Anyone got any info on how to build a DIY U-desk for cheap ~$100-$200?

MDF isnt very strong. It also deteriorates over time with moisture, even if coated. Then add to this the odd spilled drink here and there.

With the amount of weight you are talking 3/4 MDF isnt enough. At best it will start to sag. You mention you want it cheap.So what you are after is the plywood that they use on construction sites.

Fairly rough grade ply is very well priced and common at an average hardware store. It is built to handle heavy tradesmen lumbering over the top of it for the duration of the time it takes to build a house. Tradeys use it as muddy gang planks as well as temporary walls / fences.

So it is strong, yet cheap enough to be disposeable. Educated guess is $30 for a sheet big enough to park your car on. Build your table top with that.

Then lay down a layer of higher quality wood on top and around the edges such as 1 laminate of quality plywood or your MDF etc. That's my take on it anyhoo.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.