Autonomous SmartDesk Pro review

Autonomous isn’t one of many huge names within the good desk market (to the extent that there’s such a factor), however the firm affords two fashions which might be nicely value contemplating. 

I’ve examined the dearer SmartDesk Professional right here, although quite a lot of my ideas right here additionally apply to the cheaper SmartDesk Core. When you don’t thoughts a smaller top vary and shorter guarantee, you might be pleased with the cheaper mannequin.

Options & design

• Mains-powered 
• Peak vary 66.5 – 132cm 
• As much as 4 saved positions 

The SmartDesk Professional is a mains-powered, motor-driven standing desk. So if you happen to ever need to alter its top, you’ll must have it plugged in.

The perk of that’s that, in contrast to desks such because the Bakker Elkhuizen Work & Transfer, you don’t must put in any effort your self to lift or decrease the desk: only a push of a button will do the trick. 

Counting the desktop, it will probably vary from 66.5cm to 132cm in top, which is a reasonably spectacular vary – I’m 5’11”, and the desk goes decrease than I can comfortably sit and better than I may realistically stand. Regardless of the motor, it’s impressively quiet whereas adjusting too. 

A small management panel on the right-hand aspect allows you to elevate and decrease the desk, and likewise consists of 4 buttons for customized saved settings. You can simply set perfect sitting and standing heights for 2 completely different individuals. 

The one odd draw back to those is that simply urgent the button doesn’t transfer the desk to the appropriate spot – it’s important to maintain the button the entire time, after which the motor will cease as soon as it hits the right top. It’s a minor annoyance, however shortly turns into tedious. 

Within the US, the desk is out there with a selection of three completely different desktop sizes. However they’re not all obtainable internationally: within the UK, solely the center dimension is out there sale. It’s nonetheless generously sized at 135x74cm, although, and matches my twin monitor work setup.

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The highest is available in a spread of each strong color, wooden, and bamboo finishes, whereas the metal body is out there in white, black, or gray. Between all these selections, you must be capable to get a method that fits your house workplace. 

No matter end you choose, the desk has a smooth, trendy look. It additionally advantages from helpful cable administration holes that can assist you hold all the pieces tidy.

Setup & construct high quality

• Setup takes as much as an hour 
• Barely unclear directions 

If I’ve a serious criticism, it’s that organising the SmartDesk Professional took extra time, effort, and instruments than I might have favored. 

There are a good few bits you’ve acquired to screw, wire, and assemble, and the corporate’s included directions are at occasions cryptic.

Mounting the body onto the desk was particularly troublesome, with no pointers given on how one can line all the pieces up proper. It solely actually requires pretty fundamental DIY abilities, however it’s a step above your common Ikea flatpack in problem. 

As soon as assembled it’s a minimum of fairly strong – nicely, assuming you do it about proper – helped by the strong metal legs and vast toes. There’s an occasional gentle wobble to the desk high – arduous to keep away from totally – however by no means the sensation that issues may really go incorrect. 

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Worth & availability

Within the US, the SmartDesk Professional begins at $499. That will get you the smallest 66.5cmx132cm tabletop, whereas the 135x74cm common mannequin I examined prices a minimum of $599. There’s additionally a 179.1×76.2cm XL model beginning at $949.

All three can be found from the Autonomous retailer.

Costs in the remainder of the world are based mostly on conversions from the US value, so will fluctuate relying on the alternate fee. Within the UK, solely the common mannequin is out there, beginning at £718.80 by way of the Autonomous retailer.

That’s a reasonably honest value contemplating all the pieces you’re getting, however there are extra inexpensive standing desks on the market – together with Autonomous’ personal SmartDesk Core – it begins at $399/£538.80.

Verdict

The Autonomous SmartDesk Professional is a strong standing desk that’s positively value contemplating. Its customisation choices are a key energy, with loads of completely different finishes, sizes (if you happen to’re within the US) and heights all obtainable.

4 preset heights make shifting between them simpler, however having to carry down the button shortly will get annoying. That’s the one day-to-day frustration, although – after the difficult setup, there’s little or no to complain about right here.

When you’re on the lookout for a horny, versatile standing desk that’s nonetheless solidly constructed, the SmartDesk Professional could possibly be for you. Simply make certain it’s the appropriate Autonomous desk for you.