Omnidesk Ascent Standing Desk – TDP Review

Standing desks have become increasingly popular, especially for those working long hours at a desk. As someone who was in dire need of a standing desk on the Australian market, the Omnidesk Ascent – Omnidesk’s flagship – caught my attention. After extensive research, including watching numerous reviews, scouring Reddit, and reading customer feedback, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extra Desktop Size: The Ascent offers the largest desktop sizes of all standing desks in Australia, providing ample space for your work setup.
• Customisation Options: With a choice of 6 hardwood, 2 melamine, and 1 softwood desktop options, as well as several edge shapes, you can personalise your desk to match your style.
• Programmable Height Presets: The desk features a modern controller with a multicoloured backlight and four programmable height settings, making adjustments quick and easy.
• Advanced Cable Management: An optional cable management tray keeps wires neatly organised and out of sight, with built-in cable cutouts on specific models.
• Sleek Design: The Ascent’s sleek design and hardwood top options make it a visually appealing addition to any workspace.

Cons:

• High Price Point: Starting around $1000 for the base Bamboo model and increasing to over $1800 for hardwood options, the Ascent is a significant investment.
• Weight: The desk’s 37.5 kg frame is heavy, requiring significant effort to move.
• Stability Concerns: At medium to highest settings, the desk can wobble.

Design and Aesthetics

The Omnidesk Ascent with a black desktop is a sleek and modern addition to any workspace. The black finish gives the desk a sophisticated and professional look, making it a versatile choice that can seamlessly blend into various interior styles. The matte surface of the black desktop not only looks stylish but also helps in reducing glare, providing a more comfortable work environment.

The minimalist design of the Ascent is complemented by its clean lines and robust build, ensuring it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable. The black desktop creates a striking contrast with other elements in the workspace, allowing you to personalise your setup with colourful accessories or a vibrant desk mat. The attention to detail, such as the multicolour backlight on the height controller, adds a modern touch that appeals to creative professionals and tech enthusiasts alike.

In essence, the black desktop option of the Omnidesk Ascent offers a blend of elegance and functionality, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their workspace with a touch of sophistication.

Features and Customisation

The Omnidesk Ascent is designed to elevate both your productivity and workspace aesthetics. One of its standout features is the programmable height presets, allowing you to save up to four different height settings. This enables seamless transitions between sitting and standing positions throughout your workday, enhancing comfort and ergonomics.

The advanced cable management options are another significant feature. The optional cable management tray, adjustable in length, keeps wires neatly organised and out of sight. The black desktop version includes built-in cable cutouts at the rear, making it easy to run cables directly into the tray for a clean, uncluttered look.

Customisation is a hallmark of the Ascent. I opted for the 153 cm (L size) black desktop, which provides a generous workspace without overwhelming the room. This size is ideal for those who need ample space for multiple monitors, accessories, and documents. The desk also comes in two other widths: 122 cm and 183 cm, catering to various space requirements.

The desk frame offers further personalisation with different edge shapes to match your aesthetic preferences. The Omnidesk Life app adds another layer of customisation, allowing control over desk height and LED colour settings via your smartphone.

The Omnidesk Ascent excels in offering a high degree of customisation and a robust suite of features that cater to both functional and aesthetic requirements. This makes it a top choice for creating a personalised and efficient workspace.

Performance and Stability

The Omnidesk Ascent is engineered to deliver strong performance and stability, making it a reliable choice for any workspace. Its robust frame and dual-motor system provide smooth and efficient height adjustments, with a motor speed of 60 mm per second. This ensures quick transitions between sitting and standing positions, which is particularly useful during busy workdays.

The desk’s height range, spanning from 60 cm to 125 cm, accommodates a variety of user preferences and ergonomic needs. This flexibility allows for optimal positioning, whether you’re sitting in a low chair or standing tall. The programmable controller, with its multicolour backlight and large buttons, adds to the ease of use, ensuring you can adjust the desk height effortlessly.

However, one area where the Ascent shows room for improvement is stability at higher settings. When extended to medium or maximum height, especially with a heavy hardwood top, the desk can experience minor wobbling. While this doesn’t significantly impact regular work tasks, it can be a concern for users who require absolute steadiness for detailed work or gaming.

Despite this, the desk’s overall performance remains impressive. The maximum load capacity of 130 kg ensures it can support a substantial amount of equipment, including multiple monitors and heavy peripherals. The frame weight of 37.5 kg contributes to its sturdy construction, though it also means moving the desk requires some effort.

In summary, the Omnidesk Ascent offers excellent performance with smooth height adjustments and a broad height range. While there are minor stability concerns at higher settings, the desk remains a strong contender in the standing desk market, providing a reliable and flexible workspace solution.

User Experience

The user experience with the Omnidesk Ascent is designed to be both intuitive and enjoyable, catering to the needs of modern professionals. One of the first things you’ll notice is the desk’s sleek design and high-quality build, which immediately enhances the aesthetic of your workspace. The black desktop, in particular, adds a touch of sophistication and blends well with various office setups.

The programmable height presets are a standout feature, allowing you to effortlessly switch between sitting and standing positions. The controller is user-friendly, with large buttons and a multicolour backlight, making it easy to adjust the desk height without straining your eyes. This functionality is particularly beneficial for those who alternate frequently between different working postures throughout the day.

The advanced cable management system significantly improves the desk’s usability. With adjustable trays and built-in cable cutouts, managing and organising your wires becomes a breeze. This feature helps maintain a clean and clutter-free workspace, which can enhance productivity and reduce distractions.

Customisation options add to the overall user experience. Being able to choose from various desktop materials and sizes means you can tailor the desk to your specific needs and preferences. The 153 cm (L size) desktop I chose provides ample space for all my equipment, ensuring that everything I need is within easy reach.

However, there are a few areas where the user experience could be improved. The Omnidesk Life app, while offering extensive customisation options, can sometimes be slow to connect. This can make quick adjustments less convenient. Additionally, the desk’s weight means it’s not easy to move around, which could be a consideration if you frequently reconfigure your workspace.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall user experience with the Omnidesk Ascent is highly positive. The combination of design, functionality, and customisation options makes it a valuable addition to any home or office setup, providing a comfortable and efficient working environment.

Price and Value

The Omnidesk Ascent is positioned in the premium segment of the standing desk market, with prices reflecting its high-end features and customisation options. Starting around $1000 for the base Bamboo model and reaching over $1800 for the more luxurious hardwood options, the Ascent represents a significant investment.

For the price, you receive a well-designed and feature-rich desk. The programmable height presets, advanced cable management, and robust build quality all contribute to its premium feel. The customisation options, such as the choice of desktop materials and sizes, further enhance its value, allowing you to tailor the desk to your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.

However, it’s important to consider the additional costs that can quickly add up. Accessories such as the cable management tray, which is an extra $79, and other add-ons can significantly increase the overall price. While these options enhance the desk’s functionality, they do push the total cost into a higher bracket, making the Ascent a considerable investment.

Comparatively, the Omnidesk Ascent is priced similarly to other premium standing desks like the UpDown Pro and Desky Dual. While the Ascent offers comparable features, its unique design elements, especially the black desktop and multicolour backlit controller, provide a distinct aesthetic advantage.

For those prioritising aesthetics, functionality, and a high degree of customisation, the Ascent offers good value. Its sturdy build and advanced features justify the higher price point for many users, especially those in creative fields or those who spend long hours at their desk.

In conclusion, while the Omnidesk Ascent comes at a premium price, its extensive features and customisation options make it a worthy investment for those seeking a high-quality, personalised standing desk. The desk’s combination of style and functionality offers excellent value for those who can accommodate the cost.

Easy Assembly

One of the standout aspects of the Omnidesk Ascent is its straightforward assembly process. The desk arrives with clear instructions, making it easy for anyone to set up without professional assistance. All necessary tools are included, and the components are well-organised and labeled.

The frame and desktop pieces fit together seamlessly, and the provided screws and bolts ensure a secure and stable build. Even the cable management tray and additional accessories like the Motorised Power Riser can be installed effortlessly, thanks to the pre-cut holes and intuitive design.

Overall, the assembly process is hassle-free and can be completed in a short amount of time, allowing you to start using your new desk almost immediately.

Ideal Users

The Omnidesk Ascent is tailored for a broad range of users, particularly those who value both functionality and aesthetics in their workspace. Here are some of the ideal users who would benefit most from this standing desk:

Creative Professionals: Designers, photographers, and artists will appreciate the desk’s sleek design and ample customisation options. The large workspace provided by the 153 cm (L size) desktop is ideal for spreading out materials and tools, while the advanced cable management system keeps the workspace tidy.

Tech Enthusiasts and Gamers: With its modern features like programmable height presets and a multicolour backlit controller, the Ascent appeals to tech-savvy users. The sturdy build and ample desktop space can accommodate multiple monitors, gaming peripherals, and other tech gadgets, making it perfect for an immersive setup.

Remote Workers and Office Professionals: Those who work from home or in an office environment will benefit from the ergonomic advantages of the Ascent. The ability to switch between sitting and standing positions can enhance comfort and productivity throughout the day. Additionally, the clean and professional look of the black desktop adds a touch of sophistication to any workspace.

Millennials and Gen Z: The modern design and customisation options make the Ascent particularly appealing to younger generations who value personalised and stylish workspaces. Features like the mobile app for desk adjustments and LED colour settings resonate with tech-savvy and style-conscious users.

Health-Conscious Individuals: Users who prioritise their health and well-being will find the sit-stand functionality beneficial. The ability to alternate between sitting and standing can help reduce the risk of sedentary-related health issues and improve overall comfort during long working hours.

Influencers and Content Creators: The sleek and stylish design of the Ascent, combined with its customisable features, makes it an excellent choice for influencers and content creators who want a visually appealing background for their videos and photos.

In summary, the Omnidesk Ascent is ideal for a diverse group of users, including creative professionals, tech enthusiasts, remote workers, and health-conscious individuals. Its blend of functionality, customisation, and aesthetic appeal makes it a versatile and valuable addition to any workspace.

Special Addition: Motorised Power Riser

Omnidesk was kind enough to include the Motorised Power Riser with my Ascent desk. This accessory, priced at $269.25 (down from $359.00), offers a 25% savings. It enhances the desk’s functionality by providing easy access to power ports for charging gadgets and powering laptops.

Features:

• Wireless Charging: Simply place your compatible phone on top of the riser for seamless charging.
• Motorised Functionality: The riser can hide the sockets when not in use, integrating seamlessly into the desk.
• Power Ports: Includes 3 socket plugs, 1 USB power socket, and a wireless charger top panel.
• Dimensions: 95mm in diameter.

Installation: The Motorised Power Riser requires a pre-cut hole in the top left corner of the desktop for installation.

This addition significantly enhances the desk’s usability, making it even more convenient for a modern workspace. The ability to hide the power ports when not in use keeps the desk looking clean and organised. The wireless charging feature is particularly handy, reducing the need for additional cables and chargers on the desk surface.

Final Verdict

The Omnidesk Ascent stands out as a premium standing desk that combines advanced features with a sleek design, making it a worthy investment for those seeking to elevate their workspace. Its programmable height presets, robust build quality, and advanced cable management system cater to a range of needs, from creative professionals to tech enthusiasts and remote workers.

The 153 cm (L size) black desktop offers ample space and a sophisticated look, enhancing the overall aesthetics of any office or home setup. The desk’s customisation options, including various desktop materials and sizes, ensure that users can tailor it to their specific preferences and requirements.

However, the Ascent’s premium price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers, especially when factoring in the cost of additional accessories. While minor stability issues at higher settings and occasional app connectivity problems exist, these do not significantly detract from the desk’s overall performance and usability.

For those who prioritise a combination of functionality, style, and customisation, the Omnidesk Ascent Standing Desk is an excellent choice. It offers a high degree of versatility and ergonomic benefits, making it a valuable addition to any workspace. If you are prepared to invest in a top-tier standing desk, the Omnidesk Ascent delivers on its promise of quality and design, making it a solid option for enhancing your work environment.

Click here for more information on the Ascent – OMNIDESK AUSTRALIA (theomnidesk.com.au)

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