On: Ask HN: What does your home office look like?

[jeffbarr]

I use an Ikea Gallant desk. My main computer (home built Linux system running Windows via VirtualBox) sits underneath, and a large-screen Asus monitor is on top, as does my laptop. I try to keep the physical desktop devoid of non-essential stuff, but this is a losing battle. I also have a video projector directed at the wall in front of me.

My office is full of books, plants, my LEGO projects, and other miscellaneous toys and distractions. The walls are decorated with classic covers from Byte Magazine

I have one window with three bird feeders to my right. I can also look into my backyard (through another room).

Here are some pictures:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5815303/jeff_home_office...

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/5815303/jeff_barr_home_o...

[throwaway1979 → jeffbarr]

Ha! We share quite a few lego models. I probably "invested" 2K on Legos so far but have recently slowed down purchases. Following instructions for building models seems to shut down a part of my brain and just destresses me. Not sure if I'm alone in that or not. Nice man cave though!

[jeffbarr → throwaway1979]

Most of my day is taken up with unstructured, creative efforts. I balance that out with Lego sets that allow me to get the desired result by simply following the instructions. I know exactly what you mean.

[mezis → jeffbarr]

Combine the two, build a new IKEA desk every month ;)

[bane → jeffbarr]

There's something really great about the Gallant desks. Cheap, roomy, well built, no fuss. I have the version with T-Legs, but I can't honestly go back to other kinds of desks.

[sudont → bane]

I personally only buy the frame, and build a table-top for it. You can get pre-glued boards like this, which are quite easy to finish: http://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/lumber-boards...

If you're worried about the wood getting damaged by repeated disassembly-reassembly cycles, you can use insert nuts to screw a machine bolt into: http://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/fasteners/nuts/mi...

The nice part is that an actual wood top not only looks and feels better, it's a bit cheaper than the particle board tops that IKEA makes.

[magnetikonline → bane]

Agreed - I have had one for years with adjustable T-Legs. Being over 6 foot, needed a desk I could get the height correct and they are perfect for that.

The table top is starting to get a little crappy with some of the finish bubbling off due to my constant resting of hands so will just need to purchase a new one at some point - but no real rush.

Very sturdy desk overall, it's small - but with monitor arms for 24 and 17 inch displays I have more than enough desk room for keyboard/mouse and notepad.

[conradev → bane]

Totally agreed. I got myself a corner model and I love it. The cable organizer you can get with the desk works really well.

[jskonhovd → jeffbarr]

I thought I was the only person with the problem of buying to many books. I feel better now.

[eswat → jeffbarr]

Is… that a betamax cassette on your desk?

[jeffbarr → eswat]

Uh yeah! My wife and I were cleaning the garage and found this tape of our 1982 wedding. I need to convert it to something digital ASAP.

[zura → jeffbarr]

Jeff, do you work for Amazon from home?

[jeffbarr → zura]

Zura, I go in to the office twice a week on average. I try to pack those days with meetings and other things that are best done in person.

[zura → jeffbarr]

Very interesting. Is it something that allowed only for evangelists? (vs regular engineers).