Ergotron Neo-Flex LCD cart review

In this Ergotron Neo-Flex LCD cart review, prepare to discover the best and worst features of this mobile height adjustable computer cart. Did you know that sit stand work spaces are available in portable options? Yes, that’s right, and they can suit work, home and endless other environments too. So, you can break free from your desk and easily glide your computer and equipment to your destination with ease.

This product review guides you through an in-depth analysis of the key elements and features of this portable podium that you need to know. For those of you who might lose the will to live by reading a thorough analysis, fear not! I have provided a quick visual summary of the product review so that you can tell whether it’s worth buying or not!

Additionally, I’ll treat you to some fascinating facts, and also, as is a staple in all of my blogs, you’ll receive fun tips and tricks that you won’t find anywhere else. They may just save your life!

So, without further ado, let’s get started…

Did you know? On average, people spend 13 hours of their waking day in a sedentary position. This can lead to adverse health effects such as:

Photo Credit: Juststand.org

Ergotron Neo-Flex Product Overview

The Ergotron Neo-Flex LCD cart features in the mobile height adjustable computer cart category. It can be utilized in any environment where computing needs to be portable. So, when you think about it, you could use it in an endless number of environments, whether as a:

• medical or IT equipment kiosk
• crash cart
• transportable equipment trolley
• video recording cart
• speech podium
• focal point for group meetings
• portable office desk
• means of escaping the noise or kids while you study or work from home

Plus, there’s nothing stopping you from using it as a coffee stand either. Or even using it as a portable TV screen for your home! What creative or novel function could you use it for?

This may look somewhat familiar, probably because it’s a sister product to the Ergotron Neo-Flex Laptop cart that I previously reviewed. This work platform features a pivoting monitor arm to hold a screen and a sizeable workspace directly underneath it. These features are height adjustable to accommodate a person in either standing or sitting positions. This mobile podium sits on a set of 4 castors and a riser post which facilitates a range of adjustable heights.

Some of the highlight features include the commendable mobility of the screen to tilt, pan and rotate. There’s also a cable management system for neat routing of wires. You’re also treated to a multitude of accessories to augment your ergonomic experience and facilitate increased storage and customization of the trolley. You technically won’t need any of them as the unit can be used as is, but I could envisage myself purchasing some of the compartments for added storage capacity.

The open architecture and durable design of the unit makes it a promising product for students, workers and everyone in between seeking to make their life simpler and transform their current work space into a mobile sit stand area. Considering I have yet to find a negative review about the product, that might say it all…

Ergotron Neo-Flex Assembly

Grab your toolkit because whether you like it or not, this unit is not a ready assembled desk. There are step-by-step directions provided to guide you through the process. From examining the assembly instructions, the installation seems manageable, even for those of us less comfortable constructing furniture.

Before you begin, it would be wise to locate the following tools which are required to assemble it:

1. Scissors
2. Phillips screwdriver
3. Long reach (> 9 inch) Phillips screwdriver
4. 14 mm socket wrench
5. Drill

If you’re handy with a screwdriver, then this should be a breeze. Judging by the instructions, assembly mostly consists of screwing the base, worktop and CPU into place. After that, organizing the cables by means of cable ties and a cable wrap bracket provided is the next stage. Tightening and loosening the lift tension on the post is one of the final steps.

Once the cart is built and you have completed all the necessary checks, all that’s outstanding is to place your equipment on the unit, adjust the height to suit your posture, and the most fun part of all – bring it for a spin!

Tip: Keep the tools provided in the box, such as the Allen key, as you may need to modify the tension of the unit in the future.

Ergotron Neo-Flex Height Range

The height range of this mobile standing desk is 27 inches / 68.6 cm vertically, which should be adequate for most heights.

Alternating between sitting and standing positions is a seamless process due to the Constant Force lift technology. There’s no need to fret about hand levers, noisy or cumbersome cranking or locking mechanisms; boasting a one-touch adjustment feature, you simply grab hold of the work surface handle and raise or lower it until you reach to your favored height.

Tip: Good ergonomic principles advise that your arms should be at a 90-degree angle when writing or typing, regardless of whether you are seated or standing up. This helps avoid niggling pains developing and deviations to your posture.

Ergotron Neo-Flex Dimensions

The compact footprint of this standing mobile desk is a welcome attribute which enables the cart to be situated in compact areas. This also makes it much easier to glide between hectic corridors, rooms, offices or even confined areas within a room.

The work surface dimensions (16.5 x 20.5 inches / 42 x 52 cm) are narrower than those of the base footprint dimensions (17.5 x 22.8 inches / 44 x 58 cm). Therefore, in terms of footprint consumption, the lower region of the podium will consume more space than the work surface.

They mouse tray does extend out to consume extra footprint at the side of the desk; luckily, this tray is designed in such a way that it can easily be pushed under the work surface during transport or storage for convenience.

Plus…

For us clumsy people whizzing our way through the corridors and busy rooms, it’s one less part that we can bash off people or objects.

Tip: Ensure the areas that you move the unit through has sufficient clearance at both the lowest and highest positions without making impact with items, walls, or people.

Ergotron Neo-Flex Work Surface

The counter top dimensions offer you a compact 16.5 x 20.5 inches / 42 x 52 cm of space to function with. It serves as an integrated worktop/keyboard tray/handle, and let’s not forget beverage bar. A cut-out slot is positioned at the front of the work surface which serves as a handle that you hold onto for maneuvering the cart, and also raising and lowering the height.

Reviewers have appreciated the sturdiness of the work area. The sister product, Neo-Flex laptop cart, offers less space due to the work top hosting the laptop. However, that space constraint is eliminated with this LCD cart due to the monitor screen being housed on a pivoting arm.

Consequently, you are graced with extra space to position some documents, stationary or work materials. The work area offers ample space to fit a laptop while having space for your wrists to rest on the work surface. You could probably fit a laptop on here too and have 2 screens operating.

If you feel you could benefit from some added space for storage, there are baskets and bracket accessories that can be used to store ancillary items that you might need, e.g., notepads, chargers etc.

In total, the whole cart can withstand 26 lbs / 11.8 kg of weight. This is broken down based on the weight load for various components. For instance, the work surface, keyboard tray and cable storage area offers a combined weight capacity of 6 lbs / 3.6 kg, which is sufficient for a laptop, light books or stationery; the LCD arm can support 6 – 12 lbs / 2.7 – 5.4 kg; the CPU mount supports 2 – 8 lbs / 0.9 – 3.6 kg.

There is the capacity to mount a thin CPU to VESA-compliant mount hole pattern on the pillar base behind the cart. You also have the choice of connecting a bar code scanner too, which could come in useful for IT, warehouses, shops and a multitude of other environments too.

Note that the Neo-Flex is not intended for holding heavy computer equipment. Also, please beware that the weight load is on the lower scale of the weight capacity spectrum. With that in mind, it is important that your apparatus or the force that you apply to the trolley does not exceed that weight threshold.

Did you know? On average, many laptops weigh about 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg.

Ergotron Neo-Flex Mouse Tray

The mouse tray is positioned adjacent to the work surface and provides a comfortable amount of space to fit and move your mouse.

A pleasant feature that I was happy to discover was that the mouse tray can be pushed under the work surface. It’s a useful benefit, especially as other carts and standing desk converter have mouse trays which cannot be adjusted or moved without being unscrewed from the unit. Simply slide it away when you’re not using the mouse, or when you need to store the cart in a compact area.

Additionally, you left-handed people out there need not worry as the mouse tray is compatible with being used on both the left and right side of the work surface.

Ergotron Neo-Flex Mobility

This mobile desk is relatively lightweight, weighing in at 38.8 lbs / 17.6 kg. That supplemented by the 4 premium dual casters means that you should be able to glide smoothly along while moving the desk between places.

The Neo-Flex base forms more of an X shape than a star shape, as is customary in the majority of products. This creates extra foot space as the casters and their arms are extended out to the sides. So, you and I don’t have to worry about tripping over the caster arms or where we place our feet.

There are 2 lockable front casters fitted which are designed to securely hold the cart in place and avoid unwanted movement while you use it. This is also valuable if you are on unlevel surfaces or floors with a smooth finish, e.g., wooden floors, tiles.

As a bonus (and this deserves brownie points too, because who wants scuff marks on their precious floors?), the premium dual casters should leave no marks on floors; the dual casters are also credited with reducing friction and floor scrubbing to ensure the experience of moving the trolley around is flawless. You should also experience no difficulties moving across carpet, flooring or thresholds either.

Tip: The stability of the sit stand mobile desk is relative to the floor surface. If there are any uneven surfaces on the floor, e.g., wooden boards, then bounce or wobble will transfer to the mobile desk.

Ergotron Neo-Flex Cable Management

The cable management system is relatively simplistic; it showcases a number of features to ensure the cable anarchy is curtailed. A bonus feature is that it’s also easy to route the cables, and if new equipment cables need to be routed through, that won’t be a big onerous task either.

Bye bye cable chaos!

It achieves this by utilising cable attachment points along with zip ties to neatly secure your wires along the main column. The power bank is mounted underneath the work surface on left side of the post, thus ensuring that it is kept in a secure location out of your way; it’s also close enough to the computer that it can comfortably reach the storage area without creating an unnecessarily long cable trail.

This also applies to the CPU housing and bar code scanner location. There is also a cable wrap bracket which can neatly house a large extension lead and the associated cabling along the side of the main column.

All of these components combined ensures that there are no trailing cables that could represent a trip hazard or be trampled over as you drive your computer trolley from A to B and all the way over to Z.

Ergotron Neo-Flex LCD Arm

This feature boasts many benefits, the most noteworthy being the added stability while moving a monitor on the trolley and impressive adjustability associated with the monitor screen. Such properties include:

The total height adjustability of the monitor amounts to 27 inches / 68.6 cm. This is broken down into of 20 inches / 51 cm of height adjustability in tandem with work surface. In addition, the LCD arm adjusts a further 7 inches / 17.8 cm independently of the work surface.

Furthermore, the monitor arm facilitates the below list of adjustments, ensuring that you can achieve a perfect positioning of your monitor:

• Up and down screen tilt of 65 degrees, comprised of +60 degrees and -5 degrees.
• Screen pan of up to 180 degrees.
• 360 degrees of complete screen rotation.

The ability to pan left and right by 180 degrees offers freedom that will, without a doubt, significantly enhance the freedom, ease of use and comfort when executing activities with this unit. The monitor yields an inviting 65 degrees positive/negative tilt, and the complete rotation of the screen ensures you can alternate between portrait, landscape and everywhere in between!

Did you know? Being able to adjust the monitor height independently of the work top is an ergonomic bonus. It facilitates your ability to ensure that both your upper appendages and head are more ergonomically aligned to the equipment.

Ergotron Neo-Flex Highlights

• Future-proof sit-stand mobile desk for computing of today and tomorrow
• Independent monitor height adjustability
  to enable enhanced posture.
• Suits an endless range of applications, e.g., teaching, medical technology trolley, crash carts, meetings, mobile work roles, home offices etc.
• Excellent monitor screen adjustability for optimal positioning and ergonomics
• Innovative design which achieves efficient and compact use of desk area.
• Capacity to securely hold a thin CPU and bar code scanner.
• Lightweight cart for effortless movement.
• Smooth rolling premium casters for slick and graceful movement.
• Robust caster legs with easy-to-clean exterior.
• Dedicated cable management system for neat and tidy storage.
• Durable, quality finish capable of withstanding wear and tear.
• Smooth and silent raising and lowering of the height.
• Can easily adapt to several users.
• Can be self-assembled, no need for expensive technicians.
• Range of accessories available to increase storage and ergonomics.
• Includes notable 3-year warranty.

Ergotron Neo-Flex Product Specification

Description	Ergotron Neo-Flex LCD cart
Part Number	24-206-214
Colour	Two tone grey
Monitor Size	22 inches
Number of Mountable Monitors	1
Screen Stability	Very good
Screen Tilt	65 degrees
Screen Pan	180 degrees
Screen Rotation	360 degrees
Maximum Weight Capacity	26 lbs / 11.8 kg
Adjustable Height	Yes
Height Range	27 inches / 68.6 cm
Lift Direction	Vertical
Work Surface Dimensions	16.5 x 20.5 inches / 42 x 52 cm
Base Footprint Dimensions	17.5 x 22.8 inches / 44 x 58 cm
Keyboard Tray Dimensions	N/A
Accessories Available	Yes
Weight of Unit	38.8 lbs / 17.6 kg
Shipping Dimensions	21.75 x 15 x 45.25 inches / 55 x 38 x 115 cm
Shipping Weight	56 lbs / 25.4 kg
Ships Fully Assembled	No
Ease of Installation	Excellent

Verdict

The Ergotron Neo-Flex LCD cart is a quality sit stand mobile workstation that offers features to encourage ergonomics, comfort, adaptability, and most importantly, mobility to glide between various areas with your computer and equipment.

The range of adjustability in the monitor is definitely worthy of a brownie point (OK, OK, 2 brownie points). I’d happily state that this is my favourite feature of the entire unit, and it will probably be high on your list too. The neat storage system for your CPU, bar code scanner, cables and power sockets are also features worthy of some credit as they enable you to work in a neat and safer manner.

The applications of this product are much wider than simply a technology hub; in fact, every time I read a different review or imagine myself using this unit, I develop a new application for it. So, for instance, whether you are someone pursuing a:

• mobile desk to use as a platform for delivering presentations or meetings
• hospital trolley for navigating medical equipment through busy corridors
• mobile workstation for home, work or school
• call desk that can be moved between rooms

then this product can adapt with ease to these tasks.

From reading a set of reviews that surpassed double digits, it was evident that customers were more than happy with the product. The sturdy and portable design was a recurring theme in addition to the ease of use and quick assembly. You’ll also be reassured to know that I struggled to find any negative feedback on the product.

For anyone concerned that this monitor cart will become obsolete and surpassed by technology developments, fear not as innovative open architecture designed into this desk can cleverly accommodate technology upgrades of both today and the future.

The work surface size should be more than adequate for your needs provided you’re not reviewing large documents. However, if you anticipate that you’ll need to review large materials (e.g., greater than an A4 book opened up), or you would prefer more space, then perhaps a cart with a larger work space may be required.

Don’t worry…

I’ll share with you a product I think you’ll love towards the end of the article.

The only other consideration is the weight capacity. This mobile LCD cart is designed to hold a monitor and CPU or light tools or gadgets. If you own heavy equipment or foresee the weight of your equipment or simply the weight of you leaning on top of it could surpass the maximum weight load, then it would be advisable to assess the weight of your items to compare them with the weight thresholds.

Those points aside, it’s unquestionably an impressive product-leader in the mobile workstation market which would be a useful asset in any home, work, technology, medical or educational environment, to mention but a few.

The below list offers you a sneak peek at some of the principles that I consider when reviewing standing mobile trolleys:

• Being able to lean on or write on the unit without it swaying or toppling over.
• Having adequate space when typing or using the unit.
• Ensuring that the keyboard or other components do not push me away from the monitor.
• Ensuring the unit can reach the necessary heights so I do not have to deviate my posture.
• Being easily adjustable without causing excessive noise or struggling to raise or lower the height due to the weight.
• Being reasonably affordable.
• Having a good warranty.
• Having good reviews on the product.

Based on reviewing the product along with considering the opinions of consumers, I’m satisfied that the unit has almost met my list of criteria. I wouldn’t take the risk of leaning on the work surface though.

Would I recommend it to a friend or family member?

I sure would, especially for someone looking for a compact, rugged standing mobile desk or for environments where computing needs to be mobilized.

For ✓	Against ✘
Lightweight and excellent mobility	Limited weight capacity
Suitable for a compact, busy work or home space	Requires assembly
Impressive range of motion on monitor arm
Endless applications including work, home and education environments
Rugged design and user-friendly

Conclusion

For those of you who are in pursuit of a portable desk with a greater work surface or superior weight capacity to support your day-to-day activities while achieving a more comfortable and ergonomic posture, then I have reviewed this popular product which may be of interest to you. Want to see why it’s so popular and what my in-depth analysis and unbiased opinion of this product is? Then click here to find out: Ergotron TeachWell mobile digital work space review

I don’t know about you, but it scared me to discover that we spend greater than 50% of our waking day in a sedentary position. What frightens me even more is the fact that a sedentary lifestyle greatly increases the risk of developing 4 of the top 10 causes of morbidity worldwide! Yes, you read correctly.

If you’re conscious of your health and want to evade the adverse health effects associated with sitting disease, then you’re like hundreds of thousands of people who wanted this and have made the simple conversion to standing workstations.

I can personally say that I have experienced enhanced energy levels, improved posture and I have more than likely reduced negative health conditions associated with sitting for hours on end. And the best part is that you can experience this too. Here’s a link to some of the best products on the market right now that I would personally recommend to family or friends:

Have you any queries on this product or on portable desks in general? Do you own a sit stand mobile desk? I would love to hear from you and what your opinions and questions are. Please post them in the comments box below and I’ll be sure to respond to you.

Sources

https://www.ergotron.com/en-gb/products/product-details/24-206

https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/mortality-and-global-health-estimates