f13.net

Alrighty.  I'm building a new computer this summer and what that'll do is give me two viable computer and I will need a new desk to support both of them!  I'll be most likely grabbing a 24/26" monitor for the new rig and a dual monitor setup for the old one.  I need to put the desk in the corner of my living room and I'm limited to space so I'm thinking about an "L" shaped desk.

The question is, has anyone successfully built their own desk?  I hate buying the typical Ikea/Target/Walmart/OfficeMax desk as they never really feel comfortable sitting at.  I'm trying to look for an inexpensive setup.  I don't need drawers or anything spiffy, just a good work space.  Living in an apt.  I don't have the work area to start treating wood etc, so I need something that's pre-treated.  I've seen places where MDF board (medium density fiberboard) works as a material, but I can't seem to find it at the local Home Depot/Lowes.

Anyone have any ideas or experience building a computer desk?  Looking for some opinions and maybe some pitfalls to avoid as I'm not a carpenter, though I'm no stranger with tools or other devices, I've just never build a decent piece of furniture.

I know you said you're not a fan of Ikea, but I'd still reccomend this desk from them (http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/40079218). The desk is roomy, decently sturdy and dirt cheap. I used one for 2 years and miss it quite a bit. I always enjoyed working at it because I always felt that I had plenty of room to spread myself around. Also, unlike many Ikea products, it came with all the bits and didn't fall apart, even with consecutive dissasembly and reassembly.

If you're still not feeling the ikea thing, I don't know much about woodwork, but you could use the dimensions and shape of that desk as a template to make a decent desk of your own.

I need something in an "L" shape, so if I were to go that way, I'd need two of them.

I built my own desk, Went cheap and used a 1/2 sheet of melamine. Course I have a nook that fit perfect. Just used some 1x2s to support the underside of it.

If you have access to a tablesaw there really is no reason to buy one.

THIS (http://www.computer-desk-assembly.com/) looks easy!  You could probably even make two. 

I hate 'computer desks'. I've never seen one billed as a computer desk that I like. I'd build one out of dimensional lumber with some veneers to surface, if I were of the mind to build one.

I'm still waiting to inherit my old "computer desk" from my mother, it's a massive wooden monstrosity.

Step 1)  Find an office building that is being renovated.  They usually throw whole sections of countertop out as new tennants move in and they renovate the space.  Medical offices are good for this, or you can just try phoning up one of the local office management companies/ design-build contractors.   My cubicle mate just got an 8' section of lamninated countertop this way, and there were 4 other sections at least 6' long and up to 12' long there.

Step 2) Cut it down to the size you need/ want and form the desk.

Step 3) Use sky's 2x4-to-the-wall to hold the back edge up. (We call this a ledger board)

Step 4)  To hold the front edge up there's two methods.
              a)  You may luck out and find angle braces when you pick-up the countertop.  They'll be designed to sit under the countertop and against the wall at a 30-45 degree angle, depending on height and design.  If you don't it's easy enough to just buy some plywood and build them yourself with a circular saw and some more 2x's
              b)  The post method -  I don't like this method as it's too easy to kick-out a post, but it's simple enough.  Either buy a 4X4 post at yon home store or ask a local Architecture/ Printing firm for the cardboard tubes inside of their plotter/ printer paper rolls.  Our tubes are 36" long, 1/4" thick and about 4" in diameter.  They're fucking sturdy.

Step 5) Finish off any unfinished/ unsightly edges with some wood trim from the home store.

College solution: old door on two filing cabinets. Strongest desk you can get for free.

I never like Ikea stuff beyond the aesthetic. They probably have changed things over the years, but I've had enough problems with their particle board to last a lifetime.

I prefer my desks to be solid wood. I never want to worry about weight. This stems from the days of 19" CRT monitors with CPUs and other assorted crap. I built my work bench in the garage with largely the same mentality. Some people would probably be fine with four 2x4s and a sheet of 3/4" plywood. Me, I laid 14 2x4s on their sides, glued them all together, threw two sheets of 3/4" plywood on top (the top to replace when it gets crapped up), and used two 2x4 legs per corner. You could drive a truck on the thing.

So when I do my next desk, it'll be whatever piece of wood I think will look good stained and poly'd on top of some drawers I'll build with the Lowes draw stuff, and some legs. Haven't worked up a design yet. Gotta move first.

I've had this one (http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/woodworking/1273161.html) in mind for some time.  Although the top is custom-veneered MDF if the plans are followed precisely.

They have plans for a couple of matching pieces as well.

You think you're kidding with that "you could drive a truck on it"  crack, Darniaq, but 2 2X4s (SPF #2) can hold 4000# at only 54% of capacity.

As for the 14 2X4's   :ye_gods:

This too, I find a large flat surface with no extraneous bits to be the ideal surface to work at.

I did this (http://www.slyagent.com/desk.jpg).  It's Ikea, but it is billed as a generic desk.  You can organize the sections to fit any way you want.  I have mine in an L-shape and all of my computer equipment there. A command center really.  All of the "computer desks" I looked at looked like ass, so I chose not to use one.  I used to use 2 folding tables and a filing cabinet to do the equivalent in college.

I use 2 Ikea Jerkers.

(http://blog.blankbaby.com/blankbaby/jerker.jpg)

1. Great Name.
2. Solid as fuck. Probably the most solid think Ikea makes.
3. Huge.
4. Awesome stain that gets cooler as you use it more. The Black turns into a dark brown into a shade lighter. Neat effect from using it for 3 years.
5. It's cheap as fuck.
6. Good luck finding one. The second version is out and it's balls compared to the first. Obviously Ikea fixed the "Too much Value for Too Little Cost" 'problem' of the first one.

You will not ever be able to build a better desk than multiple jerkers. Try Craigslist.

you aren't looking hard enough. 

schild has the right idea, I picked up an L-shaped desk at costco about 12 years ago that is basically 2 of those ikea jerkers joined by a corner unit.  The corner peice bit the dust around year 5 but the 2 side units are still going strong. 

I think my next desk is going to start out as an extremely oversized antique desk which I can hollow out to build in all my comp shit (a few comps, flatbed scanner, inkjet printer, speakers, a few monitors, kvm switch and a shredder).

We've had to dismantle my father's home, recently, because he's become sick and insane.  We have some of my mother's furniture, huge cherry wood dressers with mirrors, cedar lined drawers and that sort of thing.  She always bought the best furniture she could find and I suppose they're very nice.  I hate them all, including the big fancy desk that I used to use a bajillion years ago when I lived with them.  Too much wood.  Too fancy.  And now I get to have some of this giant stuff in my house, at least until my nephews can fit them in to where ever they decide to live or until we leave the US in a couple years time.  Le sigh.  I like minimal.  The office set up we have is all glass and chrome.  I like this sort of thing:

(http://www.design-eu.com/img/bimg_492_1.jpg)

Wish I could buy that desk.  Unfortunately, it's $16,235.  Even I couldn't justify that!  (I'm trying, though)

I do like the odd bit of wood furniture.  I love my living room sofa which is made out of bomber jackets, too.  I just don't like huge clunky heavy wood furniture.  I don't like collections, either, barring our music and film collections.  Dusty crap.  I even toss out books when I'm done reading them, though Righ has a collection of mostly science fiction books signed by authors which I've learned to ignore.

I built my own desk out of 3/4" plywood, L design, with a monitor riser, a ups/router/nas box under shelf, and an inset for the computer.
Just takes a saw, a screwgun, and some time.

Please ignore the dishes (it's been a long weekend) the tangle of wires, and Otto.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a235/rattra/dscf0037.jpg)

I spy four computers.

A SCREWGUN!  oooo.

And Frankenstein's Monitor setup.

I second the Jerker.  Couldn't remember the name until schild posted the picture.  Great desk.

Actually, I was serious. I've got an extra shelf a foot off the floor specifically to make useful the cross beams I put in to hold the legs from bowing. Back when I had no kids, I had the time to build shit that would last. I'm sure if I landed a garage on it or something it'd crack. I just wanted a workbench I could pound with a freakin sledgehammer if I needed, could vice-grip anything to, and I could stand my ever-fattening ass on if I needed to get into the rafters.

4 computers, but only 2 are currently connected. One is a flaky old 939 I haven't started gutting, and the Antec 900 is spoken for and just waiting for a video card.

I don't get why the monitor setup gets a 'Frankenstein' label though, the 2 24" are on one machine, with the server running irc and torrents on the 19" in the corner.

Compared to Schild's Widescreen 24" next to a 4:3 19"?   Got me!

You should be able to find MDF in Home Depot, but then again they all stock differently. 3/4" melamine would be fucking sturdy if you seriously can't find the MDF sheets and want an alternative. I couldn't get away with the 2X4 setup as all my walls are concrete.

The idea of building a new desk intrigues me. I'll ask my boss for some ideas on this and I can pass them on to you if you want.

I built myself an vastly upgraded version of that Ikea Jerker. As in, ordered the wooden parts from carpenter and welded & drilled metal parts myself (you will need a few metal drill bits, you can outsourcing welding to friend who actually has a welding machine). There are slight discolorations on the metal due to welding, but the woodwork is top notch.
And best part of it - it cost like 20% of what Ikea asked for theirs. (also, been in constant use for about 5 years and no structural failures - it really is solid design:D)

Great ideas guys.  I think I'll have to check around the other Home Depots, most likely the nearest one was out of stock or whatever of the MDF board.

I like rat's desk.  Not bad, I had something similar to that in mind.  Like everyone else I hate "computer desks".  I normally would of gotten two desks like Schild has said, however I'm limited to space on one side.

Random desk picture!
(http://www.anthro.com/Images/sp/a_SP_ELTCrn_KarenB_sit_sept06.jpg)

That chair looks like serious fucking business. Does it turn into a robot? Also, NO WIRES, OMG. And what's that third monitor supposed to be hooked up to? And why with all that expensive shit does she have a stock mouse and a $6 Ikea lamp. I don't trust this picture. Not even one bit.

I also think thats really a man too.

Anyone else use a monitor mount for two LCDs like this:
(http://webobjects2.cdw.com/is/image/CDW/1387884?$product_165$)

Just curious since the ones I find are at least $150.00.  Seems over priced to me.

That seems spiffy but completely and entirely unnecessary.

I would love to have a house with no wires anywhere.  I can hardly imagine something so wonderful. 

I was going for spiffy, but not $140 for a small metal rack spiffy.

The desk I was talking about is more like this:

(http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7060/partnerdesknv5.jpg)
That's a real desk. All those others are pale desk wannabes. Or worse, trendy.

I don't even know where to find an Ikea :)

(http://www.akmining.com/mine/cc6.jpg)

You know what I mean.  I hate wires.  They get dusty and cats use them to pull stuff down. 

That desk is very much like the one we pulled out of my father's house the other day, except no leather top and it was a one person desk.  It's also red mahogany which I think is the same as the picture posted.  If my nephew hadn't of taken it, I don't know what we would have done.  The thing weighs a ton and neither my sister nor I were willing to keep it.   Since the two big wooden dressers were brought over yesterday, I have been doing nothing but cleaning them.  My father was a chain smoker and, OMG, the nicotine just never ends!  Hopefully there's still a finish I can polish after it's all gone.   My entire house stinks of smoke now.   :uhrr:  I didn't expect that for some reason.

if you go that route you need to just spend a few extra $$ and get a swing arm mount that has no foot print.

dual desk mount arm (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Displays/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=A0722541)

I also have a lot of Ikea.

Moments ago, in the Bhodilair...
(http://www.filedump.net/dumped/img01011213718309.jpg)

I'm in the market for a new desk, though. It doesn't match anything else.

It's also smaller than my balls.

:hello_thar:

Bhodi - Look at you with your company pride :drill:

What kind of computer chairs you guys using.  I'm gonna have to buy a good one I think.

Just got home from a quick stint at Home Depot.  They actually do have MDF board there.  Awesome.  Now I just have to draw up some desk plans.  Time to put my rusty engineering degree to good use.

I don't like using mdf for anything I might someday stand on. Not that that's likely in my current house, as the upstairs ceilings are only 8'
I think I may rebuild/extend my desk. A 28" monitor is becoming increasingly tempting, but I'd need an additional 6-8" of  monitor shelf.

Also, the 3/4" plywood I used is faced with red oak so if I ever get around to putting a finish on it it'll look quite nice.


Anyway, you should document your desk building with pictures, so we can applaud/abuse you for design choices.

Well the one thing stopping me from pictures is I can't find my camera charger.

I guess that's step one.  I'm going home tonight and measuring out space.  Design docs to follow!

3 layers of 3/4" MDF laminated to each other=strong enough for you and 2 of your heaviest friends to dance on.  Then again it will also take you and 2 of your heaviest friends to move it as well.

I don't know why, but I'm all excited about this!  Paint it a wild colour!  Like this:

(http://www.pamdesign.com/furniture/greenDeskOpn.jpg)

I love funky painted furniture! 

There will be no painting.

But you could make it so purdy.  (http://www.invision.smileyville.net/smilies/happy%20(4).gif)

kitchy = purdy?

Heres my setup, sorry for the incredibly shitty cell phone pic, my brother stole my digital camera and left it at work.


The desk is solid Oak I think, whatever it is it's fucking heavy and came with the house when we bought it, the old homeowners couldn't get it out of the house.

Nerf wins for best desk.  That's awesome.

I'll get a real picture of it tomorrow, it's quite fucking impressive, polished to a mirror shine.  My only complaint is the fucking drawer on the right side of the L doesn't let me get my chair under the desk, I keep resisting the urge to rip it out as I don't really store anything big in it anyways.

Also, while I'm posting awesome shit, brother got a new car on saturday.

(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k227/jdodge80/bothview.jpg)

Did a little 3D modeling. 

Dimensions are basically are 5.5' x 4'

Edit:
Not bad for the first time using Google Sketchup!

editx2
Nerf, how is that desk supported in the corner under the monitor?  I can think of a few things, but I kept my design simplish.

You can see a seam just under the keyboard if you look closely, theres a metal brace running the length of the top under that seam on the underside.

On your design, do you have the left (in first picture) section slotted into the rest of the desk, or did it just not line up in sketchup and you said fuckit?

I'd say if you add another section from floor to top on that part where it meets the other half of the L you'll be fine, but that picture isn't structurally sound.

Also, you need a drawer to hide your gun in, preferably on the right if you're right handed.  You don't want to hide it in the drawer right in front of you, you might have to slide the chair back to open it, and those few seconds will get you killed in a home invasion.

Or could always mount a holster I suppose, if you don't want drawers.

The layering didn't come out right, but it's all essentially correct.  If you use the top picture as reference, lets call the left part "A" and the right part "B".  Part A has support on the left edge, and a support on the right end as well an equivalent legnth on the top right section.  Part "B" rests on top of A and is supported on it's right end.  Then you have two back braces for the edge supports.

So you're going to have 2 elevations on the table surface?  :ye_gods:

I stand by my statement that the way that desk is drawn right now, it is in no way structurally sound, and having one go under/over the other is a horrible, horrible idea that you will hate yourself every day for doing.

Just add another floor-to-top support on the left side (in first picture, right side in 2nd picture) and then a nice heavy metal brace on the underside of the joint.  I'd probably dovetail it too, just for added security and a nice flush fit.

I'll be facing strait on the left part regardless.  How is it not stable though?  I dont get where the weak point would be.  I was trying to make the desk as simple as possible with the least amount of cutting since I'll have to have it cut at home depot.

Now where would you put this metal brace and how would you connect the two wooden desktops?

The left portion has no support, screwing it to the underside of the supported desk on the right requires you to have 2 different elevations of tabletop, which is a BAD, BAD idea, and isn't very secure to boot.


Metal bracket would go where I circled on the top picture, on the underside, and like I said, I would dovetail, or at the very list drill holes and use dowels to join the two as well, don't just rely on the bracket.

Picture 2 shows where additional support should go, as it sits now, the desk on the right (speaking of the top picture, again) has support on the left, right, and back of the table.  The desk on the left has support on the left side of it, and that's it, it wouldn't stand if it weren't connected to the other desk, you don't want to do that.

I would also run another board, like you have there in the middle going laterally, but maybe smaller and with a nice patterned edge on it, from the edge of the top all the way across to the sides for additional support.

EDIT: I might be calling you out because the drawing is wrong, is that supposed to be 2 entirely different and somewhat structurally sound tables with one being slightly higher than the other?

That board doesn't stop there it goes all the way across.  Think of two desktops with one side tucked under the other.

If that drawing is just fucko and I interpreted it wrong I do apologize, but you still don't want the whole over/under thing going on, it will drive you fucking insane.

Yea, Sketchup is strange so you have to wrangle it around to get the right shape.  The elevation really wouldn't bother me as I won't be facing into the corner.  However I could put what is the elevated part is and make it lower.

To clarify, is this your current plan?


That could work, although I'd want more lateral support than that one beam going across, another one just like it but attached flush with the top edge of the desk would help immensely.

And you'll have to use a small block to have that support running on the outside on both desks.

Also, fuck google sketchup, where the hell is my 3-view with model option in the upper right quadrant?  (really, where is it? I know it's got to be there)

Desk is too boring and simple. It's the kind of thing you could just buy and it would be more efficient than building it.

I agree Schild, but who am I to tell a man his ideas suck, this isn't the MMO forum.

That desk would just be a low quality Ikea Jerker sat next to another low quality ikea jerker.

Negative, it would be a low quality Ikea Jerker set /under/ another low quality Ikea Jerker, allowing for leg room at the intersection.

That's how my desk is setup and I love it, sans the drawer that isn't even good for holding a gun.

I like being able to rest both forearms on either side of the desk and having support from the elbow on.

Draegan, if you're planning on doing what I posted, you can fix the elevation problem by just putting another tabletop chunk of wood on the one that goes under from the overlap point to make them flush.

It might be a bit boring, but if you use real wood and stain it, and then hit the edges with a router to leave a nice design, it will end up looking very classy.

This isn't a permanent job, which is why I'm going cheap.  I'm most likely moving in 6 mos or so. 

I'm also happy you think my simple and efficient idea sucks.   :uhrr:

Draegan, the idea doesn't suck. The execution and time spent doesn't make sense. I mean, it sounds like you should jsut go buy 2 folding tables and put them in an L shape. You can then fold them up and take them to wherever you're going. In other words: It's the opposite of efficient.

It's not that it sucks, it's that it lacks flare.

Your avatar is fitting, though.

I thought about the folding tables, however I just don't have the space to set up two of them.  I have just enough room for a 2' wide table where my main desktop will be then a 1.5' wide desk going a long side of it.  Yes it's a pain in the ass, but like I said originally, I only have a certain amount of room which ruled out normal solutions, like buying folding tables.

edit:
However you're right.  It does seem inefficient.  I am now going to look into making it detachable so I can re-ensemble it. 

(http://www.geekologie.com/2008/02/22/han-solo-desk-1.jpg)

Fuck, that's ugly.

After slicing my leg open on an unnoticeably chipped glass coffee table a few years ago I've developed a distinct aversion to any glass furniture.

A glass desk just seems like begging for a humorous demise.

I have an old glass desk but the support frame for it really doesn't allow for your legs to go underneath.  Crappy POS.

I got a pretty spiffy teacher's desk in 2001. My dad's school was updating the furniture, and I grabbed this maybe late 60's early 70's era desk. It's pretty heavy, but it has some nice drawer space and one of those cool pull-out "workspace" platforms. I think we already packed the charger for the camera, and I am not digging through a ton of boxes to look for it.

Here's roughly what it looks like, except mine is all wood with a blonde veneer on the desktop and edges, and a blonde finish on the legs and drawers, brass fixtures, etc.

(http://www.furniture4schools.com/product_images/medium/540_lrg_543.jpg)


It's fine for our needs and is small enough to fit in the space it must fit at our new place. My main concern is that there's not enough desktop space. I've had the same CRT monitor since 1998. I looked at Best Buy's website as a simple "price check" and it seems that I can drop about $150-$199 and get a decent flat monitor. My rig is circa SWG launch so it's not like I need some ridiculous uber monitor, and I think that I can get some decent desk space back if I have the smaller footprint monitor.

I'm just wondering if going cheap like the Jerker or that other Ikea desk with no drawers is worth it if I can drop about what I'd spend on a desk with drawers at Ikea on a 21st century monitor.

I've got a new design in mind, but I'm trying to think of the easiest materials too work with other than wood.  I'm think about building a frame and the only material off the top of my head that I can think of is PVC pipe.

Any ideas?

copper tubing would probably make a cooler looking frame, pick up a propane torch and some solder...  be sure and use the rigid stuff not the easy bend, one is type L the other is type M I can never keep em straight (I think you want type M). 

steampunk all the way!

Maybe go a few sheets of 1/4" tinted plexi for the surface...

Copper is expensive right now, the theft of choice for shady contractors.

Keep the old teacher's\government worker's desk and get a flat panel monitor.  They will last forever and multiple moves.  I tried to get one from my place of employment (with drawers\shelves on top across the back as well) that they were literally throwing in the trash, but they wouldn't give it to me since it was technically "required to be disposed of since accounting has it written down that way."

I love my old 19 inch monitors that I spent alot of money on back in 2000, but they just take up too much desk space to be used every day anymore.  My office is shared with the other half and space is at a serious premium here in SoCal.

And Verizon!

And China. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7460364.stm)

And, hell, just plain thieves.   We've had 3 houses this year where they've gone in and ripped out the HVAC and electrical wiring for the copper.

I use a 120 lb. unfinished teak monstrosity that my great-grandfather owned. It's in excellent condition, has tons of space, and could also serve as a tornado shelter.

in the quantities needed to frame out a desk it wouldn't be that much more than pvc

I picked up THIS (http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/620475/Office-Brand-Mezza-Glass-Computer-Desk/) workstation for $150 on sale and am fairly pleased with it.  For the price, I couldn't find better.

(http://cdn.www.officedepot.com/pictures/SK/LG/620475_sk_lg.jpg)

Easy to assemble and is pretty solid.  The glass tops are nice as well.

That's a newer model of what I had in Maryland. It's actually pretty nice. Not as sturdy as 2 jerkers though.

True.  I bought this for the combination of cost and convenience.  I build my own stereo stands, but had no desire to build a workstation.  I know, I'm nuts.

There's a huge difference between stereo stands and a desk.

There is, but I'm betting that we're thinking about them quite differently.  Stereo stands require a ridiculous amount of attention to detail when done properly.  Workstations just require them to be solid and level.  Of course, I'm an audio nut. 

I hear denon has some new cables for you.

Funny guy.  I've been building my own cables for years as well.  I can make them using solid silver or gold wire for about the same as that Recoton or Monster crap people spend good money on at Best Buy.  Cables do make a difference by the way... the science of that is easy to prove.  Whether or not humans can discern the difference is the issue. 

Science could prove that pretty easily too... has anyone ever done any double-blind trials on copper vs. gold cable or whatever?  Be interesting to test some "audiophiles" and see if they can actually tell the difference.

What a good buy for $150!  It might not be the prettiest desk ever, but it's big and cheap and easy to wipe clean! 

Once you're done building your desk, don't forget to name it: Blogadilla Swedish Furniture Name Generator (http://www.blogadilla.com/2008/05/11/the-blogadilla-swedish-furniture-name-generator)

I need to start working on the Kliddejr desk soon.

I think the jerker is an apt name for a computar desk. Upgrade to the wanker!

Then please, prove it.

How fundamental would you like me to start?  Conductance, EMF, or the Electromotive series (http://reference.howstuffworks.com/electromotive-series-encyclopedia.htm) would be good jumping off points.  Understanding the reasoning behind the development of CAT5 cable may also be helpful.  Also look at why CAT5 slows down after 100m.


Note: I'm sure an EE on the forums can do a much more elegant job of explaining all this than I can.

It's easy. You connect one end to a signal generator and connect the other end to a signal analyzer and examine the differences from the reference signal. There will be differences in the output waveforms between different cables like so:

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/hdmi-cable-battlemodo/the-truth-about-monster-cable-part-2-268788.php

(This is with video not audio but the same concepts apply).

Very nice.  Thanks for the link.

There's not really much of a reason to go into it.  Signal strength degrades over length, the center strand setup and count play a role in how the inductance and resistance of the wire behave and how much degradation you get, and the cable terminators also influence the same.  The bigger question, as you put it, is can a human ear actually discern enough of those differences to justify the cable price?  Sure you can get a more perfect square\sin wave that degrades a few 100µV less than a cheaper cable and is slightly more immune to outside interference (EMI\noise), but does that honestly translate into enough of a true loss of data that a $200 cable will make up for?

If it's a digital signal I would say there is no difference in the end product, at some point doesn't the signal purity become good enough and improvements beyond that just don't matter other than maybe distance or bandwidth which i doubt are factors here.  For example a fuzzy looking peak (ie 1) is still recognizable as a 1 and once it gets interpreted as such it becomes a crystal clear 1 same as if it wasn't fuzzy to begin with.  didn't read the original article so I may be off base on what type of signal they are transmitting over this $500 ethernet cable, i'm just assuming it is a binary data stream.

I went out to Office Depot to find a desk chair and I actually sat at that desk.  It was pretty nice.

Office Max had a desk that I also liked from Sharper Image that I also liked (like a glass/Steelcase hybrid) but it was really expensive (like $300) when you got all of it together.  I'd provide a link, but Sharper Image is doing something with their site.

I liked someone's idea of a "steam punk" style desk.  Copper piping etc.  I havn't had time to look into materials yet.

(http://hackedgadgets.com/wp-content/2/steam_punk_computer_1.jpg) (http://hackedgadgets.com/2007/10/05/steam-punk-computer/)

That's way too complicated for me.

By complicated, you mean awesome!

It would be more awesome if it didn't have all those wires.  I hate wires.  In my house I look at them as dusty, nasty cat toys.  Well, nearly everything is a cat toy in my house now.  My cats have become boss of me.   :ye_gods:

That is the BOMB! Especially if it actually has a water cooled system and the guages measure crap like temp and relative water circulation or some such. I'd pay stupid money for it.

I bought a desktop from ikea for $30 and screwed in some table legs I recycled from around the place.  Functional, cheap, and time efficient.

There's a whole site somewhere with steampunk computers, laptops, other stuffs.  I just don't remember where and I can't be arsed to look.  There's also a site about how to make your stuff into steampunk looking stuff.  Guitars seem to be popular.

http://steampunkworkshop.com/

Eh, their guitar is just an etching. Thunder Eagle makes the drool-worthy stuff:

(http://www.thundereagleguitars.com/images/villanizer/vill_close_left.jpg) (http://www.thundereagleguitars.com/villanizer.htm)

(http://www.thundereagleguitars.com/images/nautilus/surge.jpg) (http://www.thundereagleguitars.com/nautilus.htm)

I also like the faucet idea from this mod:

(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c378/Firewyre/Guitar_Steampunk_Small.jpg)

Too bad I can't remember that page.  It has pics of all that cool looking stuff and some really unexpected ones, too.  Oh well.  Someone will eventually find it again someday.  Maybe.

You could start on how much do gold plated connectors and other fancy, audiophile improvements help signal quality compared to bend radius or external interference (friend of mine tried to install CAT5 pararell to power cables and failed horribly - I wonder if monster CAT5 would help him succeed).