Autonomous SmartDesk Pro Review

Now more of us are hybrid working with that mix of in-the-office and home working it’s vital to have the best equipment in both locations. We have also seen more and more people considering a standing desk. 

 

In this review, we have taken some time to review the Autonomous SmartDesk Pro which is also known as the Smartdesk 2 which allows you to sit down and work but also stand up and work providing the best of both worlds.  

 

Why would you want a standing desk? 

 

Since the switch to hybrid working some users miss that walk or cycle to work so having the option to stand up or even add a treadmill such as the Mobvoi home treadmill or bike to your working set-up really does allow you to keep up that level of productivity but also keep fit at the same time. 

 

However, standing desks have always seemed to be a luxury that is out of the budget for many this is not actually true. We were recently approached by the brand Autonomous who sent us their SmartDesk Pro which currently retails for £718.80. However, the band also has a wide range of desks, work chairs and even a workpod.  

 

First Impressions

 

Now the brand claim that they have provided more than 130,000 offices with their range improving employee health as a result. Now there are many benefits to using a standing desk but having the option to sit down if you wish is where Autonomous come in with automatically adjustable tables. 

 

The range includes: 

 

• The Smartdesk core
• The Smartdesk Pro 
• L-Shaped Smartdesk Corner

 

In this review, we were sent the Pro model now the main features of the smart table include a height range being  26.2″ – 52″. This is an improvement on the core model that has a height range of 29.5″ – 48″. This range allows the user to sit down even with a low chair or even raise it and stand up to work.    

 

The table has a simple square design that will not look out of place in your home office or even the office in the big smoke. When adjusting the height you will notice the whole table moves in unison when raising or lowering the table. 

While the desk is not the sleekest looking on the market it keeps things simple which for an office desk is the most important aspect. 

 

Unboxing

 

Now when the table arrives it comes in 2 parts and they are both quite heavy so it might help to have someone else with you to put the desk together. The first part consists of the base of the table which includes: 

 

• 2x Feet 
• Support Beam
• Power cable
• 2x side brackets
• 2x Legs 
• Control box
• All the Screws and rubber washers you need. 

You will notice in the second part you are provided with the desktop and keypad and the valuable instruction manual (Trust me guys you need to read this!). 

 

Now set up of the desk is actually quite easy I would recommend you use an electric screwdriver with Allen key fittings such as the Bosh Electronic IXO V cordless Screwdriver as with this you can have the table up and working in 15 mins overwise if you use the 4mm Allen wrench and Philips screwdriver (you need to provide)  it could take you up to an hour to set up.     

 

 

Set up 

 

As mentioned it’s vital you read that instruction manual and have it on hand when starting the build. The first thing you need to do is unpackage everything and place the desktop on the floor and put down some of the provided polystyrene as a protector. Then get the support beam and loosen the 8 screws so you can adjust the beam so it fits on the desk. 

Then attach the legs through the gaps on either end of the support beams and then attach the provided feet. 

Once the feet are fitted you need to flip the base so it’s sitting on the feet and then add the provided brackets on either end of the support beam as this will hold the desktop. 

You will then need to insert 12 rubber cushions to the top of the brackets and the beam and then flip onto the desktop and screw in provided screws to connect the fame to the desktop. It’s worth being careful as the rubber cushions have the tendency to fall out when the frame is flipped over on the desk.

Next, You will also need to attach the control box using the two screws provided.

Then you need to attach the control switch to the front right of the desk and then connect the control box to the control switch and legs via the provided cables. 

Once done you need to plug the power cable into into the control box and also into the mains. Once you have completed all the above steps you are asked to do a reset on the desk prior to use now I did do this the first time around then the desk I had developed a fault and had to be replaced. On the new desk, I skipped that step and the desk is working perfectly.

 

Last but not least you are provided a number of cable grommets that allow you to tidy up all the cables needed. I recommend you put the desk up to max height then you can organise the cords via the cable grommets. If you are looking for a fault the lack cable tray would be one but the good news is you can purchase one for an additional cost if required.   

Design

 

The Smartdesk Pro desk comes in 4 colour options:

• White
• Black
• Walnut
• White Oak

 

The frame is available in 3 colours:

• White 
• Black
• Grey

 

As you can see there are a few different options to add a little style to your desk which is nice to have in this review, we were sent the all-white option. The control panel is consistent regardless of the model. There is an LCD screen that will indicate the height readout and then you have the main controls and the design is kept simple but stylish.  

In terms of the build all Automonmous models, come with a steel frame and the desktop is made from natural wood. The whole desk comes in at 110Ibs which is very heavy and once in place you will not want to move it. 

 

In terms of the desk size, it measures 53 x 30 inches and comes with a curve design there are also 2 cutouts at the rear of the table that allow you to route cables which I have used for my Majority Brad I have recently reviewed positioned on the desk and also the Audio Pro A10 am currently reviewing now and the Smartdesk Pro really does provide an excellent stage for them to be positioned.  

 

When it comes to standing desks an issue that is always something to consider is wobble. When it comes to this desk no such issue you get a very slight sub 0.5 wobble when raised to its max level which is barely anything when you consider it. 

 

Performance 

 

Once set up the desk is actually very sturdy I have my Audio Pro A10 speaker and some of the rest of the desk set up and the motor lifts it with ease. The manufacturer does state it can lift 300 pounds but I will take their word on that. You will also notice just how silent the desk is moving up and down you pick up no sound at all it’s just 40 db in sound which is very quiet.

 

I also found that regardless of the height I had the desk if I was sitting down or what I now prefer having a video call standing up the desk allowed me to do so without any issues.  Here is a short video so you can see how the desk works:

 

The desk also does not take too much room so if you are working with limited space this desk will work for you just fine. The desk also comes with a small control panel with up and down buttons plus 4 numbered buttons and a button with the Letter M on it. 

To adjust the height of the table there is no delay when you press the buttons it raises and lowers very quickly. The 4 numbered buttons allow you to program set heights so that if you’re sharing the desk with other family members they all have their personalised heights pre-programmed.

 

To set a preset on the desk you need to follow these simple steps:

• Set the desk to the height you like.

• Press the M button until the LED flashes.

• Press the number you want to set the height to.    

 

Overall I have been using this table regularly and splitting my day into a combination of sitting and standing. It takes a bit to get used to typing standing up but I found when I got used to it my level of production increased and taking video calls allowed me to add even more expression than I would sitting down. However, it’s nice to have the option for both sitting and standing.  

 

Verdict

 

The Autonomous SmartDesk Pro offers a good level of adjustability and lets you modify how you are working throughout the day which prevents that midday slump and changing how you work can offer a real energy boost.

 

I found it very helpful to have the 4 built-in memory settings as you can have certain levels saved and switch to these levels at any point during the day.

 

I was also very pleased with the speed the table adjusts and the sound or shall I say lack of sound when you adjust the desk to your preferred level. The fact you can adjust the table will be beneficial to people of all sizes.

You will also notice the price is not crazy expensive at only £718.80 and with the option of customizing the colour of the desk and the frame you can add that extra level of style to your desk without breaking the bank. 

 

If we were to look for things Autonomous could improve with the smartdesk pro an inclusion of a cable tray would have been a nice addition I know you can buy one separately but considering your spending just over £700 for the desk it would have been nice to include it. I would have also liked to have had a built-in USB-A & USB- C ports as something like my Magsafe charger only has a certain length of cable limiting how high I can take the desk and still use my charger.  

 

You also need to be careful of the desk it can be scratched with ease and the desk is also a bit of a fingerprint catcher so it’s recommended you invest in a gaming mat for the desk like what I have done as it prevents any damage and keeps fingerprints on the desk to a minimum.

  

Would I recommend the Smartdesk Pro? 

 

I have been using this desk for the last few weeks now in a professional capacity as I work from home and this desk ticks all the boxes. I am so pleased I got the chance to review the Smartdesk Pro. 

 

I found it very beneficial that I could adjust how I work at any point in the day as sitting at a desk all day is not great for your health. So being able to switch from sitting to standing can bring health benefits and also allow you to be more productive.  

I have actually recommended my office invest in these desks for the whole team as it will provide massive ROI when it comes to how the team will all work as a result and prevent that midday slump as switching from sitting to standing will actually make you more awake.  

 

However, It’s more about getting the right balance as sitting all day will increase heart failure risk and increased obesity risk. Standing for long periods can also cause pain in the back and legs so using a table like this allows you to split up your day with a mix of both sitting and standing reducing the risks connected to both standing and sitting for long periods of use.   

Overall, the SmartDesk Pro comes with a very simple assembly and once built comes with a sturdy design paired with a high load capacity and the price is quite reasonable for a desk like this. If you are in the market for a fully motorized height-adjustable desk the SmartDesk Pro really should be considered as your next option.

 

Product Rating   

Design: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0.

Setup: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0

Features: 4.0 out of 5.0 stars4.0.

Performance: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0

Value for Money: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars5.0  

 

Overall ranking: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars4.6. – 4.6 stars  

The Autonomous SmartDesk Pro is available from autonomous.ai for £718.80

  

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