With the “new normal” thanks to 2020, many professionals and students traded their office space or classroom for a home office or e-learning space. But not everyone can deal with working on the kitchen table or sitting down for extended periods of time, which is why it’s important to find the perfect workstation for the job.
Enter the Autonomous SmartDesk 2, an affordable height-adjustable standing desk that allows you to cycle between sitting and standing throughout the day. It offers the best mix of performance and features of an adjustable standing desk for everyone who works on their computers all day. After all, sitting down for an excessive amount isn’t the best for your health so taking breaks and getting your legs and your blood moving in some way must be peppered in your daily routine – the SmartDesk 2 will certainly make a difference.
The Specs
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
It may not be the first thing you think of when researching a standing desk, but weight capacity is very important. Although the SmartDesk 2 is built with a quiet yet powerful dual-motor system, the motor does have moving parts, and going beyond the maximum load can cause damage to the motors. So before stacking multiple large monitors, monitor arms, heavy accessories, lighting, speakers, a case of Monster Energy Drink, and bags of beef jerkies, keep the max weight capacity in mind. Also, know that the number of the max load does not include the weight of the top — the Classic Top weighs about 45 pounds. and the XL Top is about 60 pounds – so if you’re thinking of sitting on top of the desk and riding it like an elevator fun but you’re weighing in at the upper 200, we highly recommend against it.
Height Range: 28” – 47”
It doesn’t matter if you’re vertically challenged or a tower, the SmartDesk 2 has you covered. The solid steel telescoping desk frame can adjust from the lowest height of 28 inches, up to 47 inches. That’s 19 inches of height adjustment so you’re guaranteed to find your optimal sitting or standing height. Even better, thanks to the dual-motor system, it can go from its lowest setting to the highest or vice versa in a little over 8 seconds. So, if you’re thinking of going for a more affordable desk with a manual hand crank, good luck transitioning from sitting to standing and back again.
Desktop Size: 53” x 29” (Larger Size Available for Additional Charge)
Autonomous offers the SmartDesk 2 in two different sizes: The Classic top (53”x29”) and the XL Top (70.5”x30”). Both are made with solid, high-quality MDF wood and available in three different finishes including black, white, and natural bamboo. The Classic has plenty of space for a laptop or display, keyboard, and other desk accessories, but we suggest you opt for the XL if you need room for your Funko Pop bobblehead collection.
What We Like
Super Sturdy
The build quality of the SmartDesk 2 is exceptional, from the rock-solid desk frame to the one-inch solid MDF wood top. This desk is solid. The top will. Not bend or bow even at the max capacity weight. We also tend to lean on the desk when it’s on the standing position, as well as knee the bottom of the desk when we lean back on our chairs, and we’ve never felt like the desk would tip over. And unlike our cheap Ikea desk, there’s literally zero shakes and wobble, even while we’re adjusting the height.
User-Friendly Controls
We dig the simplicity of the keypad. It is user-friendly and easy to understand. Once powered, simply press the up and down button at once for two seconds to hear a beep and the desk is ready to go. The height adjusts very quickly which makes it a cinch to transition from sitting to standing or vice versa. Our preferred sitting height to fit our chairs is 30 inches and standing height is 50 inches but this doesn’t fit everyone so, so we’re happy to find that the keypad stores up to four preset heights to allow a second user to also save their settings.
Assembly Experience
If you’ve ever assembled Ikea furniture by yourself, then we guarantee that you can do the same with the SmartDesk 2. Our assembly experience was a breeze even with a hiccup. Included in the box with the screws are two Hex keys, but if you have an electric screwdriver with the correct size Hex bit, you will get done quicker. Pro tip: save yourself the hassle make sure you gloss over the assembly instructions once before you begin. Our mistake was screwing on the desktop to the frame and missed placing rubber pads in between, which forced us to undo all the screws, separate the top from the frame, insert the rubber pads and screw the top back to the frame.
Bonus
Autonomous was kind enough to design and include ways to manage unsightly cables and cords. Standard on all tops is two cable grommets to organize wires from the computer and peripherals. The flexible top has a 1-inch diameter to accommodate cords and cables. If you’re like us, you’ll want to pop the metal top of the grommet to expand the opening to 2-1/2 inches and accommodate more. Also in the box are plastic cable straps with adhesive backs which help keep the wires from hanging under the desk.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to note that with the starting price of $359, the SmartDesk 2 is the best find when it comes to an affordable standing desk. With the low, affordable price, you’ll receive a telescoping desk frame that can extend to its tallest height in less than 3 seconds and the solid Classic top in either black, white, or bamboo finish. Autonomous also covers all tops with a 1-year warranty, the Home Office frames with a 5-year warranty, and the Premium frames with a 7-year warranty. Rest assured that if any problem occurs, they got your back by fixing the issue free of charge, or if an unlikely problem cannot be mended, they will send a brand new standing desk at no cost to you. If you’re in the market for an affordable standing desk, look no further than the SmartDesk 2 by Autonomous.