Congrats on the new gig! Since you are on a budget, skip the expensive dock and just get a cheap Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 Ultra Slim Data Hub instead. Its a life saver for keeping things organized without breaking the bank. Also, definitely look into a Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard because typing on your laptop all day is gonna ruin your posture long-term. Just keep it simple and stay within your means!

Jumping in here! Honestly, grab a Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse if you can. It saves your wrist from cramping up and is an absolute game changer for productivity.

> Do I really need a laptop stand or is that just for people with aesthetic offices? Honestly, you definitely need a stand if you value your spine. Working hunched over for 8 hours will wreck your neck pretty quick, aesthetic be damned. You dont need some fancy motorized desk, just grab something like the Nexstand Laptop Stand Portable Adjustable which is super cheap and folds up if you're tight on space. As for the docking station, yeah, some cheap ones get hot, but you'll need one for extra ports unless you want to constantly unplug stuff. A Anker PowerExpand 11-in-1 USB-C PD Media Hub is a solid middle ground that usually runs cooler than the super compact ones. Just prioritize getting your screen to eye level first, that alone makes a massive difference.

Been thinking about your setup since I saw this earlier. One thing nobody mentioned yet is lighting. If you are in a cramped apartment, desk space is at a premium, so dont waste it on big lamps. Get a monitor light bar instead. It clips onto the top of your screen, clears up your desk, and kills the glare that causes eye strain after a few hours. Also, just a quick warning about those cheap hubs everyone recommends. If you plug too many power-hungry devices into a budget USB hub, you can actually fry your laptop port or experience constant connection drops. It is usually fine for a mouse or a keyboard, but be careful if you start adding external hard drives or anything that draws extra power. If you notice your laptop acting glitchy, unplug the hub immediately to avoid long-term damage.