For regular laptop work, start by making the screen and input devices independently positionable: raising a laptop screen calls for a separate keyboard and mouse. Add an external monitor when you need a separately placed display, and choose a dock or adapter only after checking the computer’s video output, display support and charging requirements. If you use employer-managed equipment, follow the applicable workstation assessment and equipment process before buying for work.
If you work for sustained periods at a home desk, consider how to raise the laptop screen without raising its built-in keyboard and trackpad along with it. The Health and Safety Executive advises using a separate keyboard and mouse when elevating a laptop screen.
Check your employer’s applicable display screen equipment (DSE) assessment and equipment arrangements before buying something that may duplicate or conflict with your work setup. The Health and Safety Executive says an individual assessment is needed where DSE regulations apply to home work.
Identify your exact computer model, video-capable ports, supported external displays and operating system before selecting a monitor, dock or adapter. Apple says display support varies by Mac model, while Microsoft notes that USB-C hardware and software combinations can cause connection problems.
Start with the part of the existing workstation that needs to change, then check the connections and space required by any equipment you add.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Screen and input position | Can the screen be raised without putting the keyboard and mouse too high? For prolonged laptop use, plan for separate input devices if elevating the screen, as the Health and Safety Executive advises. | I want to position the screen independently of where my hands rest. A stand and separate keyboard and mouse may address that without adding another display. |
| Equipment needed | Look at the desk space, existing screen and input devices together. For employer-managed work, check the applicable DSE assessment and equipment process before making a personal purchase. | My current arrangement may already work for the tasks I do; I would rather identify a specific limitation before adding equipment. |
| External display | Match the computer’s video output to the monitor input and cable or adapter. Check supported display count and resolution for the exact computer model; Apple says Mac display support varies by model. | I need more display area or a screen I can place separately from the laptop. The monitor also has to fit my desk and connect to my computer. |
| Dock or adapter | Check the host port’s video capability, operating-system requirements, intended displays and charging needs against the exact device specification. Microsoft notes that a USB-C connection alone does not resolve every hardware and software combination. | One desk connection would be useful if it supports my actual devices. If I only need to connect one monitor, a compatible display adapter may meet that narrower need. |
| Remote meetings | Check whether the built-in camera, microphone and speakers meet your needs, then confirm connector and software compatibility for any headset or webcam. Follow employer device and security requirements for work calls. | I would add meeting equipment to solve a specific call-setup problem, rather than treat it as a substitute for positioning the screen and input devices. |
Raising the laptop also raises its built-in keyboard and trackpad. The Health and Safety Executive advises separate input devices so the screen can be elevated during prolonged laptop use.
Plan the riser, keyboard and mouse as one setup; check how the input devices connect to your computer.
A matching connector does not establish that the computer supports the dock’s intended video arrangement or charging. Microsoft describes possible USB-C hardware and software conflicts, and dock makers specify host requirements by model.
Compare the exact computer model, ports, operating system, display requirements and charging needs with the dock or adapter specification before ordering.
A monitor cannot by itself resolve an awkward keyboard position or a desk with too little space. The Health and Safety Executive advises considering the whole home workstation when assessing what is suitable.
Identify whether the difficulty is screen placement, input position, display area, connections or meetings, then choose equipment for that specific need.
Where an employer’s DSE assessment applies, it may identify equipment or workstation changes that differ from a personal purchase.
Ask about the applicable assessment, equipment and IT requirements before buying a monitor, dock or meeting device for work.
These examples illustrate different equipment categories; check specifications for the exact model rather than assuming they apply across a brand’s range.
Dell’s UltraSharp U2722DE is an example of a monitor that combines a display and USB-C connection.
Kensington is relevant when a compatible laptop needs a dock to bring desk connections together.
Logitech’s keyboard and mouse range is relevant when the immediate need is to use separate input devices with a raised laptop screen.
These options cover external monitors, a separate keyboard-and-mouse set and a USB-C dock for a home computer desk. Choose by the workstation change you need, then check fit and compatibility with your existing computer.
No image available
An external screen option for a desk where you want to position the display separately from the laptop keyboard. Check the computer’s video output and the monitor connection you plan to use; confirm USB-C charging requirements separately if they matter to your setup.
No image available
A 27-inch external display option if you want a separate screen at a fixed desk. Check that your computer and chosen connection support the 4K display arrangement you intend to use, and confirm any USB-C video or charging functions you require.
No image available
This separate keyboard-and-mouse set addresses the input-device part of a raised-laptop setup. Confirm its connection method and operating-system compatibility with your computer before buying.
No image available
A docking option if you plan to connect external displays at a desk. Its title specifies dual HDMI 4K and 100 W power-delivery pass-through; check the exact laptop and operating system against the intended display arrangement, and confirm the charging setup and required power adapter.
No image available
A larger external-display option for a desk with room for it; the product name specifies 3840 × 2160 resolution and Type-C 65 W. Check that your computer supports the intended display connection, and confirm the Type-C video mode and charging fit before relying on one cable.
Choose according to the screen-positioning problem, not as a fixed bundle. The Health and Safety Executive advises a separate keyboard and mouse when raising a laptop screen for prolonged use; add a monitor if you also need a separately placed or larger display. Home work does not automatically require office-type equipment if the existing arrangement is suitable.
No: check the exact computer’s video-output capability and the requirements of the monitor, dock or adapter. Microsoft notes that USB-C hardware and software combinations can cause problems; Apple specifies DisplayPort Alt Mode, Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 compliance for Mac display adapters.
Start with the exact computer model’s supported external-display count, then check the dock and monitors as a complete connection chain. Apple says the number of external displays depends on the Mac model; a dock may also have specific host-interface and operating-system conditions, as Kensington states for its SD4843P.
Check your employer’s applicable DSE assessment and equipment arrangements first. For Great Britain, the Health and Safety Executive says individual home-worker assessments are needed where DSE regulations apply, and that existing home equipment may or may not be suitable. Northern Ireland has separate DSE guidance from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland; follow the process applicable to your workplace.