ThinkPad-based workspace

2024-11-30, by Dmitri Zdorov

For my personal projects, I mostly use Macs, but for work, I need a Windows computer. I currently have a Lenovo ThinkPad P1, and I use it with a Thunderbolt dock and an external monitor. My colleagues 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 any workspace setup is a computer. I assume you'd prefer a portable one that you might want to take with you when you travel, and the ability to connect it easily is important. Let's assume you are using a ThinkPad as the main machine. Then we need a dock.

1. The best and most suitable dock is the 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, has more ports, and, most importantly, powers the ThinkPad sufficiently, so you do not have to connect a power supply separately.

2. Alternatively, there is a simpler dock: Amazon Basics Thunderbolt 4/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.

3. High-end monitor: I think the best monitor to get right now is the Dell UltraSharp U4025QW. amzn.to/3VcyDFy This is 5K, wide, and slightly curved. It's pricey, but it has a Thunderbolt dock integrated into it.

4. Lenovo ThinkPad 230W Slim Tip AC Adapter is the one for our ThinkPad models. amzn.to/4g8pDcr You'd need to use it with options 2 and 5.

5. Simpler monitor option: LG 32UN880-B 32" UltraFine 4K Display. amzn.to/41ft6BJ I have a previous version of this model at home; the colors are just great.

6. Wired keyboard: I like my keyboards to be wired, and I like the TrackPoint. Thus, I prefer the Lenovo ThinkPad Compact USB Keyboard with TrackPoint. amzn.to/3ZbwD1f

7. Good wireless keyboard: Many people like wide, mechanical wireless keyboards. If this is the case for you, I'd recommend the Keychron K17 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard. amzn.to/3OyP9f3

8. Simple mouse, from Lenovo: amzn.to/3B87LQc This is a very simple yet great wireless mouse I use in the office.

9. Better mouse: At home, I use the Alienware AW720M mouse. I like it because it's more precise. amzn.to/3Vjx0pl

10. Speakers: I tried many different ones, and I like the type called sound monitors because of the least distorted sound. The model I have at home is PreSonus Eris 3.5 Studio Monitors. amzn.to/3Zyab41 They also have bigger models, but I think for desk usage, this is plenty. Make sure you get some kind of Desktop Speaker Stands like amzn.to/41agc84

11. Portable microphone: I really like lavalier mics because they are good for travel. I have the iRig Lav Lapel model. amzn.to/3Zd3jHF

12. Stationary mic: For my desk setup, I use the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone. amzn.to/4fQNPAm

13. Webcam: When you work on a big monitor, you often want to have a dedicated webcam that also works for Windows Hello. The Lenovo Performance FHD Webcam is the model I found to work well. I haven't got to ordering it yet, but I want to. amzn.to/3B6UNC4

14. Desk mat is also a useful thing. I have one like this: amzn.to/3B6ioTs

15. Large headphones: My favorite are the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones because they are the easiest to wear for a long time. amzn.to/3D1Mh7U

16. Lamp: I think a good desk lamp is a great addition. I have the Xiaomi LED Desk Lamp Bianco because it is dimmable, has a nice light color, can be controlled with iPhone, and looks awesome. amzn.to/4g8rUnZ

Most of this can be used for a desktop computer and a Mac too, but I will try to create more fine-tuned recommendations for such cases soon.

Tags: computers, recommendations