Apple has a hit in its MacBook Neo, which at $699, is its most affordable laptop.

And I meant to keep it affordable by kitting it out with bargain or refurbished accessories such as external displays — some found right here in the Twin Cities.

Apple’s just-released entry-level MacBook Neo laptop comes in four colors — silver, blush, citrus and indigo. (Apple) Scenario #1: a single external display

Sometimes one external display will suffice. Fetch a cheap one at Repowered, on St. Paul’s Vandalia Avenue, where a small retail store offers recycled and refurbished computer products at a reduced cost. I found this bargain:

Expand your horizons with OWC’s $34.99 Travel Dock. This gadget plugs into one of the Neo’s USB-C ports and multiplies it into USB-A, Ethernet, SD and other ports. The Repowered display plugs into an HDMI port on the Travel Dock.

Scenario #2: dual external displays

To use two displays on a Neo, look into a docking station from Plugable. Such a device plugs into the Neo, the two displays connect to the docking station and — presto — you have a two-screen workstation (three screens, if you count the Neo’s built-in display).

Plugable offers docks with varying prices and degrees of complexity. I kept my setup simple at first with a $119.99 USB C to HDMI adapter for use with the Repowered monitors, which plug into the dual HDMI ports on the adapter.

I got fancier for a while with two of MSI’s 32-inch MAG 321UPX QD-OLED gaming monitors ($799 each). The humble Neo runs these mammoth displays just fine, but they’re a bit on the pricey side.

Scenario #3: on the move

Notebooks like the Neo are meant to be carried around. This isn’t always the most comfortable thing, though.

Stands like the Roost provide relief. This accessory (which ranges a bit in price depending on the color) raises the Neo screen to a more comfortable viewing height so you can work for hours using an external keyboard and pointing device.

Tuck the collapsible Roost in your bag with Logitech’s $109.99 Alto Keys K98M keyboard and its $49.99 Signature Comfort Plus M850 L mouse and you’re all set for mobile work sessions.

You can carry around an extra monitor, too. ViewSonic’s $349.99 VG1457 consists of two extra screens that tuck tidily in a backpack and unfold to create a three-display workstation anywhere, anytime.