Power lounging

"Screw the cube" is the motto of Personal Computing Environments, whose ergonomic computer chairs were on display on the Comdex show floor. The chairs would make any Starfleet captain jealous, with an integrated Windows XP PC, multimedia keyboard and flat-panel monitor.

The PCE's laid-back seat is surrounded by curving metal poles that suspend the LCD at eye level and provide an ergonomic position for the keyboard and mouse. The reclining chairs, which range in price from $4,000 to $9,000, can be outfitted with surround sound speakers, PCs with up to 180G bytes of hard drive space, up to 22-inch monitors and massage chair features.

PCE executives say the placement of the monitor and keyboard is better suited for long hours in front of a PC than regular desks and chairs, which can cause strain on the back, neck and wrists. According to PCE, target customers for the chars include call center agents, software developers as well as technical writers and journalists. (Hmmm.)

One observer questioned whether employees using the PCE products would get any work done, or just spend the day napping. "Power lounging," is what it's called, answered one sales representative.

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