New Mac Setup? Essential Upgrades to Do First

Getting a new Mac is an exciting moment, and the right accessories can transform that initial excitement into a lasting, highly productive daily experience. A well-considered setup goes beyond the computer itself, creating an ecosystem that supports seamless work and enhances comfort. Whether you work from home or in an office, these carefully chosen upgrades can make a significant difference in how you use your machine every single day.

For years, my desk has been anchored by a Logitech MX Master mouse. The latest iteration, the MX Master 4, continues this legacy with thoughtful refinements rather than a complete overhaul. The familiar, ergonomic shape remains, but the build quality sees a welcome upgrade with a more stain-resistant, textured plastic that replaces some of the older rubberized finishes. The addition of haptic feedback is a clever touch that improves the overall user experience. It’s a tool that simply disappears into your workflow, which is the highest compliment you can give a peripheral.

A desk mat might seem like a purely aesthetic choice, but it fundamentally changes the feel of your workspace. I’ve found the Satechi eco-leather desk mat to be a perfect blend of style and function. Its dual-sided design offers versatility, and I particularly appreciate that one side is completely free of branding. For around forty dollars, it adds a layer of sophistication and protects your desk surface from scratches and wear.

Connectivity is king in a modern setup. The cornerstone of my own system is the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub, which enables a true single-cable docking experience. I place my MacBook Pro on the desk, connect one Thunderbolt cable, and instantly have access to my display, storage, and all peripherals. The peace of mind and sheer convenience this provides is invaluable, especially for those who use their laptop as both a portable and desktop machine. OWC has a proven track record for reliable, high-performance hubs.

You can never have too many charging ports. Satechi’s 165W GaN Charger solves this problem elegantly with four USB-C ports capable of delivering full power to multiple devices simultaneously. Having this on my desk means I always have a spot to quickly charge a phone, tablet, or headphones without hunting for a spare adapter. It’s an investment that pays off daily in reduced clutter and hassle.

How you position your MacBook matters. I prefer using mine in clamshell mode with an external display, and for that, the Twelve South BookArc stand is ideal. It holds the laptop securely upright and out of the way, making it easy to connect that single cable. If you work with your laptop lid open, Twelve South’s Curve stand is a popular alternative that provides an ergonomic viewing angle.

Apple’s revival of the Beats Pill speaker was a welcome move. Its compact, iconic design delivers surprisingly robust sound, and its portability means it can easily move from the office desk to the backyard. It’s a fun, functional addition that doesn’t take up much space.

To take full advantage of iOS’s StandBy mode, a good iPhone stand is essential. On my desk, the Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe does triple duty: it holds my iPhone upright, includes a wireless charging pad for my AirPods, and has a built-in Apple Watch charger. For a simpler, space-saving solution, the Belkin 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand with MagSafe is an excellent choice for keeping an iPhone and AirPods case powered up.

After experimenting with mechanical keyboards, I returned to the Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. The seamless integration is unbeatable; Touch ID provides instant, secure authentication for logging in, using Apple Pay, or accessing passwords. The typing feel is also consistent with my MacBook’s built-in keyboard, eliminating any adjustment period when switching between typing surfaces.

Yes, I use both a mouse and a trackpad. My setup features the Magic Keyboard in the center, an Apple Magic Trackpad on the left, and the Logitech mouse on the right. The trackpad is indispensable for precise gesture control in creative applications like Logic Pro or Pixelmator. Having multiple input options caters to different tasks and improves long-term ergonomics during marathon work sessions.

The Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand is a conversation starter on my desk. It neatly holds my headphones while its base functions as a Qi wireless charger for my iPhone. Its smart design includes a USB-C input that powers both the charging pad and a passthrough USB-C output port. For a more hidden storage solution, the Elevation Lab Anchor Under-Desk Headphone Stand mounts discreetly underneath the desk surface.

Lighting plays a crucial role in defining a workspace. Affordable HomeKit-compatible light strips are perfect for adding ambient backlighting behind a desk or monitor, allowing for color and brightness control via an iPhone or Siri. For a more focused, premium lighting effect, Philips Hue Play Light Bars offer stunning directional accent lighting, though they require a separate Hue Bridge. A simple HomeKit desk lamp, like the reliable model from Meross, provides direct, adjustable task lighting. Layering these light sources can dramatically improve ambiance and reduce eye strain.

To combat desk clutter, I installed a HumanCentric Under Desk Storage Shelf. This adhesive-mounted shelf keeps everyday items like keys, wallets, and earbud cases within reach but out of sight, maintaining a clean and focused work surface.

Finally, maintaining your gear is essential. For most screens, I rely on WHOOSH! Screen Shine, a cleaner trusted by professionals for years. However, for devices with Apple’s nano-texture glass, like my MacBook Pro and iPad Pro, I use only the official Apple Polishing Cloth to ensure the delicate coating isn’t damaged. Keeping your technology clean isn’t just about looks; it’s about preserving your investment.

The right accessories personalize your space and elevate your entire computing experience. What pieces have become indispensable in your own Mac setup?

(Source: 9to5 Mac)