Desk Set-up
My desk set-up for productivity. Last updated: 1st April, 2024
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1. Mcdodo CH-7340 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand
I got the Mcdodo CH-7340 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand from a recent Johor Bahru trip and it has been clutch. Ever since upgrading to iOS 17, the standby mode has been too aesthetic for me to ignore.
Love how the notifications pop up and grab my attention while I’m working too.
It also serves as a wireless charger for my Sony WF-1000XM5.
2. Dual Prism+ W280 Max
Upgraded from a single W270 Pro, the W280 Max is the next step up for 4K productivity. It’s not really suitable for gaming considering it’s capped at 60 FPS. The monitors has also since been discontinued and succeeded by the W280 Ultra.
3. Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar
I’m someone who loves to work in the dark (well, with SOME light). The Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar is pretty much what is preventing me from ruining my eyes.
It illuminates my desk, ensuring I can see what’s on my desk no matter the time of day. I keep it on warm light setting with the controller knob within arms reach.
4. Edifier R1280DBs
Considering my Macbook Pro is docked in clamshell mode and all monitor speakers are crap out of the box, I needed a good speaker solution. At first I was using a sound bar, but very soon found the sound to be very flat.
The Edifier R1280DBs is one of the best speaker for their price point. You can easily find a new pair for below SGD$150.
5.1 Wowstick 1F+
My go-to electric screwdriver set. I have it within arm’s reach beside my left speaker shelf. The wowstick 1F+ also comes with an elegant stand and when you press the button to automatically spin the bit, there is a small light that illuminates the screw.
It also comes with a magnetic pad to make sure you don’t lose the screws when you unscrew them.
5.2 2-Bay Orico HDD Dock
As a designer and developer, storage is always a problem, especially when you take into account PSDs, RAW video files as well as data dumps. I purchased the Orico 2-Bay HDD Dock to help with the ease of adding & swapping different disks.
The dock also comes in clutch for when I need to set-up new disks and has the function to clone disks too.
6. Sony WF-1000XM5
After using my Sony XM4 for a little more than 2.5 years, I decided to upgrade to the Sony WF-1000XM5.
In addition to the smaller size, Sony also upgraded the earbuds to a material more malleable and comfortable, which also helps to block out more noise.
The simultaneous 2-device Bluetooth connection continues to be useful for me, coupled with the longer battery life, I naturally upgraded to the XM5 the first chance I got.
7. Scarlett 2i2
The de-facto home studio interface for many years, it’s no question why the Scarlett 2i2 has a spot on my desk for the past 2 years.
It supports 2 universal inputs for a guitars and microphones which is perfect for a home studio.
8.1 Keychron K3 v2
My requirement was simple, I needed a low profile wireless mechanical keyboard.
The Keychron K3 v2 Ultra-slim Wireless Mechanical Keyboard was the obvious choice. Matching my desk setup with it’s monochrome grey design. I picked the brown switch as I loved the tactile feedback without being too clacky.
8.2 Hagibis Wrist Rest Pad with Storage Case
The Hagibis Wrist Rest replaced my old HyperX wrist rest as I loved how I could store smaller items inside for quick access.
It currently holds some thumb drives, the remote for my speakers, a pen, some USB-C to USB-A adapters, a microSD to C adapter, as well as a SIM ejector tool.
9. Divoom Ditoo Plus
A novelty toy I got as a gift, I quickly find the Divoom Ditoo Plus in a very welcoming spot right in the middle of my set up.
I rely on it for my mobile notifications as I get sucked into my bubble of work easily and tend to miss calls and notifications on my mobile when it’s left charging at the side.
I don’t ever use it as a bluetooth speaker and I chuckle every time my neighbour accidentally connect to it and it starts playing some weird music.
10. 2021 MacBook Pro
The centrepiece of my setup, the 2021 M1 Max Macbook Pro is my daily driver for the past 2 years. I got it on launch as my old laptop screen was cracked. Luckily, I only had to ensure the cracked screen for just 1 month prior to this purchase.
I spec’d mine with the 32GB of unified memory, 10-core CPU, 32-core GPU in Space Grey. This ensures I can use this laptop for years to come.
Can’t live without this now.
11. Logitech C920 + SmallRig Encore DT-30
Since the MacBook Pro is in clamshell mode on the desk, I bought the Logitech C920 HD Pro after using my spare iPhone 11 Pro as a webcam.
The webcam sits comfortably, mounted on the SmallRig Encore DT-30 Desk Mount with Holding Arm behind the laptop stand so I don’t have to keep adjusting it as I take the laptop out for travel.
12. iPad Air 5
Got the iPad Air 5 as an anniversary gift from work.
Paired with the Logitech Combo Touch case, Pebble Mouse 2, I’m able to do development work and enjoy entertainment even when travelling. When I’m home, I place it on the Hagibis Rotating Tablet Stand for easy view and access.
I’ve been looking to get a newer iPad for note-writing to fully transition over to digital notes.
I’ve been using it with GoodNotes 6 for a few months now and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
13. MacroPad
Coupled with Keyboard Maestro software, I wrote multiple macros for each of the keys on the 12-key Macropad I bought from Taobao and labeled the keys with the NIIMBOT D110 label maker.
14. Logitech MX Master 3S + DeltaHub Carpio 2
I frequently work into the dead of the night and the virtually silent clicks, the horizontal scrollbar and the hot keys, the productivity-focused Logitech MX Master 3S is the obvious choice here.
Coupled with the DeltaHub Carpio 2.0, my hands haven’t complained about the long hours I spend on my desk.
15. Lenovo Smart Display 7
A Christmas gift given by my company. The Lenovo Smart Display 7 is the main hub of my home automation and occasionally tells me about the weather when I ask.
16. Shure MV7 + Samson MBA18
One of the best microphones you can get for video conferences and podcasting in 2023 without having to purchase a bunch of other peripherals.
The Shure MV7 is the little brother of the SM7B. It can plug directly to your computer via USB and does not require an additional CloudLifter to remotely sound good, unlike it’s elder brother.
It is mounted on the Samson MBA18, a desk clamp-styled extendable 18-inch Microphone Boom Arm.
17. Tecware Haste CDR 900
The Tecware Haste Cordura 900 Mouse Mat rests right on top of a custom-printed desk mat that covers the entirety of my desk to cover up the old stains and heat damage my antique wooden desk accumulated over the years.
Considering I tend to snack and eat at my desk when I work from home, the Tecware Haste has been a godsend as the Cordura material allows me to just simply wipe it down and it doesn’t stain even if crumbs or soup drips on it.
18.1 UGREEN 300W Nexode GaN Desktop Charger
As more and more of our devices support faster charging protocols, I found myself getting more and more charging devices to keep them all charged. I then saw UGREEN release the world’s first 300W GaN charger. I instantly replaced all my charging bricks with this single charger.
It is able to keep all my devices and power banks charged and ready at the same time.
18.2 ORICO Thunderbolt 3 Dock
I’ve been hunting for a TB3 and above dock to turn my setup into a one-cable connection for a long while and finally found the ORICO TB3 Dock to be within a decent budget.
My monitors are connected via the DP and USB-C port from this dock, the rest of the USB peripherals are daisy-chained via a USB 2 hub to one of the USB 2 ports to reduce cables from the dock. The dock is hidden from view behind the bottom monitor.
19. Sharge Flow 10,000 mAh
Sharge recently had sale on their website and I managed to cop 3 of these at 58% off the retail price. I also bought 3 of the Flow Pouch that is not for sale on the website, from another platform.
The Sharge Flow and the pouch have come in handy on many occasions and I exclusively bring them out when I know I’ll be away for a few hours without power for my phone.
20. Sharge Capsule Gravity 5,000 mAh
The Sharge Capsule Gravity was too cute to pass, I added all 3 colorways along with the Flow since it is also on 67% discount and kept one permanently on my speaker shelf.
It features a built-in Pomodoro alarm that you can activate by flipping it horizontally. I use it frequently to focus on tasks.
21. Gravastar Alpha65 65W Charger
I bought a pair of the Gravaster Alpha65 Charger on impulse as the Crystal Blue colorway is limited to only 2,000 worldwide. I kept the limited edition one BNIB and bought another Dawn White to pair with the Charcoal Gray. I bought these purely for aesthetics.
To date, I have only used them once. I consider them just as a couple of expensive desk toys.
22. Sharge Phantom 240W Charging Cable
The Sharge Phantom cables are one of the best cables I’ve used. I like the texture and feel of it, and the logo that lights up is subtle and aesthetic. I keep a couple of them in my power bank pouch as well as a few of them lying around the house for whenever I need them.
I have them all in white, and that it can support 240W, and can pretty much future-proof my charging needs.
23. Pitaka MagEZ Slider 5,000 mAh
I bought the Pitaka MagEZ Slider mostly because of the smart design of the power bank & dock combo. It has come in clutch multiple times when I need to urgently leave the house for short moments with my low-battery phone.
I liked it so much that I bought 2 of these and alternated between the power banks so I could always have a fully charged one.
24. Shargeek 100 25,600 mAh
I bought the Shargeek 100 after trying out their Shargeek 170. This power bank is used only when I think just the Shargeek 170 is not enough to last me throughout the day when I’m working outside of office.
I use it exclusively to charge my Macbook Pro on-the-go.
24. IKEA Tertial Work Lamp
Being a fan of industrial design and aesthetics. The IKEA Tertial Work Lamp is an obvious choice when it comes to deciding on a desk lamp.
I fitted it with a Tapo Multi-Color Smart Lightbulb, which I control via Google Home.
