Choose equipment to address a need identified in your workstation assessment, rather than starting with a complete desk bundle. For prolonged laptop use, Health and Safety Executive guidance pairs a raised screen with a separate keyboard and mouse; consider an external monitor if the laptop screen still does not suit the task or viewing position. Add a dock or adapter only after checking the exact laptop’s connections, display support and charging requirements.
If you use a laptop for sustained work, consider whether its screen can be positioned appropriately while you use the keyboard and pointing device. The Health and Safety Executive advises assessing the whole workstation and describes separate inputs alongside a raised laptop screen.
Your arrangements may need to work in both locations. The Health and Safety Executive says a display screen equipment assessment should cover home and office use where you work in both. For context, the Office for National Statistics reported that 28% of working adults in Great Britain were hybrid workers between 8 January and 30 March 2025; that figure describes working arrangements, not equipment needs.
If you regularly connect displays and peripherals, check what your exact laptop can run before choosing a dock. Apple says external-display support depends on the Mac model and the displays’ resolution and refresh rate; Microsoft advises checking connections between a Windows PC, dock and monitors.
Start with the task and existing workstation, then check the equipment needed to make the chosen arrangement work.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Screen position and inputs | Check whether the laptop screen needs raising for prolonged work. If it does, plan for a separate keyboard and mouse; check their connection method. | I need to position the screen without having to type or point on a raised laptop. The Health and Safety Executive describes separate inputs with a raised laptop screen for this arrangement. |
| External display | Check whether the task or viewing position calls for a separate screen. Confirm the laptop’s video connection and, for multiple displays, its supported display count, resolution and refresh rate. | Would a separately positioned screen address a problem with my current setup? If I use a Mac, Apple says the supported display arrangement depends on the model and display specifications. |
| Dock and adapter compatibility | Check the exact laptop port’s video capability, the required charging arrangement, cable specification and operating-system support. Match any planned displays to the laptop and dock specifications. | I want recurring desk connections to perform the functions I need, not merely fit the socket. Microsoft warns that some USB-C hardware and software combinations can cause problems. |
| Use in two locations | Check what equipment is already available at home and at work. Decide whether portable equipment or a repeatable fixed-desk connection addresses the arrangement identified in the assessment. | Moving between home and office, I need a workable setup in each place without assuming both desks require identical equipment. |
| Individual fit | Review the whole workstation, work task and individual requirements before choosing an additional accessory. Check the fit and compatibility of any item identified. | I would rather change what the assessment shows needs attention than buy a bundle that duplicates equipment I can already use. The Health and Safety Executive says assessments should consider the whole workstation and the work being done. |
A riser also lifts the built-in keyboard and trackpad. The Health and Safety Executive pairs a raised laptop screen with a separate keyboard and mouse for prolonged use.
If the screen needs raising, choose the input-device connection and layout as part of the same setup decision.
A plug that fits does not establish that the laptop, cable and dock will deliver the intended video, charging and peripheral functions. Microsoft notes that USB-C hardware and software combinations can cause problems.
Compare the exact laptop port specifications with the dock, adapter and cable requirements before choosing a connection.
The laptop can limit the display arrangement even when a dock has multiple outputs. Apple says simultaneous-display support varies with the Mac model, resolution and refresh rate.
Check the laptop’s supported external-display configuration, then compare it with the dock and monitors on the same resolution and refresh-rate basis.
A standard bundle may not address the task or the equipment already in place. The Health and Safety Executive says the assessment should consider the whole workstation and individual requirements.
Identify the change the assessment calls for, then check the fit and compatibility of that item.
Dell lists monitors and docks that may be relevant to a fixed laptop desk.
Kensington offers laptop risers and docking products for different desk arrangements.
Logitech lists wired, wireless and Bluetooth keyboards and mice for business use.
These options cover external displays, a dock and separate input devices for laptop workstations. Choose a category only where it addresses your assessed setup, and check the exact laptop and connection requirements before buying.
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Consider a separate monitor if your workstation assessment identifies a need for a different screen position or more visible workspace. The product name specifies IPS and QHD; check the exact laptop’s video connection and confirm which cable you need.
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A dock is worth considering when you regularly reconnect desk displays and peripherals. This model’s name specifies dual HDMI 4K and 100W Power Delivery pass-through; check the laptop’s supported display configuration and charging needs, and confirm whether a suitable power adapter is included.
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Consider an additional screen for work in more than one location if the task and workstation assessment call for it. The product name specifies FHD; check that the exact laptop provides the required USB-C video connection before choosing this model.
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Separate input devices let you use a keyboard and mouse while positioning a raised laptop screen. Check the keyboard layout and that your intended device has a suitable connection for this dual-mode set.
No. The Health and Safety Executive says an assessment should determine whether additional equipment is needed at home. For prolonged laptop use, its guidance describes a raised screen with a separate keyboard and mouse; a monitor or dock should address a need in the particular setup.
A riser is useful when the laptop screen needs raising for prolonged work and you can use separate input devices. The Health and Safety Executive pairs a raised laptop screen with a separate keyboard and mouse, rather than treating the riser alone as the complete arrangement.
Check the exact laptop’s port capabilities, charging requirement and supported external-display configuration, then compare them with the dock, cable and operating-system requirements. Microsoft notes that USB-C hardware and software combinations can cause problems; Apple says supported external displays depend on the Mac model and display specifications.
No. A USB-C socket’s shape does not establish which functions a particular laptop, cable and dock combination supports. Check the manufacturer specifications for the video and charging functions you intend to use.