Choose equipment to address the main issue identified in your individual workstation assessment: a separate monitor adds viewing space, while a riser lets you raise the laptop screen when paired with a separate keyboard and mouse. A compatible hub or dock addresses repeated connections, not screen or input-device positioning; a monitor arm is worth considering only if its mounting requirements fit both the display and desk. If you are employed, check your equipment arrangements before buying for work.
If the laptop is your main screen for prolonged work, consider whether you can position it comfortably while keeping the keyboard and mouse practical to use. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) describes raising a laptop screen with separate input devices as one way to arrange prolonged laptop work.
If you reconnect the same laptop to a display, power and peripherals at different desks, a hub or dock may make those connections more convenient. Check the exact laptop and connection requirements before choosing one.
If you already use a separate display but need to reposition it or free some desk surface, an arm may be relevant. Its mounting pattern and load range must fit the monitor, and its attachment must suit the desk.
Start with the screen and input-device positions your workstation needs, then decide whether viewing space, repeated connections or display mounting is the remaining problem. A dock does not take the place of a suitable screen and keyboard arrangement.
| Concern | Buying checks | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Screen and input-device position | Check whether the screen can be raised while a separate keyboard and mouse remain suitably positioned. Allow room for both if choosing a riser. | When I work on a laptop for long stretches, I need to position the screen without making its built-in keyboard awkward to use; around 36% of consumers put this arrangement first. |
| Viewing space | Check the work surface, laptop video output, monitor inputs and stand adjustment before adding a display. | If I need a separate place to view work, I want a monitor that fits my desk and connects to my laptop; roughly 29% of consumers prioritise that viewing-space need. |
| Repeatable desk connections | Match the laptop’s port functions to the hub or dock’s stated display, charging and peripheral connections. | Moving between desks means I want to reconnect my work devices without rebuilding the setup each time; about 21% of consumers place connection convenience first. |
| Display position and desk surface | For an arm, confirm the monitor’s VESA pattern and weight against the arm’s limits, and check the desk attachment. | With an external display already planned, I need room on the desk or a screen I can reposition; around 14% of consumers make that their primary concern. |
Raising the whole laptop also raises its keyboard and trackpad. For prolonged laptop use, HSE describes a raised screen paired with a separate keyboard and mouse.
Plan space for the input devices when choosing a riser, or consider a separate display if that addresses the workstation’s needs more effectively.
A riser setup may also require separate input devices.
USB-C, USB4 and Thunderbolt products have different stated capabilities. A matching plug alone does not establish that the laptop can use a dock’s display or charging functions.
Compare the laptop’s port specifications with the dock’s display, power and operating-system requirements, including any cable conditions.
The monitor’s mounting pattern and weight must fit the arm’s stated range, while the clamp or grommet needs a suitable desk attachment point.
Check the monitor, arm and desk measurements together before ordering.
An individual workstation assessment and workplace arrangements can affect which equipment is needed and how it is obtained. Acas advises employers and staff to agree who provides equipment and handles repairs.
If you are employed, check the assessment process and your employer’s equipment, expenses and IT requirements before making a personal purchase for work.
Dell is relevant when considering a monitor that combines screen adjustment with laptop connectivity.
Logitech’s Ergo range includes separate keyboards, mice and trackballs to consider alongside a raised laptop or external display.
Kensington offers docking products across USB-C, USB4 and Thunderbolt connection standards.
Ergotron is relevant when an existing external display needs a different mounting position.
These monitors offer separate-display options; the USB-C adapters address desk connections, and the mouse is one part of a separate input-device setup. Choose according to the workstation issue you need to resolve, then check the selected product against your laptop and desk.
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Consider this separate display if your laptop screen does not provide the viewing arrangement you need. The product name specifies an IPS WQHD monitor; check its dimensions, stand adjustment and video connection against your workstation and laptop.
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Consider a hub if connecting desk devices is the main inconvenience. This is the grey seven-port USB-C variant; check its exact port functions, laptop video support and charging requirements before relying on it for a display or power.
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Consider this separate display if a 32-inch screen fits your viewing needs and available desk space. The product name specifies 2560 × 1440 resolution, HDMI and DisplayPort connections, and VESA 100 × 100 mm mounting; check laptop video compatibility and whether the stand or a suitable mount provides the position you need.
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Consider this adapter if your desk needs display, wired-network and USB connections. Its product name lists 4K HDMI, VGA, Gigabit Ethernet, 100W power delivery and two USB 3.0 ports; confirm the laptop’s port functions and the adapter’s supported display and charging conditions before purchase.
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Consider this as a separate mouse when arranging input devices independently of the laptop screen. The product name lists Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes, six buttons and an adjustable sensor up to 1600 DPI. It is a mouse, not a keyboard-and-mouse set; check device compatibility and whether its shape suits you.
No. HSE advises assessing whether the individual home workstation allows a comfortable, sustainable posture rather than assuming everyone needs the same equipment. For prolonged laptop use, consider whether the screen and input devices can be positioned suitably together.
In Great Britain, HSE says employers must assess workstations where workers use display screen equipment daily as part of normal work for continuous periods of an hour or more; home-and-office working should be covered in the assessment. Individual work arrangements and employment status still matter.
If you are employed, check your workstation assessment and equipment arrangements first. Acas advises employers and staff to agree what equipment is needed, who provides or pays for it and repairs, and what technical support is required.
No: a USB-C connector alone does not establish display and charging compatibility. Kensington’s docking range includes products using different connection standards and capabilities, so compare the exact dock’s specifications with your laptop port, operating system, display setup and cable requirements.