FlexiSpot 35" Sit-Stand Desk Review
Setup
Setup and configuration couldn’t be simpler. First step in the assembly is to attach the hanging brackets to the optional keyboard shelf. Next you hang the brackets onto the bolts under the top surface, and then tighten with the large plastic knobs. Finally, you cover the exposed bolts on the legs with the plastic covers.
Once you’ve positioned it on your desk, you’re ready to go. Do note that the FlexiSpot workstation weighs just over 50 pounds. You’ll need to ensure you desk can support both the weight of the Flexispot and your monitors.
Features
The FlexiSpot 35” derives its name from its 35” wide work surface, which is also 23” deep. It has a slight concave curve on the back side, which allows space for cables to run down the back, when placed against a wall. The work surface also has a slot up front for holding a mobile device such as a tablet or phone, in a upright position.
The keyboard tray is also 35” wide, but is only 12” deep. They tray has stops at the back, so that your mouse or keyboard won’t fall off.
In the lowest position, the work surface is 6” higher than your desk. At the highest position it is almost 20” above. There are 12 individual height stops. The height is adjusted by grabbing handles on each side of the work surface, and squeezing. This engages the gas spring, and with up or down pressure, the height can be raised or lowered. After adjusting the height, be sure to press down on the work surface to latch the workstation in place.
One thing to note is that when adjusting the height, the work surface doesn’t move forward or backward at all – it solely moves up and down. This ensures that adjusting the FlexiSpot doesn’t risk knocking over items on your desk, or pushing you further away from your desk.
Placing the unit on a 28” high desk, allows for usage by people up to 6’ 1”. Placing it on a 35” high desk allows for support up to 6’ 5”.
Usage
Wall Mounted 3 Over 1
I used the FlexiSpot 35” in a number of different use cases. The first was with my existing wall mount setup – 3x 25” panels, over a 34” ultrawide. Previous to getting the Flexispot, I was always seated at my desk and using the ultrawide with one of my machines, swapping inputs as needed. The triple 1440p panels went largely unused, as it was too difficult to sit and crane my neck to see them.
With the FlexiSpot, I retooled the setup. I used the left and center 25” panel for my day job, and the right 25” hooked to my MacBook Pro. These productivity oriented devices were all easily accessible and usable when standing with the Flexispot.
I could then lower the FlexiSpot and sit to game on the 34” ultrawide. With this configuration, all of my panels got much more usage, and I was able to stand during the day while I worked – and sit and relax at night while gaming.
The one drawback to this setup is that the monitors are probably a bit too far back – more notably on the 25” 1440p panels in Eyefinity. 27” 1440p panels with a larger PPI would have been easier. The positioning of the 25’s wasn’t terrible by any stretch, but one thing to consider for this use case.
34" Ultrawide & 2x 25" 1440p
I next tried three configurations of monitors on the FlexiSpot 35 work surface. The first was my 34” ultrawide. This was a very nice setup. Perfect positioning of the monitor. Easy to raise or lower the FlexiSpot, and still plenty of workspace for other devices, notebooks or printouts.
Next I tried dual 25” 1440p panels. These worked very well. With this panel size, the bases were right at the edges of the work surface. The unit was easy to raise or lower as well. I also tried the dual 25’s with one in landscape and one in portrait. This allowed for the monitor bases to move in from the edges of the work surface.
I think that a single 38” ultrawide or dual 25’s are the max monitors you could put on the stand. You could do dual 27’s – one in landscape and one in portrait – if the total weight is below the threshold.
Wall Mounted 43" 4k UHD
Finally, I moved to what is going to be my new monitor configuration – a 43” ultra HD 4k display. With the PBP options available on these monitors, I can have full access to all of my computers on one display in various display configurations.
With custom resolutions, I can also play games fullscreen in ultrawide or “double wide”. And, I can do double wide in PBP with one or two other sources still on screen.
The Dell P4317Q is too heavy to use on the FlexiSpot sit stand, and I wanted more options on how to position and adjust the monitor between siting and standing. To achieve this, I’ve wall mounted the 43” panel on an Ergotech 7Flex HD arm, to use in conjunction with the FlexiSpot.
I can stand at my desk, and position the monitor to fit properly in my field of vicion, and even make minor adjustments whether I’m focusing on outputs in the top or bottom half. This configuration easily allows me to use 2x 1080p panels for my day job, while keeping my Mac open on another for podcasts and such, and keep my gaming my gaming rig up as well. I use it to run Synergy so that I can use one mouse and keyboard across all the machines.
If desired, I can move to sitting position with the FlexiSpot, and reposition the monitor to achieve the proper ergonomic position. I can even recline my DX Racer chair, and position the monitor almost overhead, I kind of feel like Tank in the Matrix.
The arms on my chair perfectly align with the keyboard tray on the FlexiSpot, and the tablet slot on the Flexispot lets me keep an iPad in for browsing strategy guides, wikis or online maps. I can’t get enough of this setup.
Conclusions
Benefits of Standing
Much has been made of sedentary lifestyle many people now lead. Even those who practice healthy diet and exercise habits, can see a negative impact to their health by sitting all day.
I’ve been using standing desks for a while now, off and on. I find that sitting for long periods of time causes me to have lower sback aches, so I appreciate the opportunity to stand versus sit.
I also find that Inertia – Newton’s First Law of Motion applies here as well. It says that a body in motion tends to stay in motion, and a body at rest tends to stay at rest.
I’m more productive when I stand, as my mind seems to focus more on the task at hand, and I’m not as easily distracted. I find I’m quicker to respond to requests from coworkers in the office, or my wife at home, to come help or attend to an issue.
Already being on my feet sets me ready for movement and responsiveness. I find myself taking more action, more quickly, and saying “Give me a minute” far less often.
Easy Transition to Standing
Almost two years ago I had the opportunity to switch to a standing at my office, and have been using it full time on the days I don’t telecommute. But that left me without a standing option at home.
The Flexispot Sit-Stand Workstation has filled that hole nicely – and allows me easy options between sitting and standing, and it comes Highly Recommended. The ease of use, adaptability to different use cases, and the tablet slot make the FlexiSpot very versatile.
My one complaint was the FlexiSpot name that was printed on the work surface, under the tablet slot. I contacted FlexiSpot, and they said that current models no longer have this branding, and that the URL FlexiSpot.com is instead printed on the outside edge of the foot – facing left.
If you’re looking to move into a standing desk, the FlexiSpot is a great gateway. Its flexible functionality doesn’t lock you into standing fulltime – which can put a strain on your body if you aren’t used to it. It also allows you to sit at times when you are tired, possibly injured, or are simply stuck on long conference calls and want to put your feet up.
You will also need to get an anti-fatigue mat to cushion the stress on your feet and your back. FlexiSpot offers one in their product lineup. This, along with easing into the standing routine are essential for a successful transition.
The FlexiSpot 35” runs $300. It is a moderate investment – ostensibly in your health, but it won’t break the bank. A larger 47” and a 41” made to fit in a corner runs $350 as well.
You can purchase the FlexiSpot from Amazon at this link.
