Australian Consumer: UpDown Pro+ or Secretlab Magnus Pro XL?
As the title explains, I'm an Australian consumer so support needs to be available in a timely manner from Australia.
I work from home 50-70 hours a week as a designer (graphic, web and videography), so I'm running a grunty CPU, 3 monitors, desk audio and peripherals I use regularly that I'd like within handy reach.
My last desk was bought 18 years ago for $1500.00 and is still solid and gorgeous (everyone who sees it comments on how beautiful they think it is, which is kind of weird but also kind of great). I've got a back and hip injury though, which means a sit-stand desk is now the best option for me.
I want clean cable management and a clutter-free workspace. I'm the kind of person who can't think straight with crap everywhere - props to the legends who can function in any situation, genuinely in awe of you. 😍
I canned Desky (and yes, I know this sounds ridiculous) based on their CPU holder. It looked like an afterthought bolted onto an otherwise beautiful desk and I couldn't get past it. Their price exceeded everyone else with the bare bones as well, so that realistically came into play. Their voice activation was a great feature but didn't make up for that hideous CPU holder and price. I digress...
---
THE TWO OPTIONS I'M NOW COMPARING:
1800mm Pheasantwood hardwood top, premium CPU holder, integrated cable tray with 4-socket powerboard, slimline drawer, headphone hanger, drinks holder, and fatigue mat. Gas lift monitor arms (x3) are sourced separately.
SECRETLAB MAGNUS PRO XL @ $2,001.00
1800mm all-metal top and frame, 3 monitor arms, premium magnetic PC mount, headphone hanger, smart LED strip. Adding a fatigue mat ($80) and a drawer ($99) to match the UpDown inclusions brings it to $2,180 — within $15 of the UpDown total.
So they're much of a muchness in price and I'm happy to pay either.
---
WHAT I ACTUALLY WOULD LOVE YOUR FEEDBACK ON:
Stability at standing height with a heavy load.
I've got roughly 35kg of monitors and monitor arms on the desk and then a CPU mounted underneath, plus a few sundry items on top. My main concern is wobble... I type aggressively (like every designer on the planet 😉) and I will absolutely lean on this desk when I'm thinking, drawing, exasperated, or about to cry. 🤣
My working heights are roughly:
Sit: 720mm
Stand: 1070mm
UpDown is a hardwood top on a heavy steel dual-motor frame. Secretlab is an all-metal integrated system with a magnetic accessory ecosystem. Both are around the same price fully loaded.
What are your experiences, particularly at standing height? Any other considerations I might have missed? I'm keen to hear your feedback!
---
Also... my back really hurts today. 😭🤣 Send help, or a free sit/stand desk. I'm not fussy.