No two people work alike — our vocation and habits make sure of that. What most of us can relate to, though, is the need to curate our home or office workstations the way we want. And we’re all dipping our hands into the same pool of devices — computer, mouse, keyboard and speakers — and hoping the right mix will allow us to become our most productive, efficient and creative self. So what to choose?
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At Gear Patrol, we gravitate towards an Apple workstation. Its Mac line is secure and dependable — and damn pretty as well — plus all Apple computers seamlessly integrate with the iPhone most of us already own. Still, walk around our offices and you’ll notice that no two setups are identical. Some have desktops. Others have laptops, with no — or multiple — external monitors. There are standing desks, too, along with every kind of over-ear cans you can imagine.
Since everybody works differently, there really isn’t a perfect desktop set up — so we’ve created four for four different people. There are the minimalist and high-end setups, depending on how much you want to spend or how clutter-free you want your workspace. And there are desk-tied setups and ones that have no problem being packed up and going mobile. All are rooted in a Mac. And all have a little flair. A good desktop setup can be used for work and play, remember.
The Apple MacBook, Basic Setup
Despite proclamations to the contrary, the smartphone hasn’t antiquated the computer. Not even close. A laptop still provides more processing power, memory and versatility than any smartphone could ever hope to — especially when powered by Apple's M1 or M2 chipsets. Don’t underestimate the bigger screen and an actual keyboard, either. This basic setup is for the person who can’t always be confined to a desk. Even if there aren’t too many frills, everything works seamlessly with each other. Plus, this specific power bank can juice the M1 MacBook Pro for a few extra hours.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro has Apple's M1 chip (not the newest M2), but is part of the company's new breed of laptops with bigger screens, more ports, an improved webcam and the MagSafe charging system.
Alvin's cutting mats make some of our favorite desktop mats. Also, each mat has a green side and a black side, in case you want to certain desktop look. Available in a number of sizes.
This is a nifty 20,000mAh portable charger for your laptop and few of your other gadgets.
The Apple MacBook, Power User
This setup combines the best of both worlds. It’s rooted around a 16-inch MacBook Pro, so it can be taken mobile if need be, but it’s really optimized to run like a high-end desktop. There’s a separate wireless mouse and keyboard, so you don’t have to be right up near the screen. Speaking of which, the huge curved display is an Excel user’s dream. (It’s also pretty awesome for gaming.)
Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro can be configured with either an M1 Pro or M1 Max chipset. No matter which you choose, you'll get a powerhouse of a laptop with new-age features: 1080p webcam, dope speakers and MagSafe charging.
The wireless keyboard is necessary for those working with an external monitor or those who place their laptop on a stand. This specific keyboard has an extended numeric keypad and a dedicated button for Touch ID.
Logitech's newest vertical mouse positions your hand and arm in a natural handshake position, which reduces stress and pressure of the wrist. It's small yet comfortable, and a perfect alternative to Apple's Magic Mouse.
Yes, they're expensive. But the AirPods Max are definitely some of the best and most premium noise-canceling headphones you can buy. Available in several different colors.
The Studio Display is an 27-inch 5K external display that's powered by Apple's A13 Bionic processor. It packs powerful mics, speakers and a great webcam (that supports Center Stage) — it works perfectly with any Mac computer.
The A2+ are Audioengine's tiny and super versatile powered speakers. You can connect them to your laptop or desktop via a 3.5mm jack or Bluetooth. Available in black, white or red.
LaCie makes some of our favorite (and most conspicuous) external hard drives. This one can connect directly to your MacBook Pro via USB-C.
The Apple Desktop, Basic Setup
Even in this age of portability, there’s still a place for a traditional desktop. It’s more upgradable than a laptop and you generally get more for less, in terms of a better processor, better graphics chipset, bigger screen and more storage. And, of course, its fixed location naturally helps you separate work from everything else. This setup is designed to gel effortlessly together, while still maintaining a clean, clutter-free desk.
The 24-inch iMac has Apple's powerful and efficient M1 chip. It also a near edge-to-edge display, a thinner design and smaller base, as well as improved speakers and a 1080p webcam. And it's available in a variety of vibrant colors.
Apple has integrated Touch ID into one of its wireless keyboards, however it'll only fully work with a M1-based Mac (as opposed to an Intel-based Mac). If purchased with an M1 iMac, Apple will color match it with your desktop.
The MagSafe Duo is Apple's 2-in-1 wireless charger for both an iPhone 12/13 and an Apple Watch. It folds up nice and compact, making it perfect for travel, too.
The Audioengine HD3 are slightly dressed-up and a little better-sounding versions of the company's well-loved A2+ desktop speakers. The have builtin Bluetooth, too.
The Apple Desktop, Power User
The ultimate desktop setup doesn’t include a traditional all-in-one desktop. Instead, we’ve combined the top-of-the-line M1 (Pro or Max) Mac Studio with two 4K monitors, a powerful speaker setup (with Audioengine's N22 amp) and several other accessories that’ll maximize productivity. Just step back and revel in its glory. No desk mat needed.
The Mac Studio is essentially a souped-up Mac mini. It's nearly twice as big and packs a heck of a lot more power (thanks to Apple's M1 Max or M1 Ultra chipsets). It also can connect with up to four external displays.
The LG UltraFine 4K Display has been Apple's go-to external monitor of choice for years. The display has two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and works perfectly with the Mac Studio. Additionally, it's half as expensive as Apple's Studio Monitor.
Grovemade's gorgeous shelf sits on top of your desk and easily holds two monitors (ideally up to 27" each). You can purchase in two woods, maple or walnut (shown), and a number of different finishes.
Released in late 2019, the Logitech MX Master 3 is one of our favorite wireless mice. It boasts a great scroll wheel, an ergonomic design and USB-C charging.
This desktop amplifier is one-of-a-kind and is the perfect solution for anybody who wants to turn a pair of passive bookshelf speakers into their computer speakers. It also can act as an external headphone amp.
The Alpha P5 push well above their $500 price tag and can be driven by most entry-level amps (including the Audioengine N22). They are some of our favorite passive bookshelf speakers.
This is a beast of a charging stand. It fully supports MagSafe and is capable of fast-charging your iPhone 12/13 right out of the box (yes, a power adapter is included). It also has a charging puck for your Apple Watch and two other Qi wireless charging spaces.
