A room is what you make of it, and today’s featured computer setup finds a home in a room only a computer science student could make. He may have to live in a windowless attic, but he brings a lot of computing power and light to it, making it look and feel larger than it is.
Check out all the gear in the M1 Max MacBook, custom PC and triple-display outfit below.
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Computer science student’s M1 Max MacBook Pro, custom PC and 3-diplay rig lights up attic
Working computer science student and Redditor nx10293901 (“NX”) showcased the setup in a post entitled, “The Attic.”
Set on a big DIY butcher-block desk, the workstation features a 2021 16-inch M1 Max MacBook, a Dan A4 H20 PC build, an iPad Air and three different external displays with different resolutions — a 24-inch Dell 1440p/144Hz screen and a 25-inch Dell 1080p/244Hz display sit side by side and a 42-inch Samsung 4K smart TV hangs up on wall mount behind them.
NX described his space as a “college house windowless attic ‘bedroom,'” saying, “This room is my attempt at turning a glorified closet into a livable office/workstation.”
His effort won praise from commenters.
“Your ‘attempt’ was a rousing success,” said one. “I love how bright, clean and spacious the office is. I’m jealous. Mine is the exact opposite: Dark, cramped and messy. You get a 9 out 10. Excellent.”
“Awesome setup,” said another. “But the Dead print really ties it all together nicely!”
LED light panels and Philips Hue bulbs
You can see the Grateful Dead poster in the wide-angle shot below, along with the Ikea Floalt LED light panels that bring so much light and life to the windowless room.
“The light is probably 95% solely from the Ikea panels and 5% from the standard bulbs,” NX explained. “If you’re looking for a relatively discreet way to brighten things up, they’re tough to beat. I alternate between cool white and warm color temps when working / relaxing.”
USB 3.0 hub and KVM switcher provide connectivity
Photo: nx10293901@Reddit.com
NX said the MacBook Pro is wired to a powered USB-C hub mounted under the 72-inch desk. Meanwhile, the big Samsung TV on the wall connects to an Apple TV and the custom PC.
“Apple silicon display ‘limitations’ are a disgrace,” NX noted.
And “all the devices are wired to an eight-port dumb Ethernet switch and a USB 3.0 KVM box under the desk for quick switching between Mac and PC,” he said.
Finally, the Apple TV and a Philips Hue Bridget and a Home bridge situated in a container on the PC support the Philips Hue smart bulbs and the Ikea Floalt LED panels.
They “allow for degree of artificial circadian rhythm,” NX said.
Keychron and Logitech input devices and JBL sound
Photo: nx10293901@Reddit.com
NX uses familiar Keychron and Logitech input devices, but not the ones we see almost every day. He’s got an Keychron K2 wireless mechanical keyboard with a 75% layout and a Logitech G Pro X Superlight gaming mouse.
And his attic space is well-wired for sound, too. In addition to a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface, he rocks JBL LSR305 2-Way Power Studio Monitors — which you can see mounted on the wall on either side of the smart TV — plus an LSR310 Subwoofer on the floor.
Shop these items now:
Computers and hub:
- 16-inch M1 Max MacBook Pro
- iPad Air
- Apple TV 4K
- Dan A4 H20 PC build
Connectivity:
Displays:
Input devices:
Audio:
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface
- JBL LSR305 2-Way Power Studio Monitor speakers
- LSR310 Subwoofer
Lighting and furniture:
- Philips Hue smart bulbs
- Ikea Floalt LED light panels
- 72-inch DIY butcher block mounted to a generic steel workbench frame
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
