EYE ON DESIGN
By Nancy McKeon
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, May 18, 2000; Page H06
It's safe to say that few of us need more stuff. But there's a handful of fresh ideas out there that can improve our, er, interface with technology. Here are a few of them.
1 Sauder's stylish Parisian "satellite workstation," only 35 1/2 inches across, holds it all. Dense fiberboard with a melamine top, it's $149.99 at most Best Buy stores (can be ordered by all branches).
2 Organize! Create a family card file with Tenex's black X-File. Designed by HLB Associates, it's $38.95 through Standard Office Supply, 202-829-4820.
3 Colorful Kensington SmartSocket surge protectors can't eliminate all those cords, but the colored sockets and equipment tags let you know which is which. Models from $29.99 to $93.99, including a wide strip that accommodates six AC adapters, at select Office Depot stores and through www.officedepot.com and www.staples.com.
4 Steelcase's Canopy dimmable fluorescent light clamps to the rear lip of your desk and sheds task lighting an amazing four feet across and two feet deep. Available soon in three sizes and various paint colors, the plastic-and-aluminum Canopy is $380 to $595, to order through Arbee Associates, 301-963-3900.
5 Sleek aluminum-frame modular desk from MDF of Milan comes in 12 sizes with a wire-management channel and 15 optional attachments (such as the CPU holder, shown, and monitor and telephone arms). It's $3,000 to $4,000 at Mobili, 2201 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-337-2100.
6 Extra seating? An armrest? A writing surface? Yes. The Crushed Can from Turnstone has a black vinyl base and top and a choice of body fabrics. To order in three heights ($129, $139, $149) through Arbee Associates, 301-963-3900.
7 Breaking out of beige? Go all the way to red (or silver or black)! Oberhofer's Control Alternatives peripherals work with any CPU. The 15-inch flat screen is $1,400, the curvy wireless keyboard $180 and scroll mouse $50. A 17-inch CRT monitor is $450, a Mac adapter $125. Go to www.oberhofer.com.
© 2000 The Washington Post Company
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