HACKER Q&A
📣 break_the_bank

What is your fully remote work setup like?


I’m soon going to start a fully remote job and I am wondering what are some tips and tricks to setup the right place. I’m 26 and live alone, currently have no place as I’ve been backpacking so I’m free to start over.

I could possibly live in a small town with good internet and save a bunch of money but have friends & family in London, so will probably pick that city.

I’m thinking that I should at least get a 1 bedroom apartment and have the work desk in the living area and make the bedroom work free. Thinking of getting a standing desk(ikea perhaps) and a good chair and a couple of monitors.

I could also have a 2 bedroom and make one of the bedrooms an office but 2 bedrooms are quite pricey in London.

  👤 matt_s Accepted Answer ✓
I’ve only been to London once and there is really good public transportation. Couldn’t you pick a smaller town outside of London maybe on the end of line for trains or something like that to get a cheaper place? You could then save money I presume and still be within an hour or so of family/friends. I’m in US so a 3-4 hour drive to me is nothing and a short train ride is even less of a deal.

I have a sit/stand desk and 2 monitors plus laptop and am experimenting with 1 monitor and will probably buy a webcam soon since I’d prefer the MacBook to be “docked” for desk space. I’d recommend sit/stand since the lower back will feel it after some time, although you are young.

👤 lioeters
Personally, at your age, I would live in the city (or outside but good connection).

And invest in decent equipment:

- Chair

- Keyboard and mouse/trackball that suit your preferences

- Monitors, like: Dell Ultrasharp - https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/monitors/ar/8141

- Headphones, like: Sennheiser HD280 PRO - https://en-us.sennheiser.com/hd-280-pro

👤 voioo
Just make sure you have the essentials. you don’t need fancy setup, bunch of monitors etc, use virtual desktops if needed and just 1 monitor so you can work from wherever you want.
👤 herbst
I've been travelling with a t420 for months without really missing anything. Coming from a custom keyboard, multiple screens, etc.

I would just get a current ThinkPad

👤 aristofun
Comfortable and ergonomic chair-table-keyboard-mouse are the only crucial things you need to pay close attention to.

And the screen of course

👤 joejoesvk
- standing desk 140x80

- foot rest

- chair with head rest

- monitor arm

- one monitor - some hp with only one USB C cable..it acts as a charger too.

- keyboard, mouse - logi mx series

- laptop riser/holder

approx cost was 1000€