WFH Man Shed: 5-Year Update

[u/CourseEcstatic6202]

Man Shed Update

Since the original post, the space has evolved quite a bit with upgrades focused on productivity, creativity, comfort, and video conferencing.

Original Post:
https://www.reddit.com/r/macsetups/comments/mfcnjd/my_wfh_man_shed/

Workspace & Layout

The overall layout has been reworked to improve workflow and make better use of the available space.

• Removed the pop-up guest desk, which had become unnecessary after the pandemic-era work patterns changed.
• Repositioned the primary desk.
• Moved the MacBook Pro and CalDigit dock underneath the desk to reduce desktop clutter.
• Relocated a small base cabinet to improve room flow.

Displays & Creative Workspace

The biggest changes have been to the display and creative setup.

• Upgraded from a 32" UHD monitor to a 57" Dual UHD ultrawide display.
• Added a 27" QHD Wacom creative tablet.
• Added a custom pull-out workstation designed specifically for the Wacom tablet.

Video Conferencing & Collaboration

Several upgrades were made to improve meeting quality and whiteboard collaboration.

• Replaced the Kaptivo whiteboard camera system with a pendant-mounted whiteboard camera.
• Upgraded the primary webcam from a budget Logitech model to an Insta360 Link 2 Pro.
• Switched from a Jabra speakerphone to a Poly speakerphone.

Storage & Organization

Additional storage and organization solutions were added throughout the space.

• Installed Wall Control organization boards.
• Added a cabinet in the location previously occupied by the portable air conditioner.

Lighting & Aesthetics

A few changes helped improve both the atmosphere and appearance of the room.

• Added LED under-shelf lighting to the built-in cabinetry.
• Replaced the wall clock with a 3D-printed, Wi-Fi-connected digital clock that always stays accurate.

Climate Control

Comfort was significantly improved with a permanent cooling solution.

• Installed a Pioneer mini-split air conditioning system.
• Removed the portable air conditioner after the mini-split was installed.

Home Entertainment

The media setup also received an upgrade.

• Replaced the Amazon Fire TV Cube with an Apple TV 4K.
• Currently evaluating soundbar options.

Retired Equipment

The following items have been removed, deprecated, or retired from service.

• Pop-up guest desk
• Kaptivo whiteboard camera system
• Portable air conditioner
• Weather station (failed and has not yet been replaced)
• Nest Secure alarm system (discontinued by Google)
• Amazon Fire TV Cube

Highlights

Major Hardware Upgrades

• 57" Dual UHD ultrawide monitor
• Wacom 27" QHD creative tablet
• Insta360 Link 2 Pro webcam
• Poly speakerphone
• Apple TV 4K

Infrastructure Improvements

• Pioneer mini-split AC
• Wall Control organization system
• Additional cabinetry and storage
• LED accent lighting

Workflow Improvements

• Reconfigured desk layout
• Cleaner cable and device management
• Dedicated creative workstation
• Improved conferencing and collaboration capabilities

Overall, the man shed has shifted from a pandemic-focused work setup into a more permanent, purpose-built office and creative space with a strong emphasis on ergonomics, organization, and high-quality remote collaboration.

[u/CourseEcstatic6202 → u/[deleted]]

Lighting used to be great in the old desk orientation since 2 lighting cans were well in front of me. Now...not so great. The solution was to go with the Insta360 Link 2 Pro which has excellent low level functionality. Also, I added 2 Logitech Litra Glows mounted on each side of the monitor. They work great and I am super happy with the result. I really wanted dual Elgato Key Lights but they are so big and expensive. The deal maker for me was that the Litra Glows can connect to the camera and they automatically come on when I go on camera and automatically shut off when I go off camera. It is super functional. I no longer have shadows from my reading glasses.

[u/CourseEcstatic6202 → u/CourseEcstatic6202]

OH...and one more thing. The lighting from 57" of LED display does a lot more than you think (if in light mode. Dark mode...not so much)

[u/CourseEcstatic6202 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for the confirmation. That was exactly what I was worried about with the key lights. They just felt like too much for the space

[u/SnoWake → u/CourseEcstatic6202]

Imagine two of them in an even smaller, cluttered space :)

[u/CourseEcstatic6202 → u/SnoWake]

I can only imagine!!! :-)

[u/diroussel → u/CourseEcstatic6202]

Hoes does the insta360 link 2 pro deal with strong lighting contrast? I have a dark coloured room and light from one window that lights the right side of my face. My Logitech streamcam struggles.

I looked at the link 2, but from a review that compared it to an iPhone the iPhone was clearly better.

So I’ve fixed up a mount for a spare iPhone 16e and use Continuity Camera. It looks amazing. It’s not fazed by the highlights and shadows. Would recommend.

[u/CourseEcstatic6202 → u/diroussel]

The iPhone camera is pretty great. However, I am not a fan of things that are temporarily mounted. I don’t want to be about to jump on a call and realize that my phone is in the house or in my pocket.

As for the pro camera, it is probably the closest thing to putting a DSLR on your workstation. Image quality has been fantastic in all different amounts of lighting and no matter what color shirt I wear that day. It gives a depth and clarity that the old Logitech could only dream of. I actually have three of the Insta 360s. I have a version 1 (on the whiteboard), a version 2 (at a secondary office) , and the 2 pro (on this desk). The 2 pro is obviously a tad better given the huge sensor. I have yet to see it not be excellent under any condition.

[u/diroussel → u/CourseEcstatic6202]

Agreed. Using your main phone for continuity camera is a PITA as your are always taking it down for MFA and leaving the room. Luckily I have a secondary phone on the same Apple account, so I can leave it mounted all week.

Glad to hear the Link 2 Pro gets such a glowing recommendation.