There’s nothing like stained wood to make a computer setup look like a class act. Today’s featured M1 Max MacBook Pro and custom PC workstation places those powerful machines on shelves off to the side that more-or-less match the desk.
Relocating the computers makes more room on the beautiful wooden desktop, which ups the quality even further with a handsome wooden desk shelf for the external display and other items.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
M1 Max MacBook Pro and custom PC drive beautiful setup from nearby shelves
Redditor Sygnul, aka Chris Wilmshurst, showcased the woody setup in a post entitled, “Decluttered my desk and moved my MacBook Pro to the shelf.”
“I decided to declutter my desk and remove anything that was not essential from arms reach,” Wilmshurst wrote. “I then decided to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a 3m Apple Thunderbolt 4 cable and relocate the MacBook Pro to the shelf.”
And he added, “I needed a cable this long as I am using a standing desk which meant I needed to account for the slack in cable when sitting or standing.”
More room on the desk
As you can see in the photo above, both the 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro and a large custom PC sit on the shelves. The desk only holds peripherals and accessories, so it’s not too crowded or busy.
On the desk, a handsome wooden Grovemade Desk Shelf provides places for a 27-inch LG UltraGear 4K display, Kanto YU2MB PC Gaming Desktop Speakers on Kanto S2 Tilted Desktop Speaker Stands, a CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock and various small items.
Other than those, the desk only has a Benks 2-in-1 magnetic charger plus input devices and accessories. His choices for input devices are a Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse and a Logitech G502 X Plus Lightspeed Wireless Optical Mouse — traded off and used with a DeltaHub Carpio 2.0 wrist rest for mouse — plus an EpoMaker EK68 65% wired mechanical gaming keyboard with an EpoMaker coiled cable.
Promotional setup, but not a staged one
Photo: Sygnul@Reddit.com
As one commenter pointed out, it’s not the purest Reddit setups post, as Wilmshurst uses it to promote a video and an affiliate links list. But that doesn’t make the setup a completely fake one that’s staged only to sell stuff.
“Nice setup. Also nice job with this post. It almost looks like a legit Reddit post and not an insidious advertisement at all,” wrote the commenter. “Almost had me fooled, I’ll admit. He just so happens to have an 11.5 minute ‘paid promotion’ YouTube video, what are the chances.”
“I won’t deny I’ve received products that have helped build up this desk, but it is entirely built around the way I work/play,” Wilmshurst replied. “You can just make out my TV in the first/second image.”
Here’s Wilmshurst’s description of his work on the setup and its uses:
For the past few months I’ve been building up a brand new setup in my free time. It took a lot longer than I was anticipating, and when I thought I was done. Something popped up in my inbox, or I encountered an issue with something like cable management or certain items not working as expected, But I’m finally proud to show off my brand new minimal and modern desk setup. This setup is setup for both sitting and standing at the desk with a gaming PC and MacBook Pro productivity setup.
Wood gives it a great look
Photo: Sygnul@Reddit.com
Commenters appreciated the beautiful stained wood in the setup. Some setups are simply more attractive than others.
“Quick question what shelf (one where your Mac is on) and desk is that?” an appreciative commenter asked. “I’ve always had a hard time finding a matching shelf and desk.”
“It’s the [Fjallbo] shelving from Ikea, it’s not a perfect match as it’s a lighter shade compared to the Karlby [desktop], but at night it’s barely noticeable,” Wilmshurst replied.
And as for why the big PC is way up on the top shelf?
“The only reason it’s on top is that it is too big to fit on the lower shelves,” Wilmshurst replied. “I couldn’t justify buying a new micro/mini ATX motherboard and case to make it fit, so I threw it on top, haha. Also, if I put it on the floor I would be slated for ‘poor airflow.'”
Plus he probably uses the MacBook Pro more, anyway.
Shop these items now:
Photo: Sygnul@Reddit.com
Computers and docks:
- 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro
- Grovemade Wood Laptop Dock
- CalDigit TS4 ThunderBolt 4 Dock via Apple Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable (3M)
- Custom PC
Display, light and mount:
Input devices:
- Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse
- Logitech G502 X Plus Lightspeed Wireless Optical Mouse
- DeltaHub Carpio 2.0 wrist rest for mouse
- EpoMaker EK68 65% wired mechanical gaming keyboard with coiled cable
Audio:
Storage:
Lighting:
Furniture:
- Flexispot E7 Standing Desk Frame with Ikea Karlby countertop
- Ikea Fjallbo shelf unit
- Grovemade Desk Shelf System
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, challenges and plans for new additions.
Apple's 3-meter-long Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable may be pricey, but the high-speed cable is a high-quality item.
