For sustained laptop work, choose a stand with separate keyboard and mouse if the laptop screen needs repositioning; consider an external monitor if a separate display better suits your regular tasks. Check desk space and the laptop, cable and display’s video and charging capabilities before choosing USB-C or docking features. If an applicable employer DSE assessment identifies equipment as needed, discuss provision with your employer before buying it yourself.
If you regularly work on a laptop for sustained periods, consider screen position and whether separate input devices would help you arrange the workstation. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises separating the keyboard and mouse from a laptop when raising its screen.
If your regular work uses several windows, weigh the value of a separate, adjustable display against the desk space and connection it requires.
If you share or clear your home desk, compare equipment that can be moved or stored with a fixed monitor setup. HSE guidance says a DSE assessment for work in both the home and office should cover both situations.
For sustained laptop-based home or hybrid work, consider how the screen, input devices, connections and available desk space work together before choosing equipment.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Screen and input position | Check stand adjustment and whether a separate keyboard and mouse can be positioned independently. | If I raise my laptop for sustained work, I also need a practical place for separate input devices. Consumers whose primary concern is screen and input position make up about 29% in this buying scenario. |
| Usable display space | Compare the exact screen size, resolution, stand adjustment and desk footprint. | If my regular tasks would benefit from a separate display, I need its size and position to suit the work and desk. About 29% of consumers in this scenario prioritise usable display space. |
| Video and charging compatibility | Check the laptop’s video output, cable and display input; compare the monitor’s stated power delivery with the laptop’s charging requirement. | If I want a straightforward laptop-to-display connection, I need the devices and cable to support the same video route. Consumers who put connection compatibility first account for about 21% in this buying scenario. |
| Desk fit and portability | Measure available width and depth, including room for input devices, and check whether equipment needs to be stored between uses. | If I share or clear my desk, I need to know what can stay set up and what will need moving. About 21% of consumers in this scenario prioritise desk fit and portability. |
Raising the screen while continuing to use the built-in keyboard does not provide the separated input arrangement described in HSE guidance for prolonged laptop use.
Plan where a separate keyboard and mouse will go before choosing a riser, and consider any applicable employer DSE assessment.
A USB-C-shaped connector alone does not establish that the laptop, cable and display support the intended video connection. Charging capability is a separate check.
For DisplayPort Alternate Mode video, StarTech.com says the host port, cable and connected device must all support it. Check the exact laptop and display specifications, and compare power delivery with the laptop’s requirement.
A monitor and its stand need to fit the desk alongside the keyboard and mouse, with a usable viewing position.
Measure the available desk space and check the stand’s adjustment or any intended mounting accessory before choosing a fixed display.
The UK-listed P2725QE is an example of a fixed 27-inch 4K USB-C hub monitor for a laptop workstation.
ThinkVision T27h-30 is a 27-inch QHD display example with USB-C and hub-related connections.
The UK-listed 27UP850K-W is another fixed 27-inch 4K monitor example for comparing display position and inputs.
The ADJ-LAPTOP-RISER is an adjustable stand example for people retaining a laptop as their display.
The MX Keys Mini is an example of a compact separate keyboard to consider alongside a raised laptop or external screen.
These Joybuy choices cover adjustable laptop stands and external monitors for laptop-based work. Check each product’s fit and connections against your workstation before choosing.
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For a laptop screen that needs repositioning while retaining the laptop as the display.
Seven listed height levels from 15 to 45 degrees; foldable design; fits 10 to 17 inch laptops.
For prolonged laptop use, HSE guidance calls for a separate keyboard and mouse when the screen is raised.
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For a regular workstation where a separate display suits the work and the desk can accommodate its stand.
34-inch 3440 × 1440 UWQHD display; 120 Hz; 1500R curved screen.
The listed stand has height, swivel and tilt adjustment, USB-C and 98 W power delivery. Its listed base measures 808.6 × 250.6 mm. Check desk space and laptop compatibility; USB-C video requires the host, cable and display to support DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
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For a laptop workstation where a separate 27-inch 4K display and adjustable positioning suit the available desk.
3840 × 2160 resolution; USB-C with 90 W power delivery, HDMI and USB-A ports; listed stand adjustment includes height, pivot, swivel and tilt.
Check that the laptop supports the intended USB-C video connection and that its charging requirement suits the stated power delivery.
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For a laptop-based workstation where a separate 27-inch WQHD display and multiple positioning adjustments suit the setup.
Listed connections include HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C with power delivery, plus a USB hub. The stand is listed with height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustment, and VESA mounting compatibility.
Check the laptop’s video output and charging requirement against the monitor and cable before choosing USB-C.
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For a separate screen described for laptop use across different work locations, where a compact display suits the task.
18.4-inch 3840 × 2160 display; listed connections are USB-C and Mini HDMI. The product description lists an integrated mount and VESA mounting compatibility.
Check that one of the listed connections suits the laptop’s video output.
Not necessarily. If an applicable assessment identifies equipment as needed, discuss its provision with your employer before buying it yourself. HSE guidance says a worker cannot be charged for equipment provided to meet a need identified by the assessment.
Where a worker uses DSE in both locations and the regulations apply, HSE guidance says the assessment should cover both situations. HSE identifies daily DSE use as part of normal work, continuously for an hour or more, as the threshold for a DSE user; occasional short periods at home are treated differently.
For prolonged laptop use, HSE guidance calls for a separate keyboard and mouse so the screen can be elevated, or for a separate display. Consider the full workstation arrangement rather than treating a riser alone as the complete setup.
No; the connector shape alone does not establish video or charging compatibility. For DisplayPort Alternate Mode video, StarTech.com says the host port, cable and connected device must support it. Compare the monitor’s stated power delivery with the laptop’s charging requirement separately.
HSE says an assessment is needed when a new workstation is set up, an existing workstation or its use changes, or a user reports pain or discomfort. Its home-working guidance also advises reviewing whether existing controls remain sufficient.