> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.fredperrotta.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The Remote Work Buyer's Guide - URL: https://www.fredperrotta.com/remote-work-buyers-guide/ - Published: 2017-09-20T15:17:00.000Z - Updated: 2021-01-13T17:46:30.000Z - Author: Fred Perrotta - Tags: Remote Work **Last Updated:** 1/13/20 Before the pandemic, most people's image of remote work was someone sitting on the couch in their pajamas with a laptop on their lap. When the pandemic forced office workers to work from home, they learned that just because you aren't in a traditional office doesn't mean that your work environment doesn't matter. [Remote work](https://www.fredperrotta.com/tag/remote-work/) requires learning new routines and techniques for focus and productivity. Your physical space will require changes too. If you work from a cafe, you may be limited to your laptop and a charger. But if you work from a coworking space, rented office, or from home, you can create a workspace where you are comfortable and productive. This post breaks down all of the tools I've used working from home, a rented office, cafes, and coworking spaces in 10+ years of working remotely. ## Tech ### Computer After retiring a 6-year-old Macbook Pro that sounded like a lawnmower, I bought a [13" Macbook Air](https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/macbook-air?ref=fredperrotta.com) (from $999) in 2015\. The Air has plenty of power for any work I need to do and is thin and light enough to carry around between workspaces or when traveling. In my home office and the coworking space, I use an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse and elevate my laptop for better ergonomics. ### Keyboard ![Kinesis Freestyle2 Keyboard for Mac](https://storage.ghost.io/c/12/fe/12fefa58-03a8-4ea7-8f48-aa65d89f61fa/content/images/2021/01/kinesis-freestyle-2-for-mac-1.jpg) At my office, I use the [Kinesis Freestyle2 Keyboard for Mac](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZNBJBM/?tag=fredperrott01-20&ref=fredperrotta.com) because the split keyboard allows for a more natural, ergonomic hand placement. If you need something more portable, try the [Logitech K380](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0876MVKQC/?tag=fredperrott01-20&ref=fredperrotta.com). I used a previous version of this keyboard for years when traveling or coworking. This keyboard is small, light, and connects via Bluetooth. The Wirecutter has more suggestions for [ergonomic](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/comfortable-ergo-keyboard/?ref=fredperrotta.com) or [wireless keyboards](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-bluetooth-keyboard/?ref=fredperrotta.com). ### Mouse Like with my keyboard, I've gone bigger with my mouse. I now use the wireless [Logitech MX Master](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TZR3WRM/?tag=fredperrott01-20&ref=fredperrotta.com) ($82). The MX Master is larger than my previous pick, the [Logitech M705 Wireless Marathon Mouse](https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-M705-Wireless-Marathon-Mouse/dp/B003TG75EG/?tag=fredperrott01-20&ref=fredperrotta.com) ($35). The MX Master is more comfortable if you have larger hands. The M705 is better for people with smaller hands and is more portable. ### Phone [iPhone](https://www.apple.com/iphone/?ref=fredperrotta.com). ## Desk ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/12/fe/12fefa58-03a8-4ea7-8f48-aa65d89f61fa/content/images/2021/01/fully-jarvis-standing-desk-black-bundle-bamboo-c-v1.jpg) ### Standing Desk When I moved from San Francisco to Oakland, I went from a tiny studio to a two-bedroom apartment. The second bedroom became my office. With my newfound space, I decided to splurge on a standing desk after lusting after one for years. The [Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk](https://www.fully.com/standing-desks/jarvis-adjustable-height-desk-bamboo.html?ref=fredperrotta.com) (from $559) is excellent. The desk has a motorized height adjustment so that you can save the settings for your preferred standing and sitting heights. The best standing desks are expensive, but I can't live without mine now. Standing, even just part of each work day, has eliminated my back pain. ### Anti-Fatigue Mat Pair your standing desk with an anti-fatigue mat. I recommend the [Ergodriven Topo](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V3TO9EK/?tag=fredperrott01-20&ref=fredperrotta.com) ($99) because the varied terrain allows for movement, especially if you're fidgety. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/12/fe/12fefa58-03a8-4ea7-8f48-aa65d89f61fa/content/images/2021/01/herman-miller-aeron.jpg) ### Chair At first, I didn't have a chair and stood 100% of the time at my desk. Now, I move between sitting and standing as feels comfortable. For my chair, I splurged on a classic: the [Herman Miller Aeron](https://www.hermanmiller.com/products/seating/office-chairs/aeron-chairs/?ref=fredperrotta.com). A new chair is $1,445 on their site. I bought a used one for $350 including delivery on Craigslist. Figure out your size, set up an alert on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, and wait for a good deal. ## Monitor and Accessories ### Monitor I have the [Dell Ultrasharp U2415 24" Monitor](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NZTKOQI/?tag=fredperrott05-20&ref=fredperrotta.com) ($285), which I bought after my previous Samsung monitor refused to stay on. It's a monitor. It works and looks fine to my not-very-discerning eye. Monitors, like a lot of tech and accessories, fall into the "good enough" category. I'm not a designer, so I don't need the best. I can afford something better than the cheapest option. I need the best value. For anything where good enough is good enough, just buy the current [Wirecutter pick](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-monitors/?ref=fredperrotta.com). ### Monitor Arm In case you couldn't tell from the standing desk, ergonomics are important to me. Rather than tilting my head down all day, I bought the [Ergotron LX Desk Mount Arm](https://www.amazon.com/Desk-Mount-LCD-Tall-Pole/dp/B00689HXI4/?tag=fredperrott01-20&ref=fredperrotta.com) ($199) to get my monitor high enough to be level with my eye line. I switched from another arm to this "tall pole" one so that I could get the monitor up higher. I'm 6'1", so anyone over 6' tall should consider the taller pole arm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/12/fe/12fefa58-03a8-4ea7-8f48-aa65d89f61fa/content/images/2021/01/Roost_Laptop_Stand.jpg) ### Laptop Stands At home, I use the [Rain Design iLevel 2 Adjustable Height Notebook Stand](https://www.amazon.com/Rain-Design-Adjustable-Notebook-Patented/dp/B00LSU4QD8/?tag=fredperrott01-20&ref=fredperrotta.com) ($52) to elevate my laptop. When traveling or coworking, I use the [Roost Stand](https://www.therooststand.com/products/roost-laptop-stand?ref=fredperrotta.com) ($75) because it folds up and is easily portable. Every time I'm at my coworking space, someone asks me what it is and where I got it. You've been warned. Not hunching over your laptop may cause others to interrupt you at work. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/12/fe/12fefa58-03a8-4ea7-8f48-aa65d89f61fa/content/images/2021/01/outbreaker-daypack-1.jpg) ## Other ### Backpack My EDC work backpack is the [Outbreaker Daypack](https://www.tortugabackpacks.com/products/outbreaker-travel-daypack?ref=fredperrotta.com). I carry the Outbreaker Daypack because it's light, weather-resistant, and carries my laptop. I don't carry my mobile office anymore, so a daypack is enough bag for my needs. ### Headphones The [Apple AirPods](https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MMEF2AM/A/airpods?ref=fredperrotta.com) ($160) are now my default headphones for calls and general listening at home or at the gym. These were a generous gift from my co-founder, Jeremy. Eventually, I'll upgrade to the [AirPods Pro](https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MWP22AM/A/airpods-pro?ref=fredperrotta.com) ($249). When listening to music at my desk, I use the [Sony MDRV6 Headphones](https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDRV6-Studio-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00001WRSJ/?tag=fredperrott05-20&ref=fredperrotta.com) ($85). I've owned these for years. These overear headphones are excellent for the office because of their sound quality but bad for travel due to their size. ### Printers The [Brother HL-L2340DW](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LZS5EEI/?tag=fredperrott01-20&ref=fredperrotta.com) ($85) is fast, cheap, and wireless. If you have to ship anything from your office, get a [DYMO LabelWriter 4XL Thermal Label Printer](https://www.amazon.com/DYMO-LabelWriter-Thermal-Label-Printer/dp/B002M1LGJ4/?tag=fredperrott01-20&ref=fredperrotta.com) ($199). This shipping label printer is expensive but worthwhile. Get the printer and a [Stamps.com](http://www.stamps.com/?ref=fredperrotta.com) (USPS) account. I use this combo for labeling shipments and scheduling pickups at my apartment. How much is not going to the post office worth to you? ## For More For more suggestions, check out the Wirecutter's guides to [home office furniture and supplies](http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-home-office-furniture-and-supplies/?ref=fredperrotta.com) and [home office tech and apps](http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-tech-and-apps-for-your-home-office/?ref=fredperrotta.com). *If you have questions or know of any good products that I should try, [let me know](https://www.fredperrotta.com/contact).*