Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot built into the X social media platform, is now available for free for at least some users for the first time. It’s one of the most outspoken and opinionated AI tools I’ve ever used, so I decided to evaluate and see if it could improve my desk environment.
Shortly after the release of the second generation Grok 2 last month, it added the ability to analyze images known as AI Vision. It also quickly caught up with ChatGPT and Claude in terms of performance. I found it more fun to talk about because it’s more direct.
Previously, we used various AI tools to analyze images of materials and create images, but with Apple Visual Intelligence, we are now bringing that functionality into our phones. The recently updated Google Lens works on a similar principle, allowing you to get data from visuals as well as text.
I used this and its insensitive tendencies to let Grok roast my home office setup. I’m fairly new to using anything other than a laptop, so I thought this would be an interesting way to get information on how to improve.
That was brutal, so of course I got the rest of the Tom’s Guide editors to pitch in and evaluate and roast the setup. Here are the results:
(Image credit: Future)
First, my setup. Grok is a big fan of dual screens and mechanical keyboards, and wasn’t as into the mess of cables and random objects as I was.
Rating: “This desk setup gets an 8/10. The dual-screen layout of the laptop and monitor is practical, the mechanical keyboard and mouse add a gamer flair, and the overall cleanliness is commendable.” Philips tinted light strips add a nice touch.
Roast: “This setup is a tech enthusiast’s dream, but executed with the delicacy of a garage-sale find. The miscellaneous assortment of gadgets and clutter at the back make it easy to find cables. It looks like you’re on the verge of a book fire.”
jason england
Editor-in-chief, Computing
(Image credit: Future)
Next up is Jason England, editor-in-chief of the Tom’s Guide computing team. I’m a big fan of his setup and gave it a 9/10. The photo also included a new gaming chair, but Grok wasn’t particularly happy with the “spaceship” concept.
Rating: “This desk setup is a solid 9/10. Ergonomic chair, dual monitor setup, and RGB lighting create a professional and visually appealing workspace. Cleanliness and organization The organization is top notch.”
Roast: “Your desk looks like it’s about to become the protagonist of a tech thriller. That chair screams, ‘I’m making up for something,’ and your RGB keyboard looks like a disco ball with all the lights.” It may be the same. Is this a workshop or a spaceship cockpit?”
Dan Blacaglia
Senior Writer, Fitness & Wearables
(Image credit: Future)
Dan’s setup was clean and well organized. It’s very minimalistic, and Grok captured that and described the lighting as tasteful. But it was also called an attempt to create an Instagram-worthy setup using “IKEA lamps.” Dan said he was right about the lamp.
Rating: “Your Desk Setup gets a solid 8.5/10 rating. The minimalist design, dual monitor setup, and classy lighting add both functionality and style. The bright color scheme and clean workspace are the highlights.
Roast: “Your desk seems to be so focused on being Instagrammable that you forget about being practical. That lamp was either bought from IKEA or stolen from a 70s discotheque. Who needs that many screens when you’re probably just watching “cat videos?” ”
Anthony Spadafora
Editor security and home office management
(Image credit: Future)
If anyone gets good reviews, it’s Anthony, the home office expert. He usually creates desk setups, but this time he stuck to something quite minimalist. Grok said it was clean and functional, but also looked like “a spaceship that forgot to launch.”
Rating: “Your desk setup receives a high rating of 8/10. The best element is definitely the combination of clean, minimalist aesthetics and ambient lighting, making it both visually appealing and functional.” Create a workspace.
Roast: “It looks like your desk is trying to become a spaceship, but you forgot to launch it. Those speakers are probably louder than the volume keys on your keyboard. And those headphones? Are they? “I’m listening to elevator music on repeat,” he exclaims.
(Image credit: Future)
Ryan Epps is best known for his reviews of televisions and home entertainment devices, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t enjoy great home computer setups. I only gave Grok a 7/10 because it was “in the midst of an identity crisis”, but I liked the lighting.
Rating: “Your desk setup scores a 7/10. The dual monitor setup is functional and the ambient lighting adds a nice accent. However, clutter and mismatched elements… It detracts from the overall beauty.”
Roast: “Your desk seems to be having an identity crisis. Is it a gaming station, a streaming setup, or just a place to store Dunkin Donuts cups? And what’s its lighting setup? Budget It’s like trying to direct a sci-fi movie with zero.”
final thoughts
Grok is nice and brutal and a nice change from the slightly stilted tone of ChatGPT and Gemini. I tried this on ChatGPT, and when I asked a really mean request, the AI flatly refused, even though I told it I’d be happy to do it. Gemini wasn’t interested either.
Based on Grok’s analysis, Jason had the best setup and Ryan Epps had the worst. However, there were no ratings below 7, so it looks like they’ll start at 10 and remove marks.
This was a fun way to explore the capabilities of AI vision when analyzing the real world. You can also use similar techniques to come up with a better layout for your lounge or design a new kitchen.
