Computer desk

A Computer desk is any modern desk form built specifically to support or contain a computer and/or its components and to facilitate work on it by a user or users.

The computer itself is normally a separate element from the desk, even if it can take some time to dissociate computer and desk given the number of system cables that can get entangled with parts of the desk. Only a few contemporary computers are actually designed to be built within a desk made specially for them, like the British iDesk. They are then not removable and more precisely not distinguishable from it. Many experimental projects or concepts of the Office of the future often feature completely integrated desk-and-computer work spaces.

The most common form of contemporary computer desk is a simple variant of the Ergonomic desk, in the sense that it has, at the very least, an adjustable keyboard tray and sufficient desktop space for handwriting by a single user. Provisions are also frequently made for a monitor shelf and holes are integrated in the design to make it easier to wire all the computer components together. The typical Armoire desk, for instance, is usually sold with these features, or more, while the better of the many Cubicle desk designs existing all have holes and trays and shelves at the right places for computer systems.

There is a seemingly endless variety of computer desk shapes and forms. At one extreme in the size scale some furniture suppliers catering to educational institutions offer huge multi-student computer desk rows made to support and/or contain dozens or hundreds of computer system elements in novel ways in order (in theory) to facilitate general maintenance, prevent theft and/or vandalism and make wiring easier. At another extreme in the size scale several manufacturers offer rolling Lectern desks or computer carts with a tiny desktop, with just enough room for a laptop computer and a mouse pad.

On the production scale one finds at one extreme original looking computer desks adapted individually from old upright pianos by local crafts persons. At the other extreme office furniture sold by many Self-assembly furniture companies are usually produced in batches of thousands or more.

See also the list of desk forms and types.