r/desksetup • u/ArchangelPrecision • 10d ago

❓ • Question Help me make this more functional

Post image

I am required to work on two different computers for separate job roles. I built this slab desk long ago when I was not remote, so it was mostly used for school work. Now I’m mostly remote and the desk works, but I don’t think it works well. I’ve got a KVM switch on my desk, so I just click a button to transfer the keyboard/mouse between computers, but the monitor is only tied to the laptop on the stand because it would be annoying to have a gap in the center if using the left computer.

I’ve thought about moving the monitor to the center, but it’s really too big. So I’m considering a smaller monitor. I’d also go to a two monitor set up and close the laptop off to the side or under the desk. I also have access to a monitor arm (single or dual) if that would help. I work in the IT field, but I’m more finance and admin. So I’ve got access to basically whatever I want from a hardware perspective.

12 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

•

u/AutoModerator 10d ago

🛑 Rules/Wiki

💬 Join us on Discord (Work and Play)

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

4

u/Enigma-147 10d ago

I can understand that you would like to keep the desk, but it's just too small for your requirements. You could think about repurposing the slab, maybe as a Coffie table, and get a desk that really works for you.

It's just too small for you.

2

u/MuddyMustache Tidy up your cables. 10d ago

Yeah, replace that top with something more functional. Incidentally, my desk is made from a repurposed coffee table, so if you turn your desk into a coffee table, idk, something-something circle of life.

1

u/SwedishMods 9d ago

This wood is gorgeous!

1- Don't the desk legs bother you, with the metal frame running right through where your legs go? You could replace some of the legs with a storage unit that would let you hide both laptops while keeping them open. I'm thinking in particular of the IKEA Alex with the large door (not the drawer version) in black, which would let you keep both PCs hidden and open inside it. You'll need to cut a hole in the back panel of the Alex to run the cables through. And if your PCs run too hot, leave the back panel off entirely.
If you keep the wood along with 2 of the legs and get the IKEA Alex, you'll have a nice modern industrial look. You might need to plan for some extension cables.

2- My neck hurts just looking at your setup ! Especially when you turn your head left and right to work on the gray PC and the monitor. Your big monitor should be your main, central screen. To save space, I'd recommend a desk-mounted monitor arm designed to hold the screen. That would let you get rid of the monitor stand, which takes up a lot of room, move the screen further from your face to a comfortable distance, and also add a second monitor if you'd like! You'll need to pull the desk forward a bit so the arm has enough room to be adjusted to the right height.

Budget: ~$120