Since a ton of people have been questioning me about the best home office setup, I thought it’d be fair to share what mine was. This is what’s worked for me throughout starting my business and it can also work for you. As both an Engineer and Business Owner, I work long hours and I attribute being able to do so due to some of these high quality products.
These are what I find to be the best products regarding home office set up.
May 12, 2024 by Kazu Fujimoto
Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M3 Pro Chip
A Macbook is GOAT’ed. Sleek hardware, a very reputable brand, and a high quality product. MacBooks have lasted me on average 6+ years so although it can be a big initial investment, the ROI can be very positive.
Pros:
- Sleek hardware
- A basic MacBook will be very powerful
- Will meet everyday needs for students or working professionals
- Access to Apple customer support
- High quality webcam
Cons:
- Higher price point relative to other laptops
- Battery life known to get worse over time
Apple USB-C to USB Adapter
Say what you want about Apple, yes, it is a great business move for them as a company to design components that you’ll need to purchase to adapt basic devices such as webcams, microphones, and monitors.
You’ll need to get a pair or two of these Apple USB-C to USB Adapters.
Pros:
- Allows integration of many USB devices onto MacBook platform
Cons:
- Unnecessary purchase if you are primarily a Windows / Android type user
- Buying extra dongles or adapters will add more as an expense over a long period of time
LG 32GN650-B Ultragear Gaming Monitor 32”
I like to use the LG 32GN650B Ultragear as my primary monitor, set up horizontally. Great resolution, refresh rate, and able to be used for gaming purposes, but I like to use it as my everyday monitor.
Pros:
- Great refresh rate
- High resolution
- Good size to use for day to day computer operations
Cons:
- Does not rotate vertically
SAMSUNG 28” Odyssey G70B Series 4K UHD Gaming Monitor
I just recently added a secondary monitor in a vertical configuration and it is a game changer. Highly recommend to add a second monitor in a vertical configuration if you are able to do so. This makes daily computer usage 10X more efficient. I love to have multiple tabs and windows up when I browse the computer. It’s nice to have a monitor dedicated to one thing such as reading news or emails and using my main monitor for work.
Combine the power of multiple monitors with meetings and it’s a complete game changer. Having one screen dedicated for screen sharing and another for documents or notes makes having Zoom or Teams Meetings at work much easier.
Extremely happy with my purchase of the Samsung 28″ Odyssey G70B – great refresh rate and resolution, looks absolutely beautiful.
Pros:
- Rotates 90, 180, 270 degrees
- Pair-able to Macbook as a second external display
- Great refresh rate and resolution
Cons:
- Higher price point vs a lower quality monitor
- Refresh rate and resolution will be over the top if looking for something basic
Logitech Brio 4K Webcam, Ultra 4K HD Video Calling
As a business owner, I truly invest top dollar to for higher quality goods so that I can perform higher quality work. A 4K webcam is a game changer when it comes to sales calls, presentations, demos, or client meetings. If you’re using an older MacBook, chances are the webcam on isn’t that good, and you’ll need to pair it with something like the Logitech Brio if you want higher quality resolution.
It’s 100% worth if you can afford the investment and will have you perform and look more presentable in meetings. So worth.
Pros:
- 4K resolution
- Extremely high quality video for meetings
- Presents yourself better in corporate meetings
Cons:
- Somewhat of an expensive investment
- Needing to add an additional USB – USB-C adapter to connect to Macbook
- Extra equipment
Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone
The Logitech Blue Yeti Mic is paramount for Gaming, Streaming, Podcasting, Twitch, YouTube, Discord, and recording for PC and Mac. An excellent microphone to use especially for YouTube Videos, Streaming, Webinars, and sales calls.
Pros:
- Outputs high quality stereo like sound
- Great for podcasts, webinars, sales calls, meetings, demos
- Relatively in-expensive starter option for high quality sound
Cons:
- An extra device needed to be connected onto a MacBook
- Extra need for a USB – USB C Adapter
- Need to add a stand for flexible and optimal usage
Blue Yeti Microphone Stand
A microphone stand is 100% necessary for convenience and ergonomic purposes. The default stand a microphone will come with will have your back hunched or in an awkward position. Invest in a stand that allows you a flexible microphone position.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Allows flexible usage of a studio quality mic
- Best to use for podcasts, meetings, calls, demos
Cons:
- You will need to allocate more room on your desk to allow for this stand
- Extra mechanical components on your desk
- Takes up space
Bose QuietComfort 35 Series 2 Gaming Headset – Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Bose QuietComforts are a great pair of noise cancelling headphones to use for working or traveling. I even chose to opt to get the Gaming Headset option because I do like to game from time to time – it’s a great way to unwind and have some fun with friends. This headset can easily be pair to a device such as a Playstation controller and allows for optimal sound. High quality sound is needed when you will need to rely on peripheral hearing in video games.
But all things work related, this is a great headset to use for deep, focused work. Does really great in blocking out ambient noise and helps focus for tasks such as writing emails, documents, and listening to important voice recordings or memos.
Pros:
- High quality sound and noise cancellation output
- Great to use for work, business, travel, or even casual usage
- Great noise cancellation for flights
- Ability to use this as a gaming headset for PC or Console games
Cons:
- Difficulty when pairing between multiple devices such as iPhone and MacBooks
- The hardware is not as “sleek” as products such as Apple
Bose Soundlink Revolve
To get some louder and higher quality sound, I pair my MacBook with the Bose Soundlink Revolve. Great to listen to podcasts, videos, and even provides enough sound for house parties. The bass and sound quality of the Bose Soundlink Revolve is amazing and the product has lasted me quite a few years.
Pros:
- Compact device that outputs high quality sounds
- Great for usages such as podcasts, videos, music, parties, and shows
- Bose produces high quality products that last for years
Cons:
- Difficulty at times pairing with multiple devices such as iPhones, MacBooks, Tablets
- Relatively lower battery life – will need to often charge
Logitech MX Master 3S
This is the META when it comes to wireless mouses. The mouse is designed in such a shape that it is extremely comfortable for me to place my hand on it for usage. Almost zero problems from chronic mouse usage, especially with long hours of work per day. The MX3 mouse is bluetooth pair-able with up to 3 devices, has both horizontal and vertical scrolling, and adjustments on scrolling increments.
Pros:
- Extremely ergonomic – can use mouse all day with no pain in hand as Engineer and business owner
- Allow scrolling change – incremental or smooth scrolling
- Bluetooth pair-able to up to 3 devices
Cons:
- Battery life can be limited
- Need USB-C charging
- Need to keep mouse clean
Logitech MX Keys Mini
The Logitech Mini Keyboard is an extremely slim and minimalist keyboard great to use for regular or business computer usage. It is extremely easy to type on, very convenient to carry around, and a great performing device altogether. Just like the Logitech MX3 Mouse, this keyboard allows pairing of up to 3 devices – great if you have multiple devices around the home. I chose to get the Logitech Mini Keyboard without the number pad due to how convenient and flexible it will be able to be carried around. This device does not disappoint, especially if you want to go the digital nomad route.
Pros:
- Compact, Bluetooth, USB-C, for Apple macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, Android
- Flexible and convenient to use for digital nomads or working at coffee shops
- Very slim, sleek, and minimal design – easy to fit in a backpack
- Membrane Keyboard – not as loud / quiet typing
Cons:
- Lack of number pad – will be inconvenient if needed for high number typing
- Does not offer the “clack” that Mechanical Keyboards offer
- USB-C Charging
- Need to keep clean
VIVO Height Adjustable Standing Desk
I bought into the standing desk craze a few years back, but I personally don’t utilize the standing option very often. Standing desks are a great option if you do not allocate much time towards physical exercise. I personally exercise quite often and find that if I use the standing desk too often, I get tired and can’t focus as much. Results will vary.
The VIVO standing desk is a great and budget friendly option if you are looking for a standing desk, but don’t want to break the bank. The advantage of the VIVO standing desk is that it allows for a hand rotating mechanism to adjust the height of the desk, instead of relying on linear actuators.
What I really enjoy about standing desks is the ability to set the desk at the perfect height relative to where my arm positioning will be. This also allows me to work long hours without getting much pain. If you’re dealing with any type of pain at all regarding working, it’s very likely your office set up.
Pros:
- Inexpensive and budget friendly way to get a standing desk
- Hand rotating mechanism – eliminates the need for power supply and less cords
- Allows for a desk with proper arm positioning for ergonomics
Cons:
- Cheaper and lower quality material
- Not as nice as desks such as Uplift
- Will be tiring to rotate the hand crank to adjust the desk up and down
- Custom height set up not available
Herman Miller Aeron Chair Fully Adjustable
The Herman Miller Aaron Chair is one of the OG GOAT’s when it comes to ergonomic chairs. I love my fully adjustable Herman Miller – I’m able to sit for long hours and deal with zero back pain. The mesh that the chair provides also keeps the chair extremely cool and I don’t need to worry about the seat or the back pad heating up.
Pros:
- A pioneer regarding home office ergonomic chair setups
- Multiple degrees of freedom to allow for varying positions
- Lumbar support
- Flexible arm heights
- High quality mesh design to keep chair cool
- Able to sit 8+ hrs in a day without pain
- Lower cost options available through used sellers such as Craigslist and OfferUp
Cons:
- Expensive investment as this is a higher quality office chair
- Will get dusty and dust will accumulate through the meshes
- Need to keep chair clean
- No head support (not a big deal to me)
Samsonite Classic Leather Backpack
Sure Samsonite isn’t Gucci, but they do provide decent quality leather backpacks at an affordable cost. I was able to get this at a lower cost during the beginning of the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic as the demand for traveling plummeted. This backpack has held up in decent shape through regular usage such as bringing materials from home to work or to the coffee shop.
Work great for short business trips as there is plenty of room to pack clothes, laptop, toiletries, and other miscellaneous items. The Samson Leather Backpack is a quality item and will last for a long period of time. No issues so far with my backpack.
Pros:
- High quality leather backpack suited for business
- Fits decent amount of items – clothes, toiletries, laptops, notebooks, stationary
- Durable and will last
- Good combination of minimalist and functional
Cons:
- The classic leather backpack is somewhat large
- Not a very “slim” design
- Will feel large if you plan on using this backpack out walking all day
Canon PIXMA TR4720 Printer
What good is having the best home office setup without a printer? Even though the world is becoming more digital, you will still need to rely on printing documents out and sending them from time to time. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a basic printer that meets the need for printing out some items for work or business.
Pros:
- Cheap and budget friendly printer
- Allows for document scanning
Cons:
- Can have issues and difficulty setting up and pairing wirelessly with laptop or internet
- Needing to download software on your laptop or iPhone
- Only compatible with 2G broadband frequency internet
- Will sometimes not show up when using it to computer
Overall, a low quality printer – invest in a higher quality printer if able to and you can afford it. This thing has given me headaches from time to time, and has not been able to print things when I really needed something to be printed and ended up having to go to the local printing shop to print and send something out.
Philipps 3 Outlet Surge Protector Extension Cube
Let’s not forget, with a beauty best home office setup, you will have a ton of cords that you will need to be plugging into. A Phillips Extension cube is a really great option for that. I chose to get the cubed option to avoid the extra cords and what not that an extension cord provides. Keeps things relatively clean and allows the plug in of multiple devices such as your laptop, monitor, chargers, printers, and everything else I covered regarding the best home office setup.
Pros:
- Simple yet elegant way to add extension cord without extra wires hanging around
- The cube design is an efficient use of space
- Visually appealing to look at a cube vs. extension cord
- Very inexpensive
Cons:
- Limited number of cords available
- Will not be enough for power users
- Can be difficult to fit in with other “larger” types of plugs in the same outlet
Closing Thoughts on the Best Home Office Setup
I work long hours and it’s imperative to have high quality office products that make the best home office setup so that I can perform and deliver optimally. I know some of the items can be expensive, but it definitely is an investment towards long term business output. There are multiple options available for the devices I show, but this is the set up that I currently use to date.
If you can’t afford higher quality products yet, don’t worry, just keep grinding and build skillsets such that you can increase your salary and afford higher quality goods. I’ve come a long way when it comes to being able to afford higher quality goods and I attribute it to the skillsets that I have built over the years.
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About the author
Kazuyoshi Fujimoto, PE
Founder | Engineering Career Coach | Principal Mechanical Engineer
Kazu oversees all of ultmeche’s engineering services. He provides consulting such as resume reviews, rewrites, mock interviews, and all services career related. Additionally, Kazu performs consulting work regarding Oil & Gas, Automotive, and Aerospace & Defense. Kazu is licensed as a professional engineer in the state of California and has 9+ years of experience in Oil & Gas, Automotive, and Aerospace & Defense.
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