Ah, the magic of Christmas. Even a grownup can get deliriously excited about unwrapping a rich haul of computer gear that turns a Charlie Brown Christmas tree of a setup into a powerful workstation that would intimidate Ebeneezer Scrooge.
Today’s user had a decent MacBook Pro and iPad Pro to begin with, but ended up with a proper, highly functional setup. And commenters had further suggestions for additions, too. Hey, the more the merrier!
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Christmas miracle: MacBook Pro setup adds dual monitors, iPad mini and more
Redditor TemporaryAD_4202 (“Tad”) showcased the much-improved setup in a post entitled, “New Setup! Monitors, Keyboard, Monitor stand, Ipad arm, NS Controller, Charging Station, and Ipad Mini are new from Christmas!”
So what a haul that is. Presumably Tad already had the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro, and to that pair of Tiny Tims they added tasty 32-inch and 27-inch external monitors, a monitor stand, a Logitech MX Keys mini keyboard, an iPad mini, an iPad stand, a Nintendo Switch controller and a charging station.
So, in effect, what they got for Christmas this year was a legit computer setup. They turned a laptop and a tablet sitting on a desk into something special.
“Can I be part of your family next year?” quipped a commenter.
“Look at all the toys in Santa’s workshop,” added another.
Why not add a Stream Deck?
“Throw a Stream Deck in there,” a commenter suggested. “It will fit any workflow/hobby/whatever.”
Elgato makes a variety of Stream Deck production controllers that integrate with different platforms and apps to enable all sorts of shortcuts.
“I’ve thought about it but I haven’t been able to pull the trigger,” Tad replied. “Any recommendations for a not super-expensive one?”
“I’ve got a Stream Deck mini on the way for $60 from Amazon. I was sold after downloading their software and then the app on the iPhone,” the commenter said. “Used it for a day and it was amazing. How have I gone this long without one? Thoroughly amazed and impressed.”
Another users suggested a webcam mount that can affix to the side of a monitor rather than on top, so the webcam isn’t too high and it doesn’t interfere with a light bar.
No word on whether Tad’s audio gear is new. But like the other gear, it’s pretty cool, too. An iPod classic is joined by a pair of KRK portable-studio-monitor speakers and an LG XBoom Go Bluetooth speaker.
Shop these items now:
Computers and stand:
- 14-inch M2 Pro MacBook Pro
- 11-inch M2 iPad Pro with Pencil
- iPad stand
- iPad mini
Displays, screenbar and webcam:
- 27-inch Asus ProART Display
- 32-inch Dell 4K monitor
- BenQ Screenbar Monitor Light
- Logitech Brio 4K Webcam
Input devices:
Audio:
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.
iPad mini 6 is Apple's latest small-sized tablet with big performance. It includes the A15 Bionic chip, 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP front/12MP back camera, Touch ID and more.
