The working from home thread: tips and advice

I have a LG5K2K (ultrawide 34", flat) as my main display on a doubled up ergotron (which is normally single, I just bought another one on sale and stacked the arms on top of each other)
For my secondary display I have the Macbook Pro 13" below it. I usually use it for keeping an eye on Whatsapp and/or Zoom calls (because onboard webcam). The macbook screen is sometimes also used for video podcasts.

On the second monitor arm I have an iiyama 27" 4K, mostly off, when I turn it on I'm either watching cycling all day or doing electronics-cookery (which needs multiple big screens to look at schematic and pcb layout at the same time) or something.

I used to have a Dell u2415 (1200p) on that arm, now it's moved to Zwifting duties on top of a bookcase (not billy, a shorter one) just next to my main work area, and connected to a Zwift-dedicated Apple TV. Bottom two shelves of that bookcase contains two Vacmaster Cardio fans. The iiyama on the ergotron can then pivot to the other side where I have my turbo setup, and act as a second screen of endless B99 or the office (or YT) episodes. I also have a video cable running from the Dell to the desk in case I want to swap the video for some reason (zwift running on mac but on the top-screen, appletv on iiyama monitor) but I might just pack it at this point, have never used it.

Computer monitors:

I'd like to find something that blocks light above my screen, for an additional height of about 150mm. Basically there is a window behind and at some times in the day the sun angle creates loads of glare by bouncing off shiny stuff outside.

Strictly speaking this is not about WFH, it's a shared office so I can't just shut the blinds on the window.

Does such a product exist?

Monitor hoods / monitor shades

Pro retoucher vibes in 3....2....

Ok thanks. I've looked into it and that's not what I need.

I'm going to use a piece of dark colored cardboard and some velcro.

I know someone else on here as a Zenscreen, I have a Zen Screen MB166C which I'v been using as a second screen for months, went up to our Bristol office so just took my laptop, come back today plugged everything in and now the resolution on my main display 34" wide screen is using a resolution of 3840 x 1260 rather then 3440 x 1440. If I unplug plug the Zen Screen it goes back to the correct resolution of 3440 x 1440.

Don't remember having this issue before and I can't seem to find a solution apart form unplugging the Zen screen, any ideas?

No issue here. I run the following under Linux (Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS):

• Acer DM431K 4K@60Hz (3840x2160)
  
• Asus Zenscreen MB166C
  
  

and I unplug and replug my Zenscreen about 4 times a week with no problems and have been doing so for about a year. I'd definitely know if the resolution changed on my main monitor.

What OS are you on? Win 11?

Thanks, Win 10, never had an issue before so not sure where the issue is. Will have to have a detailed looked later

Fixed the issue, was something to with Active Signal Resolution, not matching the machine I was using in the office with that of the one I have at home.

This is more working from the office... I need a new office chair, what's recommended. Current ones (have no spares) were around 500 euros so that + a bit is what I can spend.

If you can wait almost a month for delivery, this flexspot e5 for £140 is a great deal, desktops currently 50% off a well
https://www.hotukdeals.com/4250885

Is there a simple solution to have Zooms / Teams meeting for larger groups using an external HD Cam / Speaker combo and a TV? hooked up to a laptop somehow??

Would this work? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Microphones-Conference-TONGVEO-Computer-Streaming/dp/B09Y5HXB8Z/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Conference+Camera&qid=1701177489&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.23648568-4ba5-49f2-9aa6-31ae75f1e9cd

Is it still the advice that the top of a monitor should be about eye level? Specifically for a standing desk.

I feel I want my eye level to be about 1/8 to 1/4 down from the top but I will need to buy a new monitor arm (or a longer pole if I can find).

No. You want your eyes in the middle of the screen.

For most windows users their apps are at the bottom and depending on work that's probably done around the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the screen (top to bottom).

Thanks

heated jacket/gilet/vest that isn't shit and won't set fire to my nipples (and house). any recommendations?

I have Keis motorbike stuff which is very high quality and has served me really well on the bike.

I know they do a couple of battery pack vests and jackets. Haven't used any myself.

££ compared to your amazon special obvs.

Ugh.. I'm looking for a new monitor as my one has been usurped and shopping for monitors is even more painful than shopping for an integrated washing machine.

Anyone got any suggestions on the below?

Ideally

• <£200 (is this possible?)
  USB C
  Compatible with a MBP
  27"
  2560 x 1440 (that's the one below 4k right?)
  Vesa
  

Compatible with a MBP

have no idea why my lenovo screen doesnt work with my 2019 mbp through usb-c... can someone enlighten me? do i have to get an hdmi adapter

This one is £60 over budget but should do what you want: Dell s2722dc

We have an S2722DZ at home that works fine with a MacBook doing DisplayPort, power delivery and USB (that model has a built in webcam) over a single USB-C. That model doesn't seem to be available, but the linked one should work the same without the webcam.

Might be a stupid question but does the MBP support DisplayPort?

Cheers for that!

https://www.lenovo.com/gb/en/p/accessories-and-software/monitors/home/66eduac1uk?

This looks alright but I guess it might not work with Mac based on the above

https://www.anker.com/blogs/hubs-and-docks/do-all-usb-c-cables-support-video

have no idea! it only has usb-c ports (3 of them)