Beyond the home office: how I work from anywhere

I've been working remotely since 2019, well before it became mainstream (though lately, it feels like that's shifting again 🫠). My WFH setup is very comfortable but I like to get outside the four walls of my home office every once in a while. This usually means coffee shops, co-working spaces, or really anywhere with a table.

The change of scenery does come with a downside — I don’t have the comforts of my usual setup. Fortunately, I've developed a mobile kit that's become my next best thing.

The tools I can’t leave home without

A HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S and MX Master 3S sit on my desk at home. Since they’re wireless, they come with me when I’m working somewhere else. Same gear, just a new spot. (Note: I usually don't bring a latte with me. Usually.)

Saving my neck and swallowing my pride

Let me say up front that I love the Roost laptop stand. That being said, I feel ridiculous every time I pull it out. It’s what pushes this setup into “that guy” territory. Trading a bit of shame to not kill my neck feels like a fair trade. Another bonus is how small it folds up. For being able to hold my 16" laptop, the footprint in my bag is impressively tiny. SICP for scale.

Look good, sound… okay

I value high quality audio and video. Luckily, my phone’s camera is better than most webcams. I use a Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe for Mac Notebooks (whew, that’s a mouthful) to position my phone’s camera.

picture from built-in webcam

picture from phone

Audio is still a work in progress. Until I find the perfect solution, my co-workers are subjected to the microphone on my AirPods. Consider this an open invitation for recommendations!

Surviving the outlet drought

Outlets can be a commodity. Even if you can find a seat near one, you have to hope it’s functioning. The best way I’ve found to overcome being victim of a dead battery is the Anker Prime power bank. It has enough juice to charge my laptop a few times with the added benefit of not taking up too much room in my backpack.

Fighting the small-screen blues

Going from my 50" monitor to my 16" laptop never gets easier. I use an iPad with Sidecar to extend my display on the days when I need just a bit more screen.

No setup outside my home office will ever feel perfect, but this one keeps me productive and comfortable enough to enjoy the change of scenery. At the very least, it’s an excuse for another good cup of coffee.