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(Some photos are out of date)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 previous computer (an iMac) had a built in FaceTime HD camera, but I recently purchased a Mac-mini, which is a BYODKM (Bring Your Own Display Keyboard and Mouse) computer, so I had to purchase another new peripheral. I bought an Anker PowerConf C200 2K Webcam (model A3369) for use with my FaceTime/Video calls. This camera has a pair (stereo) of built in AI-Noise cancelling microphones (just like the FaceTime camera on the iMac had), an adjustable field of view (65, 78 and 95 degrees), low-light correction and a built-in privacy cover. While the iMac (previous computer) had a 720p camera, this one is 1080p@30fps. This camera connects via USB2.0 so I can unplug it when I want, and even use it with my next computer. 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. Bose Companion 3 - Series II mulimedia speaker system. This little 'puck' is the controller: With controls for volume, on/off, headphones out and external in" title="Bose Companion 3 - Series II mulimedia speaker system" title="Bose Companion 3 - Series II mulimedia speaker system. This little 'puck' is the controller: With controls for volume, on/off, headphones out and external in. G-RAID 4TB hard drive (Model number GRATHNB40002BAB). Purchased in Nov, 2013. This 4TB device contains two Hitachi hard drives (2TB each). The drive is a Thunderbolt 2 device (connected to USB-C Thunderbolt 3 port using a Thunderbolt to USB-C adapter), which I have externally connected to my Mac-mini to serve as a primary backup for my system level Clone. This bootable clone is maintained using Carbon Copy Cloner software by Bombich.com. In addition to the 2TB partition for system level backup, I've configured another partition for external storage, G-Tech2TB. While this hardware storage device can be configured as a RAID device, and it originally was, I am using it as two separate 2TB devices. Mac-mini (M4 Pro with 12/Model Number Z1JV000NXLL/A Model Identifier Mac16,11). This is my second Mac-mini. I had a Mac-mini way back in 2013. It ran a Server version (discontinued in late 2014) of macOS (Snow Leopard 10.6.8). I liked it, but it's use was an edge case (as a Plex media-server), and I didn't really use it to its full potential. This new Mac-mini (W/M4 Pro Apple Silicon processor) will be my primary desktop for the next 5 years. I chose the Mac-mini over the all-in-one iMac desktop because the new iMac's don't offer a 27-inch display/monitor. I outgrew the Mac Pro computers back in 2013, when the iMac line became powerful enough to handle all my needs. In much the same way, the Mac-mini is now a little power-house in its own right. The M4 Pro Apple Silicon machine is screaming fast, and I'm already loving the super snappy responsiveness. I've gotten used to running a lot of apps (simultaneously), and the Mac-mini seems to take my needs in stride, without breaking so much as a minor sweat. You certainly don't need a Mac Pro to do consumer-level video editing, rendering, production (even the home video type). OWC MiniStack STX: This device (model T4MSSH02N02), sold by OWC (Other World Computing) contains two drives. One is a HDD the other is SSD. They are bundled together in a chasis that includes numerous I/O ports. The 'Hub' features Three Thunderbolt (USB-C) outputs. Hard Drive: A 2TB Seagate BarraCuda 7,200RPM HDD. I really haven't figured out what to use this for, yet. Solid State: 2TB OWC Aura Ultra III PCIe SSD. I don't have specific plans for this storage, but given that it's ultra fast, I'll likely use it for primary storage. Possibly as a replacement for my Media Drive, whenever that dies. Buffalo MiniStation 500 GB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive (Model number HD-PCF500U3B/Purchased in Oct, 2014). A portable hard drive connected directly to my Mac-mini. Just in case I ever need a portable solution with more capacity than a thumb drive (I've got plenty of those handy). Buffalo is a brand that I trust/know, and this drive fills a niche case. OWC MiniStack STX: This device (model T4MSSH02N02), sold by OWC (Other World Computing) contains two drives. One is a HDD the other is SSD. They are bundled together in a chasis that includes numerous I/O ports. The 'Hub' features Three Thunderbolt (USB-C) outputs. Hard Drive: A 2TB Seagate BarraCuda 7,200RPM HDD. I really haven't figured out what to use this for, yet. Solid State: 2TB OWC Aura Ultra III PCIe SSD. I don't have specific plans for this storage, but given that it's ultra fast, I'll likely use it for primary storage. Possibly as a replacement for my Media Drive, whenever that dies.
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 1, 2025