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Welcome to Episode 17 of Mastermind.fm! Join masterminds Jean and James today as they discuss hardware- the technology we use to do what we do each day. Computer hardware is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think hardware, but today’s banter isn’t limited to that. Join us as we delve into standing desks, ergonomic chairs, office tech, and more!
Stay on the lookout through this episode for a free Mastermind.fm giveaway you won’t want to miss!
Standing Desks
- Next Desk
- Up Desk
- Evo Desk
- IKEA
James swears by these and loves them for their ability to get you up and moving while you work. Jean concurs. Getting up and moving (dancing?) can be inspirational! Next Desk tends to be the top of the line ($2k+) while Up Desk better fits the budget range of $400-500. Apparently Jean has found one that can order food for you? Who knew. Jean recommends Ikea standing desks that run around $500.
Ergonomic Office Chairs
- IKEA
Jean likes IKEA here as well, and you can pick up a nice one for around $150. James can’t remember the name of his chair, but I, your anonymous writer of shownotes, can vouch for their awesomeness as well. Unfortunately they don’t have any branding on them. They’re a cloth mesh seat and back with adjustable lumbar support and adjustable just about everything. The extra lumbar support is amazing.
Monitors
- Thunderbolt displays
- Macbook Air, Macbook Pro Retina
James’ office uses 100% Thunderbolt displays, which works because it’s a 100% Mac environment. Jean has tried his both Macbook Air and Pro, and likes the 15” screen of the Pro. He’s also experimented with using his iPad as an alternate second monitor connected by a USB cable. It takes an app to connect them, but is a perfect second monitor on the go. He also uses a 27” monitor on his work desk.
Look for Jean and James’ discussion of hardware to continue next week!
I’m about to buy one of these to go on top of my existing desk. Great option in the $400-$600 range.
They come highly recommended by at least 3 others in my office building.
http://www.varidesk.com/
Awesome, thanks for the link Phil! That’s the one whose name I couldn’t recall 🙂 Do you use any other products that you would recommend we check out?
Not really. Right now I have a home office and away-from-home office. At home a few years ago I built my own permanent standing desk into the wall. It’s basically 23-inch shelf supports with a white MDF particle board surface. The away-from-home office did not have a standing desk but will change with the Varidesk coming soon.