My Office Start-Up Setup

My Office Start-Up Setup

(Why I moved from PC to Apple, and the workspace that supports my life now)

This office setup came together during a season when I wasn’t just changing how I worked, but how I wanted to connect with the people around me.

On the surface, this looks like a post about devices. In reality, it’s about choosing tools that support creative work, reduce friction, and intentionally make it easier to stay connected to my family while I learn and build.

Building this setup also reminded me how much getting organized reduces emotional overload, something I explored more deeply in When Organization Becomes Support.

If you’re considering a shift from PC to Apple for the first time, or you’re designing a creative workspace that supports both wellbeing and focus, this is an honest snapshot of what that transition has looked like for me.

Why I chose to change my setup

I didn’t set out to upgrade anything.

What I wanted was:

• Better connectivity between devices
• A smoother, less fragmented creative workflow
• Fewer interruptions and less troubleshooting
• And something that mattered more than I initially realized: a shared language with my family

Creating an environment that supports how you feel is similar to creating an environment that supports your emotional state, which I explore through clothing and identity in Dopamine Dressing: Introduction.

Most of the people closest to me already lived in the Apple ecosystem. I didn’t. Conversations about shortcuts, fixes, or simple how-tos often ended with, “It’s different on your computer.” Over time, that gap felt heavier than expected.

This shift was about ease, belonging, and connection, not productivity for its own sake.

The desk: a stable place to land

The sit-stand desk was chosen for one simple reason: I needed a workspace that adapted to my body, not the other way around.

It raises and lowers quietly, feels solid, and was easy enough to assemble on my own in under an hour. There is one design detail worth noting. The desktop surface comes in two pieces rather than one, which leaves a small seam down the centre. Mine sits slightly off by a millimetre or two. It hasn’t affected usability, especially with a laptop and large mouse pad, but it’s something to be aware of if seamless surfaces matter to you.

To keep costs down, I paired the desk with an older office chair I already owned. It still works well, so I kept it.

Desk used in this setup: IMGadgets Electric Standing Desk, 47×24 Inches Height Adjustable

The MacBook Air: learning together instead of alone

The MacBook Air (24GB memory) has been smooth, fast, and reliable. Creative work feels lighter, and once the basics settled, the workflow began to feel intuitive.

What surprised me most wasn’t the performance. It was how learning became shared.

Instead of quietly struggling through the learning curve, I found myself texting questions, sharing screenshots, and receiving quick tips from family members who already knew the system. Tutorials became conversation starters. Small wins were celebrated. Even moments of operator error were met with humor instead of frustration.

That experience alone justified the transition.

Comfort and physical ease matter more than productivity metrics, especially when a workspace needs to act as something like a workspace that helps you stay grounded and focused, which I talk about more in Grounding Yourself.

Laptop used: MacBook Air (24GB)

The iPad: ergonomics, creativity, and humility

The iPad has quickly earned its place in my workflow.

At the moment, I use it primarily as a second monitor, positioned above my laptop screen using a simple tablet stand. This setup has noticeably reduced neck tension and improved posture during longer creative sessions.

It also came with a humbling learning moment. I spent nearly three weeks misunderstanding where the Apple Pencil was meant to attach. “On the side” turned out to be far more literal than I initially assumed. Once I figured it out, everything clicked. I’ll be adding photos here, because some realizations deserve documentation.

I can already see this device becoming more central as I explore its creative tools further.

Tablet used:
iPad (5th Gen) → MacBook Air (24GB)

Stylus used:
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) → Apple Pencil (2nd Gen)

What this setup supports now

I’ve transitioned successfully to an Apple-based workflow, with genuine appreciation for the PCs that supported me for years. This wasn’t about abandoning what worked. It was about choosing what works now.

This setup is already supporting the creation of my upcoming Color and Learn 3 book, and I plan to share more behind-the-scenes glimpses as that process unfolds.

If you’re curious what this setup might grow into over time, I’ve shared the aspirational version in My Dream Office Set Up.

Final thoughts

This workspace isn’t about perfect tools or productivity theatre. It’s about ease, connection, and creative sustainability.

One of the most meaningful outcomes of this transition has been how it re-opened everyday connection with my family. Tutorials shared back and forth, casual “try this” messages, problem-solving in real time, and yes, the beloved color of chat bubbles, turned learning into something shared rather than isolating.

That was one of my main reasons for changing systems, and it’s been a quiet success.

In a future post, I’ll share what my dream office setup looks like as this system continues to evolve slowly and intentionally.

Take what supports you. Leave the rest.