Spending money on a computer desk.

[CraigThor]

I'm torn right now as I want to get this Computer Armoire as I'm currently working with my computer from an end table which is really at the wrong height. Finally it went on sale but is still a big endeavor as I've been in a save, save, save mode the last month and put away almost $1000. I need a printer too which is onsale for 63.98 and will need 2 ink cartridges at $20 ea, still have my old usb cable from my now gone lexmark 3 n 1 machine. After working to put away the cash, spending $371.65 w/ tax is hard to do. If you would have seen me a few months back I would have it home by now using it. My house is an extremely small 1 bdrm (700 sq ft) and my living room doubles as dining room, living room, yoga room, salsa dancing room, and home office so getting something that I can close and hide when I'm not using it would be wonderful. Hmm. what to do... Any advice from ye olde spend thrifts and savers?

Craig

[Gruntina]

That computer armoire is actually a very good price. It includes the filing cabinet and sidewall folders. Most sell for $1000 more or less. Can you purchase it at Staples store rather than online for that price? It would save on shipping.

It’s more your call on if you are ready for a purchase like that. It is not required to have for a computer but it sure does help make productivity more at ease and give a more streamlined clean look in your home(and a place for the printer).

[LuxLiving]

What was the 1000.00 being saved for?

[tinapbeana]

here are my questions: can you buy the piece without jeopardizing your savings goal? if you are saving for the piece already and you wait to buy, will it cost you the same or will it cost you more?

and finally, an emotional question: will having your 'work area' organized, comfortable, and ready to use make you more likely to to keep other things that way (like the rest of your house, perhaps even your budget? )

[rob62521]

If you cannot justify the cost of this piece, look for alternatives. The local school district often sells teacher desks at a reasonable price to clear them out of the warehouse. I bought mine for $20 -- it has three drawers (one is really deep for files) and other than a bit of damage to the the piece that comes out on the side if you want to write a letter on it (I keep it tucked in), it was fine. It's sturdy and at the right height -- it's what my computer is on.

[CraigThor]

Yeah, I just went and purchased it after discussing it with the wife. I tried at the store but the one in the store was extremely bad shape, looked like the box had been run over and it was scratched on the inside, and the other store in town didn't have one so; I ordered one to have it delivered to my door w/ free shipping. The $1000 is the start of my emergency fund and hope to be able to start retirement funds next year once we hit $3k for both me and the wife. I have been saving for this item but was hoping to hold out another month but the sale will be over so I just went for it. I do all my budgeting on the computer and keep track of my 3 accounts as well. I am a very organized person so this piece will be great. As for the teachers desk it would be way to big I only have 3 feet to work with so it had to be compact. Oh yeah got my printer on sale as well so I saved a grand total of $66 plus if I would have had to pay shipping that would have been in excess of $100. Should be here Monday I'm hoping then to find the time to put it all together.

Craig

[bjl584]

I got two computer desks for free. One was left by the former owners' of my house, the other I got from my cousin when she got married and moved away. The one that was left in my house is really nice. I'm currently using that one. The other I gave to my Dad.

[Hot dog]

that is a good price Let us know how the quality is when you get it Is it as nice as it looks?

[dossin1]

I think a good desk is a worthwile purchase, especially an armoire that will keep everything neat. Right now, we have a computer cart in our dinning room and it really is uncomfortable and has no storage area. It is more for a desktop w/keyboard and right now we have laptop, so it is not at the right height for typing. But it was only $40 bucks.

[Gruntina]

When you do not see a pile of paperwork first thing in the morning after waking up, it reduces stress when starting your day.

[Broken Arrow]

I'm using a music stand right now. And oddly enough, it's been working quite well for me and my laptop!

Obviously, the use is very limited, but it's fully adjustable(!) and it was cheap ($40). Sure, it's a little crazy, but... I like crazy.

[rob62521]

Originally Posted by Broken Arrow

I'm using a music stand right now. And oddly enough, it's been working quite well for me and my laptop!

Obviously, the use is very limited, but it's fully adjustable(!) and it was cheap ($40). Sure, it's a little crazy, but... I like crazy.

Actually it sounds pretty creative...and frugal!

[KellyJef]

Originally Posted by CraigThor

Yeah, I just went and purchased it after discussing it with the wife. I have been saving for this item but was hoping to hold out another month but the sale will be over so I just went for it. I do all my budgeting on the computer and keep track of my 3 accounts as well. I am a very organized person so this piece will be great.

I think this is a smart purchase. It really looks like a nice piece of furniture that will make your life a little easier.

[CraigThor]

Well got the computer armoire today. It is better than expected, places for everything. It did take over 4 hrs and I'm extremely mechanically inclined. Lots of prep and little stuff to assemble. If anyone is looking for something to fit in a tight space I would recommend this. Hope everyone has a great evening, now back to my glass of 2005 Oliverhill Shiraz. Goodnite to all.