Due to the nature of my job, I often get questions about what technology I personally use and what my office setup looks like.

To put it simply, I use the products that I recommend and I try to make the most of my workspace (which albeit, rarely happens).

In no particular order:

Desk
M&M Symmetrical Corner Desk

I was given this desk by a generous client a few years ago. It is quite large and provides two work areas, one on each branch, and a raised stand for a monitor in the middle. I have the desk elevated on blocks in order to fit my two tower speakers underneath.

Monitor
Dell UltraSharp 2709W

A new member of my fleet, I wanted to transition over to a newer monitor technology due to the health (mainly eyestrain) benefits and reduced power consumption. The reason for my delayed adoption of LCD technology centered around image quality.

Most people are familiar with LCD monitors based off of twisted nematic (TN) display technology. Monitors which employ this type of panel suffer from limited viewing angles, especially in the vertical direction.

TN panels represent colors using only 6 bits per color, instead of 8, and thus are not able to display the 16.7 million color shades (24-bit truecolor) that are available from modern graphics cards.

In order to avoid a reduction in image quality when compared to my previous CRT monitor I waited until the perfect monitor (for my own use) was released and made affordable.

Keyboard
Logitech Illuminated Keyboard

Perhaps the upgrade that I've been craving for the longest period of time, the Logitech Illuminated Keyboard is incredibly thin and similar to a laptop keyboard but keys have a longer travel for a more comfortable typing experience.

However, it's most important feature is the included, laser cut, backlighting system. In the day, they provide an extra sharpness to each character but at night is where the system really shines. Late night gaming or writing sessions are made completely frustration free which is definitely a plus for people who love the night as much as I do!

Mouse
Logitech® MX™518 Gaming-Grade Optical Mouse

A testament to the quality of most Logitech mice, this optical mouse was designed for gamers and features adjustable DPI settings through the use of two buttons on the top of the mouse. I find that it is curved perfectly to the hand (for those of us who are right-handed) and can be used for hours without strain. Most importantly, it features both a back and a forward button which is essential for web browsing and a notched scroll wheel which is a must for gaming.

I've had this mouse for more than a few years and it performs just like new, despite the fact that I've worn off all of the paint that covered the logitech icon located at the back of the mouse.

Mousepad
Rocketfish Gaming Mouse Pad

It is all too common to find mice being used on a rough surface, on an old, ripped mousepad or on an area that is too small to conduct itself to good mousing (is that a real word?).

A simple way to find more joy in using a PC, increase your score in online computer games and to increase your overall computing efficiency is to purchase a dedicated mousepad. This model is milled out of a solid piece of aluminum. Each side is covered in a different type of material, each of which is designed for a specific purpose (speed or control). Rubber strips keep the pad from "creeping" during use.

Computer System - Desktop

• G.SKILL PC2-8500 4GB
• ASUS P5Q Pro
• Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400
• Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB
• OCZ ModXStream Pro 700W
• Samsung SH-S223F/BEBN
• Galaxy NVIDIA 8800GT 512MB
• ATI TV Wonder Elite
• Windows Vista Home Premium x64

Computer System - Laptop
Sony VAIO VGN-SZ780

Receiver
JVC TH-A35

I was required to move my Integra DTR-5.4 downstairs and this receiver upstairs because of an incompatibility between my Xbox 360 and this JVC TH-A35. Overall this unit is lacking both in inputs and in features but it does do its job adequately, at least until a replacement can be found.

Speakers
Sears LXI Series