Raised-laptop desk workers
If you want to keep using the laptop screen but position it separately from the controls during prolonged desk work, consider a suitable riser together with a keyboard and mouse.
Who these accessories may suit
Second-screen workers
If you need a separate display at a regular desk, match its video connection, the space available and any charging feature to your laptop.
Hybrid desk reconnectors
If you regularly connect a laptop to desk peripherals, check whether a hub or dock provides the particular connections you use.
What to check before choosing
For prolonged laptop use, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) describes using a separate keyboard and mouse with a raised laptop, or using a separate display. Start with the screen and controls you need, then check the laptop connections and desk space that arrangement requires.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop screen position | Check the riser’s supported laptop size and whether your desk has room for a separate keyboard and mouse. | If I want to raise the laptop screen while keeping the controls separate, I need space for both input devices. Around 29% of consumers make laptop positioning their main concern. |
| Separate display | Check desk space, screen adjustability and whether the laptop’s video output matches the display input. For a single USB-C connection, check video support and charging requirements too. | When I need a separate, positionable screen for desk work, the display and laptop connections have to suit my setup. Around 29% of consumers put a separate display first. |
| Ports and power | Check the exact laptop port capabilities, required display output and the power available to the laptop after any hub’s own consumption. | If I reconnect displays and other peripherals at my desk, I need the hub or dock to match those connections and any charging requirement. Around 24% of consumers prioritise ports and power. |
| Separate controls | Check keyboard layout, required keys, mouse space and whether the connection method suits your devices. Confirm whether a mouse is included. | With limited or shared desk space, I need separate controls that fit and connect to my laptop. Around 18% of consumers make compact, separate controls their main concern. |
Buying pitfalls to avoid
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Assuming every USB-C port sends video
A USB-C-shaped connector alone does not establish that a laptop can output video. Dell’s docking guidance notes that not every USB-C port supports it.
Check the exact laptop model and port capability before choosing a USB-C monitor, video adapter or dock.
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Treating a hub’s input rating as laptop charging power
A hub may use some of its input power itself. Anker states that its A8383 hub’s wall charger is not included.
Compare the power available to the laptop with its charging requirement, and check which charger and cable the setup needs.
A separate suitable charger or cable may be needed if you do not already have one.
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Buying a riser without planning for separate controls
With a raised laptop, the screen and built-in keyboard move together. HSE describes a separate keyboard and mouse for this arrangement; Kensington also says its SmartFit Easy Riser model 60112 should be used with controls sold separately.
Plan the screen, keyboard and mouse positions together, and check that the riser fits your laptop.
You will need a separate keyboard and mouse if suitable ones are not already available.
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Buying accessories before checking an employer’s DSE assessment
HSE says that where an applicable workstation assessment identifies action such as providing DSE equipment, workers cannot be charged for that equipment. This does not mean every worker needs the same accessories.
Check what equipment is already available and what the assessment identifies before filling gaps yourself. Where you use DSE at home and in an office, HSE says assessments should cover both situations.
Relevant brands to consider
These examples illustrate particular product lines and connection options; check the specifications of the exact model you are considering.
Dell
The P2425DE is an example of a fixed-desk QHD monitor with USB-C hub connections.
- Dell lists a 23.8-inch, 2560 × 1440 display, an adjustable stand and 90 W power delivery for this model.
- These are model-specific manufacturer specifications. Check that the laptop supports the required video connection and charging power.
Kensington
The SmartFit Easy Riser model 60112 is a portable raised-laptop option.
- Kensington specifies height and angle adjustment and compatibility with 12–17-inch laptops.
- Kensington says to use this model with an external keyboard and mouse, sold separately.
Logitech
MX Keys Mini is an example of a compact separate keyboard for a space-constrained desk.
- Logitech describes this model as having a smaller form factor.
- Check the selected UK layout and pairing method. It is a keyboard, not a keyboard-and-mouse bundle.
Anker
The 555 USB-C Hub, model A8383, is an example of a portable hub with HDMI, data ports and pass-through charging.
- Anker specifies up to 85 W pass-through charging for this model when used with a suitable charger.
- The wall charger is not included. Check the laptop’s port capabilities and charging requirements.
Belkin
The Connect 6-in-1 Multiport Adapter AVC008 is an example of a hub with HDMI, USB-A, Ethernet, SD and USB-C power input.
- Belkin specifies HDMI up to 4K at 30 Hz and up to 100 W input pass-through for this model.
- Belkin states that the adapter uses 12 W, leaving less power for the connected device. Check that your laptop supports the required display connection.
Joybuy product choices
These Joybuy choices cover raising a laptop screen, adding a separate display or connecting external controls and desk peripherals.
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Foldable Laptop Stand, 10–17-inch, 7 height levels, 15–45°
For raising a laptop screen at a desk; plan for separate controls if you intend to use the raised laptop for prolonged work.
The product title specifies seven height levels, a 15–45° adjustment range and support for 10–17-inch laptops.
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UFYQL Portable Monitor, 15.6-inch FHD, M156F04
For a laptop setup that needs a separate screen; check that the laptop supports the display connection you plan to use.
The title lists FHD 1080p, IPS, USB-C and HDMI. The product description says the smart cover doubles as a stand.
USB-C video depends on the laptop port supporting display output; a USB-C connector alone does not confirm compatibility.
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Philips 3000 Series Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo, SPT6318B/05, UK English
For a desk arrangement that needs separate keyboard and mouse controls, including alongside a raised laptop.
The product description lists a 2.4 GHz wireless connection and an included USB-A nano receiver. The title specifies the UK English version.
Check that your laptop has a suitable USB-A port for the receiver.
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UGREEN USB-C Multi-function Docking Station, HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, RJ45
For adding connections to a laptop desk setup; check the laptop’s port capabilities and the connections your devices require.
The product description lists HDMI up to 4K at 60 Hz, a Gigabit RJ45 port, USB data ports and up to 100 W PD pass-through.
Display output over USB-C depends on the laptop supporting video. Check the power available to the laptop against its charging requirement.
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MSI 27-inch 4K UHD MD272UPSW Smart Monitor, USB-C 65 W
For a desk setup that needs a separate display and may use USB-C for laptop charging; check video compatibility and whether the stated charging power suits your laptop.
The product details list an IPS 4K display, 65 W USB-C power delivery and a stand adjustable for tilt, height, swivel and pivot.
Frequently asked questions
Will any USB-C hub connect my laptop to an external monitor?
No. Check that the particular laptop port supports video output and that the hub supports the display connection you need. Dell notes that not every USB-C port supports video, so a matching connector alone does not confirm compatibility.
Can I use a riser and keep typing on the laptop keyboard?
For prolonged laptop use, HSE describes raising the laptop screen with a separate keyboard and mouse, or using a separate display. Plan the screen and controls as one desk arrangement rather than treating the riser as the whole setup.
Should I buy equipment myself if my employer’s DSE assessment says it is needed?
Where HSE’s DSE rules apply and an employer’s workstation assessment identifies action such as providing DSE equipment, HSE says the worker cannot be charged for it. If you use DSE at home and in an office, the assessment should cover both situations; this does not mean every home worker needs every accessory.
What should I check about cables and charging?
Match the laptop and display connections to the resolution or refresh rate you need, and check the cable’s stated capability. For hub charging, distinguish the input rating from the power available to the laptop: Belkin specifies that its AVC008 uses 12 W, while Anker says the A8383 wall charger is not included.
Does Great Britain’s DSE guidance also apply in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland has separate guidance from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland. It describes daily DSE use for an hour or more at a time and employer workstation-assessment duties for covered users, so check the guidance that applies where you work.