Our picks for the best home workspace. For years, I worked in what’s now called the gig economy, able to clock in from anywhere with decent Wi-Fi. But I did my best work from my desk, which was reserved for getting stuff done. For anyone doing the same, here's how to outfit that space for maximum comfort and efficiency.
1) Varidesk Height-Adjustable Standing Desk
VARIDESK
amazon.com
$335.00
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Yes, they’re expensive. Yes, they take up a ton of space. But unless you’ve been using a standing desk for long enough to go all day, a convertible model like this is the way to start. There are dozens of these in our offices, all belonging to happy customers.
2) Black n' Red Twin Wire Poly Cover Notebook
amazon.com
Out of Stock
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I’ve tried them all, and this is the paper I keep coming back to. Durable enough to carry in a briefcase when traveling, doesn’t bleed, and the rings are the only ones I’ve used that don’t bend out of shape over time. Rhodia’s notebooks are a close second.
3) Monitor Stand
grovemade.com
$119.00
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Your monitor should be at around eye-level, which means, if you’re using a typical desk, it’s too short. Short of making your own, this is the best-looking monitor elevator we’ve found. It’s made from sustainable wood, too.
4) Logitech Powered Wireless Charging Stand
apple.com
$69.95
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Fast wireless charging set up so you can watch your phone for notifications. I have mine set up next to my monitor and opened to my Outlook app, so I can see if there’s an urgent email without taking up monitor space.
5) Sonos One Smart Speaker
amazon.com
$198.00
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Knockout sound for such a small footprint, ideal for setting on a bookshelf and playing whatever keep you going. The built-in Amazon Alexa functionality - and, soon, Google Assistant - is a bonus.
6) Matias Mini Tactile Pro Keyboard for Mac
amazon.com
$119.95
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Unlike the membrane and scissor-switch keyboards you find in most laptops and desktops, mechanical keyboards each have independent springs that last forever and have a satisfying tactility that, once you get through a few emails, will make other keyboards feel mushy and imprecise. Tradeoff? They’re loud. But if you’re the only one in your office, who cares?
7) ASUS AC2900 Wireless Router
amazon.com
$189.99
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Upgrading from the router that Verizon is making you rent from them will give you an immediately noticeable bump in speed, stability, and range, if you’re the type who roams between the desk and couch depending on mood. $200 seems like a lot, but this Asus has all the latest connectivity hardware and software to handle a houseful of smart devices and streaming TVs, plus silent security that will keep out criminals.
8) Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball
amazon.com
$78.65
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Payoff for taking time to learn a trackball will come in the lack of wrist pain. If you can’t spare that time, or if $100 is too much too spend, the $20 Logitech Marathon mouse is an excellent classic mouse. Same for anything Logitech. They make awesome peripherals.
9) HP Pavilion 32-inch Display
HP
amazon.com
$362.00
Buy Now
If you’re used to hunching over a 13-inch laptop screen, an external display will change your life. Now, they’re so cheap that they’re more than worth it to anyone who regularly works in one place. This HP is an exceptional value for its huge size, recommendable to anyone except video editors or gamers, who will need higher resolution.
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