Problem with built-in trays on a task chair is there's no real room to fix it in a way it will last for years. That's why no manufacturer will make those under waranty. Also usually a task chair is used with a workstation that does have all the necessary trays and support platforms for a laptop, keyboard or mouse.
The only way you'll be able to get a keyboard+mouse tray on an ergonomic chair is by adding one from a different company. Usually manufacturers will offer the option on a lounge-type chair (
http://www.rouillard.ca/images/zoom-sd10.jpg) for different reasons. One is the structure is much more solid and adaptable to add any options a custommer will want. The other is the use made out of the chair. A tablet on a lounge chair will be used 1-2 hours a day, if that. On an ergonomic chair, it will be used 8 hours or more. Long-term solidity becomes a factor.
I don't know what your whole setup is but remember a chair is part of a whole office/station, the ideal is to have everything "harmonized" in a way to reduce stress on the body as much as possible. As for the chair, here are the main things you should watch out for:
-Lenght of the seat. You should be able to slip 2 fingers between your legs and the edge of the seat when properly seated. If the seat touches your legs and put pressure, it will reduce blood flow. For 30 minutes or an hour it's no concern but for 8 hours, it will induce numbness in your lower legs and feet.
- Height adjustment. Your knees should be bend to a 90 degree angle. If the angle is wider (knees lower then the seat) it will put pressure again on your leg and reduce blood flow. If it's too high (knees above the seat) it will put unecessary pressure on your knees.
- Armrest height. This is rather important. The height should be to a point where your elbow are resting on them but your shoulders are in a natural position. If they are too high it will put stress on your shoulder and neck. Too low will have the same effect as now the shoulders will be holding your arms, not the armrests supporting them.
- Back height. Let's face it, it's really rare your head is actually resting on the chair while working/playing, except for the occasional rest. It's better to have a back that will come to your shoulder height with a little padding, not covering your shoulder and pushing down on them but rather offering more support to them and your back. Set your back to a comfortable angle (in a way your head can see the screen without being moved forward or backward) and rest on it. Your whole back should be in contact with the chair.
- Lumbar Support. This is obviously really important. Unfortunately a lot of people choose the wrong support, going for a more strong and solid one. The lumbar support should not push on your lower back. It should be made of a semi-soft material that will take the shape of your back, not give your back a certain shape. Remember the heaviest part of the human body is the head and that's what causes pressure on our spine. If you spine is curved in any way not natural, the head's weight will be the cause of problems building up. So you want your spine to be in the most natural position possible, almost lined up.
So with the above in mind, here's some features you should ask for when shopping for a chair:
-Adjustable back angle end height. Ask for independant back angle adjustment if you are going to use it a lot with a computer. Some chair have the seat and back angle move together. It makes for a very comfortable executive chair but it's harder to get in a proper positon for intensive computer work.
- Adjustable seat height, ideally pneumatic.
- Armrests adjustable in height and width.
- Ask for a knee-tilt on your mechanism. Knee-tilt means when you unlock the chair to relax it will "move by itslef" in a way, following your weight. Regular tilt requires that you push with your knees which over time will also put stress on them. I do recommend however that when you are working/playing you lock your chair in position. Also getting an "infinite lock" will allow you to lock it in any positions, rather then 6-7 preset positions.
- Ask for proper wheels or castors. There are several types but the 2 more popular are carpet or hardwood/tiles. The hardwood one are a bit softer, adding more grip and reducing the chance to "slide" and scratch your floor of some debris have accumulated on them. If you have carpet, then don't pay for the softer ones, get the regular castors for carpet.
- Warranty, etc, the technical stuff.
- Fabric. This is important. You want a fabric that's resistant, will breath (so you don't sweat in your chair like vynil on summer days), easily washable for stains and that won't collect fiber from your clothes, like wool. If you really want to be technical ask for a fabric that has carbon or other conductive material/fiber to reduce electrostatic generated by movement and the computer screen. But that's a whole other ball game and I don't think you really need it.
I hope that helps in choosing the right chair. Of course there's always the price restrain. Unfortunately a lot of people get nice offices/desks/workstation and then spend as little as they can on a chair. You have to keep in mind this is what's going to support you for 40-50 hours a week, for at least 10 years (if it's a good one). Sometime paying a little bit more will assure your well-being and comfort for a much longer time.
And how do I know so much about chairs? Sneak has a good memory, Rouillard inc (
www.rouillard.ca) is actually my company, based in Quebec City. We manufacture all kinds of office chairs, from task, executive, to cafeteria chairs and benches for hospitals. Now personally, from our product offering here are 2 models that comes in mind I'd offer any gamer (one I use myself):
http://www.rouillard.ca/images/zoom-ur53.jpg
This is the Urbex and it's our most popular model. Lot of companies like banks, insurance companies and universities have a standard with this model. IBM also buys an ESD (electro-static discharge) version of this chair. It has great comfort, excellent lumbar support and comes in a wide range of size, back height and has many option of mechanisms and armrests to choose from.
http://www.rouillard.ca/images/zoom-al93.jpg
This is the one I use myself at home and in the office. It's basically an Urbex but transformed for a 24 hours use (like call centers or security booth). It has a full metal frame making it very solid. comes standard with a fully loeaded mechanism and height/width adustable armrest.
Wow this has turned into a much longer post then I intended. Again, hope the info helps. If you have any question let me know via PM or here and I'll make sure to answer them.
