feature where you can use the edge clamp or the drill-through mount. For this kind of desktop material I felt the edge clamp was safer, but there is a sculpted edge to the desk even in the back. That means the clamp does not fully contact the desk under-surface, but it seems to be satisfactory (see photo). There is also no cable management included in this desk, so I purchased third-party plastic channels, but ended up just using color-coordinated wire ties to keep the desktop cables under control and used longer and thicker ties to attach the desktop electronics cables to the desktop support cross bracket.In my opinion this desk deserves more than five stars. I love the looks, I like the build quality, I like the functionality and I find it an excellent value when considering price-performance. Well, I actually like this so much that I ordered a second unit to replace another desk and I believe that is the ultimate rating - Yes, I would buy it again, and I did.One final comment. Several people have posted questions about using casters on the bottom of this unit. The existing leveling feet at 70mm in diameters with a threaded stem that inserts into the base pedestal. The pedestal is hollow and does no provide sufficient space for a sufficiently large caster to be attached. Certainly, where there is a will there is a way, but it seems like attaching any caster to this desk would be dangerous. I also should mention that the snap-in caps for the wire pass-through are convex and need to be removed and discarded if you plan to have something flat, like an external disk drive or turntable, pass over them and remain flat on the desktop.

Update for 2020:It has been over 5 years since I ordered this desk. The price is nearly the same, which is great. It continues to stand up (sorry) very well. I've since ordered the memory controller so that my height settings are consistent, but I admit I don't lift it up into the standing position as often as I used to. Even so, it makes for a great 'traditional' desk, and I still have the occasional person asking me what it is and where it is from.The finish hasn't worn in the slightest. It seems to be invincible to everyday use. I've drilled a few holes on the underside for various things, and it is a VERY tough material to drill into, but it hasn't surrendered to any of the abuse I've put it through.I would still say its only downside is the slight wobble when subjected to a good amount of weight. As of now, I have two 27 inch monitors and one 23 inch, a full tower, speakers, keyboard, mouse, about 12 lbs of aircraft gauges, and probably 20 lbs of additional junk slung onto it. Nothing seems to be any less stable. As long as you aren't hammering on it, you'll probably be happy with the stability.If you happen to be very into making music, and you get a bit heavy handed with your weighted keyboard, your monitors might shake. Especially in a standing configuration. But for the price? I'm still thrilled with this desk, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a sit/stand desk that won't break the bank----Original Review-----In this review, I'm going to talk about this desk specifically, as well as standing desks in general.First, some quick pros and cons:+Most affordable sit/stand desk at this size (As of this writing)+Free shipping!+Easy to put together+Attractive design+Awesome customer service/company+Quiet operation-No memory controller option (Memory controller option is now offered, and you can upgrade. I have, and I recommend it)-No cord management, even for the cords involved in the lift mechanismAbout this desk:Overall, I'm very happy with this product. Even as a standard desk, it works quite well, and looks great. They've included two grommets for running wires, and both are located where you'll actually want them (in the corners). The desk is stable, and I was surprised to find I really like the curvature they've added to the front.The desk arrived in three very heavy boxes. The top, the cross bar and feet, and the lifting mechanisms. Each one was quite a bit heavier than I expected. Even so, I was able to haul it all up a flight of steps and put it together by myself. Everything is somewhat straightforward, but be sure to follow the instructions for the t-shaped parts (You'll see what I mean). Also make sure you don't pinch one of the wires between the frame and tabletop.Operating the desk is exactly as simple as you'd expect. Press up to go up, press down to go down. On my desk, I get a audible pop when I get near the very lowest position, and sometimes when coming up to standing height. I was alarmed at first, but everything is still working fine, so it might be normal.About standing desks:If you're like me, you've been all over the internet looking for a sit/stand desk that doesn't cost a thousand dollars. Let me tell you, this is probably as cheap as you're going to find them. It is important to note that most of these companies get their desk frames from the same company, so the majority of their price is markup. ApexDesk's price is simply the best I've found for a desk with these features. EVOdesk didn't even respond to my emails.I work from home most of the time as a web designer and graphic artist. This left me sitting all day long. It turns out I'm a PC gamer too, so when work was done, I'd be sitting some more. I was sick of it. I wanted some options. This desk was the answer for me.I normally start the day standing. It is hard to explain, but I really like being able to just walk up to the desk and work. I also find that I'm running around a lot more in the mornings (Getting coffee, letting the dog out, letting the dog in) so being able to switch tasks instantly is nice.A lot of people will tell you to buy a padded mat to stand on. I personally don't use one (update in 2020: I sure as hell do now. Recommended). Just socks on a hard floor. This is a user preference thing. You can extend your standing time with a mat, but if you give yourself some time, your feet will adjust (Update in 2020: Yes, your feet will, but your spine won't! Save yourself! Buy a mat!). If you are the type of person who wears super supportive shoes, you'll want a mat.As soon as I start to feel fatigued, I lower the desk and sit for a while. This is generally during the mid segments of the day when I'm really focused on a task. I may put the desk up a few more times during the day, especially if I'm making calls. Generally, near the end of the work day I'm standing. I know that a whole lot of sitting is coming for the end of the day, so might as well be on my feet.Tips for standing desk use:-Don't torture yourself! Stand until you don't want to. Then sit. That's the whole point! I read about a lot of people talking about agonising pain from standing all day. Don't be an idiot. Your tolerance for standing will increase without the need to cause bodily harm.-Don't just stand still. Standing still is just as bad as sitting all day. Shift your weight, step to the window. Take advantage of the fact that it is much easier to move around when you're already standing.-Buy cord management stuff with this desk. With the desk in standing mode, you'll have a lot of cords to contend with.-Don't read too much into the research. Half of it says sitting all day is killing you. The other half says standing desks will kill you. What do they expect, for us to just hover? Try elevating your mouse and keyboard on a box, and working like that for a bit. Not dead yet? Kinda like it? Buy this desk.