The Quest 3S, Quest 3, and Apple Vision Pro are opening up exciting new avenues in personal computing for users who don them. As these headsets become more integral to our tech lives, accessory-makers are racing to keep up with what’s needed, particularly for tasks like using an ultrawide Mac Virtual Display or connecting via Quest HDMI Link. I’ve found that having a shoulder bag to carry your headset is incredibly handy, whether you’re traveling or just moving around your home, and a mobile desk can bring your mouse and keyboard to wherever you need them most.
### Remote Work
In the realm of remote work, the avatar system of headsets can be a game-changer, allowing you to present yourself to coworkers without the need for a camera. When it comes to focus and productivity, the full VR experience enables you to hone in on specific tasks, no matter the environment. However, at home, maintaining focus can be a challenge due to various distractions such as street noise, children, or household chores. That’s why, in 2024, the most valuable accessory I invested in was a mobile desk.
Though the product I ordered off Amazon made no mention of VR, it now serves as my personal workspace for virtual and mixed reality. This “mobile standing desk, pneumatic height adjustable laptop desk, mobile laptop desk with wheels, height adjustable from 29.5″ to 47″, black” has become indispensable.
### Virtual Displays Anywhere
The beauty of a mobile desk lies in its simplicity: it provides a platform for a keyboard and mouse wherever they’re needed. Once you’re done working, it can be effortlessly tucked away. This desk is particularly effective for both seated and standing VR use, thanks to its locking wheels, allowing it to stay put when necessary. A few carefully chosen accessories attached to the desk enhance extended work sessions.
A hook underneath the desk holds identical bags for my VR headsets, a Meta Quest 3S, and an Apple Vision Pro. I’ve also integrated an under-desk cord management shelf and a cupholder for convenience. Sitting at this desk, I can easily pull up an ultra-widescreen display on the Apple Vision Pro or connect the Quest HDMI Link to a Steam Deck. Whether in VR mode or mixed reality while petting my cats, these virtual displays add a powerful dimension of portable computing beyond the apps on the headset.
### Reclaiming Space
The flexibility of this setup means your office space can adapt to various roles. If you type by touch, you might want to add a monitor stand with a cat bed on top, turning it into a dual-purpose workstation and feline perch. With this arrangement, you retain full access to input devices, while positioning an impressive virtual display just right. The secret is swapping a large, physical monitor for a virtual one, liberating your desk from the burdens of holding up a hefty screen. Now, with wheels on your desk, you can move freely around your home, enjoying different settings each day. This mobile display setup is perfect for pet owners, as it keeps your furry friends in view as you work.
### Shoulder Bag
A compact shoulder bag for your VR gear, which fits snugly into a larger backpack, is a must-have both at home and on the go. It’s as simple as grabbing your headset from the hook, unzipping the bag, putting it on, and zipping up with the battery inside before slinging it over your shoulder. When traveling, the headset’s lenses are well-protected within their shell inside your main bag. So, when downtime strikes during long journeys by plane, train, or bus, just do the VR setup, and tuck the backpack away.
While docks are a nice addition to any headset, the versatility of a shoulder bag makes it an ideal trade-off, ensuring your headset remains portable, secure, and bundled with essential accessories.
### Portable Power & Infrared Light
I strongly advocate for minimizing any additional weight on your head. Standalone VR headsets in 2024 distribute between 500-650 grams on your noggin. Adding more, regardless of balance, could lead to headaches. My choice is high-performance batteries that charge rapidly on a stand and power multiple devices through retractable USB cables. Longer batteries are easier to stow in pockets, bags, or slings worn around your waist, offering more comfort than those attached to your head.
I’m not a fan of hard straps and head-mounted batteries, despite their popularity among VR headset users. Opting for a soft strap grants you the freedom to take your VR experience anywhere, even in bed. An infrared light, invisible to the eye, can also be invaluable for enhancing head and hand tracking in low-light conditions.
### Next Steps To Work From Home
There are countless accessories to elevate your standalone headset experience, from keyboards and gamepads to routers and PCs. There’s also an infinite array of configurations for setting up in areas with pleasant mixed reality backgrounds. By carrying your battery in a bag and repositioning your desk as needed, you’re well on your way to reshaping your living environment. Virtual reality allows you to take control over how, when, and where you complete your work, all while enjoying the perks of virtual displays.
