Behind-desk lighting takes MacBook Pro rig to ‘next level’ [Setups]

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A light strip -- in this case one from Nanoleaf -- can make a big difference.
A light strip -- in this case one from Nanoleaf -- can make a big difference.
Photo: TjDeAdPoOl@Reddit.com

A humble light strip can have a huge impact on a computer setup and even the room it’s in, providing functional lighting as well as setting a mood with white or colored lights at different temperatures (cool, warm, etc.). Today’s featured MacBook Pro setup uses nothing but a Nanoleaf Essentials light strip behind the desk and a Xiaomi monitor lamp to light its way. And they do so to great effect.

Read more about the lighting below, plus the setup’s use of a Sonos Bluetooth speaker for audio and an iPhone with Continuity Camera for effective videoconferencing.

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Behind-the-desk Nanoleaf light strip adds a lot of MacBook Pro setup

Redditor TjDeAdPoOl (“TJ”) showcased the tidy setup in a post entitled, “Lighting added.”

In the rig, a MacBook Pro sitting on a stand in clamshell mode drives a 24-inch LG full HD display (1920 x 1080 pixel resolution) with a 75Hz refresh rate.

Monitor light bar illuminates the desk

Part of the lighting the post’s title refers to is a Xiaomi Mi light bar resting atop the display. Monitor light bars are a well-established piece of kit in setups, but commenters on social media posts often question their value because they think the light will interfere with the screen.

“Is there a benefit of light from that position above the monitor?” one asked. “My initial reaction is the screen would be highly impacted.”

TJ pointed out a monitor light saves desk space, among other benefits (reduces eye strain, lights up the desk, etc.):

It is an immediate gain of space from traditional lamps and it makes your desk feel less cluttered, plus my eyes are thankfull for the ability to change the temperature and to dim the light. For example you can set the temperature to a colder hue in order to focus on a task or set it to a warmer tone if you’re just surfing on the web.

I am still amazed that there is little to no impact on the screen, the light is actually guided to your desk like a laser; it’s pretty cool. My monitor has zero contrast and isn’t bright at all so I can guarantee you there won’t be a problem (quick note: my monitor is anti glare so maybe that’s why I don’t see the light reflections).

And another commenter brought up an interesting idea display manufacturers may want to consider:

“I wish they [would] start building these lamps right into the monitors,” they said. “They are really a must have, but are hard to attach to modern displays with narrow bezels.”

Nanoleaf light strip behind the desk creates backlighting

A Nanoleaf Essential light strip starter kit costs about $50. Light strip extensions go for about $12.
A Nanoleaf Essential light strip starter kit costs about $50. Light strip extensions go for about $12.
Photo: Nanoleaf

“The behind-the-desk lighting really takes this to the next level,” another commenter said, referring to the warm light climbing the wall.

TJ uses a Nanoleaf Essentials light strip, which works with HomeKit via a Thread border router like a HomePod mini or Apple TV 4K.

The strips put out an average of 2,000 lumens of white or RGB color light. You can cut the strips to difference lengths for different placements, like behind a desk or around wall hangings.

You can control the light strips with the Home app or the controller that comes with the Nanoleaf starter kit.

Sonos Roam Bluetooth speaker

While TJ has a set of AirPods earbuds on the desk, he also has a somewhat unusual speaker for in-room sound. It’s the Sonos Roam Bluetooth speaker, which is waterproof and portable. So it would often be used outdoors, but here it’s the setup’s sound system. It works with AirPlay 2 as well as voice assistants, and you can combine it with other Sonos speakers.

“Is there any latency issues when you connect that Sonos Roam speaker to your MacBook?” a commenter looking for something similar asked.

“If you only plan on watching YouTube videos/streaming and listening to music latency won’t be a problem,” TJ replied. “It’s like 1 second or so but if you want to do video editing then that’s not a good idea. It is more of a media consuming product than proper computer speakers. That’s why I am planning on investing in the latter.”

iPhone Continuity Camera

And finally, another person asked what TJ uses for a microphone. It resulted in a shout-out for the new iPhone voice-isolation feature in iOS 16.4.

“AirPods or my phone using Continuity, my friends feel like the latest voice isolation option makes my voice sound like ASMR, so I’m assuming it’s good, lol,” TJ replied.

ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response. It’s the pleasant tingling sensation people say they get from soothing sounds, often associated with videos.

Shop these items now:

Computer:

Display and light bar:

Input devices:

Audio:

Lighting:

Decor:

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, challenges and plans for new additions.

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