A place for everything and everything in its place [Setups]

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Behold a computer setup where everything appears in its proper place. And even the printer works reliably.
Behold a computer setup where everything appears in its proper place. And even the printer works reliably.
Photo: ThrewtheThrow@Reddit.com

Not all “before and after” posts showcasing computer setups on social media are created equal. Sometimes the description and commentary leave out too much information. Sometimes the photographs are inconclusive. And sometimes the improvements just don’t have much “wow” factor.

Today’s featured setup splits the difference. The “before” photo, below, doesn’t offer much to go on. But the “after” photo, above, shows a well-planned setup with a place for everything and everything in its place. And the gear list, below, supports that.

It might not get a “wow” out of you, but it could be instructional.

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Everything in its place

Redditor ThrewtheThrow, whom we’ll call “Throw,” displayed their setup in a post titled, “My cozy WFH setup before and after.”
It’s not a mind-blowing setup, but if you look closely at the details, it’s a very nice one. Everything is just so, with many useful items added between “before” and “after.”

By the way, if you want to see a major, seemingly unbridgeable gulf between setup iterations, check out thisbefore” and “after.”

14-inch M1 Pro MacBook and LG 4K display

In Throw’s situation, he relies primarily on a 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook, though you can see a ThinkPad in the corner of the photo below. He switched monitors, from an HP Omen to a 32-inch LG UN880 UltraFine monitor on an Ergo arm. The 4K IPS screen gets 3120 x 2160 pixel resolution.

A nice monitor riser makes a difference

But one of the setup’s greatest advances is actually what the monitor sits above. Even though the screen is on arm attached to the back of the desk, Throw added a handsome wooden monitor riser, or shelf, from Aothia. It provides compartmentalized storage space. They can rest items on it and under it. And it adds a lot visually, including a sense of structure.

Two more additions sit atop the monitor. One is a Xiaomi monitor light bar that casts light on the desktop and reduces eye strain. The other is a Logitech Brio 4K Webcam for clear and crisp videoconferences and such.

Logi input devices and solid audio

The input devices also check out as quality goods, as Logitech products tend to do. Throw relies on a Logitech MX Keys wireless keyboard for Mac with a Logitech wrist pad. With those, he uses a Logitech M720 Triathlon Multi-Device Wireless Mouse.

Throw’s additions for quality audio also make an impression. They added a pair of Edifier active bookshelf speakers. But they didn’t just toss them on the desk. For properly isolated, directional sound, the speakers sit on stands titled slightly upward and toward the chair. Here’s another setup that does the same to great effect.

Even the printer causes no hassle

You know a setup’s working out when even the printer causes no pain. As most of us know from personal experience — and those TV commercials with former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal for Epsom about “cartridge conniptions” — printers can drive you nuts.

“How do you like that Canon printer?” asked a commenter. “I have the same one but I swear it knows when I’m in a rush and it decides not to work. I feel like it knows how to fuck up my day.”

“The MX922? It’s been surprisingly solid for me. My issues were with Wi-Fi strength. After going mesh, it’s been fine. Best thing I like about it is the ridiculously cheap third-party ink. I’m keeping that thing till it kicks the bucket,” Throw replied.

The "before" photograph shows a simpler situation prior to the upgrades.
The “before” photograph shows a simpler situation prior to the upgrades, but you can’t see the whole picture.
Photo: ThrewtheThrow@Reddit.com

Simple but effective decor

Wrapping up Throw’s setup, don’t overlook the decor. You can nab that framed Leonardo da Vince art, which came from Idea but is still out there on eBay and such. He also uses the popular Phillips Hue light strip behind the desk.

For all the items in Throw’s setup, see the list below. It even includes a special mug for those who like their coffee or tea to stay hot. It’s an Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug.

“Love this thing!” Throw said of the mug. We might just have to get one.

Shop these items now:

Computer:

Display:

Input devices:

Audio and video:

Accessories:

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.

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