Plastic cable guard, for desktop computer.

Stephen Hawking's desk was standard-issue Cambridge University furniture, and his desktop computer was also mostly standard. This is in stark contrast with his wheelchair-mounted systems. In fact, Hawking largely used his wheelchair computers even when in his office. The desktop computer was more often operated by his staff. Among the unavoidable advantages of the desktop computer were its larger screens (including a sophisticated curved one) and advanced audio. These were preferred for watching and editing media, and also providing a higher-quality reproduction of his voice.

At the centre of the office is Hawking’s desk with a desktop computer, behind which there is space for him and his wheelchair, including all mobile computers, screens and custom equipment. The desk and his wheelchair were oriented so that Hawking could see incoming visitors, and the working blackboard. When working with academic colleagues, these often sat by Hawking’s right side, sharing the view of his screens and blackboard behind.