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Work From Home Office Upgrades

Maiden Voyage

Gold™ Member
It's almost a year to the day that I have been work from home so I decided to upgrade my desk. This comes roughly 5 months since upgrading my PC speaker setup (Kef Q150s & Audioengine N22 amp) and about 11 months after upgrading my office chair (HON Ignition 2). I've picked up some misc purchases here & there: 16" MacBook Pro (for personal use only), webcam (Logitech Streamcam), misc cables.

For the desk, I decided on going for a height-adjustable set-up as I'm finding sitting for long periods of time is quite painful in my knee & hips. Yoga has helped but I figure why not go the extra mile and rotate standing & sitting with greater frequency.

This is the set-up I went with:
- Jarvis from Fully​
- 60" x 30" contoured desk, bamboo color​
- 2 powered grommets​
- 3-stage lift (25.5" to 51" height)​
FxCRn78.png


I don't know how I missed the darker bamboo color as an option prior to ordering.... Man this natural bamboo color is really going to clash with my speakers. :messenger_anxious:
JSMQpBT.png


What's your WFH situation? Any upgrades done in the last year? Any plans for upgrades?
 
i've upgraded my computer, dual screen setup, router and office chair in the past year to help with my wfh situation. on a side note, i make a point to get up and walk around the house every 20 minutes or so, get the blood flowing from all that sitting. on another side note, i never realized how annoying my cats were until i started wfh. meh.
 

SJRB

Gold Member
bekant-bureau-zit-sta-zwart-gebeitst-essenfineer-zwart__0734928_pe739646_s5.jpg


Picked up this bad boy from IKEA halfway through the year when I realised I would be WFH for a LOOOOOONG time. No regrets whatsoever, I stand about 2 hours a workday and it's excellent.

Also bought a second monitor [samsung 32" curved] and a HyperX cherry brown mechanical keyboard.

Some pretty hefty investments but they're definately worth it.
 
Upgraded my GPU last year and bought two 4k TVs, one to go with PS5, one for my computer.

Also bought a brand new backlit keyboard/mouse combo. I was using wireless usb for the longest time, and they never really worked 100%. So I'm back to wired and it feels great.
 

TTOOLL

Member
Sadly I had to ditch my 2017 MacBook Air last year because it couldn’t handle all those video streams from my students. Also, screen was too small. I thought about a second monitor but as I said, it lacked the processing power I needed.
The new MacBooks are totally out of my league so I had to settle for a Lenovo Ideapad with a Ryzen 7, not a gaming laptop but it is years of my old Air. I also upgraded my router last year

This year I got a new table, a good chair, wireless keyboard and mouse from Logitech. Next intend to get a good pair of speakers and a second monitor.

In a couple of years I might even buy a gaming rig. I’m loving setting up the new stuff.
 

Nester99

Member
Full new rig
AW3420DW (ultra wide monitor)
27 inch secondary to match
Airpod pros
iPhone 12 pro


Use them all day every day that make that cheddar.
 

quickwhips

Member
Work gave me a new laptop and two ultra hd 24 inch monitor docks from Dell. Got a new logitech headset from work also but my turtle in beach is better.
 
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Pagusas

Elden Member
It's almost a year to the day that I have been work from home so I decided to upgrade my desk. This comes roughly 5 months since upgrading my PC speaker setup (Kef Q150s & Audioengine N22 amp) and about 11 months after upgrading my office chair (HON Ignition 2). I've picked up some misc purchases here & there: 16" MacBook Pro (for personal use only), webcam (Logitech Streamcam), misc cables.

For the desk, I decided on going for a height-adjustable set-up as I'm finding sitting for long periods of time is quite painful in my knee & hips. Yoga has helped but I figure why not go the extra mile and rotate standing & sitting with greater frequency.

This is the set-up I went with:
- Jarvis from Fully​
- 60" x 30" contoured desk, bamboo color​
- 2 powered grommets​
- 3-stage lift (25.5" to 51" height)​
FxCRn78.png


I don't know how I missed the darker bamboo color as an option prior to ordering.... Man this natural bamboo color is really going to clash with my speakers. :messenger_anxious:
JSMQpBT.png


What's your WFH situation? Any upgrades done in the last year? Any plans for upgrades?

Stain the desk to match the speakers.

For me I’m in the process of designing and building my own office desk. Not a cheap ugly thing, rather a giant built in with sit stand capability, a center price art work (custom made weight powered clock in designing) and glass display shelves with built in lighting. It’s going to be epic. And fun as hell to workshop.
 
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Pro tip: you can make a cheap standing desk by putting a coffee table on top of your normal desk. If you ever want to sit down you can just move the mouse and keyboard back down to the desk under the coffee table and look up. It helps if your chair is an exercise ball because it is a bit higher so looking up isn't as bad.
 

Maiden Voyage

Gold™ Member
The last part of my desk won't arrive until tomorrow, which sucks. But, I can put together as much as possible today, if time allows. really looking forward to the expanding desk space, as my current set-up is more crowded than I would like. I'll probably try out a 3 monitor set-up as well.

I got a Blue Yeti mic. I got it more to stream games and chat with friends but it is awesome for work zooms as well

I've been debating on getting a standalone mic on a swinging arm. I feel a bit strange, as it seems like I am slowly getting the gear to become a streamer but I have no intentions of streaming.

My work laptop limits what I can install on it, so software EQ & audio channel mixing is off the table. I am legit considering getting a mixer and a Loki Mini+ (for output eq).
 

DGrayson

Mod Team and Bat Team
Staff Member
The last part of my desk won't arrive until tomorrow, which sucks. But, I can put together as much as possible today, if time allows. really looking forward to the expanding desk space, as my current set-up is more crowded than I would like. I'll probably try out a 3 monitor set-up as well.



I've been debating on getting a standalone mic on a swinging arm. I feel a bit strange, as it seems like I am slowly getting the gear to become a streamer but I have no intentions of streaming.

My work laptop limits what I can install on it, so software EQ & audio channel mixing is off the table. I am legit considering getting a mixer and a Loki Mini+ (for output eq).

Ya I got my mic to do a podcast with my friend which we probably will never do. But its such a great mic, highly recommended.
 
Ya I got my mic to do a podcast with my friend which we probably will never do. But its such a great mic, highly recommended.
so i'm a 'heavy breather' when i speak and my mic picks this up this sound, is the vertical disc in front of professional-type mics meant to minimize this?
 

GeorgPrime

Banned
It's almost a year to the day that I have been work from home so I decided to upgrade my desk. This comes roughly 5 months since upgrading my PC speaker setup (Kef Q150s & Audioengine N22 amp) and about 11 months after upgrading my office chair (HON Ignition 2). I've picked up some misc purchases here & there: 16" MacBook Pro (for personal use only), webcam (Logitech Streamcam), misc cables.

For the desk, I decided on going for a height-adjustable set-up as I'm finding sitting for long periods of time is quite painful in my knee & hips. Yoga has helped but I figure why not go the extra mile and rotate standing & sitting with greater frequency.

This is the set-up I went with:
- Jarvis from Fully​
- 60" x 30" contoured desk, bamboo color​
- 2 powered grommets​
- 3-stage lift (25.5" to 51" height)​
FxCRn78.png


I don't know how I missed the darker bamboo color as an option prior to ordering.... Man this natural bamboo color is really going to clash with my speakers. :messenger_anxious:
JSMQpBT.png


What's your WFH situation? Any upgrades done in the last year? Any plans for upgrades?

I start in 5 days a new job in home office.

The company will give me all the stuff i need including two screens to work with.

I will just have to get a desk for myself.
 

AV

We ain't outta here in ten minutes, we won't need no rocket to fly through space
Herman Miller Aeron chair.

One of the best investments I've ever made. Got it refurbished on eBay for £500, don't pay the ridiculous cost of a new one. Can sit in this thing all day and not feel the burn, it's like an ass hammock. Bin the shitty "gamer chairs" and get a great office chair, it's worth it.
 

DarkestHour

Banned
Herman Miller Aeron chair.

One of the best investments I've ever made. Got it refurbished on eBay for £500, don't pay the ridiculous cost of a new one. Can sit in this thing all day and not feel the burn, it's like an ass hammock. Bin the shitty "gamer chairs" and get a great office chair, it's worth it.

I have one too but it's pretty uncomfortable after a while on my ass.
 

AV

We ain't outta here in ten minutes, we won't need no rocket to fly through space
I have one too but it's pretty uncomfortable after a while on my ass.

Which size did you go for? I got a C (biggest) and can't imagine going a size smaller, I'm not even a very big guy but I think a B would be too small for me.
 

DGrayson

Mod Team and Bat Team
Staff Member
Which size did you go for? I got a C (biggest) and can't imagine going a size smaller, I'm not even a very big guy but I think a B would be too small for me.


Good call cause ive been saving up for one. Im 6'0" 185ish. Thoughts on the size?
 

DGrayson

Mod Team and Bat Team
Staff Member
so i'm a 'heavy breather' when i speak and my mic picks this up this sound, is the vertical disc in front of professional-type mics meant to minimize this?

Im no expert but I think this is called a pop filter and designed to temper sudden popping sounds (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_filter).

I am not sure that would stop the breathing sound. You should try playing with the gain knob.
 

DarkestHour

Banned
Which size did you go for? I got a C (biggest) and can't imagine going a size smaller, I'm not even a very big guy but I think a B would be too small for me.

B. I'm all of 5'7 on a good day and 165lbs. I don't find the seat to be comfortable, it's too tight.
 

AV

We ain't outta here in ten minutes, we won't need no rocket to fly through space
Good call cause ive been saving up for one. Im 6'0" 185ish. Thoughts on the size?

I'm 5'11 210 and the C is perfect for me, although I haven't actually tried a B since I bought it online. If you can try both, do so I guess. According to their official chart both you and I are in the "B or C" range. I just think if you're already spending the money on an expensive chair, go for the bigger model.

B. I'm all of 5'7 on a good day and 165lbs. I don't find the seat to be comfortable, it's too tight.

Yeah fair enough, I would guess that because the seat is smaller it's got less "give" in the material since there's less surface area for it to dip, not had that problem myself. But mesh hammock styles aren't for everyone either.
 

Ionian

Member
Im no expert but I think this is called a pop filter and designed to temper sudden popping sounds (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_filter).

I am not sure that would stop the breathing sound. You should try playing with the gain knob.

Don't like Wiki-how but they're right about this.


The classic approach and super cheap as well.
 

Ron Mexico

Member
Herman Miller Aeron chair.

One of the best investments I've ever made. Got it refurbished on eBay for £500, don't pay the ridiculous cost of a new one. Can sit in this thing all day and not feel the burn, it's like an ass hammock. Bin the shitty "gamer chairs" and get a great office chair, it's worth it.
Just an alternative that I'd recommend as well to anyone looking-- picked up a Steelcase Leap and it's been absolutely fantastic so far. Not exactly cheap but holy hell did it improve my home office here versus one of those shitty "gamer chairs". For reference, I'd be in the C category on the Aeron at 6' 230. The Leap only offers one size but absolutely zero complaints from me. Noticed my knees were getting stiff on the shitty chair (blame the all-day video conference meetings) but it's been non-existent since.

As far as a desk goes, I'm 100% WFH now while the other half is closer to 50/50. We picked up a couple L-shaped desks on Amazon and put them next to each other in almost a T-shape. This way I have my work laptop and all on one side of the L, home PC setup on the other side and hers mirrors mine. When I'm done work, close up the laptop and it's not a huge obstruction. The desk itself doesn't wow me but the layout does the trick exactly.
 
I'm looking for a standing/sitting desk with motor, that is *stable* in that it does not sway or shake when I'm ramming on the keyboard. Tips?
 

AV

We ain't outta here in ten minutes, we won't need no rocket to fly through space
Just an alternative that I'd recommend as well to anyone looking-- picked up a Steelcase Leap and it's been absolutely fantastic so far. Not exactly cheap but holy hell did it improve my home office here versus one of those shitty "gamer chairs". For reference, I'd be in the C category on the Aeron at 6' 230. The Leap only offers one size but absolutely zero complaints from me. Noticed my knees were getting stiff on the shitty chair (blame the all-day video conference meetings) but it's been non-existent since.

As far as a desk goes, I'm 100% WFH now while the other half is closer to 50/50. We picked up a couple L-shaped desks on Amazon and put them next to each other in almost a T-shape. This way I have my work laptop and all on one side of the L, home PC setup on the other side and hers mirrors mine. When I'm done work, close up the laptop and it's not a huge obstruction. The desk itself doesn't wow me but the layout does the trick exactly.

Yeah I looked at those too - really I'm just recommending any good ergonomic chair, I just happened to go with the Aeron. Glad the Leap is working out nicely.
 

Alebrije

Member
What about chairs? Realized do not have in home a good chair for being hours working...hosnestly even a piece of wood can make a decent desk but a chiar is most important..
Any suggestions to avoid back pain
...
 

Maiden Voyage

Gold™ Member
Got the Full Jarvis all set-up, just waiting on the powered grommets to arrive tomorrow. This thing is a damn tank. Glad I got the 3-stage height but am now wishing I had gotten the memory module. Oh well!

I wound up picking up an anti-fatigue mat since I have hardwood floors. Hoping that arrives quick. Also am going to need a cable tray or cable management system for this beast.

What about chairs? Realized do not have in home a good chair for being hours working...hosnestly even a piece of wood can make a decent desk but a chiar is most important..
Any suggestions to avoid back pain
...
Budget will be king. Here's the Wirecutter review on a few options:

I went with the budget recommendation. I kind of regret it. It's a solid chair, does the job well, but it's too big for me.
 
I have a good pc for work, it was for gaming but...

but not allowed to use it. Company provides computer, very slow and buggy Mac book pro 2017.
it was fast but after update and company encryption system it started working strange. The screen also flash.

you guys are allowed to use own pc?
 

Maiden Voyage

Gold™ Member
I have a good pc for work, it was for gaming but...

but not allowed to use it. Company provides computer, very slow and buggy Mac book pro 2017.
it was fast but after update and company encryption system it started working strange. The screen also flash.

you guys are allowed to use own pc?

Work provides a laptop but we’ve also got Office 365 so I can use web versions of those software. No web access for SAP so I’m still tethered to the work computer. The desktop versions of MS Office are miles ahead of the web versions too so that also keeps me on their device.
 

HoodWinked

Member
I feel like desk depth is somewhat neglected. alot of desks are 30in desk depth and you'd think ya bigger desk = more area = better. but it just ends up being a larger footprint in the space. makes the desk feel more intrusive in the room. 25in puts the monitor at a comfortable distance and the desk space is utilized more effectively.

it's sort of interesting that organically people ended up going towards the ikea kitchen countertop DIY because those are also 25in in depth.
 
Company gave me £100 for a chair, £150 quid towards a monitor and £80 for a desk.

£80 cheap Argos chair
£80 cheap Argos Desk
£300 Samsung 32" monitor

I actually play my PS5 on projector behind me.

Performance is terrible for work from home. We use a VDI system that can't really cope. Lag...lag...lag.
 

Bitmap Frogs

Mr. Community
Sadly I had to ditch my 2017 MacBook Air last year because it couldn’t handle all those video streams from my students. Also, screen was too small. I thought about a second monitor but as I said, it lacked the processing power I needed.
The new MacBooks are totally out of my league so I had to settle for a Lenovo Ideapad with a Ryzen 7, not a gaming laptop but it is years of my old Air. I also upgraded my router last year

This year I got a new table, a good chair, wireless keyboard and mouse from Logitech. Next intend to get a good pair of speakers and a second monitor.

In a couple of years I might even buy a gaming rig. I’m loving setting up the new stuff.

Suggestion: install Linux in that Lenovo, you can set it up so it’s similar to macOS with a dock and a global menu bar...
 

TTOOLL

Member
Suggestion: install Linux in that Lenovo, you can set it up so it’s similar to macOS with a dock and a global menu bar...

I've tried that in the past before I had a Mac. It's not the same thing. Nowadays I don't even know what distro is the one to go.
 

Maiden Voyage

Gold™ Member
What desk pads are you all using for your mouse & keyboard. I picked up a felt one forever ago and it's showing it's age. I am thinking about going for a leather one maybe. Any suggestions?

For leather, looking at something like this:
 
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