There are literally hundreds of workstation manufacturers in the US, selling everything from simple computer desks to industrial-strength workstations. Prices range widely, from entry-level to executive models, and many companies offer freebies, like free laptops or printer cartridges, when purchased with a computer contract. To make matters worse, the market has been flooded by many workstation manufacturers that have cut prices to take advantage of the low demand and high supply of computer workstations. As a result, the average computer user is left with a bad deal, purchasing an inferior product for less money. How can a consumer avoid being taken advantage of?

The most important quality to look for in an office workstation manufacturer is durability. A computer desk is going to last several years, so it's important to make sure that it will last that long. Workstation manufacturers often tout their units as having 'indestructible' or 'break-resistant' qualities - but even the strongest workstations have cracks, chips, and other kinds of wear and tear over time. A good quality workstation will be manufactured out of materials that don't bend, warp, or break. Brands that promise 'unbreakable' or 'indestructible' workstations should be avoided.

If a workstation manufacturer is claiming that their workstations have the capabilities of a game-changer, then they probably aren't all that great. Modern game-changers have hard drives with terabytes of memory and processing power. They also have networking and cooling technologies that have been developed specifically for the game industry - these features are usually beyond the reach of workstation manufacturers. But a computer workstation with awesome features is a myth, because most modern workstations come standard with basic features.

It's important to find workstation manufacturers that understand the needs of their customers, and that provide a wide variety of workstations with various capabilities and price points. Don't be fooled by fancy 'gimmick' names. Just because a company has a certain name doesn't mean that they understand your needs as well. There is no need to pay a thousand dollars more for a top of the line computer workstation than you have to for one that costs half as much. Computer workstation manufacturers should offer options for budget-minded users, and options for those that don't necessarily need a workstation that will replace most of their current computers. Some workstation manufacturers specialize in computer workstations for specific uses, like graphic design, media production, and certain kinds of games - these manufacturers are more likely to have workstations that can meet your specific needs.

Don't be fooled by exaggerated claims by modular workstation furniture manufacturers that their workstations will take up the entire room or be used by six people at once. The truth is, workstations aren't big enough to accommodate six people, and workstations with more than six users aren't efficient enough to run your business. You will want to look at the total floor space of the workstation you're considering purchasing, not just the space that's available for use. If your workstation fits into a corner but is several feet across and several feet away from other computer workstations, it might be better off buying a workstation that fits into a corner, where it won't cause problems with traffic flow. If you can find a workstation that fits perfectly into an already occupied corner, it may be the smarter choice.

Modular furniture manufacturers don't want to waste time on unprofitable designs and uninspiring workstations. It's in their best interest to design workstations that will have a huge impact on the bottom line but also designs that appeal to consumers. Most workstation manufacturers have workstation designs that are fun, efficient, and that actually help you get more done in less time.