The Ultimate Computer Chair....

Bluefront · Post by **Bluefront** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:04 pm

I think I finally found it. This is not an office-computer chair, but rather a recliner-type that can sit in a living room. It's made by "Chairworks", and comes with a matching ottoman. It reclines, and swivels, but does not have any up/down adjustment, but could be adjusted easily with a shim during assembly. The finish is leather, but the back-section was not quite tall enough to support my neck.

So I had to add a headrest (from a car)...it is velcroed to the leather. I then covered the whole thing with a seat-cover from Auto-Zone. It holds the headrest firmly, and comes off for cleaning or replacing. This thing is high quality, not cheap. Hope it lasts. The frame looks first class. I am unable to find this model in a current catalog....may still be available.

NyteOwl · Post by **NyteOwl** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:14 pm

Looks like it would be comfortable for watching TV or reading but might be hard on the back after sitting at the keyboard a while.

I prefer a high-back, extended-use task chair such as are used in emergency dispatch centers and such where the chir is in constant use due to shift changes. They use a special foam in the seating that doesn't compact under steady pressure over time but is still resilient enough to be comfortable.

They aren't cheap though - a good extended use chair is about $1500.

Das_Saunamies · Post by **Das_Saunamies** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 1:51 pm

TempurÂ® foam by any chance? I've got a pillow and a mattress made of the stuff, and apparently NASA uses it in shuttle seats. Would be very comfy in a chair.

Do like the comfy look of the chair, but personally liked a converted racing seat more. Excellent support for back and head, something I usually miss in a chair as I have a long back and neck. It didn't have handrests though, which you absolutely need.

Bluefront · Post by **Bluefront** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 2:50 pm

Right....this wouldn't be the best chair for a working situation, one where you typed all day. But as a computer chair for surfing, occasional typing, and lounging around, it seems to be excellent. The foam can be removed easily and replaced if necessary.

I judge a chair like this by "can I fall asleep in it?" And "do I feel ok when I get up?' Passes those tests easily....

Das_Saunamies · Post by **Das_Saunamies** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 6:33 pm

Righto.

As I've got the PC in the living room there's always the sofa for lounging, so I look for a "working" chair when the old one needs replacement. Current one has a busted tilt lock, meaning the seat tilts rapidly forward if you sit on the front half... has happened to an unaware visitor once.

I.S.T. · Post by **I.S.T.** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:50 pm

Man, I am jealous. The chair I got right now hurts me and my mother after a period of use(I can use it for 2-3 hours without pain, my mom can only last 30 minutes). No one likes the dammed thing.

We're currently thinking up ways to kill it. It has resisted all of our efforts so far.

Das_Saunamies · Post by **Das_Saunamies** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:23 pm

...how about just dumping the thing?

Good office chairs don't cost too much, especially if you don't need all the adjustment options.

I.S.T. · Post by **I.S.T.** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 1:24 am

We're broke right now, sadly. We'll probably replace it as soon as we got the cash.

Das_Saunamies · Post by **Das_Saunamies** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 2:28 am

Ah, right. There are of course shops that specialise in second-hand office products. Sometimes you can score some really good chairs, but mostly it's just tables and the like.

Bluefront · Post by **Bluefront** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:49 am

I've been using this chair for over a week now...still like it a lot. I did do a mod to the head rest that I added (invisible under the seat cover). I removed the internal foam, which was too hard, and replaced it with some softer stuff. Feels better. Customizing this chair is easy enough, since everything comes apart in a flash.

Tell you what....if you're picky about chairs, I don't see how you could order one from a catalog, going by the pictures. I have been looking for a chair like this one for several years. I must have sat in a hundred different models. Lucked out with this one I guess.

Das_Saunamies · Post by **Das_Saunamies** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:29 pm

Yeah, trial and error is the only way. I know my next chair won't have a textile surface nor thin foam layers that just collapse in use. Leather and massive pouches are the way to go.

Customisable filling would of course be brilliant. I don't feel like slashing into furniture to do my own modifications.

Bluefront · Post by **Bluefront** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 5:14 am

Wouldn't you know it....I just found an almost exact copy of this recliner at OfficeMax for about 1/2 what I just paid. The frame is silver painted steel, rather than chrome. It's not in leather, but it looks/feels like leather. It also has a matching ottoman.

This thing is a clone of my chair....same size, same reclining angles, same arms....etc. One big difference. The OfficeMax version has four built-in vibrating motors for the upper and lower back, with a wired remote. It also has an adjustable drag knob for the recliner.

Nice alternative for half-price....$150. This is a season-related item there and I could not find it on-line. FYI

Das_Saunamies · Post by **Das_Saunamies** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 1:21 am

Oh well... that usually happens to me with graphics cards. Two weeks after I bought my 7800 GT the 7950 were released.

But hey, leather over imitation any day!

Bluefront · Post by **Bluefront** » Sun Dec 23, 2007 2:35 am

Damn....here it is at BestBuy, for $350. That OfficeMax deal looks pretty good now. The fake leather looks slightly different from the OfficeMax version....everything else is the same.

Wedge · Post by **Wedge** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 8:16 pm

I went into OfficeMax and tested this thing out today. Holy Crap, this thing is comfortable! $150 seemed like a steal. I am debating this heavily at the moment. My dilemma is that I have a good leather chair with thick padding that is resilient to wear (according to the manufacturer), and it is on caster wheels. I thought it was the best until I tried out this ottoman-delight that Blue has found. I love the recline and ottoman. Very very comfortable. My only "con" would be that I think it sits too low for doing serious work at my PC desk.

edit: And by serious work, I mean gaming.

Bluefront · Post by **Bluefront** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 6:01 am

Well you'll like it for everything else.....gaming I don't know. When you assemble it, you could shim up the upper section somewhat. Or you could add something to the bottom of the stand.

I really like the ability to easily add a custom seat cover....like my first photos. $19 at AutoZone. The seat cover protects the cushion material, while it holds any extra padding you might want, completely out of sight. I added a 2" seat cushion, and a taller headrest.

NyteOwl · Post by **NyteOwl** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 2:47 pm

And for the ultimate a Kinesis split keyboard that mounts on the chair arms, including pointing device (foot pedals optional).

djkest · Post by **djkest** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 7:38 pm

It might actually be cooler with that seat cover than bear leather. I know with leather I get really hot.

N7SC · Post by **N7SC** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 6:38 am

Out of curiosity, have any of you ever used an Aeron? I mean for at least a few minutes, not just the "check it out" type few seconds in a store.

They look pretty neat and the theories behind their design make some sense, so I'm trying to justify spending that kind of $$$ on one. But if they are not worth the money it wouldn't be wise.

Bluefront · Post by **Bluefront** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 7:32 am

WOW....I guess I never sat in an expensive chair before. Here's the similar Aeron Lounge Chair, for a mere $3250.

I have tried out those computer chairs that have mesh, rather than foam padding. For sure they are cooler in the summer, but colder in the winter. The auto seat cover I put on my chair, has perforated silver leather-like panels.....that should feel cooler in the summer.

Wedge · Post by **Wedge** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 5:17 pm

Well, I went back to Officemax to buy this chair today and they had none in stock. I called 1-877-officemax to order one. Turns out they have none and the item is being discontinued. I started off this new year with bad luck.

N7SC · Post by **N7SC** » Tue Jan 01, 2008 5:17 pm

Bluefront, actually, that is an Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, a design which has been around forever and is considered very much a classic. It is made by Herman Miller, who also makes the Aeron. The current price for that beauty you posted the picture of is also "classic" too, well over $3000.

I was talking about this: http://www.hermanmiller.com/CDA/SSA/Pro ... p8,00.html

But on further research I have begun to lean toward the Mirra chair, this one: http://www.hermanmiller.com/CDA/SSA/Pro ... 05,00.html

There is a lot more to the Aeron and Mirra than simply the mesh fabric. Much study of the human body, study, effort, engineering and time went into the design of these chairs. The mechanisms and support, etc. are said to be just incredibly well matched to the human body.

Still inviting any comments from anyone with experience using the Aeron o Mirra. They are pretty pricey, and I would not want to eventually make a $900 or so mistake.

yefi · Post by **yefi** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:48 pm

I drag up an old thread here, but has no one thought about simply screwing the gas base from an old swivel chair to a new armchair?

I'm talking from experience here and it isn't hard. All you need is a base that goes low enough, a desk that is high enough and either some plywood or, perhaps better, some metal bars.

matt_garman · Post by **matt_garman** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 1:43 pm

N7SC wrote:Bluefront, actually, that is an Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, a design which has been around forever and is considered very much a classic. It is made by Herman Miller, who also makes the Aeron. The current price for that beauty you posted the picture of is also "classic" too, well over $3000.

I was talking about this: http://www.hermanmiller.com/CDA/SSA/Pro ... p8,00.html

But on further research I have begun to lean toward the Mirra chair, this one: http://www.hermanmiller.com/CDA/SSA/Pro ... 05,00.html

There is a lot more to the Aeron and Mirra than simply the mesh fabric. Much study of the human body, study, effort, engineering and time went into the design of these chairs. The mechanisms and support, etc. are said to be just incredibly well matched to the human body.

Still inviting any comments from anyone with experience using the Aeron o Mirra. They are pretty pricey, and I would not want to eventually make a $900 or so mistake.

I have an Aeron. I bought it a few years ago. I actually took it in to where I work, so I've been sitting on it about 10 hours a day for about a year and a half.

It's been great. The only thing I'd like is slightly more lumbar support (and mine is "fully loaded", so it has the upgraded lumbar support thing). But most chairs I sit in have inadequate lumbar support, so I think that's just my physique.

Anyway... when I bought my Aeron, I also "test drove" the Mirra. It was okay, but going from that to the Aeron was a noticeable improvement.

You pay a lot for them, but they are well-built. They have a 12 year warranty, and that's assuming 24 hour use (it's a "three shift" chair).

Actually, I have one other little nit-pick: the Aeron is completely adjustable, which is nice. But it seems to want to make you sit in the exact same position all day. So I find myself tweaking it every now and then when I want to change my posture.

From time to time I read up on high-end chairs, just for kicks. There's a lot of hype surrounding the Raynor ErgoHuman chair. Lots of reviews say this chair beats the Aeron in comfort, and they cost about half what an Aeron does. They actually sell these at Office Depot, so you can try them out. I wasn't impressed---it seemed really clunky and just felt lower quality than my Aeron. But on the other hand, it could have been assembled incorrectly. Also, in a popular store like Office Depot, I imagine hundreds of people sit in it every day (i.e. it probably takes quite a bit of abuse).

So I'd like to see one that I know was assembled correctly and hadn't been abused. Plus the ErgoHuman has a leather option if you don't like the mesh.

In short, I think your chances of liking the Aeron are pretty high. But the hype and price of the ErgoHuman make it worth your while to compare.

If you're patient, you might be able to find a good deal on an Aeron on ebay. Just note that there are three sizes, A, B and C (smallest to biggest, respectively). Make sure you get the right size.

Arvo · Post by **Arvo** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 2:06 pm

I'm using Mirra for last two years. Worth every penny, what company throw at it

N7SC · Post by **N7SC** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 2:07 pm

It was a bit of a surprise to see this thread pop up on the SPCR home page after so long. This presents an opportunity to update my previous comments:

Late in January I contacted the local Herman Miller dealer about an Aeron. Not only would they give me an outrageous price, well, really well below the $900 or so that the online dealers give, but they would loan me an Aeron or Mirra to evaluate! So, long story short, since January 31, I have had the use of a size "C" Aeron for all but one week. And I love it, even though it is too big for me. I"m 6' tall and according to Herman Miller's chart could use either a B or C Aeron.

I am currently waiting for the dealer to find their size B loaner so I can try that out. I have sat in a B Aeron at their showroom for a few minutes and it was very confortable, as was the Mirra that they had there. Both were showroom floor chairs and could not be lent out. So I have to wait until they either find the B Aeron and the Mirra loaners that they have or until the main office gives them new ones to loan out. Meanwhile I get to use this 5-year-old, jade color Aeron C with the new posturefit lumbar support.

As far as quality, the 5-year-old loaner is mechanically better than any new office chair I have ever seen. Period. There are a few scratches in the finish here and there, but the mechanical condition of the chair is incredible. Feels like Swedish/German/Swiss mechanical solidity and perfection that just rolled out of the factory. And this chair has been a rather abused and banged about demo chair for all of its 5 year life.

BTW, the dealer is not at all hesitant about loaning out chairs (if they can find their loaners), they strongly suggested that I try out a Mirra before I plunk down my money, even if I really love the Aeron.

Oh yes, and Herman Miller, a big furniture manufacturer with literally billions a year in sales, actually returns calls to little nobodies like me and cheerfully answers questions (if you are in between sizes on the chart for Aerons, they suggest you start with the B as it is made to fit 95% of the population; no, even they don't get the pellicle fabric on a roll - it comes to them already in the inserts for the chair- I thought it would make great summer/hot weather suspended dogbed material). Their customer service and warranty are second to none.

As soon as I decide between the B Aeron (or maybe the drafting stool Aeron with my 37.5" x 60" drafting table) and the Mirra, this dealer and Herman Miller are getting my business. That is as soon as they can figure out who they last lent the B Aeron demo chair to and get it back for me to try.

Edit: I just looked up the Raynor ErgoHuman on the Office Depot web site and the price is actually somewhat above what the local dealer quoted me for an Aeron. And that is fully loaded (front tilt, tilt lock, and fully adjustable arms), with Posturefit, extended height column, and in any colors that I would like.

N7SC · Post by **N7SC** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 2:11 pm

Matt:

Your reply popped up after I posted the last of mine, above. But I know what you mean about tweaking the Aeron when you want to change position. The very fine control for tilt tension is great for getting just exactly the right tension, but fiendish when you want to rapidly loosen the tension to tilt back a lot. A great idea would be the ability to switch rapidly between two tensions with a second little paddle on the right side of the chair. Make it like the left side where the forward tilt and tilt lock are, but one for height and one for quick switching between two different tilt tensions that the user sets.

Trip · Post by **Trip** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 9:59 am

I like The Veneto Chair, at least as it looks in the review.

When I try to sit up in my chair, I feel pressure in the pelvic area which I suspect could lead to poor circulation (*shock* possibly impotence.)

Funny concern I know

Wedge · Post by **Wedge** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:35 pm

Where can one buy the Veneto Chair? What price range?

Trip · Post by **Trip** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 2:40 pm

I haven't actually tried one out. I'm undecided as to whether it's genius or a dud, but I might buy one.

Haratech Veneto $699.00 free shipping

Kinda pricey for a gamble.