TechnoLawyer: Furniture/Office Supplies

TechnoScore: 4.4
1 = Lowest Possible Score; 5 = Highest Possible Score
www.hecklerdesign.com

Depending on whom you believe, 80-97% of New Year's resolutions fall by the wayside unfulfilled. I don't profess to know why so few resolutions succeed, but thanks to a small company in California I should have no trouble achieving my resolution this year.

For 2008, I resolved to become a minimalist. Or as the rapper Snoop Dogg once sang, "Never have a want, never have a need." Of course, that's an impossible ideal. Instead, I seek to become the antithesis of a pack-rat and possess only the bare minimum. I don't want anything I don't use, including desk space.

Thus, when I recently moved, I replaced my bulky Anthro desk with Heckler Design's sleek OneLessDesk.

It All Started With an Advertisement ...

I first encountered Heckler Design's OneLessDesk in an online advertisement on MacRumors in January. I immediately began an email dialog with Dean Heckler, the man behind the desk. Our discussions resulted in a special edition of TechnoLawyer NewsWire in which we covered OneLessDesk and four other unique desks. Measured by clicks, this issue was our most popular ever.

I also had a personal interest in OneLessDesk, having just moved into a new apartment. It seemed to perfectly address my new minimalist bent and my lack of space, but I had a few reservations. Dean eventually won me over and I placed an order.

Heckler Design limited the first production run of OneLessDesk to 100 units at $899 plus $100 shipping. I was among the early adopters, and for once it paid off. OneLessDesk now sells for $1,199 (including domestic shipping). The price has risen because the price of steel has risen. Dean is exploring other metals for a lower-priced version, but has not yet made any announcements.

The Skinny on OneLessDesk ...

OneLessDesk consists of two brushed steel desks that together take up about half the space of a traditional desk. The upper desk has a usable surface area of 33.5x12 inches, and a height of 30.5 inches. The lower desk has a usable surface area of 30.5x12 inches and a height of 25.5 inches.

The upper desk also contains a hidden shelf that opens at the back of the desk. Designed for accessories like hard drives, USB hubs, and the like, this shelf also features a cable management system in which you can wrap unused cord so that you don't end up with the usual nest of cables on your floor.

Both desks use two white plastic glides for feet, which enables you to slide the lower desk underneath the upper desk. The glides slide easily on my wood floor. I don't know how well they work on carpeting. Unfortunately, OneLessDesk does not have levelers so if your floor is uneven you may need to use a shim to prevent it from wobbling. I suspect this issue arises only on hard flooring, not carpeting.

OneLessDesk arrives in one box. If you open the box correctly (I didn't), the two desks will be standing upright ready for you to grab and move to their location. You'll need to install the glides. Each requires one countersunk Torx 20 screw.

Heckler Design provides everything you need, including a disposable Torx wrench, but I ended up using my own screwdriver for more control. You can watch a video tutorial of the entire unboxing process, including installation of the glides.

My box also contained a personal handwritten card from Dean, a nice touch that I hope he continues, and a package of Pledge stainless steel wipes. Because the desk arrives straight from the factory, you'll need these wipes to remove the grime.

Customer support is first rate. You always tend to receive the best service from the founder of the company. The real test lies ahead when Dean needs to hire employees to carry out this function.

My One Month Test Drive ...

I've now had OneLessDesk in my living room for one month and like it a lot. But I would not recommend it for everyone.

OneLessDesk looks striking. Having also just invested in two brushed steel barstools, I don't think anything compares to brushed steel if you seek a modern, urban look.

OneLessDesk has an inner beauty as well. Its bi-level design means that you can comfortably mouse and type with your feet firmly planted on the floor, minimizing the risk of carpel tunnel syndrome and other disorders. Those under 6 feet tall will especially appreciate the height of the lower desk.

So, should you buy one for your office? Probably not.

I'm about as paperless as it gets, but I have several paper reports on my desk at work at all times. Plus I like having an L-shaped desk at work for eating lunch, meeting with someone, or even power napping.

Most lawyers I know handle more paper and need more desk space than I do. Although OneLessDesk can hold letter-sized paper, it can do so only on one plane. There's no room to spread out.

What about for your home? Bingo.

OneLessDesk is best suited for home use — especially if you prefer modern design (think Design Within Reach), don't want your computer desk to overwhelm the room, and mostly use your home computer for paperless activities.

OneMoreDesk Please ...

My wish list for OneLessDesk is modest, especially for a version 1.0 product. I would like to see a more affordable version that parents could justify buying for their children. I also hope Dean designs glides with a leveler for use on uneven floors.

And finally, I would like to see other OneLess designs or at least the ability to buy OneLessDesk a la carte. For example, I could use another lower desk to hold an iPod speaker system in my bedroom.

Given the sameness in the furniture industry, it's refreshing to see something different like OneLessDesk — especially when it provides greater comfort than existing designs.

OneLessDesk will not only become a conversation piece in your home, but will provide you and your family with many hours of comfortable computer use thanks to its ergonomic bi-level design. It's not just for minimalists like me, but for anyone who seeks style and substance.

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A TechnoEditorial is the vehicle through which we opine and provide tips of interest to managing partners, law firm administrators, and others in the legal profession. TechnoEditorials appear first in TechnoGuide, and later here in TechnoLawyer Blog. TechnoGuide, which is free, also contains exclusive content. You can subscribe here.

Coming May 15, 2008 to Answers to Questions: Charles T. Lester Jr. suggests three sure-fire ways to cleanly copy and paste from Word to WordPerfect, Stephen Hayes shares his tips for a more comfortable, productive office setup, James Zuffoletto shares his thoughts on using dual monitors and the option of multiple monitors in one stand, David Hudgens reviews Time Matters and PCLaw, and Michael Murray discusses the future of Macs in the legal profession. Don't miss this issue.

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Coming April 21, 2008 to Answers to Questions: Ernest (Ernie the Attorney) Svenson reviews the Freedom Chair and Pocket Desk from Design Within Reach plus he issues a warning about desks with a CPU compartment, Dixon Robertson reviews Microsoft SharePoint for law office collaboration and knowledge management, David Bernier reviews PracticeMaster for case management, Hope McNeil shares her experience with both Word and WordPerfect, and Kurt Schoettler explains how to easily switch display options on a laptop. Don't miss this issue.

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Coming April 25, 2008 to Fat Friday: Richard Hackerd reviews his Treo 755p and its syncing abilities with Amicus Attorney, Elaine Dowling shares her thoughts on finding relevant CLE courses, Brian Sherwood Jones reviews Tiddlywiki for personal task and information management, Meredith Hamilton reviews EMC's online backup solution MozyPro, and John Starkweather points to an innovative computer desk option from Steelcase. Don't miss this issue.

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OneLessDesk and Other Hot Computer Desks — Special Issue
By Neil J. Squillante

Hundreds of years ago some tall guy built the first desk. He decided on 30 inches as a good height. A good idea for him, but not so good for shorter people and just plain awful for tall and short people alike who use a computer.

Whatever the real story, most desks have remained fixed at 30 inches high even though experts recommend lower heights for computer use. Instead of reducing desk height, however, manufacturers offer a keyboard tray option. But keyboard trays are like a studio apartment — extremely cramped.

Big box retailers sell computer desks at lower heights, but they tend to consist of cheap particle boards and look about as sleek and stylish as a Honda Element. Perish the thought of placing one of these eyesores in your corner office or home.

Of course, consumers — including law firms — are partly to blame for continuing to purchase the same old, same old. Notwithstanding this vicious cycle, several furniture companies — Heckler Design, Offi, Topdeq, BioMorph, Anthro, and Holmris Hansen — have decided enough is enough. In this special edition of TechnoLawyer NewsWire we explore the offerings of these forward-thinking companies.

HECKLER DESIGN: ONELESSDESK

Heckler Design's new OneLessDesk seems like a misnomer upon first glance as it consists of two desks. However, this pair of minimalist brushed steel desks that work in tandem with each other consume about half as much space as a traditional desk.

Measuring 30.5 inches high, 33.5 inches wide, and 12.5 inches deep, the higher desk is designed for your monitor (or monitors — two 24 inch monitors will fit). The upper desk also contains a semi-hidden shelf and cable management system. Measuring 25.5 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 11.5 deep, the lower desk accommodates your keyboard, mouse, and papers (letter size will fit perfectly flush).

Both desks have glides on the feet to preserve your flooring and make it easy to slide the lower desk under the higher desk, transforming it into a credenza or sofa table. Because steel is stronger than wood, OneLessDesk is less than an inch thick, further reducing its footprint. OneLessDesk sells for $899. Learn more about OneLessDesk.

Update: May 12, 2008: Read our review of OneLessDesk.

OFFI: D2 POCKET DESK

Like OneLessDesk, but need more space? Offi's D2 Pocket Desk offers a similar concept, but keeps one foot firmly planted in the past.

Made of wood (cherry, maple, or wenge), this desk measures 30 inches high, 60 inches wide, and 30 inches deep. However, it also features a pull-out keyboard drawer 26.75 inches high that runs the entire width of the desk, providing ample room for your mouse and papers.

Two grommets and a hidden drawer on the back of the desk facilitate cable management. Wheels enable you to easily move it around or out of sight. D2 Pocket Desk sells for $1,499. Learn more about D2 Pocket Desk.

TOPDEQ: GO-2

If someone ever admonishes you to get off your butt and do something, what better comeback than to do exactly that. With Topdeq's GO-2 desk, you can work sitting down or standing up thanks to its adjustable height.

You can adjust the height from 27 to 46.5 inches electronically with the press of a button or manually with a hand crank. Of course, you cannot change the width or depth of the desk. These remain fixed at 63x31.5 inches (regular) or 71x35.5 inches (extra large).

You can equip your GO-2 desk with a matching freestanding storage unit — either three drawers (one file size) or four drawers (none file size). For the desk and the storage, you can choose from light beech or gray. Pricing starts at $1,504 for a regular GO-2 desk with a hand crank. Learn more about GO-2.

GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT: BIOMORPH DESKS

While most furniture makers may experiment with one unconventional desk design, Ground Support Equipment has built its entire business around such designs and offers eight different desks.

Every desk shares the same split-level design — the lower level for your keyboard and mouse and the upper level for your monitors and gear. You can adjust both the upper and lower portions of the desk. The models differ in size and shape and accompanying accessories.

For example, the Level model works best against a wall thanks to its linear design. It comes in four widths. The Pro model offers a massive amount of desk real estate for those who want to use two or more monitors while the Multi model offers a similar amount of space for those who want wraparound wings on their left and right. By contrast, the XO2 and Exo models are much more compact and suitable for home use.

All Biomorph desks come standard in welded steel, but you can add a wood finish at an additional cost. Prices range from $430 for the XO2 to $1,995 for the Pro. Learn more about Biomorph desks.

ANTHRO: ANTHROBENCH, ANTHROCART, FIT, ENOOK, ADJUSTABLE LAPTOP CART

Anthro, the grandaddy of computer desk makers, offers no fewer than five product families as well as some unique solutions.

The AnthroBench line features height-adjustable desks best suited for IT departments and other "heavy" applications. The flagship AnthroCart line features the most desk sizes and accessories. The Fit System best suits home use as it offers lots of color options, cable management, and better looks than the other lines.

Among Anthro's "unique solutions" is the eNook, a fold-out desk reminiscent of a murphy bed, and the Adjustable Laptop Cart for using your laptop just about anywhere.

Anthro's desks generally cost hundreds rather than thousands of dollars, but the build-to-order process in which you can add hundreds of accessories such as drawers can add to the cost. Learn more about Anthro desks.

HOLMRIS HANSEN: MILK

Scandinavia saved the world from the club chair with its sleek, modern furniture designs. Now Holmris Hansen wants to save us all from the executive desk with its MILK computer desk.

Set on an aluminum pedestal, MILK measures 55.125 inches wide and 25.25 inches deep. You can adjust the height electronically from 28.7 to 48.4 inches.

MILK subscribes to the theory that your desk should hold a lot but show almost nothing. Grommets and a cable management system hide all wires. The desk is quite thick for a reason. The front features a slot built into the desk for papers.

On the top of the desk, four pockets that open on the top and bottom enable you to do just about anything. For example, you can install a fish tank or a trash can suspended in air. Most people will probably use these pockets for more mundane items like supplies. Learn more about MILK.

ADDENDUM: ONE MORE DESK

Fellow ultimate desk seeker and TechnoLawyer member John Starkweather emailed us about another unique desk — Steelcase's airtouch height-adjustable desk. Also, I bought a OneLessDesk for my home. Stay tuned for my review and unboxing photos.

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It happens to all of us all the time. You're just about to pay for an online purchase when you learn that adding $5 more will qualify you for free shipping (by pony express). You really don't need another copy of that R.E.M. album, but what the heck — the newly remastered version has bonus tracks and it sure beats spending your money on shipping fees. So did you just fall prey to a marketing gimmick or save yourself some money? It depends on your perspective. In this special holiday edition of TechnoFeature, reporter Jill Bauerle explores the big business behind free shipping offers. Her investigation takes her from the Wharton School of Business to two online retailers that buck the trend by offering "truly free shipping" with no strings attached.

In today's issue of TechnoLawyer NewsWire, lawyer and legal technology legend Dennis Kennedy covers a discount online store for inkjet cartridges and laser toner among other supplies, a utility that runs Windows on your Mac, and presentation software for your iPod. Don't miss the next issue.

Below you'll find one of the three articles from today's edition:

Alternative Fuels for Your Inkjet and Laser Printers
By Dennis Kennedy
Ink and toner are as essential for the operation of today's law firms as gasoline is for running our cars. Unfortunately, the prices of inkjet cartridges and laser toner cartridges can give us the same sense of sticker shock as seeing $3/gallon gasoline at the pump.

Databazaar.com is one of the industry leaders in providing inkjet cartridges, laser toner cartridges, copier and fax supplies, paper, and projector bulbs at discount prices. You'll also find cables and printers at Databazaar.com.

Inc. magazine recently mentioned Databazaar.com in an article on "business bargains." Databazaar.com carries cartridges for almost every brand or make of printer, including HP, Brother, Canon, Epsom, Dell, Imation, Lexmark, Samsung, Panasonic, Sharp, Sony, and Xerox/Tektronix.

Databazaar.com sells genuine new inkjet and toner cartridges as well as compatible cartridges in factory-fresh retail boxes — the same ones sold by manufacturers and big box retailers — at deeply discounted prices. Plus you get free shipping on all orders. All orders ship within 24 hours, except on weekends and holidays.

Databazaar.com offers a comprehensive, well-organized Web site. You can check and compare prices. Even better, the site offers RSS feeds for you to stay apprised of new products and special offers without visiting the site. Learn more about Databazaar.com.

How to Receive this Newsletter
Published on Wednesdays, TechnoLawyer NewsWire is a weekly newsletter that enables you to learn about new technology products and services of interest to legal professionals. Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.

Coming June 1, 2006 to Answers to Questions: Marilyn King explains how to override PCLaw defaults to accommodate unique retainer free accounting such as that which exists in New Jersey, Britt Knuttgen compares the Dragon NaturallySpeaking Pro and Legal editions to the Preferred and Standard editions, Caren Schwartz explains how to address Timeslips performance issues, Robert Blumberg offers up a solution for printing will backers (covers), and John Feeney discusses CD printing solutions. Don't miss this issue.

How to Receive this Newsletter
Published Thursdays, Answers to Questions is a weekly newsletter in which TechnoLawyer members answer legal technology and practice management questions submitted by their peers (including you if you join TechnoLawyer). Like all of our newsletters, it's free. Please subscribe now.