Simple and Effective Bookcase Computer Desk

Assuming you use an LCD computer monitor and are not a hard-core computer geek, here's a place to set up your computer that is simple and will take up little space, and costs very little. It is easily built into any prefab floor-standing bookcase that is at least 5 feet high and 2 feet wide and at least as deep as your keyboard plus 1 inch (about 9+ inches) It is best if the bookcase has adjustable shelves.

Ikea anyone?

Checkout the bookcase and plan your attack before starting.

* Measure and note the inside width and depth of the bookcase. Make sure your keyboard plus the mouse pad fits onto the shelf with room to spare. Ditto regarding your LCD monitor.

* Remove the two or three bottom shelves.

* Set the chair that you will likely use (best if it has casters and good back support) in front of the bookcase.

* Decide about where your monitor needs to be. The center of the screen should be at about eye level.

Reinsert a shelf that will provide that. For now DO NOT leave your monitor in the bookcase (may fall). Make sure your monitor base will fit on the shelf.

* Hold your keyboard in front of the bookcase and determine where it feels best. The keyboard should be about at the level of your elbows, yet clear your legs by at least 2 inches. Measure and mark that location on the bookcase lightly.

* Determine whether your CPU computer case will fit on the bottom shelf of the bookcase, clearing the keyboard shelf. You may have to use it on its side, which is generally not a problem.

* Juggle the numbers till everything fits.

* Decide where you would like to place your USB hub, speakers, surge suppressor, etc.

* Your printer could go on the shelf over the monitor.

You will need a saw, a power drill, a 1/8th inch drill bit, a 1.5 inch 'spade bit'.

Read all of the instructions thru before starting.

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to view the Illustrated instructions Adobe Acrobat PDF file and Save it to your desktop.