Shopping Recommendations for Three Simple, Inexpensive Task Chairs

What's a task chair? It's usually a chair used at a computer and/or a desk. Of course it can be used at a table too.

For many years I always used a camping chair to sit at the computer. A camping chair is one of those vinyl chairs that comes folded in a long, vinyl carrying bag. They are very easy to store because they fold back up and can stand anywhere folded - in or out of the bag. After too long the non-support of the bucket seat of the chair, its low height and the metal bar under my thighs began to hurt my back and legs too much, so I finally looked into purchasing an official computer chair - a task chair.

As I researched for a task chair, of course price was an issue. Either you'll find a simple task chair to be reasonably priced, or you'll find a nicely cushioned computer chair to be very expensive. I found the simple task chair to be on sale in Target for $15.00 one week and after I bought it but hadn't put it together yet, I decided to buy one for my child too. Shortly afterward, Office Depot had a task chair on sale for only $18.00. I bought that one, too.

The chairs really looked good by the pictures in the ads and the pictures on the boxes.

What I mean by a simple task chair is this:
* It has a flat seat and back
* The seat and back are made out of fabric mesh, or regular fabric
* It doesn't have arm rests (very few cheap ones do)
* The seat height is adjustable
* Its metal base has wheels
* Very easy to assemble (the most difficult part was pushing in the wheels)
* Lightweight
*The regular price for a simple task chair usually ranges from $29.00-$39.00.

After using my task chair for about 5-6 months - because I'm too cheap to go out and buy another one yet and usually don't replace something unless the old one has broken - I say, don't buy it. Spend an extra at least $40.00 to buy a much better task chair.

I am at the point where it is extremely difficult for me to sit at the computer. Sometimes I stand up in front of it, as I do something on it. The simple task chair has ruined my back and it's even worse what it has done to my legs, especially my knees. For the chair not to have armrests is the least bit of my problem, but it's also very uncomfortable without them.

I think the biggest problem with the chair is the poorly cushioned seat. I must add that I have been sitting on a small pillow since I first realized the seat cushioning was poor and it still doesn't help. The hardness of the seat has permanently hurt the back of my thighs, which has affected the nerves and circulation in both of my legs from the thighs down to the ankles. I take Arthritis Strength Acetaminophen for the pains and now they don't even help much anymore. It is so uncomfortable for me to sit at the computer that I have to get up often and move around. While I'm sitting at the computer I stretch out my legs as an attempt to ease the pain. I even raised the task chair seat a bit thinking it would help if my legs had more bending space between the seat and the floor. No change.

I am giving you the same advice I am now giving myself. As I said earlier, spend the little extra money to buy a better task chair. It is not worth the pain and suffering, which may not be reversible.

What to look for when purchasing a comfortable task chair:

As you research, or shop around for a task chair, in this case I think you can "judge a book by its cover." First take a look at the cushioning, specifically the seat cushioning. Make sure it looks extremely comfortable and if you are in the store and you can sit on it to try it out, I highly recommend you do so. Some task chairs comes with lumbar cushioning for your back which is great, but from personal experience I can say that the cushioning of the seat is more important. I feel the bigger the cushioning the better, so in all ways it will prevent you from feeling the hardboard of the chair's construction under the seat. Also make sure the type of fabric the seat and back are made of is comfortable feeling to you. I personally prefer leather, or leather-like material because it's very soft and feels cool.

Second, buy a task chair that has arm rests. It will be much more comfortable and relaxing while sitting in the chair. Armrests are better for your back and upper body strength too. They help keep your back erect as you sit.

Third, I think every task chair comes with adjustable seat height and rolling wheels which are both must-haves.

As you research task chairs online, if there are any reviews, or comments from previous purchasers, read them. I find them to be extremely helpful.

As I was browsing through a few websites for task chairs I found these 3 to look very comfortable, be reasonably priced and get very good reviews. All 3 are sold online, in-store and have ship-to-store.

1. Where: www.officedepot.com
What: Dorra Bonded Leather Task Chair
Price: Regular price: $89.99; sale price: $59.99.
Along with the general features of a task chair, this chair has soft bonded leather on the seating and back surfaces with pillow foam inside. It comes with padded armrests made of the same material. It also has tilt adjustment to change your position and recline. The colors it comes in are brown and black.

2. Where: www.officemax.com
What: OfficeMax Zeal II Leather Task Chair
Price: $79.99
Along with the general features of a task chair, this chair has double layer pillow top construction on the seat and back cushions. The armrests are also heavy padded and adjustable. The color the chair comes in is roasted chestnut (brown).

3. Where: www.staples.com
What: Staples Berwell Luxura Task Chair
Price: $89.99
Along with the general features of a task chair, this chair has leather-like material with multiple layers of padding for extra support and comfort. The armrests are adjustable and heavily padded with the same leather-like material. This chair also has tilt adjustment to change your position and recline. The color the chair comes in is black.

These days there is so much to do sitting at a computer, at a desk...both for business and pleasure, that it is very important and a necessity to be comfortable while sitting.