Ideal WFH Set up - Shoot Your Ideas!

Pbm33 on 26/06/2022 - 23:32

Hi guys, I’m creating a new working from home (WFH) set up and keen to explore thoughts/ideas/tips to do it properly.

I’m basically starting from scratch (see below) so have a clean slate but I’m looking for a good but value for money set up - I don’t have a specific budget.

Currently I’m working with (and this is all going to my wife who is restarting work):

  • Desk: IKEA LINNMON/OLOV 150x75cm desk: I got this as I didn’t need a sit/stand desk but I wanted to be able to adjust height of desk to get the ergonomics right. I like the dimensions but want something sturdier. Also want a desk which is not too high for ergonomics, alternatively a height adjustable sit/stand desk. Currently thinking of picking up something like the “Stilford S2 Electric Sit Stand Desk 1500mm White/Oak” from Officeworks 2nd hand or otherwise some other used office furniture desk.

  • Doncaster Ergonomic 3-Lever Chair Black from Officeworks: I get to keep this! I’m happy with this so will keep.

  • 2 x Dell P2419HC monitors: USB-C monitors mean I didn’t need to get docking station. The monitor can be daisy chained. I prefer 2 x 24” rather than ultra wide. I find it more cost efficient and you get more real estate. I also prefer the screen separation. I have a dilemma here - to again go for 2 x USB-C monitors or 2 x standard monitors + docking station? Decent USB-C monitors appear quite expensive now .. unless I get couple of refurbished P2419HC monitors which only a couple of places are now selling. Also I’m currently using the monitors using its stands but I think I prefer to put it up on monitor arms to create more space on the desk. Any monitor arm recommendations?

  • Logitech C270 webcam: decent webcam which I bought for like $80 during peak COVID when webcam prices were elevated. I think can be had for like $30-35 these days. Any other webcam recommendations? The cheaper the better but max $100.

  • Pretty standard Dell wired keyboard and mouse. I like the keyboard as it has soft keys and easy to type but would prefer to go wireless. Any recommendations for Keyboard/Mouse combo sub $50?

  • Work provided Dell laptop with USB-C port - this stays with me too! I also like the fact that I can unplug the work laptop and plug in my personal XPS with USB-C cable to use this set up with my personal laptop.

Computing

Comments

  • bdl on 27/06/2022 - 00:31
    +1

    laptop stand? Not sure what's good, I'm also on the lookout for one… saw this which looked good - https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07D74DT3B/

    • kerfuffle on 27/06/2022 - 06:43
      +1

      I use a Roost laptop stand myself. Easy to pack away to take to the office when needed.

      • bdl on 27/06/2022 - 09:48
        +1

        Thankyou, going to check that out as well as the Nexstand (which I wouldn't have found without your suggestion :) )

    • 87percent on 27/06/2022 - 09:32
      +1

      Aldi were selling a similar looking laptop stand last week (maybe?)

    • Pbm33 on 27/06/2022 - 09:43
      +1

      I already have a laptop stand but with 2 monitors running, I usually just fold/close the laptop lid and put it on the side. So don't need a laptop stand.

  • kerfuffle on 27/06/2022 - 06:43
    +5

    Dunno about a keyboard/mouse combo for $50, but the MX Keys and MX Master 3 mouse combo for WFH is the best wireless (non-mechanical) keyboard and mouse combo you can get.

    • Pbm33 on 27/06/2022 - 09:44

      Have heard about it a lot - but I just can't justify paying that money for keyboard/mouse.

      • kerfuffle on 27/06/2022 - 10:08
        +2

        Claim it as a tax deduction.

        • Pbm33 on 27/06/2022 - 10:15

          Yeh but still.. you only get a certain % back per $ this way anyway.

          • kerfuffle on 27/06/2022 - 10:28

            @Pbm33: Up to you. There's a reason why the MX range is highly regarded for WFH.

    • geekcohen on 27/06/2022 - 09:52
      +1

      Couldn't agree more with this. Well worth the money and one of the best keyboard combos I have had.

    • ginormousgiraffe on 27/06/2022 - 11:52

      For that price just buy the mouse and buy a $100 keyboard separately for a better experience

      • kerfuffle on 27/06/2022 - 12:29
        +2

        What keyboard is $100, backlit, rechargeable via USB-C, low profile and allows you to switch between multiple devices at the press of a button?

        • ginormousgiraffe on 27/06/2022 - 14:43

          Keychron K2 (or any of the K series) meets all those requirements, besides it being low profile which is traded in for far superior key switches and keycaps. Those boards are often on sale for under $100. You can also get these hot swappable so you can pick your switches and change them. You can also easily replace the keycaps with PBT for cheap in a few years instead of buying an entire new keyboard when the oil from your fingers makes the keys shiny.

          • kerfuffle on 27/06/2022 - 14:49

            @ginormousgiraffe: I've had my MX Keys for almost a year now and it doesn't absorb oil like a traditional keyboard.

            Plus, that's a mechanical keyboard, which is different to the MX Keys.

  • sharkyoz on 27/06/2022 - 07:05
    +2

    I'd like to work from home as a bartender….

    • Pbm33 on 27/06/2022 - 09:45

      :)

    • onetwothreefour on 27/06/2022 - 10:02

      I'll come to your place and then you can serve me!

    • JIMB0 on 27/06/2022 - 17:10

      Set up a garage bar.

  • daalinz on 27/06/2022 - 07:25
    +1

    What about a laptop docking station?

    • Pbm33 on 27/06/2022 - 09:50

      See my comment about 2 x USB-C monitors vs 2 x standard monitors + docking station - this is a dilemma I have. What is more cost effective and what reduces wire clutter more..

      • moar bargains on 27/06/2022 - 13:54

        Definitely go for the USB-C monitors for reducing clutter. There seem to be some around the $300-$350 mark
        Alternatively, you could get two cheaper monitors that are capable of daisy chaining display port, but don't have USB-C docking, then split up the two on your current desk - each desk gets one docking monitor and one daisy-chained non-docking monitor.

      • daalinz on 28/06/2022 - 16:11

        Docking stations are good. Especially now with some of the latest USB-C docks - you can get power, usb and multiple monitors through one USB-C to your laptop. It's so useful if you are switching between office work and work from home. You don't need to take anything besides your laptop (assuming there's a dock in the office).

        USB-C monitors will limit your options for finding a reasonably priced monitor.

  • emblurr on 27/06/2022 - 08:16

    Three monitors

    • Pbm33 on 27/06/2022 - 09:50

      I have 3 monitors in the office but can make do with 2 at home.

  • payless69 on 27/06/2022 - 08:26
    +2

    Don't forget black masking tape for the built in cam as well as the extra cam whilst in compromised attire!

    • Pbm33 on 27/06/2022 - 09:51

      Haha .. or a webcam with a shutter?

  • FoxJump on 27/06/2022 - 09:38

    I have:
    1x nice chair with headrest.
    1x 28" 4k monitor running at 100% scale
    1x 13" monitor between keyboard and bigger monitor - used for Teams.
    1x jburrows ergo trackball keyboard (also avail in amazon in "adesso" brand.
    1x bt nc headset.
    1x big window next to me for light.

  • terlalu on 27/06/2022 - 10:24

    if you're going to get a monitor swivel mount, you can get a laptop one too.

    get a good cupholder, or an area on your desk set aside for your drink bottle/tea/coffee/snacks etc.

    • geekcohen on 27/06/2022 - 10:25
      +1

      get a good cupholder

      A desk can hold a cup….. not sure why you would need something specific?

  • geekcohen on 27/06/2022 - 10:27
    +1

    Something that I have just thought of as I look at my setup is a decent speaker whether it is for calls or listening to tunes, get a good speaker. Laptop and/or monitor speakers can often be a bit crappy. Get a decent speaker.

    I have a Sony XB-30 - https://www.harveynorman.com.au/sony-srs-xb#:~:text=Next-,SR…

  • cupcake on 27/06/2022 - 10:34
    -2

    Sounds more like gaming than "working from home".

  • Archi on 27/06/2022 - 11:47
    +1

    Not that it makes a difference to you, and thought i'd share. there is a guy on my street that has a caravan in his driveway that he has stripped out and refit the interior as a WHF office. looks pretty cool

    • geekcohen on 27/06/2022 - 12:28

      Sounds cool and mobile too!

      Boss: "Where are you working from today?"

      Worker: "The beach car park"

  • ginormousgiraffe on 27/06/2022 - 11:51

    I have a cheap monitor arm and I regret it, you really want gas lift arms and preferably each arm on a separate mechanism.
    I don't know why you want to deal with wireless keyboards and mice when wired look fairly neat when you run the cords behind the monitors. $100 for a nice keyboard like a keychron (this does wired and wireless) and a decent mouse ($50). If you go for a combo be careful of the mouse ergonomics, because the mice in the combos are usually too small to be using 40 hours per week.
    For the desk get sit/stand legs from ebay for $200-300 depending on deals and get a table top from a seconds store for the cheapest option, or get a top from ebay, bunnings, ikea, etc. to get exactly the dimensions you want.

  • Domicron on 28/06/2022 - 12:14
    1. Presentable PJs (Oodies acceptable if you work for Telstra)
    2. A cover for the webcam
    3. A sign to remind yourself to wear pants

    2x QHD 27", one being a gaming monitor with high refresh rate.
    1x docking station (thank me later)
    1x Logitech G502 (or weapon of your choice)
    1x Mechanical keyboard (blue switch, no one will complain)
    1x mesh set up
    1x wireless headset that has a good mic.

    • an accountant… S/he will teach you how to claim your work related portion.

    You are also app 2 years too late to the game.

    • Pbm33 on 28/06/2022 - 14:20

      Docking station or USB-C monitors?

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