Gear
Accessories
Laptop stands, monitor arms, lights, cable trays, surge protectors and battery backups: the small items that make a desk work all day.
What will I find here? The small items that make a desk work: laptop stands, monitor arms, lights, cable trays, surge protectors and battery backups. Each one is explained with what to check before buying and which guide or free tool helps you size it.
Stands and arms
The goal is the same for both: the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level, 20 to 40 inches away. A stand works for a fixed spot; an arm lets you move the screen for calls or standing. Measure the desk edge thickness and check the arm’s weight range against your monitor.
Light
Soft light in front of you for video calls and a lamp to the side for desk work. A monitor light bar lights the desk without glare on the screen. See the Eye Strain and Lighting hub for the setup.
Power and cables
Look for a UL listing on surge protectors. If you work through storms or an unreliable grid, size a UPS with the UPS Runtime Calculator so your router and modem stay up. Run cables through a tray under the desk and down one leg.
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FAQ
Which accessory first?
A laptop stand with a keyboard and mouse if you work from a laptop; otherwise a monitor arm or a better light.
Do I need a UPS?
A laptop has a battery; a small UPS for the router and modem keeps calls alive during a short outage. A desktop needs a bigger one.
How do I hide cables?
An under-desk tray, one power strip under the desk, and cable sleeves down one leg. The Cable Management hub has the full method.
Sources
- the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Computer Workstations eTool
- UL, surge protective device listings
This page is general information, not medical advice.