Medara Hideaway Desk
Medara Hideaway Desk
Not everyone is happy having the combined
components that make up a computer on show, so in cases such as these an
alternative computer desk is necessary.
The finish of the Medara is very good
The Medara Hideaway
desk is one such example. It's a relatively sturdy, solid oak and veneer
computer desk that measures in at 1110 x 550 x 800mm and provides suitable
internal compartments for the base unit, printer, spare paper and further
drawers and shelving for the usual bits and bobs.
There's a decent cable management system built
into the unit, with four cable ports fitted into the back panel to hide any
unsightly tangle of wires. The base unit compartment can accommodate a tower
measuring up to 220 x 510 x 420mm, but there is extra height if needed, as the
shelf above the base unit section can be removed. All cables and access to the
cables can be reached from the gaps between the structure and the rear panel,
although if don't have to dig around back there too often, then all the better.
There's a pull-out keyboard shelf that offers
plenty of space for a full-sized keyboard, along with enough left over for
mouse movement. And further to the various shelves, the large printer
designated area can be also be removed to provide a
bit more leg space or extra storage, depending on your hardware.
But it’s not a best desk for
long-term computing
The finish of the desk is superb, and with a
resilient lacquer the oak used makes for a heavy (weighing in at around 80kg)
but sturdy and virtually unmovable object once in place. This is also one of
the few desks these days that's built to order and arrives at your doorstep
fully constructed, bar a few odds and ends.
The quality of the desk is lovely and when the
doors are closed and the innards that make up the computer are hidden
away, it generally blends in with the rest of the household furniture. However,
the monitor sitting on the top of the unit is something of a giveaway. Naturally,
there's not much that can be done with regards to the monitor, unless of course
an extra section is built
in that hides it as well as the other components. So although it's a nice item
of furniture, the hideaway part does feel a little useless in some respects.
But it does a good job of keeping everything
tidy and in its place, and there's ample storage space that can be further personalised to some degree. Plus, considering the quality
of the wood used and the overall first class finish, it's not a bad price
either.
We rather liked the idea of hiding the computer
away when it's not in use, despite the large monitor resting on the top. In
truth, the monitor on the top of the desk wasn't too bad, but when sitting at
the desk we did feel a little cramped and often found ourselves moving our legs
to uncomfortable position to one side to get closer to the keyboard and
monitor.
Generally speaking, if you occasionally use a
computer and you don't want it on display, then this type of desk would be
ideal. However, if you spend long hours in front of a PC, then a traditional
desk would be more suitable.
