You look at enough computer setups online and you realize people are never really done with them. There’s always something to add. It could be some gear got held up by shipping delays, or the setup’s owner got a sudden urge to try another type of input device or some other gadget. And people often take ages to tame the cable clutter.
So you rarely see people claiming a setup’s done for good. Or it’s the best it can be. Or it’s the proverbial “dream setup.”
But sometimes they say that. Today’s setup got called a “dream setup” by its proud owner. Would you agree?
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‘Dream setup finally complete!’
Redditor reinler more-or-less declared their workstation a dream come true in a post entitled, “Dream setup finally complete!”
“It’s taken a couple of years to get to this point but I’m finally happy with my WFH setup,” they said.
The setup centers on a rarely seen 14-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro — that is, the smaller display with the bigger chip is not the most common combo — used for work. And along with it is an M1 Mac mini for personal use.
Double the fun
The setup doubles up on certain gear, other than computers with M1 chips in them. The Macs drive a pair of new 5K Studio Displays topped by matching BenQ Halo monitor light bars, which are slightly offset to avoid interfering with the displays’ webcams. They’re designed for wide, curved monitors.
The formidable displays perch side-by-side on a handsome Grovemade desk shelf. And, as for the desk underneath, it’s a $2,000 Herman Miller Renew Sit-to-Stand Desk paired with a Herman Miller Classic Aeron Chair.
“Can you run the dual Studio Displays with a single cable from [MacBook Pro] to TS4 dock?” asked a commenter.
“Yes, that’s what I’m running right now!” reinler replied, referring to their CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 dock. “It’s the primary reason why I upgraded from the TS3+ to the TS4. The TS4 supports up to dual 6K 60Hz monitors.”
Ergonomics of a desk shelf versus mounts
Another person asked about the ergonomics with the Studio Displays sitting on a desk shelf rather than on monitor arms.
Here’s reindeer’s reply:
So, funny enough, the Studio Displays on the Grovemade stand are only 0.3” shorter than the height-adjustable ones at their highest configuration. It’s pretty close to right height for me, I’m 5’ 9” but could use another inch up. I have the height-adjustable Studio Displays on order that I might swap these out for and return. I used to run a dual monitor VESA setup but decided to do this because I felt that the resale of these would be easier when I’m ready to upgrade to something new down the line.
New color for the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
A commenter noticed with approval that reinler’s Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is not the usual black color. Instead, it’s white.
“They just came out with white for the Mk2 (in March I think?) so I finally pulled the trigger on it,” reinler said. “I didn’t want a black-colored one since it wouldn’t match the setup”
“What do you use the Stream Deck for?” asked another person.
“Right now I use it as a fast application switcher and also Zoom controls for meetings,” replied reinler about the workflow device, which is especially popular for creating shortcuts when working with streaming content. “I just got it so I’m still playing around with it productivity wise. Open to tips or suggestions!”
Shop these items now:
Computers:
Displays:
Input devices:
- Keychron Q3 mechanical keyboard with control knob
- Keychron wooden palm rest
- Logitech MX Master 3 wireless mouse
- Magic Trackpad 2
Networking and workflow:
Lighting and furniture:
- BenQ Halo monitor lights
- Philips Hue Play Bar smart lights
- Herman Miller Renew Sit-to-Stand Desk
- Herman Miller Aeron Chair
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.
