The working from home thread: tips and advice

I currently use a 60x70 desk, have been since March, its fine with a 27” iMac

A bit small.

Current plan is one similar to this (which is why I need more than 50cm depth to a desk):

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/acer-dm431k-43-ips-3840x2160-4k-60hz-5ms-widescreen-led-backlit-gaming-monitor-black-mo-14r-ac.html

Or a 65 inch 4k LG Self Lit Oled display....

4mm thick. Stuck to the wall with magnets.
AV box and electronics are in a seperate box, which makes a lot of sense actually for a self lit oled display...

Thank goodness you mentioned that. I didn't even consider the leg depth...

I think mines a little more awkward as the window/ door is part of that alcove too, but I'm determined to make this work as I love the light that comes in there.

Funnily enough I have a 42inch 4k screen I was looking to use as my monitor.

Thanks.

Excellent - I've already got the Logitech Master mouse so just ditched one of the mouses! I always thought the buttons underneath were for different mouse sensitivities.

I've got my speakers connected to my main monitor via an audio jack which seems to work when I switch computer inputs.

If I got a cheap USB mic and webcam with something like this below, would sort out the rest?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/UGREEN-Sharing-Keyboard-Scanner-Printer-Black/dp/B01N6GD9JO/ref=asc_df_B01N6GD9JO/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309968313994&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4348359638665467407&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9044906&hvtargid=pla-350939791158&psc=1

a 42 inch 4k TV from about 40cm away might be a bit too immersive...

TV's are a bit of a lottery to use on a computer. Many have considerable lag from input to display, not a problem watching TV but it could be a big problem for use as a computer if you're typing, moving a mouse, or gaming.

Depends how recent the TV is. Some have a "game mode" that minimises the processing (and therefore the lag) between input and display.

Anything that has 100ms of lag or more is quite unusable, especially long term. It's the reason why a 42" monitor is quite a bit more than the a 42" TV.

https://thenextweb.com/plugged/2017/10/01/use-4k-tv-pc-monitor/ links to some useful info about which TVs are ok in terms of lag.

If your monitor has an audio jack, its most likely taking the audio from the HDMI connection, so you're sorted there.

That USB switch should work fine, though if you want the monitor to switch also, you can get one with an HDMI switch too:

So an HDMI and USB in from your laptop, HDMI and USB in from your desktop, and HDMI out to your monitor. Reduces button pushes (though pushing a button on the bottom of your mouse, button on your keyboard, button on your screen isn't as bad has having to unplug lots of things)

There is a big push and demand for fast responding TVs with high powered consoles and e-gaming. Particularly from the Korean brands like LG & Samsung.

E.g:

4k res, 120hz, 1ms response time, low input lag, Nvidia G-Sync.

Its possible that the wireless receiver for the keyboard might get confused with the switch.
May not be the case for other keyboards, but the internet suggests the Logitech unifying receiver has issues with this.

I've got my MX Master mouse and MX keys keyboard connecting via the Logitech unifying receiver on the desktop (lots of USB ports) and connected via bluetooth on my laptop, and also connected on device 3 to my iPad pro.

My current desk is roughly 1 m x .6 m. I don’t feel short of space; have a laptop, separate screen and a lamp but still have enough space to work.

I've got a 48" LG OLED screen... and frankly it's too big.

What I also have is motion sickness when I play video games on it.

May not be the case for other keyboards, but the internet suggests the Logitech unifying receiver has issues with this.

I've used this system with Logitech keyboard and various Logitech mice with no issues.

I always thought the buttons underneath were for different mouse sensitivities.

#facepalm. Although I don't even use it anymore. I have a macbook and a Hp laptop, and have installed Logi Options on both and turned Flow on, so you just move the mouse between the two seamlessly

Do you know about the thumb button? Best screenshot tool in the world.

That's a game-changer, so you can just move your mouse across screens even from Windows to Mac?

Do you think there's a reasonable business justification for me to have installed on my computer? Or is there going to some data thing where logitech are sorta watching what you do?

The customisation boosts productivity, less RSI from keyboard for frequent commands you don't need to reset your train of thought, its less fiddly, it saves you 10 minutes a day, that's X hours per year and it's a free app, so it's an easy win.

I'm sure they like to collect analytics data but you can opt out

I used to use Synergy for this, way back before it became payware.

There used to be an app that you could use to share screens too, although it was quite fragile.

You need at least a Master 2s or a Master 3.
I have 2 original master mice, so sadly can't use flow...

I use the thumb button for the 'Snip & Sketch' tool, which is just awesome.

shame. you can also do this which is mindblowing

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mmmmmmm... £90 is a lot for a mouse....

Thank you - something for me to consider!

I've been working on one of these since March (102cm x 49cm): https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/lillasen-desk-bamboo-90278277/

Was looking up this beforehand, but seeing it in the person was way to shallow (13cm less than above i think): https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/fjaellbo-laptop-table-black-30339735/

Have gone through a couple of iterations of laptop open or closed at side with wireless keyboard, currently settled with laptop in front of monitor.

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