Reviews of Everything the Office Freak Needs and Uses!

On the following pages of the office supply blog, you’ll find office furniture reviews, desk reviews, office chair reviews, binder reviews, and.. well… just about anything we think you need to know about. You’ll even find coffee reviews because the average office runs on what? Coffee!

Steelcase Leap Chair: It’s Still Love

Comfortable. Stylish. Ergonomic. Affordable.

by Joi

Office Chair by Steelcase: Reply

Reply by Steelcase

I was talking with someone recently about office chairs (a favorite subject) and they mentioned that they liked my review of the Steelcase Leap Chair.  The first thing I thought was, “The review would have to be good because the chair’s extraordinary.”

It made me think, I need to do another write up on Office Freaks about these very special chairs.  I’m still loving the chair they so graciously sent me to review and, get this, is still looks as gorgeous as it did the day I excitedly ripped it out of its box!  Most chairs start to show some wear and tear but the Steelcase Leap Chair isn’t like most chairs.   It’s incredibly comfortable and ridiculously kind to your back, neck, hips, and every other inch of your body.

Did I mention that it’s gorgeous as well?  I did? Well it’s worth mentioning again.

Jersey Office Chair by Steelcase

Jersey by Steelcase

I headed over to Steelcase’s website to see what other lovelies they’re selling and my jaw dropped. Again and again and again.  I’ve featured some of the most gorgeous chairs in this post – click through any and all to take a closer look.  Trust me on this one, Steelcase makes exceptional office chairs and you’ll never regret buying one for a second.

Jersey Chair Features

Mesh Back
Choose from eight mesh colors: black, gray, white, yellow, orange, red, green, and blue. When it’s time for a change, simply unsnap and slide off the old mesh and slide on the new.

Stackable Guest Chair
Complete the look with the Jersey guest chair. Available with steel arm or armless. Choose with or without casters. All versions of the Jersey guest chair stack four-high on the floor.

Office Chair: Think by Steelcase

Think by Steelcase

Think Chair Options:

  • Translucent 3D Knit back is available in 14 colors. Matching seat upholstery is available, or create your own look by choosing any of the thousands of Steelcase and Designtex fabrics, leathers, and vinyls. Custom materials are also an option.
  • Available with a fully-upholstered seat and back in any of the thousands of Steelcase and Designtex fabrics, leathers and vinyls. Custom materials are also an option. The foundation fabric on the back cushion (seen from behind the chair) will always match the frame color, either black or slate.
  • Two finish colors are available: black and platinum
  • Optional polished aluminum base
  • Optional adjustable headrest, which can be added or removed at any time
  • Optional adjustable lumbar, which can be added or removed at any time

Think arm options are:

  • Armless
  • Fixed arms
  • Adjustable arms

Office Chair by Steelcase: ReplyReply by Steelcase

Reply Chair’s Features

Mesh Back:  Choose from nine mesh colors: Black, Grey, White, Red, Royal Blue, Apple Green, Orange, Bright Purple, and Sable.

Arm Options: Available in fully adjustable (height, pivot and depth) arms, height adjustable arms, and armless.

Upholstery Options:  Steelcase Surfaces, Select Surfaces or Custom Surfaces (Customer’s Own Material) on seats and upholstered backs.

SkyBrush Dry Eraser Board Eraser

Well Played, SkyBrush, Well Played

by Joi

Sky Brush Dry Eraser Board EraserSkyBrush Dry Eraser Board Eraser: It Had Me At Unzip

I’m probably the biggest fan of dry eraser boards in all the world. Left to my own devices, I’d have one in every room of the house. As it is, there’s one in the kitchen (for grocery lists, memos to family members, quotes, etc) and one in the office. The erasers used for each were unsightly and kind of clumsy – that is until I received a SkyBrush to review for Office Freaks.

When I opened the box, I knew right away that I was dealing with something special. The SkyBrush comes in its own little stylish case, which makes storage a breeze. I can’t tell you how much better it looks lying near the dry eraser board than that frazzled little eraser we did have did. It looked like something that’d been kicked around the school yard a few hundred times.

By contrast, the SkyBrush is elegant, classy-looking, stylish, and lets the world know you don’t shop at the Dollar Store for your office supplies.

Features:

  • Glass Bristle Technology:  A revolutionary design that the other guys will wish they thought of
  • Ergonomic Handle Design: Provides the most traction with the slightest amount of effort on your part
  • Grip Band:  For firm, comfortable grip
  • Elegant Colors:  Color Coordinate to your office, home, or even your clothing (hey, why not?)
  • Logo Plate: Because it looks cool

Go to SkyBrush’s Website for more information and to order your own classy SkyBrush today!

SkyBrushSkyBrush’s Glass Bristle Technology: Tres Chic

Super Cool Speedy Spine Binders

For the Office Supply Freak in a Hurry

by Joi

Speedy Spine Binders

Recently, I was sent a cool Speedy Spine Binder to review for the office supply blog.  It’s a real looker and has a penchant for speed, which I like.  I must confess, I have a bit of an obsession with binders and notebooks. I even color co-ordinate my binders for organizing my home web publishing business:

  • Red Binders: Health and fitness articles and research.
  • Blue Binders: Articles, pamphlets, etc. for my Kentucky Website.
  • White Binders: Articles, circulars, and information for Office Freaks and All Handhelds (a site I recently brought back to life just last week).
  • Green Binders: Recipes, articles, and drafts for my food blog.
  • Etc…

I thought it was incredibly ironic and fortuitous (big word for a Monday – I don’t even know who I am right now), that the binder Speedy Binder sent me was white. Perfection.

This great looking binder, like all Speedy Binders, is constructed in a way that allows for easy drop-in of spine inserts for custom graphics in seconds. Whether you work outside of the home or inside the home, speed matters. Think about it: The quicker one task can be completed, the sooner you can move on to the next task. I have always hated (with a cruel, mad dog hatred) binders that I have to coax into closing or opening. I’m a mild mannered gal, but binders like that make me want to drag them into the driveway and run over them with my car… like a gazillion and one times.

I’ve yet to have that problem with my Speedy Spine Binder. It’s so easy to use that it makes me wonder why binders haven’t always been constructed like this. It’s like they found the holy grail of binders.

More about the Round Ring Speedy Spine Binder from Speedy Spine Binders.com:

Round Ring
Loads spine inserts 5 times faster than traditional view binders.

Save time and be more productive. Speedy Spine™ binders feature a Patent Pending channel construction that allows for easy drop-in of spine inserts for custom graphics in seconds. The dilemma of tight, almost impossible to insert spine graphics has plagued view binders since the inception into the office products industry.

Now Speedy Spine™ solves that time wasting problem by loading spine inserts 5 times faster than a traditional view binder. No more wiggling, fighting or sweating to customize presentation binders. Locking round ring keeps documents secure. Rings mounted on back lid allow pages to lie flat and adds a sleek, clear appearance with rivetless spine. Clear overlay on covers and spine for customization. Two inside pockets provide extra storage for loose documents. Holds sheet size 8.5×11. Contains 45% post-consumer recycled content. A Binders for Life™ product – Lifetime Guarantee.
speedyspinebinders.com

  • Patent Pending spine channel construction for the fastest and easiest spine label insertion
  • Save time by loading spine inserts in seconds – five times faster than traditional view binders
  • No more damaging spine labels by wiggling, pushing or forcing them down the spine
  • Locking round ring keeps documents secure
  • Rings mounted on back lid allows pages to lie flat and adds a sleek, clear appearance with rivetless spine
  • Clear overlay on covers and spine for customization
  • Two inside pockets provide extra storage for loose documents
  • Contains 45% post-consumer recycled content
  • A Binders for Life™ product – Lifetime Guarantee

I love my Speedy Spine Binder muchly and I know you’d feel the same way. Visit Speedy Spine Binders for more information and to take a closer look at their different binders.

Cool Little Solar Lamp

From Useful Things.com

by Joi

Solar Lamp

I was recently sent a really cool little solar lamp from Useful Things.com to review for the site.  Given my love for the fun, the quirky, and the whimsical,  I love Useful Things.  I remember once, one of my daughters (Brittany) was walking through the house with boyfriend # 3 (aka Justin).   She pointed to my stuffed hillbilly rooster with one hand and a totally crazy calendar with the other and said, “That’s my mom.”  # 3 became an all-time favorite when he said, “I love those!”

I miss him.  I miss #1, too.  But #4?  Sociopath.

Sidetracked. Back to my super cool solar lamp.  Due to its small size, this lamp is perfect for small areas such as nightstands and desks. It’s also perfect as a nightlight, as long as you (or your child) likes quite a bit of light.  You couldn’t ask for a safer nightlight – even if you fall asleep with the light on, not a big deal. Speaking of children, I have to say I LOVE the thought of having such a safe lamp around kids – no outlet required.  Even #4 couldn’t hurt himself or others with this lamp.

This little solar lamp would also be perfect for the mobile office – it’d light up an otherwise dark car without breaking a sweat.  You could even sit at a picnic table with your solar lamp and work.  I have no idea why you’d be sitting at a picnic table at night working, but I’m not here to judge.

I was honestly really surprised at how much light this solar lamp puts off.  I’ve always wanted to try a solar lamp but never got around to it.  You know my fascination and obsession with lamps – I guess part of me just doubted that a solar lamp could put off enough light.  I’ll admit it, I was completely wrong.

This compact solar lamps only measures in at 7.75″ in height and 3.75″ in diameter, yet you’d never know it by the amount of light given off.  You simply “charge” the lamp with about 8 hours of sunlight, then turn it on when you’re ready for it to light up your world – or at least your corner of the room.

A solar panel on top of the lamp keeps the lithium battery charged for hours at a time. The light bulb is a portable LED lamp bulb for extra energy efficiency.  You can choose between blue or clear.

Click the link for more information.  I gotta tell you, I love my solar lamp.  Grab one for yourself and you’ll be good to glow.  Good to glow? Get it?  Ha! Ha?

Well, #3 would’ve liked it.

You know those occasional products, recipes, gadgets, or Starbucks drinks that you wish you’d thought of? Things so perfect that you’d love to take credit for them?

I met perfection yet again this week and would ever so love to take credit for its invention. I’m not trying to break any of the 10 Commandments, so I’ll confess, I didn’t design or invent this ingenious desk lamp.

But I do use it. I do love it. And I would kick you in the shins if you tried to take it from me.

I was sent my very own beautiful OttLite Natural Daylight Desk Lamp to review for Office Freaks. Like a good little Office Freak, I did a happy dance when the box arrived. Like a good little diva with wet nails, I had someone else open the box for me as I danced on.

I was immediately struck by how handsome the OttLite Natural Daylight Desk Lamp is. Verrrry good looking – sleek, stylish, and classy looking.  We popped in the jazzy little bulb that comes with the lamp and plugged it in. Voila!

The light is different than other desk lamps, and it only adds to its beauty.  You know as well as I do that when it comes to working at a desk, having optimal lighting is a necessity.  Especially if you fall under the category of “baby boomer” or have to wear corrective eye wear.  Good lighting is even more vital.

Most people just don’t give their office lighting nearly enough thought.  Big mistake. Optimal lighting reduces eyestrain, helps productivity and can jazz up your workspace decor.  The OttLite Natural Daylight Desk Lamp does all of these.

This desk lamp delivers OttLite® High Definition Natural LightingTM, the closest thing to natural sunlight and a healthier lighting option, in a streamlined and sleek design. The 13-watt OttLite HD bulb is rated to last up to 10,000 hours and the stylish lamp is 14” tall. This is the ideal size for a computer desk or writing desk.

The OttLite Natural Daylight Desk Lamp will be available at Office Depot and online at www.ottlite.com starting October 22. It regularly retails for $39, but will be offered at the special price of $29 on November 26, Black Friday.

I’ve been using my new little beauty each day since it arrived and want to tell you that I absolutely LOVE it.  I sit it on my computer desk and use it when writing or reading.  The special lighting doesn’t cause eyestrain whatsoever.  A lot of lamps cause an almost blinding glare to reflect off of paper – the OttLite’s having none of that.

Be sure to check Office Depot and www.ottlite.com as soon as October 22 to order your own lamp.  I guarantee you that you’ll love it SO MUCH, you’ll order another one when Black Friday rolls around.

October 22 – you know when that is, right? Tomorrow!  Tomorrow!  The sun will come out (in a desktop lamp) tomorrow… it’s on-ly a day a-way….

I could’ve been on Broadway.

Learn more the ingenious, innovative OttLite Lamps on their website.

North Star: Coffee Deserving of an Office Freak

Coffee Review, Because Most Offices Run on Coffee

by Joi

Hummingbirds run on nectar.

Cars run on fuel.

Fred Flintstone runs on his feet.

Office Freaks run on coffee.  Let it be written. Let it be brewed.

I’ve written reviews for North Star Fine Coffees on my food blog several times.  Several several times.  It’s outstanding coffee – I believe I even referred to it as the Cadillac of coffees in one of the reviews.  Such a drama queen.  But, if there’s one thing that can be said about this drama queen, she knows her coffee.

Honestly, I was thinking about it the other day – I can’t think too many brands of coffee I haven’t tried.  I’ve covered all of the varieties you can find in stores.  I’m a regular at my local Starbucks.  I keep expecting them to present me with an apron any day now.

I’ve also had the pleasure of trying many gourmet coffees which can only be purchased online or in specialty shops.

When asked what my top 3 coffees are, North Star Fine Coffees always make the list.   You can taste the excellence – heck, when it’s brewing, you can even smell the excellence as it fills several rooms with the Heavenly aroma.  It’s a coffee that makes you anxious to jump out of bed.  Knowing that it’s waiting for you in the kitchen gives all new meaning to the phrase RISE AND SHINE.

You can read my glowing reviews of this amazing, full-bodied coffee in one of the following posts…

North Star Coffee: Taste the Commitment

North Star Coffee is Truly Amazing Coffee

… Or you can simply trust me (one Office Freak to another) and head on over to North Star Fine Coffees and place the smartest order you’ve placed in a while.  You won’t be the least bit sorry – this coffee is beyond special.

*** Note: This post is filed under Office Productivity, for obvious reasons!

If you spend as much time working online as I do, you know what it’s like to want the following:

  • More time
  • More hands

Unfortunately, I’ve given up on waking up to a 36 hour day and, frankly, I’m not sure I could pull off a 4 hand look, try as I might.  So, there you have it.  I’ve accepted the fact that I have only 24 hours and 2 hands to work with.

A well-constructed daily planner and to do lists placed where I can see them gets around the time issue nicely.  And extremely innovative and brilliant office technology such as the AT&T TL7610 DECT 6.0 Digital Cordless Headset (Silver/Black) make my two hands seem like 4.  Without the stares.  I was recently sent one of these fantastic headsets to review and I totally give it two thumbs up (or would that be 4?).

AT&T Cordless Headset DECT 6.0 Digital (TL7610) Features:

  • Unsurpassed range
  • DECT 6.0 digital technology
  • Wirelessly pair to any 2008 AT&T DECT 6.0 cordless phone
  • Headset volume control
  • Up to 500 feet of range
  • Auto off
  • Conference capability with up to 2 headsets
  • Dual color lighted in-use indicator
  • Headset volume control
  • Lightweight and comfortable design
  • Multiple connection options: handset port and parallel PSTN
  • Multiple wearing styles: over the ear, over the head or behind the neck style
  • Mute
  • One-button answer
  • Optional handset lifter (AT&T TL7000 sold separately)
  • Optional remote dial pad works with PSTN connection mode only (AT&T TL7601 sold separately)
  • Sound level protection
  • Works with corded or cordless 1-line and 2-line phones
  • Works with multi-line business systems
  • Silver

The AT&T TL7610 DECT 6.0 Digital Cordless Headset (Silver/Black) isn’t just perfect, it’s essential.

Here’s why:

  1. No more pain in the neck. If you’ve ever done the ridiculous phone balance (where you try to hold it between your ear and shoulder) while keeping your hands free as you talk on the phone – you know the pain and strain that you feel in your neck.  The pain doesn’t go away, sometimes, for days.  A cordless headset frees you from the pain as it frees your hands from the phone.
  2. No more embarrassing drops. It’s just not cool to drop someone on the floor then follow it up with an, “Uh oh, I dropped you! (nervous laughter) What were you saying???”
  3. Your hands are free, free, free. As you’re listening to the person on the other end of the phone, your hands are free to type, write, search, drink coffee, file your nails, play Farmville (don’t judge me), or file papers.  Multi-tasking is a given today – not an option.
  4. You’ll look so darned tech-y. That counts for something, right?

The gorgeous, sleek AT&T TL7610 DECT 6.0 Digital Cordless Headset (Silver/Black) should absolutely be the next thing you buy for your office.  You’ll want to get one for the home as well – cooking is so much easier to do with two free hands.

This particular cordless headset is as clear and perfect as you could ever hope for.  It sounds just like a regular phone conversation – just without the neck strain or tied-up hands.  What’s more, this headset features an unsurpassed range of up to 500 feet – so if you like to walk while you talk (my husband’s the expert at that), feel free to be free!  The AT&T TL7610 Digital Cordless Headset is compatible with any phone you can think of.  The TL7610′s base doubles as its charger, which I love.  The last thing I need is another charger to chase around the house.

This is an extremely comfortable and very easy to use cordless headset.  The instructions and guide are 100 percent clear and easy to follow.  It’s a personal opinion, but I think AT&T always excels at keeping things very clear and uncomplicated.  Man, I love them for that.

At less than $200, the AT&T TL7610 is priced lower than most of its competitors.  With above-average sound quality and range, it is a must-have for anyone who uses the phone for more than just a few minutes a day.  I think that’s pretty much everyone!

The links I’ve included in this post point to Amazon, where the AT&T TL7610 is just $169 – unheard of!

RAGGEDedge Briefcase

It’s my honor to tell you about a great family-owned and family-operated businesses.  The team behind RAGGEDedge Products is a mother and daughter.  They are extremely passionate about the products they make and it shows in the details.

The gorgeous “proof in the pudding” at the top of the post is the Sailcloth Briefcase.

From the web site:

Ah, the class of a tuxedo in a spiffy cool sailcloth briefcase. Very cool. Distinctive, light to carry, durable, soft-sided and made of waterproof sailcloth laminates, sailcloth briefcases are like none other.. Indulge yourself.

Sailcloth is very different from canvas, vinyl, leather, or nylon. Its texture, tactile feel, woven patterns, strength, and unique features put it in a class all its own. This sailcloth won’t absorb water, smells, or dirt, so this briefcase can go with you no matter what crazy adventure you go on, and it’ll keep your precious laptop and other gear safe.

Features:

  • lockable double zip main opening
  • large zip pocket
  • marine grade zippers, corrosion free
  • inside divider
  • padded carrying handles
  • reinforced strap load points
  • triple step zig zag stitching
  • removable adjustable shoulder strap with shoulder pad
  • waterproof sailcloth
  • wipe clean and quick-dry
  • measures 16.5 x 3 x 12.5

RAGGEDedge has other briefcases as well as totes, organizers, portfolios, pocket folders, and pouches.  If you’re “all about” having highly original, exceptionally crafted, and down-right gorgeous things around you – this is something you’ll want to hop all over.

As a bonus, I’m ALWAYS eager to support a family-owned business.  I’m sure you feel the same.  We Office Freaks just roll like that.

 

Steelcase Leap Chair
Steelcase Leap Chair!

I am sitting at my desk in my gorgeous new Steelcase Leap Chair and am so blissfully comfortable that I don’t ever want to get up. You’ve heard of “good butt jeans,” right? Well this beauty is a “GREAT butt chair.” And back chair. And arm chair. And, “Ooooh, my chair’s prettier than your chair” chair.

It’s love.

I was sent a Steelcase Leap Chair to review for Office Freaks and it is my sublime pleasure to do just that.

I spend a great deal of time researching office supplies, office furniture, and the technical products that I comprehend – and I realize that, budget wise, I can’t possibly get every new product I see. But here’s the thing. Like a lot of you, I spend at least 6 hours every day at my desk. While my keyboard is important, while my desk is important, and (certainly) while my ever present coffee mug is important, NOTHING matters as much as the chair. Everything else can be top of the line, but if you have a bad chair, let’s face it, at the end of the day – things hurt that you didn’t even know you had.

The Steelcase Leap Chair is the Einstein of chairs. It knows exactly what an Office Freak needs and where they need it most. You can adjust the Leap Chair to fit your frame perfectly. It’s a beautiful, beautiful thing – you customize YOUR chair to YOUR body. This, of course, means perfect comfort and no more stiffness at the end of the work day. Honestly, when my husband got the chair out of the box and set it up for me, I couldn’t wait to take it for a test drive. I was like, “Okay, good looking, let’s post on a few blogs, check my e-mail, change a few banners, and see what CNN.com has to say for itself.”

After just an hour I was wondering why this chair hadn’t rolled into my life much sooner. Sitting at a desk should have always been this comfortable. My back, my neck, and my backside are having a debate over who loves it the most. Due to a car wreck years ago, my back isn’t the greatest back in the world. A year of chiropractic magic and physical therapy did wonders, but doctors always were up front with me – I’d have a “bad back” for the rest of my life. They were right, of course. I’m not complaining, because the way I see it, anyone who walks away from a completely totalled car (one that was hit from behind slammed front on into a huge, unwaivering tree) shouldn’t complain whatsoever. That person should be too busy thanking God that they, and more importantly that their three little daughters, all walked away from the wreck. This person thanks God daily.

However, this person also has to keep plenty of Tylenol PM and ice packs on hand. Anyone who works at a desk for long hours knows the toll it can take on a neck and back – but anyone who, like your’s truly, has been broken like a toy and bent like a twig knows out and out pain.

Anyway, now you know why I put such a huge emphasis on the right chair. At the risk of seeming overly dramatic – the right chair means the difference between being able to do what I do and having to walk away from it.

The Steelcase Leap Chair allows you to increase or decrease the tension in the upper part of the chair. It also allows you to customize your recline angle. I actually like a little give because of a strange thing I find myself doing throughout the day. I’ll be sitting there, typing away or working on graphics, then I find myself leaning back to ponder over the next move or looking at the previous one. This chair allows me to have the support I need and lets me adjust just the right amount of give.

I also love this chairs arms. The arms are an often overlooked chair feature, but after just a few minutes in my Leap Chair, I noticed that my arms sat perfectly aligned with my keyboard. My elbows and forearms were able to lust lie there while my hands went to town. So comfortable! It can be attributed to the ingenious Height Width Pivot Depth Arms. You can adjust the height AND the width of the arms by sliding them in out, front, or back. It’s something you really have to experience for yourself

The Steelcase Leap Chair also allows you to adjust the lumbar height and lower back firmness. Can you say “less Tylenol?”

Do your body a huge favor and read more about this amazing chair. I’m linking, below, to more great information. My back and I hope that you and your back will do your homework and will make the smartest purchase an office freak could make.

Adjustability Chart

Where to Buy

Photo Gallery of this Gorgeous Chair!

How the Leap Chair is Kind to the Environment!

Much Deserved Awards

Finally, Check this out: In a year-long study, people who received Leap chairs and office ergonomics training achieved a 17.8% increase in productivity.Click here for the full story.

 

 

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