Remote work: my desk setup for 2019
Tags: remotelife, devlife, watercooler, webdev
Published: 2019-10-16 11:52:08

---
title: Remote work: my desk setup for 2019
published: true
date: 2019-10-09 00:09:34 UTC
tags: remotelife,devlife,watercooler, webdev
canonical_url: https://mindsers.blog/en/remote-work-desk-setup-2019/
---

 ![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1511467687858-23d96c32e4ae?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&q=80&fm=jpg&crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&w=1080&fit=max&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjExNzczfQ)

You'll find here a list of all the stuff I use in my daily desk setup. People have been asking me for month to share it, so I hope you'll find this post useful !

_All the products listed here can be found on my [Amazon US storefront](https://www.amazon.com/shop/mindsers.it) directly. Maybe you're trying to understand why I repeat myself in this post. The answer is I try to translate each french post in MindsersIT Blog and also, into this post you'll have more context about each product than on Amazon. I try to explain why I use the product._

The list below is kind of sorted from the most important thing to the lesser ones. Obviously, it's completly subjective. To better the list, I tried to add some explanations on how I use each product.

## [Macbook Pro 15"](https://amzn.to/2M1a6jD)

It's the master piece of my setup, as you may have guessed. I don't want to debate about which is better between Mac and Windows or even any other custom computer. It's not interesting at all. However I've been working with a Mac for 10 years, Apple is the ecosystem I like and the one I'm the most productive with. To be honest, I already refused job offers just because the company didn't want me to work on a Mac computer (which is dumb, as I am an iOS developer).

<!--kg-card-begin: image-->

![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://blog.nathanaelcherrier.com/content/images/2019/08/51PQAQxWHwL._SL1024_.jpg)

<!--kg-card-end: image-->

The Mac I use is a [Macbook Pro 15" Space Gray with a 512 Go SDD](https://amzn.to/2M1a6jD).

## [2 Dell Ultrasharp 27"](https://amzn.to/2MonFIP)

When I work from home, I want to be as comfortable as possible to be productive. I choosed to invest in two big monitors that I plug directly on my MacBook Pro.

The monitors I chose and have been using for a little more than a year now are very good quality (resolution, colors, time response, etc) for the work I need to be doing. I use it mainly for programming (iOS and JS), photo editing (social media, blog's illustrations, printable photo) and [book edition for printables book](https://travel-and-food.com/2019/01/douces-soupes/).

<!--kg-card-begin: image-->

![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://blog.nathanaelcherrier.com/content/images/2019/08/51zn0Ss3zvL._SL1200_.jpg)

<!--kg-card-end: image-->

Because it is so big, I don't use it while working outside of my house. This is also why I chose a 15" screen for my Mac and not a 13". I work outside of my house twice a week.

The exact reference is [Dell UltraSharp U2715H](https://amzn.to/2MonFIP).

## [Headphone with active noise cancelation](https://amzn.to/35iMfmY)

Very useful when working from home, you are in a bubble and are not disturbed by ambiant noise if you need to be more focused.

With the [Bose QC35](https://amzn.to/35iFvpb), the Beats Studio 3 is the circum-aural headphone I love the most. It is purely subjective but it has very good assets for remote working :

- active noise-cancelling
- hurts my ears less than a intra or supra-aural
- has a nice finish and very comfortable to wear
<!--kg-card-begin: image-->

![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://blog.nathanaelcherrier.com/content/images/2019/08/71ka5tG2vTL._SL1500_.jpg)

<!--kg-card-end: image-->

The one I use is [Beats by Dre Studio 3, Collection Skyline, en Midnight Black](https://amzn.to/35iMfmY).

## [Webcam Logitech](https://amzn.to/2VpmtbZ)

When I close my laptop to put it in its dock (see below), I can't use my webcam anymore. It's the first time I had the need to buy a webcam for years!

I looked at reviews online and one of the most praised was the Logitech BRIO. This is what I got.

<!--kg-card-begin: image-->

![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://blog.nathanaelcherrier.com/content/images/2019/09/61XkMrG8puL._SL1500_.jpg)

<!--kg-card-end: image-->

The one I use is this one: [Logitech BRIO 4k Streaming Edition](https://amzn.to/2VpmtbZ). Very good webcam that works when you plug it with no configuration.

## [An independant microphone](https://amzn.to/2pYUYKX)

Well, I technically already have a microphone on my headphone and it has worked well until now. The problem is that I use zoom.us for my meetings and the mic gestion is quite bad.

Because of the _noise cancelling_ of my Beats Studio and the fact that I used a beta macOS (bluetooth malfunction, etc), my coworkers were having a hard tome understanding what I was saying. The mic was basically turning on too late in my sentence and the sound wasn't stable. I don't have this problem when I'm on the phone with another device with my Beats...

So I bought a USB microphone to be able to keep having the sound in my headphone and have my voice in the microphone : way more efficient.

Of course, this is not the only purpose of this microphone... I have several secret projects right now. The quality is really good on that mic so I also use it to record my accoustic guitars.

<!--kg-card-begin: image-->

![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://blog.nathanaelcherrier.com/content/images/2019/09/71pv5z2dkHL._SL1500_.jpg)

<!--kg-card-end: image-->

The mic I use is the [Røde NT-USB](https://amzn.to/2pYUYKX). It is very easy to use and powerful, I really recommend it!

## [Double arms monitor mount](https://amzn.to/30RDOeY)

I like how my Dell monitors are designed. At first, I chose those monitors for its heavy-duty stand, it was stable and aesthetic. You can also put it vertically or horizontally.

But it took so much place on my desk, it was a real problem. So I decided to buy a VESA support for 2 27" monitors. The place I got back is incredible and it is still really steady and confortable to work.

<!--kg-card-begin: image-->

![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://blog.nathanaelcherrier.com/content/images/2019/09/61AIx1lOcPL._SL1500_.jpg)

<!--kg-card-end: image-->

I chose this one sold by [1home and made for 2 27" monitors](https://amzn.to/30RDOeY). Don't forget to adapt the support to fit your monitors' size.

## [Vetical laptop stand](https://amzn.to/31Yq1Vp)

For space saving purpose, just like with the monitors support, I was looking for a way to stack my laptops vertically on my desk.

I am not going to lie, at first I wanted to buy the [Vertical Dock de HengeDocks](https://amzn.to/2VpEp6i) and write a complete review but it is out of budget right now. Maybe one day I'll upgrade.

Meanwhile, I got myself a basic manual double support. Why double? Because I use two Macbook Pro daily.

<!--kg-card-begin: image-->

![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://blog.nathanaelcherrier.com/content/images/2019/09/61XgJBtbZqL._SL1500_.jpg)

<!--kg-card-end: image-->

The [double vertical stand for notebook OMOTON](https://amzn.to/31Yq1Vp) is really well made, sturdy and adjustable for different laptops.

## [Magic Keyboard 2](https://amzn.to/2p57GXQ) + [Magic Mouse 2](https://amzn.to/2IxI4dl)

Vertical support for laptops also means external keyboard and mouse. Obviously, you have no other choice.

I already had the Apple mouse and keyboard I really love so it wasn't that hard to choose.

<!--kg-card-begin: image-->

![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://blog.nathanaelcherrier.com/content/images/2019/09/41fVVAi1UiL._SL1024_-1.jpg)

<!--kg-card-end: image--><!--kg-card-begin: image-->

![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://blog.nathanaelcherrier.com/content/images/2019/09/41i4o3mMv0L._SL1024_-1.jpg)

<!--kg-card-end: image-->

Keyboard and mouse choices are often hard to explain (especially in the dev community) because it is subjective and we each have our own preferences.

## Black Laptop [Desk Mat](https://amzn.to/321K7xK)

My desk is shiny white and I had trouble in the past with optical mice because the light refraction isn't regular. The solution is to get a mouse mat but I don't think it is very aesthetic.

So I decided to get a giant mouse mat. A desk mat actually. It goes on top of the desk, under your keyboard, mouse, mic, monitors...Etc.

I like that product because it really does protect the desk, makes cleaning up easier and it shapes the work space neatly.

<!--kg-card-begin: image-->

![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://blog.nathanaelcherrier.com/content/images/2019/09/61x6iVR1LBL._SL1001_.jpg)

<!--kg-card-end: image-->

I have this one [Laptop Desk Mat from PEGGYBUY](https://amzn.to/321K7xK) in black and grey. You can switch it up to change the color.

## [Wireless phone charger](https://amzn.to/31YqBT5) 

Now this is a very useful gadget. I bought it because I like all things geeky but it turned out to be really useful on a daily basis.

<!--kg-card-begin: image-->

![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://blog.nathanaelcherrier.com/content/images/2019/09/61OIK9ppqsL._SL1500_.jpg)

<!--kg-card-end: image-->

I chose this Universal Wireless charger[XLTOK](https://amzn.to/31YqBT5).

## [Chemex Coffemaker](https://amzn.to/2VqND28)

What would a developer's desk be without a coffee machine? Well, it wouldn't be a dev desk. So I bought some sort of coffee machine.

The Chemex is very aesthetically pleasing and I really wanted to try gentle extraction.

<!--kg-card-begin: image-->

![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://blog.nathanaelcherrier.com/content/images/2019/09/61TedSFsTgL._SL1500_.jpg)

<!--kg-card-end: image-->

I bought a classic C[hemex that serves 6](https://amzn.to/2VqND28). I don't only use it for work. It is the only coffee machine we own so when we have guests over, I needed to be able to serve them all at once.

## [A glass water bottle](https://amzn.to/2p1DFsc)

The last choice I had to make for my office was a water bottle. Why is it important?

Because if I don't have a water bottle right next to me throughout the day, I don't drink enough liquid. I try to stay healthy so I figured I could use some water in between coffee cups.

<!--kg-card-begin: image-->

![Remote work: my desk setup for 2019](https://blog.nathanaelcherrier.com/content/images/2019/09/610INXnYl9L._SL1500_.jpg)

<!--kg-card-end: image-->

I bought the borosilicate bottle from[FCSDETAIL](https://amzn.to/2p1DFsc) (I have no idea why every brand on Amazon are in CAPSLOCK). A glass water bottle is so pretty and sturdy.

<!--kg-card-begin: hr-->
* * *
<!--kg-card-end: hr-->

The last update on this post is dated Septembre 2nd 2019. I'll update it to add new products if needed. If I publish a new post, I'll link it there too.

I hope this post was helpful for you. Ask away your questions in the comment section below and I'll try to answer as best as I can.