My Computer Headquarters

My office/Computer Headquarters is a single room in our new house.
Previously, my computer was always relagated to a corner, nook, or closet - Now it gets its own room - Hooray!
(Some photos are out of date)

 

My Computer
My Computer Keyboard: I'm still not using one of the standard Apple keyboards. While I like the aluminum with chiclet styling, the ergonomics of that keyboard aren't comfortable for me. For many years (appx 10 years), I used an Adesso Tru-Form ergonomic keyboard: Model EKB-2100. Despite it's problems handling powered USB peripherals (any use caused continuous restarts after any operator initiated system restart), it served me well for many years. In February of 2009, I bought a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 keyboard. The Microsoft keyboard features an ergonomic design, augemented with numerous customizable hot/favorites keys, internet/media keys, integrated palm rest, and an outstanding design - Microsoft makes some good stuff. This keyboard is one of their better products. I used that Microsoft keyboard for many years (9 years), and I still own it. It's the same model that my employer offers as an Ergonomic option. If necessary, I'll bring it back. In 2018 (for Christmas), I bought a new ergonomic keyboard; one with a superior design (or so I've been led to believe). I'm now using a Kinesis Freestyle2 Keyboard for Mac (9 inch Standard Separation). Combined with the VIP3 Accessory Kit (KIN-FS-VIP3), this keyboard can be tilted and angled in a manner to produce a highly customized typing experience. My wrists, hands and forearms are already appreciating the fact that I can use the keyboard more comfortably than I ever thought possible. Apple's Magic Trackpad is the best mouse I've ever used. It takes some getting used to, but this device transforms your hand and fingers into your mouse. If you've ever suffered hand strain from using a mouse (like I do at work), you'll be very pleased with the increadibly natural feel when you start using your hand as your mouse. The iMac's built in monitor comes equipped with a built in FaceTime HD camera. The built-in 720p FaceTime HD camera (with an ambient light sensor) lets you make video calls that are so clear, it seems like everyone's in the same room. Make FaceTime calls from your iMac to any FaceTime-enabled Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. The video is supported with the iMac's dual noise-canceling microphones. The camera has an indicator light that illuminates when the camera is in use, but it doesn't have a manual shutter like the old Apple iSight camera, and I can't disconnect it at will like a second party USB camera. Bose Companion 3 - Series II mulimedia speaker system iMac (27-inch, 5K retina display 2019). This is my second iMac (all-in-one desktop). Previously, I used to purchase the Mac Pro line. In comparisons of computing power for my needs, I now find that the iMac line has sufficient power to handle my computing needs. You no longer need a Mac Pro to do video editing, rendering, production. In the past, the iMac line couldn't adequately handle this type of application (in my opinion). Since occassional video production is now my most CPU/Graphics intensive application, I can easily switch over to the iMac line for my needs. I use a second monitor with my iMac. This secondary monitor is connected to my iMac's video card (it can support two monitors) using the USB-C cable that came with the monitor. The second monitor (The top one) is an LG 4K UHD - LG27UN850-W IPS panel (IPS is a screen technology for liquid-crystal displays (LCDs). In IPS, a layer of liquid crystals is sandwiched between two glass surfaces. The liquid crystal molecules are aligned parallel to those surfaces in predetermined directions (in-plane). The molecules are reoriented by an applied electric field, whilst remaining essentially parallel to the surfaces to produce an image. It was designed to solve the strong viewing angle dependence and low-quality color reproduction of the twisted nematic field effect (TN) matrix LCDs prevalent in the late 1980s) / Widescreen Flat-panel (16:9 Aspect Ration). The monitor is running at a reduced 2560x1600 @60hz resolution (max is 3840x2160). I mounted the second monitor on the wall behind and above my iMac desktop (see photo) using an articulated mounting bracket - VideoSecu Long Articulation LCD LED TV Monitor Flat Panel TV Wall Mount, 20 inch extension 55lb loading capacity VESA 75mm/100mm 1US. In December of 2022, I purchased a new iPad (replacing a 10.5 inch iPad Pro). The new (10th generation 10.9 inch model) iPad will primarily be used as a playing aid for my D&D campaign. I'll also use the iPad when we're on the go, traveling for extended periods of time. Along with the iPad, I also purchased a new Magic Keyboard Folio. This magnetically attached keyboard cost $250.00 - It better last longer than the last 'Smart Keyboard'. I've still got the Apple Pencil (1st generation) that I purchased in November of 2017 (with the iPad Pro that I purchased in 2017). I doubt that I'll purchase another pencil. It may be great for artists and some freehand work, but I'm just not using it enough to justify the purchase of an upgrade. The keyboard though, that's essential. Typing on a keyboard is far superior to typing with the built in touch-screen keyboard. This new keyboard even has a magic track-pad built into it. The iPhone. In November of 2023, Kim and I purchased two new iPhones. I got an iPhone15 Pro Max and she got an iPhone15 Pro. We've been trying to buy new iPhones every two years, but our last couple of purchases; the iPhone12 and iPhone15 purchases, were purchased three years apart; because of the expense incurred when I bought a new computer and more recently because of the 30 month financing deal we had through our carrier on the previous model - going from iPhone12 to iPhone15. I don't know if we're going to stick to a three year cycle. We'll have to see. In addition to the purchase of new phones (in Nov of 2023), we also switched providers - Again! This is the second time we had to switch providers. We initially; when we purchased our iPhone12s, switched from AT&T to T-Moblie. The T-Mobile plan was cheaper than the AT&T plan, we got a great discount by trading in our old iPhone 8s, and we got unlimited data. This time around, we bought the phones outright - No financing deal. As it turns out, the 0% interest deals come with other 'expenses'. The plans are way more expensive than they 'need' to be. With the purchase of unlocked phones, I was able to switch to a much cheaper carrier plan; saving approximately $500 in the first year. Combine that with the trade in of our previous phones (totalling approximate $873.00) and we save way more money without being 'Locked' into a costly cell phone plan.
Point at/Hover over the image above (it's a map) for more information

Some equipment is not pictured: See my computer page for additional details.

Computer Room - In our new house
Command Center
For a larger view - Click on the image

 

Computer Room - Prior to the new office
The old computer room was a bit cramped - Here's two views
Ouch - That's a bit cramped - How cramped?
Roll your mouse over the image above for another view

 

Author: Robert L. Vaessen e-mail:
Last Updated: January 2, 2024