Computer in Family Room

[Phyllis]

I am looking for ideas on how to have our family PC in the Family room. I would prefer to move it so when the kids are on it I can keep an eye on what websites they are on but also so they are not off in the study but are with the rest of the family. My concern is that the computer will be an eye sore. I don't want it to be the focal point for the room. Have you any ideas on how I could do this?:confused:

[bigred]

Got a picture of your floor plan, and where you have things laid out?

[Phyllis]

Thanks for the reply. I don't have a plan - I could sketch up a rough plan. But I have a space for a desk. I had originally thought I would put the PC on a desk but I don't like how it would dominate the room and I like the chair that I have in that corner at the moment. So apart from a desk do have any other suggestions? I appreciate the help.:)

[Richelle]

I have been begging my partner to upgrade us to this:

http://cebas.ikea.com.au/prod_template4.asp?product_id=31211&se_id=37&page_id=14737300251009&Cat=7&Scat=27

http://cebas.ikea.com.au/Product_Images/PE204453.jpg

It opens up to be a great work station with ikeas usual array of storage solutions

[bigred]

If there's no desk, your only alternative is to have the child use a laptop while sitting on the couch or something. Which isn't very ergonomic, but it's better than having your child sitting on the floor with a keyboard, mouse and monitor - your request of no desk.

You're probably better off having the kids in the study, and just monitoring what kind of websites they visit on a daily, weekly or monthly basis with the use of some software.

Kids are kids. I grew up on the Internet, and I turned out alright ;-)

But that's just my two cents.

Sorry if it's not helpful!

Cheers!

[bigred]

I have been begging my partner to upgrade us to this:

http://cebas.ikea.com.au/prod_template4.asp?product_id=31211&se_id=37&page_id=14737300251009&Cat=7&Scat=27

http://cebas.ikea.com.au/Product_Images/PE204453.jpg

It opens up to be a great work station with ikeas usual array of storage solutions

Richelle: Although that is an option, imagine trying to do school/uni/tafe work in that little thing.

[Lanne]

We are complete computer junkies. We have an office each and my entire business is attached to the house.. We also have an imac set up in a communal area so that we know what is going on. I found that the imac is awesome for this - as it is a screen and all built in. No box and mess. If you already have a screen you like ..look at the mac mini. I was happy to have a table in the area and we have lots of art work around it and use it for family planning and bill paying. Works for us.

BUT we also have notebooks x 4 (2 adults and a 6 year old.. it is ridiculous)..
so we have an IKEA table for the notebooks - I think it is called DAVE- but do a search for laptop table. it rocks, slides in under the sofa and room for a notebook and mouse etc. It works as an occasional table when no one is working at it..

Office works also have a range of padded table tops (think a new take on the stable tables of old) which might suit, as they could easily be put away.

[Julie-Ann]

Hi Lanne
I think I found Dave. Is this him below?
What a handy idea. As a Mac user I think a Mac PC is also a great option. I had forgotten they don't have a tower and they look so classy that if it becomes the focus of the room it doesn't matter as it is more stylish than most tv's:D

[Phyllis]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. We went out to Ikea this morning to look at all the different desk options after some of you had suggested desks from there. We chose this desk which I really like.

http://i852.photobucket.com/albums/ab86/jamhind/desk.jpg

Our plan is to upgrade the computer to a Mac computer later in the year. They are very nice looking and you are right they will look great and not be an eye sore at all. What do you think?

[Lanne]

That is my friend Dave :)

LOVE the black desk too..very nice! and Mac's do look good.. very friendly on the eyes and easy to use :)