Anthro Laptop Cart

Small in size but huge in usefulness

By Stephen Schleicher

If you have been in the professional video/audio industry for any amount of time, you are probably aware of Anthro, the company responsible for some of the most functional desks and workstations around.  Anthro has taken their design and retooled it for the consumer.  The result is the Anthro Adjustable Laptop Cart that is perfect for those working around the house.

I have used the Anthro Fit Console Unit for years for my video editing and motion graphics work.  The curved design means all of my monitors, graphics tablet, record decks, and computers are within easy reach when I am working long hours.  The adjustable keyboard shelf allows me to work from a comfy chair, or when my legs need to stretch, I can work standing up.

When my wife was looking for a new desk for her laptop I immediately thought of Anthro, and with a little searching discovered they had a cart perfect for her.  One of the problems with a laptop is it can get fairly warm sitting on your lap for hours on end.  In addition, the angle and closeness of the computer to your hands is an ergonomic disaster.  To really make the best of your laptop you need to be able to set it on a table that is small, adjustable, and most importantly mobile.

There were many carts available at the local Mega-mart, but the quality of the material and the shoddy construction meant that we would probably have to purchase another cart in a year or so.  Luckily Anthro?s Laptop Cart is build of high quality material, is built to last, and with a foot plus height difference between my wife and I, and is adjustable for both of us.

When my wife is checking her email or surfing the web, she often wants to do it while watching television.  Because furniture and people sizes vary, the Anthro cart can adjust its height from 25? to 35?.  This means she can sit in our comfortable sofa and enjoy her favorite TiVo programming without constantly readjusting to find a comfortable position with a laptop sitting on her.

If she needs to do more serious minded work, she can wheel the small cart down the hallway to her office and work in peace without the constant annoyance of her husband running through the room talking about his latest eBay comic book find.

The biggest draw for the Anthro Laptop Cart is in its heavy duty construction.  The cart can hold up to 150lbs, which means it will have no problem handling a laptop, scanner, and printer, or even a wife who wants to change a light bulb.  The casters lock off to prevent the cart from rolling around, and unlock easily for quick adjustments.  This may very well be the last rolling laptop cart we will ever need to buy.

The only drawback I have with the cart is in its size.  Yes, it is small enough for your laptop, and its size make it easy to roll out of the way.  But if you want more room to add a printer or a scanner, or if you simply want more ?space? for papers and a mouse, you will need to purchase two different accessory shelves.  For the price, I would much rather they come as a standard package.

The Anthro cart is not cheap.  At $200 it is something the budget conscious will need to take into account before selecting this table.  In addition the back shelf and the lower shelf (for a printer, etc.) will set you back another $50 each, which means a fully decked out cart will run $300. 

Cost and accessory issues aside, the Anthro Laptop Cart is ideal for those who want a solid station to do their laptop work on, yet still be mobile enough to move from room to room as the need arises.  I give the Anthro Laptop Cart a Strong Buy Recommendation.

For more information on the Anthro cart, visit www.anthro.com.