Workstations
Philip & Tacey stocks a mobile workstation which has a 'lock out' keyboard and mouse shelf, an integral platform for a printer and a low shelf for the computer, disks and files. The workstation has two keyboard height settings and is made from wipe-clean Melamine with a rigid welded steel frame and scratch resistant paint. The castors are lockable and the piece is designed for easy assembly. The workstation measures 800(w) x 500(d) x 780(h) mm and is priced 99.99.
* Telephone 01264 332171
Heron from NES Arnold has an award-winning mobile computer station which can be used on its own or incorporated into a range of linked up furniture. This station comes with a monitor stand and lockable cupboard that can be positioned either beside or below the worktop. It has lockable castors and a curved edge to the left or right. Cable trunking and a four-way mains connector are also supplied and the length and diameter measure either 120 or 166 x 68cm. The station is available in four heights: 47, 55, 63 and 71cm, priced Pounds 269.95.
* Telephone 0800 373249
NES Arnold also boasts an exclusive range of computer furniture for younger users. Workstations have a transport theme, with the blue train, big red bus and big yellow taxi units or resemble a giant snail to complement the range of bug furniture which is available as seats, storage and book shelves. All the 'transport' workstations are made from melamine faced mdf and have double shelves and room for two young children to share a seat, priced from Pounds 155.95.The newer Snail Workstation is for a single user and accommodates tower and desktop computers. The snail measures 790(h) x 860(w) x 990(d) mm and is priced 169.95.
* Telephone 0870 6000 192
Gresswell's new computer workstation has adjustable heights from 500 to 650mm and is made from mdf panels in green and yellow or red and blue beech finish. The workstation has lockable front castors and is priced 139.99. A mobile printer storage stand is also available, priced 85.99.
* Telephone 01992 454511
Space savers
The EC1000 workstation from LFC has a height-adjustable cantilever design to allow the broadest possible access to the workspace. This makes the station particularly suitable for wheelchair users and group use. The shallow depth of the shelves is economical on space and the station has lockable castors. Produced from solid steel with a scratch-resistant finish the station comes with a wire management bin, priced 295.99.
LFC's Lock'N'Learn Computer Centre is designed for pre-school children through to adult users. The unit has a completely adjustable worksurface height ranging from 457 to 660mm and the worksurface is 1067mm wide. The equipment can be made secure by pulling out the work surface, fitting it over the oval opening and locking it. The back of the unit functions as a 'white board' and the whole unit has locking castors and takes up just 4sq ft of floor space. It is priced 289.99.
* Telephone 0800 616621
Aimed at children from pre-school to Year 6, the adjustable height computer trolley from TTS has an indented bottom shelf for maximum leg room and adjustable heights of 22 or 24in. Made from durable plastic with moulded edges, it is priced 139.
* Telephone 0800 318686
Accessories
If, as in most cases, space is limited, it is important to make the most of the area you have allocated to computer use and to safeguard the equipment in the process. Philip & Tacey stocks a selection of CD cases and sleeves to protect and store disks and a specially designed Narrow Browser Bin which fits on a standard depth shelf. The Browser Bin comes in acrylic or wire, with adjustable dividers to form compartments which will hold up to 200 CDs or 120 videos. The unit measures 305(h) x 660(w) x 165(d) mm and is priced 49.99 for the wire version and 69.99 for the acrylic.
Philip & Tacey also stocks recyclable/degradable dust covers for computer monitors. It is easy to overlook such basic objects when purchasing more exciting equipment but dust covers not only protect expensive equipment from spillage and dust when not in use but also help to prevent a build-up of static in the atmosphere. The Dust Cover is wipe-clean and translucent so you can check the machine is turned off. It fits 12 to 15in monitors and is made from polyethylene (100 per cent PVC free), priced 4.15.
* Telephone as above
You can also gain some extra space with the Screen-Top shelf from Lakeland. It is sturdy enough to support a printer or hold disks and files that are in constant use, and it has adjustable supports to provide a completely flat surface. The shelf measures 41 x 37cm, will hold up to 7kg, and is priced 7.95.
* Telephone 015394 88100
If you want to make the worksurface look child-friendly you could opt for some animal mouse stickers. TTS stocks packs depicting a pig, tortoise, frog and ladybird, and you simply stick them on the mouse. This may help you to organise a rota - you could allocate groups of children to be pigs, frogs and so on and allow each a set amount of time. Priced 2.99 per pack of four. TTS also has a teddy bear-shaped mouse with a large roller ball to help children who have difficulty with a standard mouse. It operates just like an ordinary mouse and fits any standard serial port, priced 25.99.
Another aid to small hands is the Mini Mouse, also from TTS, which is around 30 per cent smaller than a standard mouse. All other features are the same and it is suitable for left or right-handed use and for a standard PS2 connection. Priced 11.99.
* Telephone as above
