Redditor baby-yoda-stan — Stan for short, let’s say — posted pics of his home office computer setup, which features dual Dell displays and a couple of Intel-powered MacBook Pro laptops. He credits the clean look to built-in cable management in some of his setup’s components.
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Built-in cable management
First, at the center of the setup, is the desk holding it: the Scandinavian Designs Thorsten Executive.
“This desk is amazing and I especially love the cable management, makes for a super clean look,” Stan said. “I was able to fit my UPS into the back storage slot, as well.”
He also gives credit to his Dell MDS19 Dual Monitor Stand for its sturdiness and for its built-in cable management. He liked the clean look of it and felt the spacious desk could easily fit it.
Otherwise, he told a commenter, he would have gone with a desk clamp for the two monitors.
Dual monitors
On the desk, Stan has a pair of 27-inch Dell U2720Q UltraSharp 4K USB-C Monitors. They feature 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution and a refresh rate of 60Hz.
Another Redditor had an interesting question about the dual-monitor setup:
How are the monitors connected? I have yet to find a dock that can handle two USB-C displays simultaneously. My current setup has an OWC Thunderbolt 3 dock, but despite having enough (I think) USB-C ports, either my 16″ MBP can’t drive them through the single Thunderbolt connection… or resorting to USB-C on one and DisplayPort on the other.
Stan replied, “One is connected via DP to the Caldigit [dock] and then I’ve got a USB-C to HDMI cable out from the Caldigit to the other monitor. Works great!”
CalDigit dock
Photo: baby-yoda-stan@Reddit.com
Speaking of that dock, Stan is a big fan.
“Hands-down best Thunderbolt 3 dock on the market,” he said. “I own [two] of these — one for travel and one to stay here. Love being able to have a one cable connection to my laptop for the monitors, all my external drives, etc. Btw, laptop is connected to the dock with the Apple Thunderbolt 3 Pro Cable.”
iPad Pro
Stan has a 3-year-old iPad Pro he said he likes, though he doesn’t utilize it much.
“I don’t use it a ton honestly — mainly to sign documents and take notes during meetings! I’d love one of the newer 12.9-inch models but they’re so pricey.”
Naturally, another Redditor urged him to splurge on a big new one. Stan said he couldn’t justify it, “but I will be ordering the new 16-inch MBP as soon as it’s out.”
Makeshift webcam
Stan said he couldn’t find a webcam he found “aesthetically pleasing.” So he bought a stand for his Sony A6500 Mirrorless Digital Camera and hooked it up via USB cable.
Dry erase board
This is the second time we’ve seen a nifty little old-school dry-erase board mounted on its own stand on a desktop.
Stan’s is a Quartet 18-inch x 6-inch Glass Dry-Erase Desktop Computer Pad. He noted it has pull-out storage underneath where he can put extra pens and markers.
Photo: baby-yoda-stan@Reddit.com
What’s missing?
As often happens in social media posts about computer setups, commenters offer advice on what’s not in the picture. In this case, speakers and plants came up, in addition to some other notes about decor.
“Really want to add some speakers, but I’m having a hard time finding a set that looks nice,” Stan said. “Would love any recommendations! Definitely need some plants :)”
Nobody had much to say about plants but helpful commenters offered plenty of recommendations and comments about speakers:
- If you need a BT speaker that looks fantastic, check the Harman Kardon Aura 3.
- Go with Edifier Luna Eclipse 2.0, most stylish speakers ever with great sound.
- Take a look at the Nubert NuPro lineup! I’ve got a pair of Nubert NuPro A-100’s and they’re perfect for a desk.
- If you’re looking at budget speakers under a $100, check out the PreSonus, they’ll work just fine! Or if you can spend a bit more, check out the AudioEngine A2+, it’s got a cleaner look, more compact, but may be overkill depending on your functions (works great for me!)
- Omen Def Mk.II
Just a quick editorial note: That last pair of speakers costs $4,500. Just so you know.
Shop these items now:
Computers:
- 16-inch MacBook Pro (Intel i9 chip, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD)
- 13-inch MacBook Pro
- Twelve South BookArc for MacBook
- 11-inch iPad Pro
Displays:
Peripherals:
Audio and video:
Networking and charging:
Furniture and accessories:
- Alex Tech 10ft 1/2-inch cord protector
- Quartet 18-inch x 6-inch Glass Dry-Erase Desktop Computer Pad
- Scandinavian Designs Thorsten Executive Desk
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches or challenges.
