Alvin and Co. Professional Drafting Table

 
A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity to do a product review from CSN superstore.  This offer could not have come at a better time, as I’m transitioning to working from home.  My job requires a full day of computer time, and sitting passively in front of the computer all day somehow makes me simultaneously lethargic and distractible.  With the transition to home, I was hoping to switch to a standing desk. I wasn’t sure if I could make the switch successfully (I have enough ergonomics experience to know this transition would have to be handled correctly, or I’d abandon my shiny new desk to sit on the couch all day), so I wanted an economical solution that I could try on for size.

 

My favorite part of the CSN shopping experience was the search capabilities.  I really had no idea where to start, but was able to quickly narrow the field by selecting variables like Desk Height (the slider controlling price point was particularly helpful.  Yes, there is  a $5,000 desk available.  No, I don’t need to know about it).

 

In the end, it was the diagram below that really let me hone in on the desk I wanted to try.  I needed to make sure that a drafting desk would be able to give me a flat surface at a height high enough to meet my needs.  The specifications provided for the Alvin and Co. Professional Drafting Table looked perfect, and at $144.00 (plus $13.93 shipping), the price was right.

Shipping was quick and painless, though assembly required a bit more effort than expected (it would have been nice for the description to include a list of required tools). Nothing outlandish was necessary, just a hammer and a screw driver, but I had a disproportionate feeling of handiness once all was said and done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the final product below shows, there is still some work to be done (a replacement for my book-tacular laptop lift, for one).  After two productive days working from home, I am loving the new, less lethargic work-style.  Now back to CSN to find a nice book shelf to rest my laptop on…

Description

The portable, versatile and durable Professional drafting table is ideal for children and adults, beginning artists and professionals. High quality backed by a lifetime guarantee ensures long-term use. Board angle adjusts from 0° to 45° with an adjustable height of 29 " to 45 " in the horizontal position. Base is 1 " heavy-gauge square steel tubing. Table folds quickly and easily into 4 " width.

Features:

Product Details

• Warp-free white Melamine® drawing board
• Angle adjustment from 0° to 45°
• Height adjusts from 29 " to 45 " in the horizontal position
• Folds quickly and easily to 4" width for portability
• Base is 1 " heavy-gauge square steel tubing
• Non-skid self-leveling feet
• Base in white or black powder coat finish
• Weight: 64 lbs
• Table top dimensions: 48 " (W) x 36" (D)

Website: Hide-a-Cover
Price: $4.95 - $5.95

While I have always espoused the theory that there is no one eReader for everyone, I suppose I should add that for some people, “no eReader” is the right one.  I enjoy the convenience of eBooks, but I still purchase favorites in hardback.  It is difficult for any device to replace the permanence and enjoyment of having a physical book to add to my library. 

Reading so many eBooks, however, does nothing to make me forget what has always been a significant challenge: hiding those horrific book covers.  Just as some covers are a work of art, adding to my enjoyment of the story, others are an embarrassment, causing me to hunch and hide when reading in public. 

For those books that have been skipped by the “Good Taste” Cover Fairy (or visited by the “Please, Sir, May I Have Another” Cover Fairy), Hide-a-Cover provides a simple, funny, and economical solution.  When Jenni offered me a Hide-a-Cover to review,  I had so much trouble picking just one of the hysterical covers that I left the choice up to her.  She chose well, sending me the snicker-worthy “Vampires are hot!” cover shown above.  The graphic makes me want to stop people on the street and explain how funny it is.

For anyone who uses the public library these days, they will recognize the easy and effective plastic sleeve that forms the foundation of the Hide-a-Cover.  Inside this cover is a paper with that performs the “Hide” function, as well as some red ribbons to be used as a bookmark.  I had a few issues with the the fit of my Hide-a-Cover.  The paper portion of the cover could not quite stretch the last inch around the book in the back (In this instance, my copy of DRACULA, MY LOVE.  DRACULA, MY LOVE has a gorgeous cover, but I wanted to test the Hide-a-Cover reading experience).  Also, the hole-punch/ ribbon bookmarks didn’t look very finished.  However, despite these slight issues, the cover did an admirable job of protecting my book from damage as I slung it about in my purse.  Furthermore, those ribbon book marks really came in handy.

In the end, I feel the Hide-A-Cover does an excellent job of doing what it claims, concealing any book cover you’d rather not be waving around in public.  I’ve already ordered a small “Plate Tectonics and You” cover, with an eye on my TBR pile of naked chests and heaving bosoms.  I know, I know, isn’t that a great “problem” to have?

Product Details

Hide-a-Covers are available in two sizes.

• The small size fits paperbacks up to 6 7/8" high. That will fit almost all romance novel sized books, commonly referred to "mass market paperback" size, as well as the ones that run a little bigger.
• The medium size fits paperbacks up to 8 1/2" high, which fits the popular larger size books, known as "trade paperbacks."

Please measure the length of your book to make sure it will fit.  Don't worry about the thickness of your book; Hide-a-Covers are completely adjustable for the width and can accommodate books up to 2" thick.

Please click here for more information about instructions and fit.

Hide-a-Covers include an attached ribbon bookmark, and are made of a thick vinyl that will last through years of best sellers. They are easy to put on and remove and come with full instructions.