For sustained laptop work, start by planning the position of your screen, keyboard and mouse; a separate keyboard and mouse allow you to raise the laptop screen, while an external monitor is another option. Add a hub or dock if you regularly reconnect devices, but check your laptop’s video and charging support first. If you are an employee and a DSE assessment identifies an equipment need, discuss it with your employer before buying equipment yourself.
If you spend sustained periods working at a laptop, consider how to position the screen and separate input devices. An external monitor is another option if it fits your work and available space. For employees covered by display screen equipment (DSE) requirements, assessment findings also matter. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises considering both home and office arrangements where people work in both locations.
If desk space is limited, consider the space needed for the laptop, screen, keyboard and mouse together. A compact keyboard or foldable laptop stand may suit some layouts, but raising a laptop screen still calls for a separate input arrangement for prolonged use, according to HSE guidance.
If you carry the same laptop between locations, a hub or adapter may make repeated connections more practical when it supports your laptop. Check the laptop’s video, power and workplace-device requirements before choosing a connection route.
Plan the screen and input positions first, then check whether your desk and laptop suit a separate monitor, a portable stand or a connection hub. If an applicable DSE assessment identifies an equipment need, discuss the finding and provision arrangements with your employer.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Screen and input position | Plan where the screen, keyboard and mouse will sit together; check the monitor stand or laptop riser can be positioned as needed. | If I work at a laptop for long periods, I want to position the screen separately from my keyboard and mouse. Around 33% of consumers put sustained screen and input positioning first. |
| Limited desk space | Allow room for the laptop, screen and separate input devices; check the stand’s stated laptop-size range if choosing a riser. | When my desk is small, I need to fit the screen and input devices without losing useful working space. About 27% of consumers prioritise a workable setup on a limited desk. |
| Reliable reconnection | Check the laptop’s video mode, supported displays, charging needs and any workplace restrictions on drivers. | If I reconnect the same laptop to a screen and peripherals, I need a hub or dock that matches its ports and operating system. Around 20% of consumers prioritise reliable display and peripheral reconnection. |
| Assessed equipment needs | For employees, clarify the assessment finding and agree equipment provision and support with the employer before buying. | If an applicable DSE assessment identifies a workstation need, I want to resolve provision with my employer before purchasing equipment myself. About 20% of consumers put assessed equipment and support decisions first. |
A USB-C connector alone does not confirm video output. A hub using DisplayPort Alt Mode needs that mode to be supported by the laptop’s host port.
Check the laptop’s port specifications and the hub or monitor’s video method before ordering, including support for the number of displays you plan to use.
If the video route is incompatible, you may need a different connection method or an additional adapter.
Raising the screen while continuing to use the laptop’s built-in keyboard may not provide the separate screen and input positioning described in HSE guidance for prolonged use.
Plan the screen, keyboard and mouse positions as one workstation before choosing a stand.
A separate keyboard and mouse may also be needed for the arrangement you intend to use.
For the StarTech.com DKT30ICHPD, the manufacturer specifies that 8 W of a 100 W pass-through input is reserved for the adapter, leaving up to 92 W for the laptop. The laptop and charger must also support the intended setup.
Check the particular hub’s power path and your laptop’s charging requirements before relying on it to charge the laptop.
A suitable charger or another charging arrangement may be needed.
For employees, equipment decisions may depend on the applicable DSE assessment and the employer’s arrangements.
Discuss the assessment finding and who will provide and support the equipment with your employer before purchasing it yourself.
Dell’s P2425E illustrates a fixed-desk USB-C hub-monitor option with a 1920 × 1200 screen, adjustable stand, Ethernet and rated power delivery up to 90 W.
LG’s 24BA750-B illustrates a fixed-screen USB-C monitor with a 23.8-inch Full HD display, adjustable stand and rated 65 W power delivery.
The DKT30ICHPD illustrates a portable USB-C multiport adapter with HDMI video, USB-A ports and power-delivery pass-through.
The MX Keys Mini for Business illustrates a compact external keyboard option where keyboard width matters.
The SmartFit Easy Riser EQ illustrates a foldable laptop stand for a setup that may move between work locations.
These Joybuy product options relate to setting up or connecting a laptop workstation, including stands, screens, input devices and a USB-C hub. Check each item’s compatibility with your laptop and working arrangement.
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A laptop stand option for a setup where raising the screen and making room for separate input devices are priorities.
The product name describes a telescopic, height-adjustable stand with a pull-out design.
For prolonged laptop work, HSE guidance pairs an elevated laptop with a separate keyboard and mouse.
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A hub option when you need to connect a laptop to a display and peripherals, provided its video and power routes suit the laptop.
The product name lists HDMI, two USB-C 3.2 ports, USB-A 3.2, SD/TF card slots and PD.
USB-C video output depends on the host system supporting the applicable video mode.
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A combined keyboard and mouse option for a workstation using separate input devices.
Check the connection mode and workplace device requirements before choosing a keyboard and mouse set.
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A separate display option for a laptop workstation; check its connection and positioning requirements against your desk and laptop.
The product name identifies an IPS WQHD monitor.
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A portable display option to consider if you need an external screen in a setup that moves between locations.
The product name lists dual 14-inch, 16:10, 1920 × 1200 OLED panels, dual USB Type-C, mini-HDMI, a kickstand and a standard tripod hole.
Check that your laptop supports the intended display connection.
Discuss the assessment finding and equipment arrangements with your employer before buying. Where DSE requirements apply, the HSE says an assessment should cover the home workstation and, for people working in both places, both home and office arrangements. HSE guidance also says workers cannot be charged for DSE equipment provided as an action indicated by the assessment.
No. For a hub that sends video using DisplayPort Alt Mode, the laptop’s host port must support that mode. Check the laptop specifications and the hub’s video method, display support, operating-system requirements and charging path before ordering.
For prolonged laptop work, HSE posture guidance describes using a separate keyboard and mouse so the screen can be elevated, or using a separate display. Consider the screen and input positions together rather than choosing a stand on its own.
Check that the laptop supports the hub’s video method and the number of displays you need, then confirm the charging path and any operating-system or driver requirements. A USB-C connector alone does not confirm video support.
If you are an employee, agree equipment provision, repairs and technical support with your employer. Acas advises clarifying who provides or pays for equipment and repairs, and what technical support and training are needed.