Leveling up your work from home setup - Part 2

Have you read the first part? If you haven't, we suggest that you read the first part and go back to this one after. To recap, we talked about ergonomics, chairs, desks, and mice to level up your computer setup.

For this part, we will be talking more about monitors, headphones, webcams, and accessories!

MONITOR:

If you're looking to improve your computer setup and take your productivity to the next level, here are some tips to help you get started.

Choose a good monitor stand. A good monitor stand will keep your screen elevated so that you can look straight at it and avoid having to look up or down too much.

Put your monitor at eye level. It's important that your eyes are at the same height as the top of your monitor, so it's best to set up both on tables or desks with equal heights (or just place them on different surfaces).

Use a document holder to eliminate looking back and forth between long-distance and near-distance vision. The easiest way to do this is with a document holder that holds both near-vision materials such as books and magazines as well as far-vision materials like computer screens or televisions. This will allow you to use one piece of equipment instead of two, which makes things much more efficient!

Avoid glare on the computer screen. Glare from light sources can make it hard for us to see clearly when we're working on our computers—and if we're not seeing clearly then how can we be productive? To avoid glare, consider investing in an anti-glare screen protector

You might want to check these monitors

Sceptre 22 inch 75Hz 1080P LED Monitor: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07774L6TT?pd_rd_i=B07774L6TT&pf_rd_p=0e085ce4-a814-4f4b-b24c-1b9dbfa919e0&pf_rd_r=MTXA01SJKT91ZCQ2FP1T&pd_rd_wg=A9AgD&pd_rd_w=wufuM&pd_rd_r=11a1eb11-3992-4dc5-906b-56edbe4e559c

HP 24mh FHD Monitor - Computer Monitor with 23.8-Inch IPS Display (1080p): https://www.amazon.com/HP-24mh-FHD-Monitor-Built/dp/B08BF4CZSV/ref=sr_1_4?crid=140A5YOTTX0W6&keywords=ergonomic+monitor&qid=1659151763&sprefix=ergonomic+monitor%2Caps%2C358&sr=8-4

HEADPHONE

A good headset can be a game changer for your conference calls and video chats. Whether you're looking to improve your sound quality, reduce noise, or just make sure you don't annoy everyone around you, there's a headset out there that's right for you.

The best headsets are going to be comfortable and tailored to your needs. For example, if you're going to be using them for long periods of time every day, comfort is going to be high on your priority list—and rightly so! If you're just planning on using them occasionally, though, you might not need as much padding or other features that can add bulk or weight to the design.

When choosing a headset for a conference call or video chat, it's important to consider both the microphone and the earpiece separately. The microphone should pick up your voice clearly so that people on the other end of the call can hear what you're saying—this means it should have good noise-cancelling capabilities and pick up voices from all directions equally well (so no matter where in the room you're sitting).

Check these headphones out for your next purchase!

SENNHEISER HD 820 Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones: https://www.amazon.com/SENNHEISER-HD-820-Audiophile-Headphones/dp/B07D41MTT7/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1JKQZBUPXL0Q1&keywords=headphones&qid=1659152320&sprefix=headphone%2Caps%2C379&sr=8-8

Sony MDREX15AP In-Ear Earbud Headphones with Mic, Black (MDREX15AP/B): https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDREX15AP-B-Black/dp/B00JG2WRUO/ref=sxin_14_ac_d_rm?ac_md=1-1-ZWFycGhvbmVz-ac_d_rm_rm_rm&content-id=amzn1.sym.568df61d-e115-4cb1-a96a-ba070b8f0935%3Aamzn1.sym.568df61d-e115-4cb1-a96a-ba070b8f0935&crid=1JKQZBUPXL0Q&cv_ct_cx=headphones&keywords=headphones&pd_rd_i=B00JG2WRUO&pd_rd_r=c995d0b6-c45b-4bfd-aedb-193dbdecad50&pd_rd_w=9VEnC&pd_rd_wg=PXHzc&pf_rd_p=568df61d-e115-4cb1-a96a-ba070b8f0935&pf_rd_r=SF87419VVBXPBQ5FVCP4&psc=1&qid=1659152320&sprefix=headphone%2Caps%2C379&sr=1-2-7d9bfb42-6e38-4445-b604-42cab39e191b

Philips H9505 Hybrid Active Noise Canceling (ANC) Over Ear Wireless Bluetooth Pro-Performance Headphones with Multipoint Bluetooth Connection: https://www.amazon.com/Philips-H9505-Canceling-Pro-Performance-Headphones/dp/B0931YVR2K/ref=sxin_13_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.9e69e792-0ff0-4e1a-b10c-a41b9d9b3ffc%3Aamzn1.sym.9e69e792-0ff0-4e1a-b10c-a41b9d9b3ffc&crid=1JKQZBUPXL0Q1&cv_ct_cx=headphones&keywords=headphones&pd_rd_i=B0931YVR2K&pd_rd_r=c995d0b6-c45b-4bfd-aedb-193dbdecad50&pd_rd_w=z5mjr&pd_rd_wg=PXHzc&pf_rd_p=9e69e792-0ff0-4e1a-b10c-a41b9d9b3ffc&pf_rd_r=SF87419VVBXPBQ5FVCP4&qid=1659152320&sprefix=headphone%2Caps%2C379&sr=1-1-a73d1c8c-2fd2-4f19-aa41-2df022bcb241-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTVNSWFBGUDRVT1lWJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzc4MjY0MzZDREcyWTg3M1dGTiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDYxNTI4M0VKVVVSU1AzN1cwSSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3NlYXJjaF90aGVtYXRpYyZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

WEBCAM

Checking your webcam position is one of the simplest things you can do to improve the quality of your computer setup.

If you're using a laptop, make sure that your webcam is positioned at eye level. If you're using a desktop, make sure it's placed so that it can see your entire face and neck.

Checking these two things will help prevent neck strain and back pain as well as ensure that your audience can see all of you when they're interacting with you online.

Logitech Brio 4K Webcam, Ultra 4K HD Video Calling, Noise-Canceling mic, HD Auto Light Correction, Wide Field of View, Works with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Voice, PC/Mac/Laptop/Macbook/Tablet: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Calling-Noise-Canceling-Correction-Microsoft/dp/B01N5UOYC4/ref=sr_1_6?crid=K7B54D2O162X&keywords=webcam&qid=1659153096&sprefix=webca%2Caps%2C437&sr=8-6

Argmao 1080P HD Webcam with Microphone for Desktop, USB Computer Camera with Web Cam Cover&Web Camera Stand, 110-degree Wide Angle Streaming Webcam for PC Zoom/Video Calling/Gaming/Laptop/Conferencing: https://www.amazon.com/Argmao-Microphone-110-degree-Streaming-Conferencing/dp/B09JZL2XX4/ref=sr_1_9?crid=K7B54D2O162X&keywords=webcam&qid=1659153096&sprefix=webca%2Caps%2C437&sr=8-9

4K Panoramic Pro Webcam Innex C830, Intelligent Facial Tracking, 180° to 75° Flexible View Angle, Video Conference Camera for Windows, Mac, Meeting Room, Online Coaching, Huddle Space, Hybrid Learning: https://www.amazon.com/Panoramic-Innex-C830-Flexible-Conference/dp/B098NYX9BR/ref=sr_1_13?crid=K7B54D2O162X&keywords=webcam&qid=1659153096&sprefix=webca%2Caps%2C437&sr=8-13

OTHER ACCESSORIES

HumanCentric Vertical Laptop Stand for MacBook, Compatible with MacBook Pro Stand: https://www.amazon.com/HumanCentric-Vertical-MacBook-Compatible-Aluminum/dp/B09G8JS637/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=zUU3t&content-id=amzn1.sym.e9ad1553-f790-489d-bc10-f67df22b3099&pf_rd_p=e9ad1553-f790-489d-bc10-f67df22b3099&pf_rd_r=5K0P8V2CN5CJXZYEN42R&pd_rd_wg=Qx2CO&pd_rd_r=e28fe223-38d3-4fd5-83a9-3f590603c514&ref_=pd_gw_bmx_gp_f4s3kovn&th=1

M JJYPET Laptop Stand for Desk , Aluminum Computer Stand Holder, Ergonomic Anti-Slip Laptop Riser for Desk: https://www.amazon.com/JJYPET-Aluminum-Ergonomic-Adjustable-Compatible/dp/B08JC32J6F/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3D9ADBKADJLB8&keywords=ergonomic%2Bdesk&qid=1659148862&sprefix=ergonomic%2Bdesk%2Caps%2C299&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTjNSR0gxMEpTMjZBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTE0MDc3OU9PSlNXMEdNQjlWJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA5MzczMjBBNk9JSjExMEc4OEImd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl&th=1

BenQ ScreenBar Monitor Light, LED Computer Monitor Lamp, Auto-Dimming: https://www.amazon.com/BenQ-ScreenBar-Auto-Dimming-Adjustment-ScreenBar_Black/dp/B076VNFZJG/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=zUU3t&content-id=amzn1.sym.e9ad1553-f790-489d-bc10-f67df22b3099&pf_rd_p=e9ad1553-f790-489d-bc10-f67df22b3099&pf_rd_r=5K0P8V2CN5CJXZYEN42R&pd_rd_wg=Qx2CO&pd_rd_r=e28fe223-38d3-4fd5-83a9-3f590603c514&ref_=pd_gw_bmx_gp_f4s3kovn&th=1

Mount-It! Dual Monitor Sit Stand Workstation with Gas Spring Arm: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T93F3QQ/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07T93F3QQ&pd_rd_w=ZD78n&content-id=amzn1.sym.999c0877-3704-4f0f-9726-eebf80846a35&pf_rd_p=999c0877-3704-4f0f-9726-eebf80846a35&pf_rd_r=6B19XN9X74THQ42E33ZK&pd_rd_wg=CsHM8&pd_rd_r=2fdc13ae-2c78-4b34-8319-8d162d8c2353&s=office-products&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExOURCNjhWNjFNUDJHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzA0MDE4M1dYMFcyM0dLRTFGJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1MTE2ODZFN1Q5UFM0VTdSQzcmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWwmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

If you're looking for a comfortable working space that won't cost much, remember that the most important factor to look for is ergonomics. If you spend most of your day sitting in front of your computer, take the time to research and invest in an ergonomically-sound chair, monitor, and keyboard.

For you to avoid strains and back pains, focus on working, use Pomodoro Technique, put your phone on, do not disturb, and take frequent breaks.

If you do the right things, your computer setup should support your productivity and health. Going forward, the best way to set things up will likely depend on what you're working on. There's no hard and fast rule, but try to keep these general guidelines in mind to ensure both your physical comfort and mental focus while staying productive. After all, when you're comfortable and focused, you can work more efficiently, which will be a boon to both your standard of living and professional life overall.