I have the exact same setup at home, and am also a fan. It works well, is cheaper than a lot of other pre-built solutions (although obviously not as cheap as the original post), and seems to be pretty well made. I'm also much happier with the idea of a hand crank than an electric motor.

I also ended up getting an anti-fatigue mat as well. I thought that other standing desk folks were overrating the mats, but after the first few days standing at my desk (on a hardwood floor, no less) I saw the light.

Any recommendation for the mat? I picked up some foam thingy's that are sold for gardening. Better than nothing but they seem a little too bouncy.

Search for "anti-fatigue mat". I bought one for $20 off Amazon which seems to do the job well enough.

> you can't conveniently switch between standing and sitting.

I have a standing desk and a stool. When I want to sit, I can sit. I can also lean against the stool if I feel like it. I switch positions throughout the day, depending upon how my legs feel etc.

Actually, you can put the monitor on the keyboard shelf, and the keyboard on the desk.

given the relative cost of a keyboard and an extra pair of monitors over the electric adjusting desk - does anyone just have a doubleheaded dual height system ?

How about doing some hack on a gas lift chair base?