New to WFH - What Should I Get?

chiefdeville on 20/09/2025 - 15:21
Last edited 20/09/2025 - 17:34 by 1 other user

Hi all, Open ended question but I have gotten a new job that will allow WFH 2 days a week. At the moment the wife works 1-2 days a week although since both places are flexible with the days, we will obviously pick days that the other one is in the office.

My current home setup is a single LG 27" monitor and an old small usb-c dongle that the monitor/keyboard/mouse/ethernet cable connects to, which then plugs into either our personal laptop or the wife's work laptop, depending on what is being used at the time. This usb-c dongle only supports one HDMI connection

I wouldn't mind upgrading this setup to incorporate two monitors

At work I have been provided a HP Elitebook 840 laptop and the workstations there use dual HP 24" monitors. They connect to a HP USB-C dock G5, which is a much beefier unit than the little usb-c dongle I use at home

The current LG monitor i have at home is a bit older now and I feel having two 27" will be too big for desk that we use so am after recommendations on what an ideal setup might look like

The work monitors are HPZ24i G2 and I am half tempted to get the same, including the same dock that is used there, as it just seems to work - but happy to take suggestions from others in case the other laptops won't play nice. Not sure if it matters but our personal laptop is a Lenovo E595 and the wife's work laptop is a Dell 7440

The specs for the monitors do not need to be high as it is mainly for vscode, office, and general non-resource hungry applications

Budget would be around the $600-$1000 mark for likely two new monitors and a usb-c docking station

Computing Home Office

Comments

    • JimmyF on 20/09/2025 - 15:48
      +5

      Reading is hard, they didn't say that.

  • JimmyF on 20/09/2025 - 15:48
    +1

    The work monitors are HPZ24i G2 and i am half tempted to get the same, including the same dock that is used there, as it just seems to work

    Then do this, you know what it'll do. Those monitors are sub $400 each, and the dock is around $220, so just within your budget.

    • paulusjr on 22/09/2025 - 19:19

      definately a benefit to "matching" the setup at work, your eyes/brain will thank you and if you have driver issues your work will have to support you resolving the issues, but if you wanted to go bigger… I picked up the dell 34 inch widescreen second hand units that are regularly advertised here (grade a model) and love them. (added a second to my work setup) never too much screen real estate especially if you work on spreadsheets a lot.

      Few people here are advising to talk to your work which is good advise, do this but not all will pay for the equipment, however its good to understand what will "work" with your work laptop (no pun intended) and what won't.

      Most companies lock down the laptops and take admin rights away from you so you can't install drivers or third party applications (for security reasons) so anything that needs a driver or application will be a problem and only work if your company has "bundled" the software already for some other purpose.

      Once you setup your screens your probably going to look at a decent low light webcam (as laptop webcams usually suck), a nice speaker phone, keyboard, mouse/trackball, etc etc, so stray too far outside of what works on generic windows and you'll struggle with driver issues if your work isn't prepared to support the equipment.

  • Far Cough on 20/09/2025 - 15:57
    +1

    my work gave me everything

  • BoltThrower on 20/09/2025 - 16:02
    +15

    Talk to IT if you're paying a visit to work, ask them for advice and tell them your setup (the too large for your desk monitor) and what they recommend. They may offer to help you out with hardware that's laying around in which case you could save yourself $600…or they could sell it on the cheap.

  • tonka on 20/09/2025 - 16:16
    +6

    "obviously pick days that the other one is in the office", sorry I just gotta say, this isn't obvious one of the benefits of wfh is more time with your family.

    • solidussnake on 21/09/2025 - 07:10
      +12

      Reduced commute times
      Start earlier finish earlier
      Increased productivity due to people not talking to you !! are also beneficial for WFH

      • tonka on 21/09/2025 - 08:14
        +2

        Yes, and also many more.

    • 2esc on 21/09/2025 - 10:00
      +6

      Yes but your supposed to be working and if your both working from home that will required a second desk and monitor setup(if they have the room).

      With working from home some companies know exactly how much work staff are doing as they have software loaded to monitor. They can see purely on jobs completed comparisons with the office and depending on the particular wfh situation you may not have time to interact with spouse.

      • tonka on 21/09/2025 - 11:36

        As someone who works from home I understand. It is unknown if kids are an issue. It is unknown if the person is comfortable being isolated all day. But per my comment. Nothing obvious in the choice.

      • bondy28 on 22/09/2025 - 08:30
        +1

        Software loaded to monitor?

    • cfuse on 21/09/2025 - 23:13
      +2

      People underestimate how much more likeable some people are when you see them less.

  • Downvoter on 20/09/2025 - 16:38
    +3

    2 x 24 inch monitors, decent chair, and something to place your feet on.

    • sween64 on 22/09/2025 - 16:47
      +1

      Decent chair, and height adustable desk!

  • DingoBilly on 20/09/2025 - 17:54
    +9

    Some nice new pillows and sheets so you can nap comfortably.

  • JIMB0 on 20/09/2025 - 19:18
    +1

    Get a dog to keep you company.

  • Browsers on 20/09/2025 - 19:45
    +9

    I'd recommend a single 34 inch ultrawide monitor over two 24 inch screens. Very much a question of personal preference though.

    • crentist on 21/09/2025 - 02:27
      -1

      Agree. And if the current 27" is 4K, going dual 24" is almost a downgrade.

      But dual 27" 4K would be a good option too.
      OP, if you want to go this route, the desk space is solved with a dual monitor arm. This will give you more desk space than you'd have with a single monitor on a basic stand.

      • ForkSnorter on 21/09/2025 - 06:32

        And if the current 27" is 4K, going dual 24" is almost a downgrade.

        2 x 24”=3176 sq cm display area vs only 2000 sq cm for 1 x 27” monitor.

        Plus there is much more vertical space with 2 x 24” monitors, which makes it easier to work on multiple documents/apps at the same time.

        • crentist on 22/09/2025 - 12:30

          Yea dual monitors are also good and practical. I was just saying that a large 4K is already a good experience if they have one, because of the screen quality. A 4K would have double the pixels in 2/3 the physical space.
          That doesn't mean the pixels are twice as usable, but it would be noticeably sharper.

      • madseason on 22/09/2025 - 08:09
        +1

        Any recommendations on the monitor arm?

        • crentist on 22/09/2025 - 13:08

          Not really, I just have some cheap one that my work gave me. It's a single vertical pole with two independent arms on either side. It takes up about as much desk space as a Pringles can. I can't find it online, but it's not a great one anyway.

          One good thing about this, which isn't really shown in product demos, is that the monitors don't need to be positioned in line with, or even above the desk or the stand.
          Mine is fixed near the corner of the desk, so that my 34" sticks out one side and is centered over my tiny desk. But my 27" is on the other side, half dangling over the edge of the desk. Which also means that the middle of the desk is completely clear.

        • paulusjr on 22/09/2025 - 19:21

          NB F-80s or similar.

    • Kid A on 21/09/2025 - 11:04

      Yes and I got a Dell P3424WE for this reason. You can use Power Toys for better window management too.

    • faricity on 22/09/2025 - 09:58

      yea personal preference. Its a big learning curve/experience to get use to a ultra wide. eg you need to get use to or learn how to snap windows properly.

    • Alexxx on 22/09/2025 - 13:59
      +1

      Yep, a nice ultrawide usbc monitor is the best.
      No dock and built in KMV for most of them.

  • QuickToThePointless on 20/09/2025 - 21:54
    +7

    anko trackies, anko hoodies, anko slippers

    • blorx on 22/09/2025 - 16:56
      +1

      My home office was over 30 today - opted for the anko t-shirt.

  • The Hawk on 21/09/2025 - 08:55
    +5

    This won't all fit in your budget, but my thoughts.

    A good chair. Most stuff people have at home is not rated for 8 hour days. During COVID I fronted the cash and bought myself the Herman Miller Aeron I had been covetting forever and haven't looked back.

    Electric Stand/Sit desk if you're that way inclined and have an appropriate space for it. I want to upgrade to one but would also lose the shelves above my desk to make it work. Still considering.

    I like multi monitors, I have a 34" ultrawide main and 2 x 27" (one on each side). It's overkill and I love it.

    A decent USB Webcam. I have my laptop in clamshell mode and dont' want to have to have it open just for the camera. (I've end bought a cheap one to take to the office so when I hotdesk I can still run clamshell). I'm a logitech fan and find they work well in low light so I don't have to have all the lights on constantly.

    A decent wireless headset. Being able to walk around while on calls is handy, a proper Jabra/Poly/etc headset will also do excellent noise cancellation and block out other voices/tv/etc around you if/when someone else is home.

    A suitable dock that will power your laptop(s) and connect to all the things saves plugging in all the things again and again. (For my office setup I have a second set of keyboard/mouse/webcam/headset that live in my locker so have a small 4 port USB dock which holds the various cables/dongles and means I only have to plug one thing in and I'm also not going to lose any of the things).

    A Nicer keyboard and mouse, although this is advice even for the office, even if you had to pay for it yourself. You will be touching that thing 8 hours a day and nice input devices are just nicer to use and often less likely to cause RSI. I'm a huge fan of the Logitech MX Master mice with their auto clutch to switch between clicky scrolling and free rolling through massive documents. I've got three of the things, one at home, one at work and one in my bag for when I'm in other offices. The main office one was purchased in 2014 and is still kicking on strong.

    • airtime on 21/09/2025 - 22:57

      Strongly agree about choosing a good quality chair. This is one product where premium prices definitely result in a better experience. Herman Miller Aerons aren't everyone's cup of tea, but OMG, for me they are heaven. Worth every cent, and yes, they cost lots of cents unfortunately. There are other good brands to look at too. While spending $2+K on an office chair seems sacreligious, especially on OzBargin, it is money well spent if you arse is sitting on it for many hours a week.

    • ItsMeAgro on 22/09/2025 - 09:34

      If the Aeron is too far outside your budget, I've had good results taking the true OzBargain alternative: took my laptop to IKEA, sat in each office chair and typed for a few minutes, bought the one that makes my back least sore.

      • paulusjr on 22/09/2025 - 19:23

        second hand Aeron's maybe? They are crazy expensive nowadays but are really robust.

    • faricity on 22/09/2025 - 10:02

      Yes agreed with all of this. To add and expand on this.
      A monitor arm is awesome elevates your monitors so you have more desk space and also open your laptop screen if you need to.

      For the seat - I didnt overthink too much but i just went to office works and picked any seat that had 8 hours + of usage on the tag. I only have half back seat with no head rest. I wish i had a head rest seat now but havent needed to upgrade. I also like a mesh back so you dont end up with a sweaty back.

    • Kinjiru on 22/09/2025 - 16:49

      Nice list and great points!

      I also have a Harman Miller Aeron which has been awesome. My only regret is not buying another one as my youngest child is at that point where he could make do with a good chair.

      If you have a dedicated room for work, consider a desktop microphone and some speakers. Rather than wearing a headphone/Headset all day (which can be uncomfortable/hot), I use a desktop microphone and speakers. I love this setup. The microphone is a condenser type and if I position it carefully, it does not pick up my keyboard clacking.

      A good keyboard and mouse is very handy. I agree with the Logitech MX Master recommendation. If you want to save a few dollars, you can go with a "similar" (read almost exact replica) Rapoo MT760 for $49.99. Just make sure you select MT760 and not the MT760-mini. The Mini looks the same but is much smaller.

  • 2esc on 21/09/2025 - 10:02

    If you can fit 2 x 27 monitors its a better option even if they overhang a little bit. Get a good office chair.

    Some people do brilliantly wfh production wise but others don't and a good company will quickly work that out with software monitoring or end results depending on you job.

  • Chuckles79 on 21/09/2025 - 10:06

    PS5

  • Kid A on 21/09/2025 - 11:00
    +1

    If you're having meetings and calls and you don't like using a headset, a small speaker phone can come in very handy.

    Jabra and Poly both come recommended but if you want bluetooth they're a little more expensive.

    Instead I bought a Yealink SP92 which is a bit cheaper and has served me well. You can connect it to your laptop (via USB) and phone (via bluetooth) at the same time.

  • n3ck3ntry8bort0rgasm on 21/09/2025 - 15:13

    busy light.

  • DARK KHAOS on 21/09/2025 - 16:25

    Motivated.

  • altomic on 21/09/2025 - 19:53

    Check out marketplace. People up grade their wfh setups so it’s very possible to get a great double screen setup (with usb-c hub) for very little $

    I’ve been WFH for 13 years and have 2 x 22” AOC monitors. Wouldn’t mind a 3rd because I use multiple programs simultaneously

  • IcySpicyStew on 21/09/2025 - 23:01

    Why would you invest your own money for work equipment?
    if work won't cover costs, save your money instead

    • cfuse on 21/09/2025 - 23:26
      +2

      Work will only pay for what it will pay for, and they'll want it back when you leave.

      Issued equipment and its use is under the legal aegis of the company, and by extension, the clauses in your employment contract. Yes, we did find things and see things, and yes, we did fire people over that. We never had cause to execute a non-compete or a NDA clause but it is not difficult to see how that might occur.

      Either you take the potato the company gives you and you put it in a faraday cage when you're not using it for work alone, or you buy your own stuff and run whatever your work setup is inside a VM on that hardware. I'd pick the latter if I had the choice.

    • The Hawk on 22/09/2025 - 08:39
      +2

      I get both sides of that, of course work should provide equipment to work… but then they could also say they do that in the office, you working at home is your choice and your own cost.

      In any case, long before work from home, I was a staunch advocate of buying at least my own mouse and often keyboard too for the office. The cheapest POS HP/Dell/Acer /Microsoft Keyboard and mouse will get the job done for sure, but (especially in the early days before it was more common) wireless was magical and something that just felt better to use was worth it to me. After all, it was 40 hours a week of my life.

      • paulusjr on 22/09/2025 - 19:26

        agree.. most companies even if they do pay for the equipment go the cheapest thing they can get from their supplier. tier-1s still handing out corded crappy mice to their staff during onboarding is still a thing!. Its usually tax deductible in any case.

  • Vash1984 on 22/09/2025 - 08:13
    +5

    Get a pellet smoker, fun to cook brisket in the morning and have it ready by dinner. Frees up your weekend!

  • ReaperX22 on 22/09/2025 - 11:40
    +2

    Was mentioned above, but just grab a single 34/38" Ultrawide with a Type C connection. Then don't worry about a hub/dock - get one with at least 2 USB A ports on it - plug everything into the monitor and bobs your uncle. You can often get the Kogan 38" with type C for sale just over 600~ 3820x1600 or something or rather - it's a b grade LG panel, so isn't as fast as the LG/they use a cheaper PSU so limited to 65w PD instead of 90w but its enough for 95% of laptops.

    I went through many variations of WFH/gaming setup and when we moved I split setups and had focussed setups but then ultimately recombined and stuck with a 34" for both work/gaming.

    I'm easily distracted so I utilise clamshell mode and ONLY use the 34" ultrawide - having the second laptop screen open honestly just distracted me / actually gave me headaches/more shoulder pain looking either left/down or whereever I decided to have it.

    For your uses/vscode, an ultrawide is great. You can have vscode split across 3 windows on the ultrawide - doing history comparisons and code checks etc.

    If you don't want this route - a vertical screen is also a great idea - get a 24" 1080p and have it vertical next to your existing screen - can see more code this way (1920 vertically, vs 1080 on a 1080p monitor horizontal, or 1440p on the ultrawide (1600 if 38).

    Then I'd highly suggest spending whatever budget is left on comforts - a light bar if you have eye strain, a foot rest, a new office chair (can get a ~300-400 dollar office chair that's good, https://valueofficefurniture.com.au/officefurniture/whats-ne… I grabbed when I split setups, and it's pretty decent! Feels solid / is generally comfortable. It's no herman miller but it's good enough!)

    And a mouse/keyboard as needed if you've not already got a nice set.

  • Dack Smith on 22/09/2025 - 11:53
    -1

    Only 2 days?

    I thought WFH is now at least three days a week mandated.

    Get a gaming setup, works for work and fun

  • isthisreallife22 on 22/09/2025 - 12:04
    +1

    Aircon

  • samyall on 22/09/2025 - 12:52

    A monitor arm and laptop stand will make your ergonomics much better.

  • matt-ozb on 22/09/2025 - 13:17
    -3

    Lubricant .. when you line up your WFH days with your wife.

  • shreav on 22/09/2025 - 15:01

    A proper chair.

  • qaz182 on 22/09/2025 - 15:12

    At the risk of sounding churlish, the best set up is the one that works for you.

    Try for a week just using what you have and then upgrading what you feel you need to later.

    No one is going to be able to define your own needs/wants better than yourself and that will only come through experience of trying (rather than someone on here designing the perfect office replacement for their own requirements, not yours)

  • Lexar ANZ Chris on 22/09/2025 - 16:33

    I been working from home for almost 3 years.
    Suggest you talk to your accountant what is tax deductible, what kind of depreciation you can get out of the things.
    And then plan your budget and upgrade your stuff accordingly.
    I would recommend a Gym membership if you don't have a good excercise habit.
    Plus a really comfortable chair, phone charging devices and a/a few big monitors

    • paulusjr on 22/09/2025 - 19:27

      standing desk.. but that will blow the budget here.. officeworks ones are decent.

      • Lexar ANZ Chris on 22/09/2025 - 19:32

        I bought a standing desk, it's good to have one, however it limits how much stuff you can put on your desk.
        With big monitors (Mine is a Samsung 57 inch and 2 x 27" philips), your stuff will wobble a lot.

        I would rather sacrifice standing desk for a decent large high quality wooden desk that supports lot of weight.

  • kl2999 on 22/09/2025 - 17:50

    Get a really good and comfy computer chair, if long term WFH get a adjustable height computer table. Try stand up every 2 hours or so. Lastly get a good BT headset with mic, so when you on a team call you can walk around your room or even grap a coffee from your Kitchen.

  • Purp on 22/09/2025 - 19:06

    You working government? that laptop seems like a common government choice.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join