Plastic folding table 2'x5' with locking metal legs turned out the best solution for working table, student desk or computer desk.
I cannot get enough of horizontal surfaces. Ideally, I need at least two "clean" tables, one to draw and another for computer, and I could keep bills and letters on it, too, if I have to compromise. And I need at least two messy tables. Wait, three, if you count the ironing board as a table. An ironing board, a table for sewing machine, and a table for painting and modeling. And an art table for kids, and a desk for them, too -- at this age they mostly do their desk work with my help, so children's desk still counts as a table I need. Actually, I don't like cleaning tables and prioritizing my projects, either. I used a computer desk with no computer, but with several drawing cabinets. After that, a rolltop desk. A bar-like shelf in the kitchen. A working bench for a computer desk, and a stylish TV-stand, too.
I was shopping for a real working table three years ago and didn't find anything suitable. Cheap desks are too small and not sturdy enough. Nice desks are too nice for messy work. Real workbenches are too bulky, and I don't really need that. At least yet. The solution appeared in form of a folding table. Banquet tables, or presentation tables come in several lengths. I use five feet (60") long tables, but there are longer and shorter ones in Staples and Office Depot. Folding tables have high-pressure (particleboard) or plastic tops. Dark brown particleboard tops are heavier and, probably, stronger than lightweight plastic ones. Particleboard tops are also thinner. It makes a difference if your desk lamp screws on tabletop. Plastic tabletop cleans easier, it doesn't have decorative fake wood film on top of it to peel off, and the whole thing is lighter, which makes a difference if you are really going to fold the table. Tubular metal legs have plastic caps and don't scratch the floor. 24"x60" plastic top table costs about $55, same size high pressure table was about $40 in Staples three years ago. Folding cafeteria tables, activity tables, and other furniture marketed for schools and educational institutions cost times more. I don't know if these tables have more life to them or manufacturers just prey on municipal funds.