Workstation Setup
Setting up your workstation well is an important step towards working comfortably and efficiently. Whilst laptops are fantastic tools that allow us to take our work with us from place to place, working from a laptop placed on a desk day in day out can cause injury and harm to our health. In the videos below we look at the technical aspect of plugging everything in and changing settings to improve the workstation layout. This is general advice, and should be used in conjunction with the DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT – EMPLOYEE CHECKLIST.
The checklist and more information can be found on the HUB
1. Setting up a monitor.mp4Connecting a monitor and hub
In this video, we connect an external screen, keyboard, mouse and other accessories to the laptop to improve the workstation layout and ease of use.
2. Dual monitors (laptop screen).mp4Extended screen configuration
In this video, we reposition the laptop and configure Windows to allow for an extended dual monitor setup using the external monitor as the main display and laptop as a second desktop.
3. Dual external screens.MOVDual external screens
In this video we look at mounting two external monitors to the desk using an arm and plugging the laptop into the monitors with a dual HDMI to USB-C adaptor.
4. Home office use.MOVEasy switching between PC's
In this final video we look at how to make it easy to switch the monitors, keyboard and mouse between a work PC and a second PC. This isn't relevant to everyone, but is helpful for those of us that use our home office for work.
Useful links
The following items are examples of the technology used in the recordings above. Technology does move very quickly, so some items may change over time.
A four port hub is the most important part of the setup.
The one shown here by ANKER is a reliable and good quality hub that is available on Amazon
There are other options, such as this one from Insight
When purchasing a USB Hub, here are a few considerations:
USB 2.0 is slower than USB 3.0, however 2.0 is fast enough for Keyboard/Mouse/Camera etc. USB 3.0 is faster when used with a flashdrive.
A powered hub isn't needed
More than 4 ports is fine
A second USB-C charger permanently added to the desk is very helpful.
Generic ones like this one are available on Amazon
XMA can also supply USB-C chargers, which can be ordered by emailing our IT Service Desk
When purchasing a USB-C charger, here are a few considerations:
The wattage is a maximum that the charger can supply - a charger that is rated HIGHER than the laptop original is safe to use and will not damage the device.
A charger that is rated lower (such as a mobile phone charger) will "trickle charge" the laptop only and isn't suitable for daily use.
Monitor arms come in multiple styles and configurations for single and dual monitor setups. This one from Amazon is the one shown in the videos above.
A second option is this pole mount style from Insight
When choosing an arm, here are a few considerations:
An arm that is stated as VESA compatible will have the plate with 4 bolt holes that will mount on 99% of monitors, as shown here
When choosing an arm, consider the size of your monitor. A common monitor size for office work is 24" wide screen. Monitors are measured diagonally across the corners of the view area.
The ANKER Dual HDMI to USB-C adaptor is available on Amazon
There are other adaptors available that provide the same type of functionality, but the Anker is one we've tested.
It is also worth mentioning that, whilst these will work on a MacBook, the options within MacOS are not the same as Windows, so it may not be possible to replicate the three screen extended setup that is shown in the videos if using a Mac.
For those of us who are working from our home office and looking for an easy option to switch between PC's, there are numerous switching hubs that allow the keyboard, mouse, camera and headset to be quickly moved between PC's without getting under the desk.
This one from UGreen and this one from Sabrent have both been tested by the team.