Good Questions: Cheap Alternative to this Laptop Desk?

Q - Hello all! I'm looking for a cheap alternative to this lightweight laptop desk available at Urban Outfitters right now. They're trying to charge an arm and a leg for it, but I'm sure it can be found at a much lower price point. Any ideas? -Katie

A - Hey Katie,

Seeing as the desk seems to be inspired by the traditional desks used in classrooms when we were all wee little tots, we wouldn't be surprised if you could find a similar piece in a local school's bargain outlet. In Davis, CA, we have a college "bargain barn" that is a graveyard for all types of heavy steel retro-lookin' desks, single-seaters, and chairs.

We've found great deals there before, but it really depends on availability. The beginning of the school year (aka now) would be a good time to check it out since schools tend to purge tons of furniture during this time as they renovate and make room for new students. Good luck with your search!

Have a tip to help our reader out? Let her know in the comments!

Comments (7)

Anthony is definitely on to something with purchasing old furniture from your local school district. Our local district has an auction at the beginning of each school year for old school furniture. Some years ago I was able to get a pair of retro looking drafting tables on the cheap. They also had many desks like the one in the picture above. For those interested in purchasing cheap computers these auctions are ideal as you can buy used computers(or even palettes of them) for very cheap.

posted by ominoustoad on August 11th 2009 at 11:34am
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Can you please add a link to the product? Thanks!

posted by Shannon in SF on August 11th 2009 at 12:14pm
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How is $98.00 an arm and a leg?

posted by Joan52 on August 11th 2009 at 2:43pm
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is there anything like that around LA (specifically the westside)? scouring schools would be awesome. i'd love to pick up a desk or chair

posted by Matt. M on August 11th 2009 at 6:37pm
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in the past year i've scored off of freecyle two of those old metal typing tables from the 70's for holding your smith-corona. perfect height for a laptop. on ebay you'll see them being sold for $50 to $100. maybe you can find something like that at a school auction.

posted by carolynapplebee on August 11th 2009 at 8:07pm
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I have one very similar (desk is narrower, the legs are a little different, but the style is the same) from Ikea that I got for about $15 last year. You might check their website to see if they still have it.

posted by firecracked on August 11th 2009 at 8:51pm
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The ikea desk is called 'Dave' (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00120818). Unfortunately, it is only available at stores.

posted by terpsicore on August 12th 2009 at 9:30am
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