David Pierce, what’s on your desk?

david pearce is edgeContributing Editor. What is a contributing editor? That means, he says, “Well, nothing. I write stories, I produce podcasts, and I write a newsletter called Installerbut most importantly, I spend a lot of time trying to convince people to love to-do list apps as much as I do.

We asked him to tell us about his workspace.

It looks like you have set up your office in the basement recreation room.

Yes, it’s a basement/office/guest room/storage room/play area/designated dog sleeping spot, all in one. I used to have an office that was more like an office at home, but then we had a kid, so now that’s my wife’s office – I’ve been shunted to the basement because I don’t mind how cold it is all the time. Whenever we had our second child, I never knew what we were going to do.

Between the couch, wine cooler, and basketball hoop, not to mention the sliding door to the yard, it feels like a cozy space.

It’s so nice here! I deeply regret purchasing a 42 inch TV just for this space because with a little work and a larger screen this could have been a great place to hang out and watch movies. But even now it works great for me, especially when the weather is nice and I can leave the sliding door open all day.

The main downside to this setup is that all of this stuff is also in the background when I’m on video calls and recording podcasts. So, I’m forever torn between wanting it to feel comfortable and fun and needing it to look at least somewhat professional and put together. This meant I spent a lot of time moving blankets and pillows on and off the couch.

Can you tell us a little bit about the table itself?

The desk is a black IKEA Alex top with two white IKEA Alex filing cabinets. I’ve tried a lot of different tables over the years and found that what I needed most was space. The desk is nothing special and I really wish I could turn it into a standing model, but it’s big and cheap and it gets the job done. However, the tabletop itself is starting to show significant wear, so it may be time to replace the part.

The other furniture-like items above are from Ugmonk’s Gather collection, which I wrote about a while ago and purchased after completing the story. I have a 2×3 storage kit and a large monitor stand, both of which are very expensive, but I love the look of them and the story and intention behind them.

I just looked up the name on Amazon: It’s “HON Office Chair Black | Ignition 2.0 | Ergonomic | Adjustable Tilt, Spinner Wheels, Long Time Comfort” which should basically tell you what you need to know about it How good and beautiful all the information is. After a lot of research, I purchased it in 2021 for $332 because I couldn’t afford to spend the money on a proper high-end office chair. I’ve always had back problems and this one has actually helped me – it’s starting to get a little shabby and one of the arms just cracked a few weeks ago, but I sit on this thing for so many hours a week that I live to tell this story.

Here’s the long version: Tell us about the various tech devices you’re using.

My computer is an M1 Mac Mini and I love it but can’t wait Upgrade to whatever Apple releases next. It’s plugged into a 27-inch Dell UltraSharp U2723QE monitor, which I recently got and love so far. It has an Insta360 Link webcam on top.

I own a surprising amount of Logitech gear: I use an MX Master 3S mouse and an MX Keys S keyboard, both of which are the best in class as far as I’m concerned. I’m using Z207 computer speakers, which are pretty mediocre, but they cost about $40, so whatever.

I charge my phone and Apple Watch mostly on the Twelve South HiRise 3 charging stand, which is nice and simple, but so slow that sometimes I want to throw it out the window. I need to upgrade this thing.

I have a 13-inch iPad Air on my desk (it’s a review device, so it won’t be this forever, but there are always some tablets here) when I want to watch something while I’m at work or at work , I can use it. When I also have something long to read, sometimes I grab my iPad and lean back in my chair instead of staring at the monitor.

My podcast setup is a Shure SM7B mic on a Rode PS1 arm, connected to a Cloudlifter (if you know that), connected to a Scarlett 2i2 connector, plugged directly into a Mac Mini. I use an Elgato ring light to make my face look less bad on camera. Another part of the setup are two pillows that I put on the table to muffle the sound – is this technology? I use the same Sony MDR7506 headphones that I use for other podcasts; I’ve had them for years, although I’ve had to replace the earcups a few times. When I’m not wearing my headphones, they hang on the Audio-Technica AT-HPH300 Headphone Hanger , which is completely unnecessary but makes my desk feel less cluttered.

That’s all the permanent stuff; everything else is gadgets I’m testing out, things I bought that I’ll definitely return or give to family members, and charging cables. There are always so many charging cables.

You may have fewer decorations in your workspace than many of your coworkers, but it’s hard to miss that adorable Father’s Day artwork.

I didn’t notice until you said that that every decoration in this basement was made by a family member. My wife draws a picture behind me at every podcast and meeting; my mom draws a picture of our two dogs sitting on the mantle behind me; and my son seems to be taken from daycare every week Went home two or three times with artwork. Sometimes, it’s not very nice (don’t tell him I said that), and sometimes, my wife and I fight over who gets to hang it up. Luckily, when it came to Father’s Day art, I won.

Then there’s the LEGO Factory, LEGO Chef and the Magic Cubes under your monitor.

Both Legos would make great wedding favors! Plants at my wife’s best friend’s wedding recently – the bride and groom loved plants so much they made one for each guest. I was the chef at my best friend’s wedding a few years ago. The couple selected the LEGO character they felt best represented each guest. I never asked him why I was a chef, but I loved it. I longed for his facial hair.

I purchased the Magic Cubes during the pandemic when I got bored and decided to learn two things: juggling and solving Magic Cubes. I did learn to juggle! This matter still cannot be solved. But until I learn it, it won’t leave my desk. Plus, it’s really fun to fiddle with during a call.

it looks like you are reading Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter. How about the book?

So far great! I always try to keep a paper book on my desk as a way to take a break from get off work or stop looking at a screen for a few minutes. I should probably be reading instead of scrolling TikTok, you know? Usually, it’s like a super spy novel, but now this one. Even with the story being closely followed and reported, some of the details are still shocking. And usually not in a good way.

Is there anything else we haven’t mentioned that you’d like to add?

You may have noticed a bunch of cables dangling from the right side of my desk. It was the best thing I ever did; I drilled a hole in the back of a filing cabinet, plugged the power strip in, and made myself a charging drawer. Sometimes I’ll charge it in there and keep it tidy, and that’s where I put all my charging stuff on a pad or pad or whatever, but most of the time it’s just that big swath of cables. It has a Lightning cable, a Micro USB cable, a few specialized cables for various gadgets, and a bunch of USB-C cables. It’s not pretty, but boy, does it make life easier without having to hunt for a plug or cord. Charging station for the win!

David Pierce Photography / edge