ThinkPad-based workspace
For my personal projects I mostly use macs, but for work I need a windows computer. I currently have Lenovo ThinkPad P1 and I use it with a thunderbolt dock and an external monitor. My collegues at work often ask me to recommend a list of gear to get, so they can have a similar setup, so here we are:
The heart of workspace setup is a computer. I would assume that you'd prefere a portable one, that you might want to take with you when you travel, and use the ability to connect it easily is important. Let's assume that you are using ThinkPad as the main machine, then we need a dock.
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The best and most suitable dock is Lenovo Thunderbolt 4 Dock (and cables) for ThinkPads that draw more than 100w of power. amzn.to/3ZddTP1 It costs more because it's faster, had more ports and the main thing it powers the ThinkPad sufficiently, so you do not have to connect a power supply separately.
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Alternatively there is a simpler dock: Amazon Basics Thunderbolt4/USB4 Pro Docking Station amzn.to/4iacykH This is virtually identical to the one I am using right now, and I have to use it in combination with the power supply.
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High-end Monitor: I think the best monitor to get right now is amzn.to/3VcyDFy - Dell UltraSharp U4025QW, this is 5K, wide, slightly curved. It's pricey, but it has thunderbolt dock integrated into it.
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Lenovo ThinkPad 230W Slim Tip AC Adapter is the one for our ThinkPad models. amzn.to/4g8pDcr You'd need to use it with option 2 and 5
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Simpler awesome monitor option is LG 32UN880-B 32" UltraFine 4K Display amzn.to/41ft6BJ I have a previous version of this model at home, colors are just great.
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Wired Keyboard: I like my keyboards to be wired, and I like the trackpoint, thus I prefer Lenovo ThinkPad Compact USB Keyboard with TrackPoint amzn.to/3ZbwD1f
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Good Wireless Keyboard, but many people like wide, mechanical wireless keyboards. If this is the case for you, I'd recommend Keychron K17 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard amzn.to/3OyP9f3
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Simple mouse, from Lenovo amzn.to/3B87LQc This is very simple, yet great wireless mouse I use in the office.
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Better mouse. At home I use this Alienware AW720M mouse, I like it because it's more precise amzn.to/3Vjx0pl
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Speakers. I tried many many different ones, and I like the type called sound monitors, because of least distorted sound. The model I have at home is PreSonus Eris 3.5 Studio Monitors amzn.to/3Zyab41 but they also have bigger models, I think for the desk usage it's plenty. Make sure you get some kind of Desktop Speaker Stands like amzn.to/41agc84
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Microphone portable. I really like Lavaliere mics, because they good for travel and I have iRig Lav Lapel model amzn.to/3Zd3jHF
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Stationary mic. Also, for my desk setup I use Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone amzn.to/4fQNPAm
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Webcam, when you work on a big monitor you often want to have a dedicated webcam that also works for windows hello. Lenovo Performance FHD Webcam is the model I found to work well, I have got to ordering yet, but I want to. amzn.to/3B6UNC4
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Desk mat is also a useful thing, I have one like this amzn.to/3B6ioTs
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Large headphones. My most favorite are beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones, because they are easiest to weak for long time. amzn.to/3D1Mh7U
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Lamp. I think a good desk lamp is a great addition, I have Xiaomi LED Lamp Desk Lamp Bianco because it is dimmable, nice light color, can be controlled with iPhone and looks awesome amzn.to/4g8rUnZ
Most of it can be user for a desktop computer and a mac too, but I will try to create a more fine-tuned recommendations for such cases too.
Tags: computers, recommendations
