10 Cheap Desk Upgrades Every Programmer Needs #DeskSeries
You’ve undoubtedly come across those ubiquitous “Top 10 Essential Desk Items Under $100” lists. For some reason, there’s always that pointless monitor light and leg support included. Let me be the first to tell you: if you need a monitor light to type, you’re not really a programmer. And if you spend money on leg support but don’t use a random box to store your adapters and cables, you’re probably a poser.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, allow me to introduce you to some genuinely indispensable gadgets that every developer should consider.
Simple Silicone USB-C 120W Cable
Even Apple, nudged by EU regulations, has transitioned to USB-C. Owning a robust, full-pin cable that ensures speedy connections between your devices is crucial. Ideal for app developers and tinkering enthusiasts alike, this cable is a steal for its price and versatility.
Charger
Since everything is wireless and needs charging, you will need a good charger.
Baseus 65W GaN Charger Desktop Fast Charge is the best one that I’ve come across.
No more feeling under the table for your USB, no more empty battery on a device or non power hungry laptop. Just plug the cable in, plug it in the device and away we go.
Power Button
Got your setup under the desk or obscured by monitors? An external power button is your new best friend. Just watch out for curious cats!
USB 3.2 Hub
Sure, the era when USB connectors were used for more than just charging is fading. But for now, we still need to set up USB drives, keep a mouse receiver nearby, and connect various other USB devices. This hub is the fastest and most affordable option available from a reputable company.
Hydration
Whether you’re into plain water or cutting-edge nootropics, staying hydrated is key. Snowmonkey flasks are my go-to: durable, excellent at maintaining temperature, and backed by fantastic customer service.
They even offered a discount code just for you after hearing about this article!
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Earplugs
While noise-canceling headphones are a game-changer, on a budget, simple earplugs are a miracle of their own. Whether foam that expands to fit, kneadable silicone, or rigid types, they’re affordable enough to try them all and find your perfect fit.
Software Essentials
As developers, our toolkit is incomplete without top-notch software. While JetBrains or VIM might top your list for IDEs, let’s not spark a war over it. Here are a few essentials:
Flow Launcher
Flow is the ultimate Spotlight open-source alternative for Windows, surpassing everything I’ve used before. Need a fast, on-the-go translation? No problem — just choose a plugin from your settings, and you’re all set. It truly is magical.
TickTick
Eventually, managing your time becomes essential. TickTick’s straightforward interface lets you jot tasks down and tick them off without fuss.
Obsidian
A second brain for storing everything from code snippets to comprehensive project notes. Dive into tutorials on YouTube and explore its vast capabilities.
Camo
Ditch the subpar sub-$100 webcams and use your smartphone instead. Crisp, clear, and cost-effective. *
Consider These Upgrades
Good Mechanical Keyboard
We are living in a golden era for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts! You could spend years on YouTube exploring the countless options. Choose your favorite wisely. I’ve opted for the SteelSeries Apex Pro because its keys are analog, allowing you to adjust the sensitivity, making it a dream to type on. Of course, there are other viable options at this price point.
Light Mouse
After extended use, you might start to feel pain and a sense of fullness in your wrists, eventually leading to sharp pain. But don’t worry. Choosing a mouse under 70 grams, like the Logitech SUPERLIGHT 2, can alleviate these issues. You could opt for the first edition, which is cheaper, but it uses a micro USB, and that’s a dealbreaker for me.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
If you enjoy a bit of music or podcasts while programming (though they’re not the best for concentration), you might want to consider noise-canceling headphones. The best I’ve encountered are the Sony WH-1000XM4. I would suggest the newer version, but some tests indicate the previous model performs better and is more affordable.
Good OLED TV
With TVs now boasting 120Hz refresh rates and various gaming modes, there’s no reason not to own a 55"+ monitor. Believe me, an OLED from LG makes all the difference.
Android Phone
Finally, consider this scenario: You’re outdoors without your laptop, and suddenly, your customer’s service goes down. If you were me, you’d simply launch a Linux instance on your phone, open your IDE, and start coding a patch. Of course, you could also rush home, risk using a random computer, or just panic.
I hope you find this article interesting — at least it’s not another pitch for a monitor light!
Don’t forget to leave the clap.
*Thanks Christopher Thilgen for correcting this title
