SMARTdesks Training

Training and Classroom Furniture
By SMARTdesks, Inc.
 

Our Business: SMARTdesks, Inc. designs quality ergonomic computer furniture for education; the electronic classroom, multimedia instruction, computer training, interactive learning, conference rooms and home offices. To produce a safe, secure and effective electronic, classroom or workspace experience, we provide the means to integrate software, network, electronic equipment and curriculum components to attain the perfect computer-based environments. SMARTdesks, Inc. contracts with excellent manufacturing partners with whom we closely collaborate to produce our standard and custom products. SMARTdesks, Inc. has also taken great care, using our years of experience in the industry, to select an offering of excellent solutions for your seating and accessories requirements.

Our Mission: Provide thoughtfully designed, high-quality furniture manufactured of durable, low-maintenance materials with personalized, friendly service at reasonable prices.

Our Promise: SMARTdesks™ combines the benefits of 24/7 e-commerce with exemplary one-to-one customer service to assist our clients in attaining the finest electronic meeting, training, testing and learning environments possible.


SMARTdesks™ Computer Training Desks             (Click an image to go to the series page)

FP Series
Semi-Recessed LCD

SR Series
Semi-Recessed CRT

SS Series
Sub-Surface CRT & LCD

FI Series
Flat Panel Integrated
Level™

DT Series
Desktop CRT, LCD & Laptop

Selecting the best monitor position for computer training applications

SMARTdesks™ classroom workstations are defined by how they position the monitor and the type of monitor supported. In most other aspects (appearance, construction and function), our desks are the same and available in a wide choice of standard sizes, in single and multi-station models and with tower or convertible (dual tower or desktop) CPU bays.

The equipment you specify is fitted to the user through the furniture to achieve the best balance between teacher-student interaction and the user-equipment ergonomic interface. Like all true design solutions, this results in a compromise between the processes - engagement in the instruction and effective computer use - to yield maximal production (cognition).

Although security issues often drive decisions concerning costly equipment, hopefully, determining the best computer monitor location is based on teaching methods, curriculum requirements and environmental criteria first.

We build SMARTdesks™ computer training workstations in these configurations:
  • Semi-recessed CRT and LCD display
  • Sub-surface CRT and LCD display
  • LCD arms and CRT risers
  • Desktop CRT, LCD and laptop
Because - Depending on the training requirements - the computer is:
  • the focus of the instruction
  • used for research, not instruction
  • the instruction itself
  • used for self-directed CBT
  • used for independent study
Click for additional info about:
Semi-Recessed LCD and CRT Workstations - FP • SR • FI
Semi-Recesssed CRT Detail Position the top of the monitor screen just below the users horizon line, protects equipment, conceals cables and permits an unobstructed line-of-sight plus ideal user ergonomics for the classroom
Advantages: Excellent ergonomics for learning, Open line of sight, Equipment and cable security,
Drawbacks: Dedicated surface area reduces availability for non-computer use (except FI with the Level™ system)

Level™  U.S. Patent No. 7,047,890 &
U.S. Patent No. 7,509,912

Sub-Surface LCD and CRT Workstations - SS
Place the monitor under a glass window permitting use of the worksurface for writing and text-based learning when the computer is not in use, protects equipment and cables and maintains line-of-sight
Advantages: Excellent privacy for testing, Open line of sight, Equipment and cable security, multi-use capability
Drawbacks: Glare issues, Reduced ergonomics for instructor-led computer-based training, Glass maintenance.
Sub-Surface CRT Detail

Desktop LCD, CRT and Laptop Workstations - DT
Desktop CRT Detail Hold all monitors and laptop computers. The screen is visible to student and instructor and convenient for shared computing where line-of-sight, equipment security and cable protection not an issue
Advantages: Excellent for tutoring and team computing, Lowest cost.
Drawbacks: Reduced ergonomics, line-of-sight, security, and available work space

LCD Monitor Arms and CRT risers
Support a highly adjustable view of the screen for both students and teacher, but may obstruct line-of-sight. Provides minimal security and damage protection
Advantages: Excellent for tutoring and team computing, uses minimal surface area. Improved monitor glare control, visibility and ADA accessibility
Drawbacks: Reduced ergonomics and control over sight lines. Poor equipment and cable security
LCD Support Arm Detail
Design Features and Benefits

All SMARTdesks™ workstations offer these standard features:
  • Wide variety of widths - standard sizes plus low-cost "special" size modifications
  • Three depths accommodate LCD flat displays to 21" CRTs - custom modifications available for dual-monitor configurations and specialized equipment and control panels
  • Specify single or multi-station styles for space and cost savings and lower standard heights for younger students.
  • CPU bays below the worksurface - Accommodate desktop and/or tower CPU cases or multiple thin client processors. Custom-modified dimensions may be possible.
  • 28"w keyboard/mouse platforms with heavy-duty Accuride® full-extension slides with lifetime warranty
  • Integral wire management enable desk-to-desk connection, control clutter, protect cables
  • Many Options - Power/Data Management, Adjustability & Mobility, Task Lighting
  • Standard and Custom Modifications - for security, accessibility and utility
  • Choice of standard Finish Combinations; selected for durability, glare` reduction, low` maintenance and compatibility with existing furnishings or go custom and pick any standard laminate at a small upcharge.
  • All have the same high quality general construction specifications including high-pressure laminate tops, 3mm PVC protective edge treatment, steel, thru-bolted assembly hardware for durability, etc.

And, every configuration offers these benefits:

  • Materials selected for durability and ease of maintenance in a classroom environment
  • Improved ergonomics focused on learning accommodate the greatest range of body type and size
  • Equipment is located to promote user accessibility yet maximize security and protection capability
  • Cable clutter is reduced or eliminated and wiring is protected without limiting maintenance access
  • Maximized workspace - designed into each monitor configuration
  • Hundreds of available options and accessories.
Tools and Tips

Click here to use our Monitor Configuration Comparison Matrix:
We have devised a calculation chart including most of the questions you might ask and a few you may not have thought about. By giving weight to your priorities, you will have an objective tool to help you to make a decision on which configuration is best for your specific requirements. Or ask the  Design Studio. We can help.

Take Advantage of Free Planning Services from the SMARTdesks Design Studio™
Fill out the  Classroom Design Questionnaire with room dimensions, number of stations and equipment (size, type) to be used and we will recommend a complete schedule of furnishings and provide a layout and landed quote for you at no charge or obligation. Visit the  Design Studio to find out how and why we provide this free service.

Did you know that the most important furniture item determining an ergonomic user/computer interface is the chair?. Visit  SMARTchairs to learn more and select from task seating designed for many training applications.

What are you doing about an instructor's station? SMARTdesks™ offers sit-down, stand-up and sit/stand workstations in all monitor configurations to match the student stations. If these desks do not fulfil your requirements, check out the lecterns and stand-up desks at the  TECHterns website.

The Convergence of Furniture, Design and Technology    ~    Learn Something New Every Day

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