My WFH Set Up

Inspired by my friend Meri's WFH Setup Tips, I thought I'd share my home-working setup.

We've moved house recently, so I'm still finding my feet - but as I work from home fairly often, and have a bit of RSI, I thought I'd show you what I've got and how I use it.

The desk is just a plain IKEA table. Supplemented with a cheap Argos desk which didn't quite fit all my kit - so it becomes a side desk.

Floor

Much like Alec Guinness, I start with the the shoes. I don't wear any at home, and my floor is cold wood laminate. So I use a toilet mat!

Look, I know it sounds daft, but scrunching up my toes on a bit of carpet is relaxing. The mat was part of a set, and has never been used in the bathroom.

Power

Nothing gets done without electricity. I use a Meross smart surge protector.

Each socket can be switched using an app, and the 4 USB ports can supply 2.4 Amps. Good for charging all the gadgets I have.

I also use a powered USB hub. So many problems with a MacBook's accessories are due to weird power requirements.

Input

The MicroSoft 4000 is the best ergonomic keyboard in the world.

The mouse is a ridiculously expensive Evoluent Vertical Mouse.

I'm using an older one - I have several - because I left my best one at work. The shut-down order came in a hurry, so I didn't have time to pick it up.

Display

A new addition! My work has generously given me a small budget for a screen. It's the Iiyama ProLite B2482HS-B1 24". I read lots of long documents - so a vertical monitor is an absolute necessity.

I've been using multiple monitors since 2001 - and I've never lost the habit.

Lighting

This is so important - especially if you're doing an important presentation. Webcams look shit in low light.

It's just a standard lamp with a WiFi controlled LIFX bulb. I can change the colour to match my mood. I've only once had to switch it to BRIGHT RED when on a video call.

Ideally, I'd have one of those fancy circular lights - like proper YouTubers.

Phone

I've upcycled an old car dashboard phone holder into a desk phone holder. It's like a really inefficient third monitor. Having it at eye level is useful - for glancing at Twitter and WhatsApp video calls.

Sound

I finally found some USB-C powered Bluetooth Headphones - the Life Q10 from Anker.

I tend to use those for listening to music when working. I normally use my laptop's built in speaker and mic for calls.

Occasionally, I do strap on a headset. I hate the way they make me look like a cheap pilot.

It's a Plantronic's Mono. The best thing about it is the physical mute button. Handy for making sure no-one can hear you howling.

Seating

A decent chair is the cornerstone of any home working setup.

Got mine from Office Furniture Online. I really wanted something with a bit of head support. It reclines and spins - useful on interminable conference calls.

Wrist Support

To stop my hands breaking so much, I use wrist guards.

And a padded mousemat.

Laptop and Stand

Work provide me with a MacBook Air. Although soon I'll be getting a Linux machine.

I've no idea where I picked up the desktop riser. But it mostly hides the mess of cables.

What's next?

The MacBook's webcam is a bit crap. Something with higher definition would be good - although it might overload my colleagues' bandwidth.

Microphones are a tricky one. Bluetooth is never quite reliable enough, and flimsy headsets are usually low quality. I keep thinking about getting a decent mic with a pop-shield for a bit of light podcasting. Perhaps it would improve my calls?

A phone holder with wireless charging would make life easier, but I'd also need a phone which supports it.

There are a bunch of cheap-ish standing desks Might be nice?

So, go on then, rate my rig! Or, share yours!