No two people work alike — our vocation and habits make sure of that. What most of us can relate to, though, is the need to curate our home or office workstations the way we want. And we’re all dipping our hands into the same pool of devices — computer, mouse, keyboard and speakers — and hoping the right mix will allow us to become our most productive, efficient and creative self. So what to choose?
At Gear Patrol, we gravitate towards an Apple workstation. Its Mac line is secure and dependable — and damn pretty as well — plus all Apple computers seamlessly integrate with the iPhone most of us already own. Still, walk around our offices and you’ll notice that no two setups are identical. Some have desktops. Others have laptops, with no — or multiple — external monitors. There are standing desks, too, along with every kind of over-ear cans you can imagine.
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Since everybody works differently, there really isn’t a perfect desktop set up — so we’ve created four for four different people. There are the minimalist and high-end setups, depending on how much you want to spend or how clutter-free you want your workspace. And there are desk-tied setups and ones that have no problem being packed up and going mobile. All are rooted in a Mac. And all have a little flair. A good desktop setup can be used for work and play, remember.
The Apple MacBook — Basic Setup
Tucker BoweDespite proclamations to the contrary, the smartphone hasn’t antiquated the computer. Not even close. A laptop still provides more processing power, memory and versatility than any smartphone could ever hope to — especially when powered by Apple’s M1 or M2 silicone. Don’t underestimate the bigger screen and an actual keyboard, either. This basic setup is for the person who can’t always be confined to a desk. Even if there aren’t too many frills, everything works seamlessly with each other. Plus, this specific power bank can juice the M2 MacBook Air for a few extra hours.
Apple15-inch M2 MacBook Air
As of June 2023, Apple sells a 15-inch version of the MacBook Air — it’s the most “big screen” MacBook Air ever. The bigger screen is super helpful for a setup without an external monitor.
Price: $1,299+
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$1,299.00 (19% off)
AppleApple AirPods (2nd generation)
These are Apple’s entry-level pair of wireless earbuds that can quickly pair with iPhones, iPads and Macs. These are frequently on sale for less than $100.
Price: $129
SatechiSatechi Eco-Leather Deskmate
This affordable desk pad is a good choice for smaller desks. It’s available in your choice of blue, black or brown. Satechi also sells matching mouse pads.
Price: $40+
AppleiPhone 14
The iPhone 14 is the most entry-level (and smallest) of Apple’s latest crop of smartphones. It has an excellent battery life, edge-to-edge display and a solid camera system.
Price: $799+
AmazonSatechi Pro Slim Hub
The Satechi Pro Slim Hub is designed to perfectly fit your MacBook Air. And yes, you can color match it, too. It adds a bunch of useful ports to your laptop, including a microSD slot.
Price: $79
AmazonLogitech MX Anywhere 3S
Even though the newest MacBook Air has a more than capable trackpad, it’s always nice to have a wireless mouse. The MX Anywhere 3S is a small and portable alternative to Apple’s Magic Mouse.
Price: $80
AudioengineAudioengine DAC3
The Audioengine DAC3 is a tiny portable DAC/amp that can connect to your Mac or iPhone (via the included cables) and boost the audio of your wired headphones.
Price: $149
GradoGrado SR60x
The Grado SR60x are great bang-for-your-buck wired headphones that offer a much different alternative to AirPods. These headphones are stylish and their open-back design helps audio sound bigger and better.
Price: $99
The Apple MacBook — Power User
Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear PatrolThis setup combines the best of both worlds. It’s rooted around a 16-inch MacBook Pro, so it can be taken mobile if need be, but it’s really optimized to run like a high-end desktop. There’s a separate wireless mouse and keyboard, so you don’t have to be right up near the screen. Speaking of which, the huge curved display is an Excel user’s dream. (It’s also pretty awesome for gaming.)
Apple16″ MacBook Pro (M2 Pro)
This is Apple’s newest and biggest MacBook Pro. It has the same design as its predecessors — including MagSafe charging — but can now be configured with Apple’s super powerful M2 Pro and M2 Max chipsets.
Price: $2,499+ (M2 Pro)
AppleApple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad
This Magic Keyboard is specially designed to work with a Mac that has Apple silicon. This model has a numeric keypad and a Touch ID button. It’s available in white or black (although the latter is more expensive).
Price: $159
AmazonBest Budget-Friendly Vertical Mouse
Logitech Lift
Logitech’s vertical mouse positions your hand and arm in a natural handshake position, which reduces stress and pressure of the wrist.
Price: $70
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$69.99 (13% off)
AppleApple AirPods Max
Yes, they’re expensive. But the AirPods Max are definitely some of the best and most premium noise-canceling headphones you can buy. Available in several different colors.
Price: $549 $477
AppleiPhone 14 Pro
The iPhone 14 Pro is Apple’s top of the line smartphone. Compared to the regular iPhone 14, the Pro has better camera and a better and always-on display. It also has the Dynamic Island (the floating notch).
Price: $999+
AppleApple Studio Display
The Studio Display is an 27-inch 5K external display that’s powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic processor. It packs powerful mics, speakers and a great webcam (that supports Center Stage) — it works perfectly with any Mac computer.
Price: $1,599
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$1,899.00 (16% off)
Twelve SouthTwelve South BookArc
This vertical stand is a simple and elegant way to keep your laptop out of the way while working on your external monitor.
Price: $60
BeyerdynamicBeyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (80 Ohm)
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro excellent, affordable open-back headphones. Beyerdynamic makes several different versions of the DT 990 Pro, with this 80-ohm version being the easiest to drive.
Price: $180
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$179.95 (6% off)
iFi AudioiFi Uno
This is iFi’s entry-level DAC/amp that connects to your laptop via a USB connection. It’s small, simple and has a wonderfully tactile volume knob. It also has RCA outputs for using with power monitors.
Price: $79
Q AcousticsQ Acoustics M20 HD
The Q Acoustics M20 HD are powered speakers that can connect directly to your laptop via a 3.5mm cable. It’s a simple yet awesome way to upgrade your workstation’s sound system.
Price: $500
LaCieLaCie 1big Dock
The LaCie 1big Dock is an external hard drive that can be bought — directly from Apple — with 10TB or 16TB of storage. It also doubles as a docking station, adding much needed ports and pass through power for your MacBook Pro.
Price: $499
SeagateSeagate Ultra Touch 2023
If you’re looking for an external hard drive that’s small and affordable, the Seagate Ultra Touch 2023 is one of favorite options. It adds 1TB or 1TB of storage and connects to your laptop via USB-C.
Price: $80+
The Apple Desktop — Basic Setup
AppleEven in this age of portability, there’s still a place for a traditional desktop. It’s more upgradable than a laptop and you generally get more for less, in terms of a better processor, better graphics chipset, bigger screen and more storage. And, of course, its fixed location naturally helps you separate work from everything else. This setup is built around Apple’s 24-inch iMac — which was completely redesigned in late 2021 — and it’s designed to blend effortlessly together, while still maintaining a clean, clutter-free desk.
AppleApple M1 iMac (2021)
Released in late 2021, t0 24-inch iMac is the first to pack Apple silicon. It also has a near edge-to-edge display, a thinner design and smaller base, as well as improved speakers and a 1080p webcam. And it’s available in a variety of vibrant colors.
Price: $1,299+
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$1,699.00 (95% off)
AppleApple Magic Mouse 2
The second-generation Magic Mouse that comes with your iMac matches its color; if you buy separately, it’s only available in white or black.
Price: $79
LogitechLogitech MX Keys S
This is a great and clicky-er alternative to Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Released in 2023, the Logitech MX Keys S has an new function key row that adds more controls over backlighting and video conferencing.
Price: $110
AppleApple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
The AirPods Pro are the perfect upgrade for people who love AirPods, but also what the benefits of active noise-cancellation and spatial audio.
Price: $249 $199
AppleiPhone 14 Plus
The iPhone 14 Plus is essentially a bigger version of the iPhone 14. It has the same camera systems and display technologies. but it’s 6.7-inch screen — which is the same size as the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Price: $899+
GrovemadeGrovemade Felt Desk Pad
Grovemade’s wool felt pads add a bit of texture to a desk that might otherwise lack it, both in terms of feel and in terms of color — the Felt Desk Pad is available in white, blue, brown, black and grey.
Price: $55
SennheiserSennheiser HD 560S
The Sennheiser HD 560S are another one of our favorite open-back wired headphones. They’re fairly affordable, super comfortable and deliver excellent.
Price: $197
BelkinBelkin MagSafe 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand
This is a 2-in-1 charger for your iPhone and AirPods. It’s simple and takes up minimal desk real-restate. Plus it supports MagSafe charging at 15 watts.
Price: $100
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$99.99 (7% off)
AudioengineAudioengine HD3
The Audioengine HD3 are slightly dressed-up and a little better-sounding versions of the company’s well-loved A2+ desktop speakers. The have built-in Bluetooth, too.
Price: $349
The Apple Desktop — Power User
Tucker BoweThe ultimate desktop setup doesn’t include a traditional all-in-one desktop. Instead, we’ve combined the top-of-the-line M2 (Max or Ultra) Mac Studio with two 4K monitors, a powerful speaker setup (with Audioengine’s N22 amp) and several other accessories that’ll maximize productivity. Just step back and revel in its glory. No desk mat needed.
AppleApple Mac Studio (2023)
Apple’s newest Mac Studio has the same design as its 2022-released predecessor, but the new model can be configured with the more powerful M2 Max or M2 Ultra chips. The updated models support as many as eight 4K displays (should you need it).
Price: $1,999+
LGLG UltraFine 4K Display (2x)
The LG UltraFine 4K Display has been Apple’s go-to external monitor of choice for years. The display has two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and works perfectly with the Mac Studio. Additionally, it’s half as expensive as Apple’s Studio Monitor.
Price: $799 each
GrovemadeGrovemade Wood Desk Shelf (Large)
Grovemade’s gorgeous shelf sits on top of your desk and easily holds two monitors (ideally up to 27″ each). You can purchase in two woods, maple or walnut (shown), and a number of different finishes.
Price: $380
KeychronKeychron K4
The Keychron K4 is a prime option for Mac users looking for a mechanical keyboard. It has the same layout as Apple’s Magic Keyboard — with the command key — but adds a numeric pad and backlighting. It worked in a wired mode via a USB-C connection.
Price: $80
LogitechLogitech MX Master 3S
This is a big upgrade over Apple’s barebones Magic Mouse. The MX Master 3S has an ergonomic design, magnetic scroll wheel and customizable buttons. Available in white or black.
Price: $100
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$99.99 (8% off)
LogitechLogitech Brio 500
The Logitech Brio 500 is a slick-but-simple webcam that’s Mac compatible. It has a neat cylindrical shape that, when rotated, has a built-in privacy shutter.
Price: $130
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$129.99 (27% off)
AudioengineAudioengine N22
This desktop amplifier is one-of-a-kind and is the perfect solution for anybody who wants to turn a pair of passive bookshelf speakers into their computer speakers. It also can act as an external headphone amp.
Price: $199
AmazonPSB Alpha P5
The Alpha P5 push well above their $500 price tag and can be driven by most entry-level amps (including the Audioengine N22). They are some of our favorite passive bookshelf speakers.
Price: $399
SonySony WH-1000XM5
The Sony XM5s aren’t the fanciest or most expensive noise-canceling headphones you can buy. But they deliver way better noise-cancellation than pretty much any other option out there. And every pro needs a nice pair of ANC headphones.
Price: $399
CourtesyCraighill Headphone Stand
This is a gorgeous headphone stand made by Cragihill, a Brooklyn-based accessory maker. It’s made of stainless steel and has silicone cradle to hold your headphones.
Price: $88
SennheiserSennheiser HD 800 S
The Sennheiser HD 800 S are some of the favorite closed-back audiophile headphones you can buy. It’s the perfect partner for pros doing doing any kind of video editing. Note: you need to pair with a nice DAC for best sound.
Price: $1,700 $1,500
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$1,699.95 (7% off)
BelkinBelkin Boost Up Charge Pro
You can buy Belkin’s 3-in-1 charging stand directly from Apple. It can simultaneously charge three devices, including your Apple Watch, and it fully supports MagSafe.
Price: $150
