Professional Desk Setup - Favorite Options

Introduction

Creating a professional desk setup is not an incredibly difficult task for IT professionals. There are some important considerations to think about when deciding what devices to introduce to your organization.

• Availability - do vendors stock enough for large scale orders?
• Cost - Is there a discount when buying in bulk?
• Warranty - Does the manufacturer offer an extended warranty? Is it easy to process warranty returns?
• Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) - Is it easy to return items that don't fit specificatons?
• Standardization - Does this follow standards set by your organization? Are you starting a new standard?
• Support - Will your Support Team have an easy time supporting the devices you purchase?

Professional Grade vs Consumer Grade

There is a noticeable difference between Consumer Grade products and Professional Grade. In my experience, Professional Grade offers a longer lasting product and extended warranties. Consumer Grade is left with the traditional 1-year warranty, no extension, "good luck, buy a new one when it breaks."

I have also noticed packaging is better with Professional Grade; Hardware includes much needed barcoding with serial numbers, MAC addresses, and other identifiers used for Asset Management. Packing materials used to protect the hardware in shipping tends to be better as well, limiting financial loss or number of RMA's.

Example: We used to purchase these Samsung T37F Series 24-inch 1080p Monitors that were poorly packaged. We found for a few dollars more, we could get the SAMSUNG FT45 Series 24-inch 1080p Monitors that didn't arrive broken nearly as often AND came with an adjustable stand. NOTE: The FT45 also comes in a 27-inch version.

Key Components of a Professional Desk Setup

Technical Components:

• Desktop or Laptop
• Monitors - Dual monitors are preferred
• (Quad Monitors increase productivity but also drive-up budgetary and support cost)
• Monitor Stands / Mounts
• Desktop VESA / Sandwich Mounts or Laptop Stand
• Docking Station for Laptops - Easily connect and disconnect from work area. Great for communal work areas.
• Keyboard and Mouse - Wired or Wireless?
• Phone / Headset for Calling and Virtual Meetings

Keep in mind the sedentary life of desk work and the need for proper ergonomics and comfort. Think of investing in these additional components:

• Raising / Standing desk
• Anti-Fatigue Mat
• Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse
• Comfortable Chair

Conclusion

In future blog posts, we will review products for each of these categories to help you buy the best products for your Professional Desk Setups.

Happy Procurement Everybody!

-SD