Every person has their unique vision of what constitutes a perfect or dream desk setup. Some may require five external monitors, while others are content with just one. For some, a mechanical keyboard is a must-have, while others find its audible clicks a distraction. I’ve encountered individuals who view a simple laptop setup as their ideal, while many others pursue a fully dedicated office environment. In this regard, I want to highlight some of the desk accessories I’ve recently integrated into my setup, aimed at perfecting my M4 Mac mini and M4 iPad Pro workspace. I invite you to share your preferred accessories in the comments below!
In this article, I will showcase some of the latest additions to my accessory lineup that I’m absolutely enjoying. If you’re interested in a comprehensive overview, don’t forget to check out the video below!
This collection of accessories is what truly motivated me to transform the aesthetic of my desk. Ugmonk has a reputation for crafting premium, minimalist, and highly functional desk and productivity tools. The Gather collection served as the perfect foundation for my vision. Each product in the collection is not only visually appealing but also exceptionally crafted and multifunctional. I especially love the incorporation of magnets!
The centerpiece is the Large Monitor Stand:
- Constructed from powder-coated steel and plush wool felt
- Solid maple wood accents
- Supports weights up to 35lbs
- Easy, toolless assembly
- Available in four attractive color combinations (White/Maple shown below)
While this monitor stand is the focal point of my setup, I have also incorporated various other pieces from the collection to refine the overall look. Each item shares the same design philosophy, finish, and attention to detail.
I highly recommend Ugmonk. Initially, I was apprehensive due to the price point of some items, but upon receiving them and feeling the quality of the materials, I understood the value. Additionally, all products are crafted in the US. If you aim to add functionality and elegance to your workspace, consider exploring Ugmonk, from their smaller productivity tools to the whole collection.
In my setup, the Sonos Ace headphones are a go-to, currently at a discount of $100. They’re perfect for when I need concentration and want to drown out distractions. However, for moments when I want to share sound, I sought an alternative that would sidestep the traditional speaker arrangement. That’s where the Soundblade shines. Its design is distinctively unique, made to function with iMacs as both a monitor riser and speaker. It integrates seamlessly on my Ugmonk monitor riser as well.
Here’s what it has to offer:
- Power Output: 120 watts peak
- Sound configuration: 2.1 channel sound
- Built-in 80mm Neodymium subwoofer
- Two dual-voice, dual Neodymium magnet drivers
- Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, and AUX
- Easy switch between PC USB-C connections
- One-touch controls on the unit
- Remote control included
Connectivity is straightforward. I connect it to my Mac mini via USB-C, but Bluetooth and AUX options are also available.
Recently, I created a video comparing the Sotsu Elite 16 with the Espresso 17 Pro to identify the top portable monitor currently available. Although both options are impressive, I’m currently using the Sotsu monitor in a vertical position as a secondary display. It has a sleek design reminiscent of a 16-inch iPad on a stand — a look that could easily be mistaken for an Apple product. Thanks to the magnets on my monitor riser, the Sotsu display is securely held in place.
- 4K resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio
- Brightness of 450 nits
- Contrast ratio of 1200:1
- 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage
- Refresh rate of 60Hz
- Single cable connectivity solution
- No external power required
- Weights just 925g
- Features 2 USB-C ports, mini HDMI, and an SD card slot
The monitor is currently available for preorder, with shipments expected in March!
A notable recent addition to my setup is the Satechi M4 Mac mini hub, which brings back some ports lacking in the latest M4 Mac mini model.
The additional ports provided by this hub include:
- Host cable – USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
- SD Card Reader – transfer speeds up to 312 MB/s (4.0 UHS-II)
- 2 USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports – each supporting up to 10Gbps
- 1 USB-A 2.0 port – with speeds of up to 480Mbps
- M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure – speeds up to 10Gbps
- Compatible with 2230/2242/2260/2280 SSD sizes
This hub boasts robust construction, contemporary design, and seamlessly fits beneath my monitor stand.
This desk mat is a real innovation, boasting multiple functionalities. It is made from high-quality vegan leather that not only enhances your workspace’s aesthetic but also provides a smooth surface for effortless peripheral movement. A thoughtful feature of the mat is its clever railing along the top, which includes a magnetic groove for securely holding your Apple pencil to prevent misplacing it, in addition to a magnetic cable organizer. The layered design features a felt underside that protects your desk from scratches while offering a convenient spot to stash items like brochures and printouts. It’s fascinating to see how companies are continually innovating even with something as simple as a desk mat. Various colors and sizes are available too!
Final Thoughts
As I mentioned earlier, desk setups are an ongoing evolution. There’s always a new, faster hub, chic mouse, or better lighting that captivates your interest and eventually makes its way into your arrangement. What truly matters is how you utilize these accessories and the sense of accomplishment they provide when you’re ready to tackle your work. Every morning, I find myself eager to approach my desk because everything is arranged to my liking. I hope some of these accessories inspire you to enhance your workspace, even if it’s just adding one of them!
What’s your most beloved accessory on your desk? Is there anything you think is absolutely unnecessary? I’d be eager to hear what you’ve got going on!
