[_benedict]

I manage just fine without that isolation. However I'm the opposite end of the spectrum: I have a laptop and work from wherever I happen to be. It works just fine.

I don't find concentration is at all hard to come by, however switching off can be difficult.

[DaveWalk]

Yes -- I think the separation for you (and me) is to see the laptop as the "separation" device. I have a home office, but the distractions are everywhere. If I can grab my laptop and head anywhere else, my productivity shoots through the roof.

Ultimately, the beauty of the GP's quote "set yourself up for success" is that you must do absolutely whatever works for you. If it's working in a bar at 2 in the afternoon, do it. With no "office" to go to, it's an ideal situation to experiment.