Tools I Use
This is a list of the hardware and software I use on a daily basis. I'm always looking for new tools and ways to improve my workflow, so if you have any suggestions please feel free to reach out and let me know!
Hardware
- I recently updated my desk to a HUANUO 48″ x 24″ Electric Standing Desk and I've been really happy with it. It's not as fancy as some of the other desks out there, but it's sturdy, has a good range of motion, and the price was right.
- My desk chair is a Secretlab Titan Evo emblazened with the Batman logo with clear roller blade wheels that are super smooth, even on carpet.
- I currently use a 2021 16" Macbook Pro M1 Max with 64 GB ram and a 2TB SSH. And of course, it's covered in stickers!
- My main monitor is a Scepter C355W-3440UN 35" Curved Monitor. And above it are two 27" Acer S271HL Widescreen LCD Monitors on separate VIVO Triple LCD LED Computer Monitor Desk Stands with the lower arms removed.
- One of the best investments I ever made was splurging on a Moonlander Mark I keyboard. It's a bit pricey, but has easily been the most comfortable and customizable keyboard I've ever used.
- My mouse is a ZLOT Vertical Gaming Mouse. It's lasted for years and I really like the ergonomics of it.
- I've been using the same Blue Yeti microphone for probably 10 years now and it's still going strong. I don't do a lot of recording or anything, but when I do it's always been great.
- My webcam is a generic 1080P Webcam with Microphone that was a gift several years ago and it's been working great. I'll probably upgrade to something better soon, but for now it's been perfect.
- With all these monitors and devices, I needed something to keep them all connected without having to deal with a bunch of cables...not to mention there are only so many ports on a Macbook. So I picked up a StarTech.com Thunderbolt 3 to Dual DisplayPort Adapter, a Selore&S-Global USB C to Dual HDMI Adapter, and a 13 port LATORICE Powered USB Hub to plug them all into. Then those are all connected via an OWC 5 Port Thunderbolt Hub. Now when I get to my desk, all I have to do is plug in 1 USB C cable and everything is good to go!
- I always hated having to carry around all kinds of bricks and adapters to plug in and charge stuff. I searched for a while and nothing really worked great, but finally I found this Portable 7 Port Fast Charging Station. I can charge my laptop, phone, iPad, and anything else I need all at the same time.
- I've tried a bunch of different USB C cables, but my favorite one by far has to be the Dbilida 6.6ft Thunderbolt 3 Cable (40Gbps). I've had it for a long time and it's still going strong.
- I carry everything in a Timbuk2 Commute Laptop Messenger Bag that I've had for years...but I don't think they sell it anymore. This is probably something I will be upgrading at some point as well, but it's a really good bag and has held up well.
- I listen to Beats Fit Pro earbuds most of the time, whether I'm at my desk or out and about.
- But when I don't have my headerphones in, I have a Creative Pebble Plus 2.1 USB-Powered Desktop Speakers with Powerful Down-Firing Subwoofer plugged in to my laptop for when I want to jam out.
- Another small but awesome little piece of gear is the Luxtude electronic organizer case. This thing is fantastic for storing and organizing all my cables and accessories.
- After a long search for the right power bank to carry with me, I finally found the Omni 20+ 20000mah Laptop Power Bank Portable Charger. It's been the perfect companion for my laptop and phone when I'm on the go.
Software
- Most of my development is done in Visual Studio Code with the GitHub Dark Default theme. But I still open Vim from time to time to edit files and make quick changes. I have a custom theme called Breeze I use for Vim that's a fork of the Dracula theme.
- A couple years ago I switched to using the Warp terminal and have never looked back. It's a fantastic tool with so many little benefits I could go on about it for a while...but don't worry, I won't.
- Arc is my primary browser of choice, which I use for just about everything.
- I replaced Mac's built in Spotlight with Raycast (Pro version) for quick and easy access to multiple AI models and a bunch of plugins.
- For note taking I use Obsidian with a few different vaults to help keep things organized. Particularly my "slip-box", which is where I keep all my notes and ideas...a method I learned from one of my favorite books, How to Take Smart Notes.
- 1Password is my password manager of choice.
- I've been a loyal Proton customer for many years now. I use it for all my personal email, encrypted cloud storage, and VPN.
- I built BuzyBee to help me manage all my tasks and projects using the GTD Methodology, and use it every day. It's not currently available to the public, but be sure to sign up for the waitlist if you're interested and I'll let you know as soon as it becomes available!
- I recently started using Readwise to manage, organize and track all my reading.
That's about it for now. I'll be sure to update this page as I find new tools and software that I think are worth sharing.