How to Set Up a Perfect Creator Laptop Workstation

Adobe product screenshot(s) reprinted with permission from Adobe.

Nov. 10 2022

These days, many creators do some portion of their work on the go—which means they need the mobility that a laptop provides. But when it’s time to dock at home to work for a few hours, days, or weeks, it’s beneficial to have a laptop workstation that’s more comfortable and productivity-friendly than your local coffee shop.

When it comes to arranging the perfect laptop workstation, the problem can be knowing how to dive in, where to spend your money, and what to prioritize as a content creator. We’ve developed this guide to help you think through the components that will make up your dream desk setup. Whether you’re redesigning a space all at once or upgrading over time, the below can help you understand what you’ll need to build a top-notch creator workstation around your ASUS creator laptop.

Your workstation desk lays the groundwork for your space, and you’ll want to make sure you get a few things right in making a purchase.

First things first, you’ll want a desk that is large enough. Everyone has their own preferences, but content creators tend to gravitate toward simplicity and organization, so we recommend a simple flat surface uncluttered by shelving.

While a standard rectangular desk will suffice for some creators, others will want to consider the upside of an L-shaped desk. L-shaped desks allow content creators the space to setup two adjoining workspaces, one specifically revolving around your computer, while another provides the physical and mental space for tasks that may require only a notebook, planner, or tablet.

Height-adjustable desks are also great as they enable a standing desk setup that decreases the risks of back and shoulder pain that come from long days in a chair, while boosting mood, energy levels, and even productivity.

Finally, pay attention to the color and finish of your workstation desk. Whether, black or white, darker or lighter stained wood, it will help establish the tone of your overall workspace.

Even if you opt for a height-adjustable desk, you’ll likely spend most of your time in your chair, which makes this one of the most crucial aspects of your desk setup. The more we’ve learned about ergonomics, and the more jobs that have tethered workers to their desks, the more experts have trumpeted the importance of the right chair.

Ergonomic chairs are fit with best practices for ergonomic-related health, which generally includes, at minimum: lumbar support that is adjustable to fit your spine, armrests that are width-adjustable and pivot inwards, and a headrest that pivots.

Comfort is extremely important, and ergonomic chairs can be an adjustment. Keep an eye out for companies that offer a 30- or 60-day return policy, allowing you to make sure the chair fits your needs before making a long-term commitment.

The lighting in your office can make a considerable difference when it comes to the mood of your workspace, your energy level, and even productivity. When it comes to overhead lighting, spotlights can create glare and brightness that is hard on the eyes, so opt for soft downlight.

A desk lamp or other “task lighting” will help you layer lighting and put more comfort and serenity into your work. Incorporating any natural illumination into your workspace will further boost mood and productivity.

Finally, to reduce screen glare, consider a screen bar, which will splash adjustable light onto your screen, reducing the eye strain that can be common for creators who spend hours in front of a monitor.

Sound is arguably as important as the right lighting. Creators working in audio or video will want to invest in a high-quality pair of over-ear headphones that improve sound quality and create an immersive experience.

That said, over-ear headphones won’t be comfortable for all, and glasses wearers, in particular, may want to seek out an alternative.

For most, well-positioned stereo speakers can produce the desired sound quality and environment.

To build out the technology around your workspace and maximize productivity with your ASUS laptop, you’ll want to add high-quality dedicated peripherals.

Mouse, Mouse Pad, and Keyboard

ASUS has created the ProArt Mouse MD300 and ProArt Mouse Pad PS201 to fit seamlessly into the workflow of a creator. The ProArt Mouse works with ASUS Dial, allowing quick and easy adjustments to settings and including a side scroll wheel that boosts navigation speed.

Two magnets are hidden beneath a leather strip running atop the ProArt Mouse Pad, allowing easy docking of your ASUS Pen, charging cable, or other accessories. The sleek design is nonslip, made to last, and easy to clean.

We recommend pairing the accessories with a wireless keyboard that fits the design and functional needs of your space.

SD Card Reader and External SSD

Creators who frequently use an external SD card reader or external solid-state drive (SSD) should consider a permanent place within their workspace for these peripherals, which will reduce clutter. Of course, creators with a laptop that already comes with an SD card reader, such as the ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED , won’t need to keep the external reader on hand.

Pen Tablet

Creators who draw or sketch should consider adding a pen tablet, which allows the natural feel of pen and paper. ASUS ProArt Studiobook and Zenbook series laptops both allow tabletlike inputs with a stylus, enabling you to work without peripherals.

Monitor Stand

To customize the height of your monitor relative to the position of your eyes and decrease slouching, get a monitor stand. Whether you’re in a standing desk or otherwise, monitor stands allow for ergonomically friendly personalization of your space. Some even come with a second arm to hold your laptop.

Speaking of your monitor, let’s talk specs. Creators should look for a monitor that provides color accuracy, with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

An OLED screen should be considered a must-have for creators, as it produces an image that comes out rich and sharp, and brighter than a standard LED screen.

A monitor hood will help creators block outside ambient light. With a range of options that notch all of these specs, ASUS ProArt monitors are a great option for creators.

Last, but not least, you’ll want to ensure that you have a system in place to keep your workspace clean and free of clutter, ensuring that it’s just as comfortable in the future as it is the first day you sit down. Here’s what to consider:

Pegboard

To help sort and store your peripherals and workspace extras—such as headphones, tablets, or sticky notes—consider putting up a pegboard near your workstation. You’ll be able to keep more items off your desk while adding some decorative flair and still have all your odds and ends handy and easily accessible.

Cable Management

Between monitors, chargers, lamps, and accessories, you’ll have acquired a considerable amount of cables. Cable management solutions such as cable tray systems, Velcro or zip ties, cable sleeving, and other cable-organizing devices can and will make your life a whole lot simpler—and your workspace much more pleasing to the eye.

Docking Station

A key decision you’ll make as you assemble your workstation is whether to purchase a docking station—wherein your laptop can remain open and be used as a second screen while you work—or get a vertical notebook holder to keep your laptop upright, saving space. In the latter scenario, your desktop functions essentially as a desktop computer, as you control it using only your peripherals.

Either way you go, having a dedicated spot for your laptop is key.

With advancements in home workstation innovation, there’s hardly any reason for a creator to select a desktop computer anymore.

Not only does a laptop provide the ability to take your work on the go, but with the right approach to a home workstation, it can replicate the workflow of any desktop setup.