Sometimes even a MacBook in a vertical laptop stand takes up too much space on the desk. Today’s dual MacBook Pro setup user asks the question of how to “get rid of” the laptops — as in how to mount MacBook out of the way but still in use. And they get plenty of excellent advice, below.
And in addition, the workstation grabs the attention for its “odd couple” of Apple monitors, old and new. The user said they love both displays (despite that rather significant differences between the two).
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Tips on how to mount Macbook out of the way in setup
Redditor RealAssistant5687 (“RA”), situated outside of Münster, Germany, asked the question of how to get his two MacBooks out of the way in a post bluntly entitled, “Get rid of MacBooks.” Currently, their 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro for work and 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro for personal use sit vertically on the right side of the desk, driving an Apple odd couple of monitors. They’re the vaunted 32-inch, 6K resolution Pro Display XDR and a 20-year old 23-inch, 1200p Cinema Display, flanked by Audioengine A2+ Desktop Speakers. You’d think the differences in size and resolution between the monitors might miff RA, but they proclaimed affection for both screens.
And anyway, their real mission with the post is to find something to do with those two MacBooks standing up at the edge of the desk in the setup.
“Any idea how to get rid of the MacBooks on the desk — the space that they are even using is too much!” RA asked.
Suggestions for MacBook storage or mounting out of the way
As is often the case, commenters obliged him with a variety of advice, much of it quite helpful. Read it in their own words below. The range of advice could suit anyone in a similar situation (including me, with my M4 Pro MacBook Pro crammed on a vertical stand behind one of my two monitors perched on a desk shelf).
Under-desk or desk-side storage, perhaps 3D printed:
This under-desk or wall-mounted rack mount can hold a laptop, keyboard or other small devices like a cable box or router. It's great for keeping your MacBook hidden from view and out of the way.
- Something like an under desk universal laptop storage mount, or maybe a full under-desk shelf.
- Seems like [desk-attached storage] could easily be replicated with a 3D printer fairly cheaply if you don’t necessarily need it made of metal — single and multiple layers, even. If you’ve got access to a 3D printer, that could save you a fair bit. (Then came a reply: “I would trust actual metal instead of 3-D printer filament to hold up multiple thousands of dollars of computers, for $20~ each.”)
- First: You already have a bookshelf to the right of your desk. Is there a reason you prefer not placing your MacBooks on that? Simply buy longer cables if you need longer reach. Second: If you prefer, you can mount them under your desk. This is what I’ve done with my MacBook Air. This is the mount I bought on Amazon for $13. It comes with a strong double-sided adhesive tape, but I wanted super-strength adhesive tape so I purchased “nano tape” for $12. It’s now impossible to remove the mount (except by heating it with a blow dryer).
- The user continued: But you don’t need the double-sided tape if you can screw it under your desk. Combined with a VESA mount for the display, nothing is on my desk aside from wireless keyboard and mouse which are easy to set aside when needed. You can buy and then place under your desk a 1 or 2-tiered shelf. Buy one with wheels and its a cinch to wheel it out when you need access.
This is a no-drill steel hanging desk organizer that can hold a connected laptop and other items. Great for the home office, it creates a storage area off the side of your desk.
Pegboards:
This Ikea Skadis pegboard in white measures 30 inches by 22 inches. It also comes in black or wood colors. You can buy accessories like hooks and bins separately.
- I went with one of those Ikea pegboards. I mounted it on the inside of my desk. I got some black hooks on Amazon (compatible with Skadis). Both laptops rest on that “shelf” and all the cords go directly into one of those “hide all your cords” boxes, with a single power cord coming out the other end. Major game changer.
Behind-the-monitor placement:
- You could place the computers behind the monitor — that’s what I did on my space-constrained desk. I also have a monitor arm which takes up way less desk space than the stands, so you have more space underneath the displays for whatever else you want to put there.
- Other suggestion with helpful links included desk-side storage, a double decker laptop holder mount and a Studio Display MacBook mount that goes on the back of a monitor.
Shop these items now:
There's no better monitor for your Mac than Apple's 32-inch Pro Display XDR. Apple even sells a variant with a nano-texture glass that helps cut down on unwanted glare.
- Incredible 6K resolution
- Generous screen space
- Nano-texture glass option
- Expensive, and options add more cost
Computers and stand:
Displays:
Input devices:
Audio:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). 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.
