What’s on your desk, Jônatas?
In this section, readers showcase their desks (and what's on them), explain what they use and how, and in the process, everyone learns something new. Check out other desks, and if you can, send in yours!
Hello! I’m Jônatas. I’m a developer and I also teach programming topics on my YouTube channel. Here, I work as a developer, take online German classes, stream on Twitch, and create videos for YouTube.
My setup starts with a Tuxedo InfinityBook Pro Gen 7, a company that makes Linux-focused laptops in Europe and has its own operating system, TuxedoOS. However, I use Arch Linux with the Cosmic Desktop; for recording, I switch to KDE Plasma instead of Cosmic.
The computer features a Core i7 12700H, 32 GB of RAM, and a 500 GB NVMe SSD. I have a 2K LCD monitor and a BenQ GW2790E, which is an entry-level model from BenQ.
I enjoy minimalist mechanical keyboards, so I got an Epomaker GK68XS (65% layout with Cherry Brown switches) through Kickstarter. At some point, I hope to get a Moonlander.
For my webcam, I use a Logitech StreamCam 1080p at 60fps for streaming, as the Tuxedo comes with a much weaker 720p webcam. Also, for my classes and videos, I have a Fifine K669 microphone. For lighting, I use a PK-26-ROHS LED panel. My desk is a Jummico Desk with two adjustable sizes. I also have a generic dock that I bought on AliExpress.
The highlights for me are the laptop, which is a joy to use with Linux and has great build quality, and the BenQ monitor, which, despite being an entry-level model, is very good. The advantage of a laptop with native Linux, like those from Tuxedo and System76, is that they offer maximum repairability: it’s quite easy to swap out the memory, for example. Plus, the firmware is open source, which is also a delight.
The monitor is 1080p at 100 Hz with several pre-configured profiles. The refresh rate hasn’t made much of a difference for me, mainly because I’m older (I’m 37) and I don’t game, so I usually keep it at 75 Hz. I use Cosmic (in alpha), and it works well for my needs, as I rely on terminal tools for about 90% of my work, so it really doesn’t complicate things.