There are supposedly 12 days of Christmas and at least that many ways to fix a computer setup. If your workstation features a MacBook Pro and two big external LG UltraFine external displays sitting on a desk, plus a Magic Keyboard mini and a Magic Trackpad, it’s pretty much good to go, right? Well, maybe. But today’s user with that rig asked on social media how to improve it, and they got a ton of advice.
Most of the comments concerned the dual displays, but they ranged pretty far afield, and anyone can learn from it.
MacBook Pro setup advice centers on dual LG UltraFine displays
Redditor Kau_33 showcased the MacBook Pro setup in a post entitled, “Thoughts on how to improve my workspace?” And of course commenters had a lot of thoughts. Kau uses a MacBook Pro directly connected via cable to drive two 4K LG UltraFine monitors. His input devices include a Magic Keyboard mini with a skin on it, plus a Magic Trackpad 2. Commenters’ advice ranged far and wide, but centered mainly on those dual displays, including placement, mounting and more.
About those LG UltraFine displays (and more) …
Most commenter advice centered on the two big external displays. But it ranged pretty far. If Kau takes a lot of it, their setup could be much improved. See what people suggested below.
- VESA monitor arms, tucking the cables behind the desk legs, mousemat, and something with color would be good. My preference would be to center one monitor as your primary and put the secondary slightly slanted, or even vertical?
- Same from me. The gap between the monitors is messing with my OCD.
- When it is a two monitor set up, I like to keep one monitor directly in the center and the other off to the side. That way, your center line of vision isn’t the gap/bezel between the monitors. I think you should put a screen just front of you, and the other to your right or left . The otherwise say good bye to your neck on 20 minutes working.
- Get a monitor stand. You don’t need an expensive brand one, just get one that works and looks clean. I got mine for 20 bucks on sale and I’m super happy with it. Right now what makes your desk look goofy are those 2 non-matching monitor legs.
- Monitors need to be aligned to remove the gap or placed on a mount.
- UltraFine are great but their legs are just taking too much space. [Hang] them on an arm. One arm for both.
Photo: LG
Other advice: Desk mat, cable management, speakers and more
- Start with monitor arms and a desk mat. Those will really level up the aesthetics.
- Get a dual monitor arm and also cable management kits.
- Get a desk mat. You can get really nice non-expensive mats from China for example. I bought mine from aliexpress for 9 bucks and it is, again, no worse than the branded ones. Looking at your desk size I would recommend a pretty large one (something like a 40×80 cm or 90 x 45 cm mat).
- Get your cables under control. Might seem like a simple thing but it makes your setup look much more professional. Some velcro and duct tape does wonders.
- Get yourself a good looking set of speakers. Can add a lot to the overall look of your setup and if you love listening to music, can’t do without them.
- Also, could add a behind-the-table LED strip to lighten up that boring ass wall that you got there. Don’t have to do any of that overly colourful shit. Keeps everything nice and clean and brings the whole setup nicely together.
- You will not regret a higher end keyboard, and I say that as an Apple enjoyer.
- Desk mat, something nice. A decent keyboard and mouse. Backlight for the monitors or can you dim the light you have on the desk?
- A palm rest for your keyboard or getting a desk mat would be sick.
- The lamp shines directly in your eyes. Get rid of it. Something above head or with a cover.
- Single widescreen display, fast-charging tree, coaster, desk pad, other than that it’s beautiful.
- Monitor arms, mousepad, plant
- Tie those cables.
- Get a Thunderbolt 4 dock.
- Wrist rests
Shop these items now:
Displays:
Computer:
Input devices:
- Magic Keyboard (mini) with skin/cover
- Magic Trackpad 2
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually suffice). 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.
