What is your most productive setup when using a computer?

[HappyDude20]

What’s a computer jokes aside…

I’m wondering what you consider to be your go-to productive set up when a computer is involved, knowing you are realistically about to seriously get some work done.

For some it’s as simple as opening up their MacBook at any desk, while for others the type of chair and desk and even as far as the temperature in the room and how much sun light is entering the room matters.

I’ve met a few people that solely get work done on one of those newer stand up desks. A friend, which led me to initiate this topic here in this thread on MacRumors, says that they need their stand up chair from IKEA in order to get work done. I’ll attach a photo of it here.

I have a cousin who swears they are most productive when plopped down on a couch and are reclined all the way back with their MacBook Air on their stomach while YouTube music videos blast on the TV in front of them.

Personally, perhaps cause my folks used to own a bar almost two decades ago, I love getting work done on a barstool and an elevated table of sorts.

I’ve also known a contractor or two that would need to visit Home Depot a few times a day and swear they are most productive in their vehicle, writing down like there’s no tomorrow on a pad and paper with a connected cell phone near by.

Finally, I’ll mention that I cannot for the life of me be productive in a library of any kind. Don’t know why, perhaps it’s just too quiet.

Specifically in this thread am wondering about this in regards to productivity, again specifically, concerning a computer. Although I mean a MacBook, I’m open to how others may interpret a computer to them.

 

[biffuz]

Interesting thread.

As a software developer, I *NEED* two displays, optimal is three, and at times I wish I had twelve. It drives me mad when I have to use only the laptop. So I need a decent sized desk and a decent chair. I wish to try an adjustable desk, but I take small breaks to think and walk a little.

My ideal environment includes metal music, a fan to blow air around me (not directly on me), light colored furnishment - and not everything grey or brown -, an adequate amount of indirect light, little to no noise or movement around me, a window to let my eyes rest a little, and a pet laying next to me.

Sadly I can't have all of that in the office... but I try to get as close to it as possible.

 

[Bento.Box]

I like my setup at home. Workstation, 3 monitors with US keyboard and mouse.
If I go for max productivity, I would use Linux instead of Windows. I just keep Windows running because I also play on this machine. That has a naturally higher admin overhead, but I'm far more efficient in maintaining my machine and selecting suitable software than the average corporate IT.
It's important for me that I'm alone in the room with no distractions and the room is kept reasonable cool.
Communication via Chat and Mail, live or audio only when closely working together.
Also, coffee and herbal tea should be available.
My next desk would be a standing desk (that helps me a lot), and I also need some space to pace around while thinking.

On the go, I'm happy with my new MacBook. Add some external displays if possible.

Worst environment to do stuff: Being stuck in an open floor plan office, with half a dozen conversations going on around me and multiple people constantly inside my personal space, also with lack of communication discipline. Add glare from sunlight or poorly placed office lighting and a hot, moist and sweaty environment and I'm ready to punch the next person in the face that looks at me wrong (I usually then just go out with the smokers to cool off, even though I don't smoke).

 

[TechRunner]

My "serious" work is writing, so I grab a bottle of water, sit in my chair at my desk in front of my 24" monitor with the room as quiet as possible, and crank out words. Occasionally I'll grab my laptop and sit on the couch for research and less intensive efforts like blogging, but most of my time is spent at my desk.

 

[eyoungren]

A large desk with lots of room, multiple displays, multiple computers. Preferably a TV for background noise (I'm Gen-X).

I prefer desktop computers, a M7803 wired keyboard and a wired Mighty Mouse. My work assigned me an MBP when I was hired though. Pre-pandemic that meant working in the office - where I also had my own laptop and was streaming TV (as background noise) on my iPad.

Now it means that I use a KVM to switch between my MacPro and my work Mac, which is in clamshell mode all the time.

Early 2021 I got a kitchen table for a desk, I couldn't find a desk big enough that wasn't over $1000 or custom made, or a cheap end business desk. I use a gaming chair that I found to be comfortable.

I do not have a home office, my setup in one wall in the living room. I do have the garage, but that's fairly unusable during Phoenix summers. Once our kids finally move out, my wife and I get their rooms again and I'll have a room to put all this stuff in.

Noise isn't an issue. As I mentioned, I'm Gen-X, so the TV was always on because I was usually home alone for a few hours each day. Also, kids are at school and wife's at work.

Anyway…



This is showing my MacPro. When I am using just the work MBP, it only supports the two 30" Cinema Displays.

 

[TechRunner]

Is this punctuation typical in your serious writing?

No. Internet forums are where I get to relax Besides, my writing is only serious to me. For now, at least. And it's mostly fiction, so there's lots of wiggle room for style. Ask Cormac McCarthy.

 

[MrCheeto]

No. Internet forums are where I get to relax

=|

@eyoungren A Mighty Mouse plugged into a Pro keyboard to control your (real, original, classic) Mac Pro. Life must be good

 

[eyoungren]

@eyoungren A Mighty Mouse plugged into a Pro keyboard to control your (real, original, classic) Mac Pro. Life must be good

Good for typing and manipulating,

I learned several years back that this is the combination with the best control/response and tactile feel for me.

 

[maflynn]

I’m wondering what you consider to be your go-to productive set up when a computer is involved, knowing you are realistically about to seriously get some work done.

I'm seriously considering a standing desk. I sit in front of the computer 9 to 12 hours a day, and while I exercise and get and move around. I'm wondering if I opt for a standing desk.

I'm pretty happy with my current desk, and in a weird thing, it has sentimental value, I bought it over 40 years ago, and has remained with me and used constantly.

 

[eyoungren]

I'm pretty happy with my current desk, and in a weird thing, it has sentimental value, I bought it over 40 years ago, and has remained with me and used constantly.

I have a desk my parents bought me in 1985 when I was 15. I'm not using it as my main desk now, but it's right next to me holding stuff. So, I get the sentimental value. It's worth practically nothing now - the early days of the cheap pressboard desks with the glued on veneers, but a symbol of all my childhood work and play. It's held computers from the Commodore 64 to a MacPro.