My treadmill desk, for working and getting some exercise at the same time, is a work in progress, and I just have one piece remaining to make it just right.
I’ve got a TV attached to the wall, and a computer with WiFi to run things, but I can’t seem to find the right desk solution to make it all ergonomic and comfortable.
I tried a Lapdawg, but I was not happy at the height of it – too much crouching down.
So I got a SurfShelf – perfect height if I am using a laptop, but I don’t want to use a laptop when I am on the treadmill.
Sweat and general grossness have no place on my laptop, and I don’t want to be freaked out about spilling some water on it.
I want to use a wireless keyboard and mouse with my computer, but that’s not happening with the SurfShelf. There’s just no space for all of it.
Maybe I just need to customize a desk onto the treadmill or have it up from the floor. I’ll share all of the specs of the stuff I am using when this is all worked out.
P.S. No need to tell me it’s better to get outside to exercise – I run, walk or bike outside when it’s nice. Otherwise, I go to the gym. The treadmill desk is for those days when I don’t have time for my work and my workout.
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If you look at the top of your treadmill, the SurfShelf will sit a few inches lower. So maybe stand there and imagine typing around that level.
Im thinking about ordering the surfshelf for use on my treadmill. My concern is the height at which it attaches. Im 5’4″….is this going to attach so high on the treadmill that Ill have my hands up high to type?
That’s a really great setup! 3 miles per hour is a bit aggressive for me when I am typing and working on homework, but is great when web surfing. I end up using Dragon a lot for writing papers. Once I’ve gone a full 8 hours a few times on my treadmill I am going to see if my boss will allow me to put my setup at work.
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Hey Rob -
I ended up going with a small keyboard that had a built-in roller-ball mouse: http://blog.affiliatetip.com/archives/how-i-put-together-my-treadmill-desk/
I ran into the same problem with my surfshelf. Even though I am moving at a slow pace, my fingers still manage to get sweaty. I’m fortunate that my Dell laptop has both a pointing stick and the touchpad. I just turn off the touchpad when I’m on the Treadmill, and re-enable it when I get off. If you look up Amazon ASIN: B002ONCC6G There is an IBM keyboard that has a trackpoint. But it isn’t wireless. You could give it a try…
I am trying to lose weight, and then maintain later on. I intend to run and walk regularly moving forward.
Are you trying to lose weight? Or is this just for overall fitness?
My keyboard is 12 inches. I use about 20 inches of my custom shelf between my keyboard and mousepad.
Funny – when I saw the preview frame of the video, I thought it might be NSFW.
I keep thinking you could put a strap around your neck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ma7tAG-UO4
Might be hard to get as precise as needed with a pointer while walking. I’m headed out to Fry’s to see what I can get there.
Thanks – I have the treadmill, so the one with the treadmill as part of it doesn’t work for me – the last one looks interesting, but overpriced for a simple desk.
My projector has some wireless pointer mouse w built in laser pointer too. I wonder if they make a pointer mouse that you can buy separate.
Shawn
You may want to check out the following options:
http://www.treaddesk.com/
http://www.treadmilldeskinc.com/treadmill_desk_sit2stand.html
http://details-worktools.com/products/walkstation/
http://www.closet-masters.net/consetheightadjustablemotorizedtwin501-17.aspx
I haven’t made my final decision but based on the cost/benefit, I think it’s worth spending the money to be healthier and maintain work productivity.
Pierre
Could you possibly type on a keyboard on an elliptical anyway?
Pretty Cool.
My wife and I are attached to our computers all day.
We picked up an elliptical a few weeks back and my old laptop fits on it like a glove. I plan on using dragon and no keyboard.
Will have to take video when I do it.
That’s an interesting one – have you tried it?
I was thinking the same thing as Eric.
How about this keyboard? Has a trackball instead of a mouse.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823176018
It does the job for a laptop – I just don’t want to work off my laptop in this environment for the well being of the laptop. I could hook the laptop to the TV (and did that initially), but I want to go with a wireless setup.
I ordered the Surfshelf after reading about it on one of your sites, maybe the fat one. It should be arriving this weekend, hopefully today. I am planning on putting it on an elliptical with a laptop. Any ideal if this is going to work?
I could use a smaller keyboard, but still no place for a mouse. How wide is your keyboard? The SurfShelf is less than 14″ at the widest point.
The keyboard is wireless, but I ran into problems with my laptop and the touchpad with sweaty fingers.
Do you need such a big keyboard? I use a mini one that is more like a laptop keyboard.
What about a wireless keyboard with touchpad, to eliminate the mouse?
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