Hasta La Ideas

Review by Barbara Eldredge.

Overview

• Min Height: 27″
• Max Height: 47″
• Max Load: 120 lbs
• Manual with adjustable counterbalance

Design

Practically any desk would have been an improvement on what I had before Float: two 18″x36″ rolling tables set at a right angle. Compared to this diminutive workspace, transitioning to the Humanscale Float Sit-Stand Height-Adjustable Table (with an expansive 30″x60″ tabletop!) was like moving from a pre-war studio apartment to a High Line penthouse.

Float’s minimal base is backset and consists of two heavy telescoping legs made of recyclable steel. On trend with similar sit-stand desks, Humanscale eliminated the crossbar so my shins were safe from the hazards of leg crossing. The table supports are spaced far enough apart to accommodate wheelchairs, yoga balls, Aerons, or what have you. Rather than automating the height adjustment mechanism, they chose instead to create a unique counter-balance system that allows the user to move the tabletop up and down by pressing a lever and applying minimal force. No motor. No cords. The counterbalance can be finessed with a removable crank so the height can be adjusted with ease whether your desk items weigh 0 lbs or 120 lbs (average is 20-25lbs).

The pneumatic tube controls the counterbalance action in the legs.

Options

Unlike most other sit-stand desks, Float’s tabletop is interchangeable and can accommodate worktops ranging in length from 42″ to 72″ and width from 24″ to 30″ as well as the worktops of other manufacturers. Humanscale even allows clients to purchase the base alone if they would like to supply their own tabletop.

The top I used is made of white laminate that was elegantly minimal-looking but made me keenly aware of desk grime and coffee rings. Its beveled edge added a nice touch of lightness to the sturdily constructed table. Float isn’t slated to go to market until November March 2012 so the full range of options has yet to be revealed but we do know the desk will be available in white, silver and black finish options.

(more…)