Tools and Gear
This is a list of the hardware and software I'm currently using on a daily basis. I'm always on the lookout for tools that will help me be more productive and efficient, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know!
Oh, and just a heads up, most of these are Amazon affiliate links, so be sure to click them and buy something so I can keep the lights on around here! 😆
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'm currently using a 2021 16" Macbook Pro M1 Max with 64 GB ram and a 2TB SSH. And of course, it's covered in stickers!
- My external monitor is a Scepter C355W-3440UN 35" Curved Monitor.
- 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 use a Logitech for Creators StreamCam Premium Webcam for video calls and recording videos.
- To light my office, I use 2 Neewer LED Panel Lights that I bounce off the walls.
- With all these 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've 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. Now I can charge my laptop, phone, iPad, and anything else I need all at the same time.
- I also 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 doing great!
- I carry everything in a REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack Large Army 3 Day Assault Pack Molle Bag Backpack The Molle system is fantastic when you have lots of gadgets and things you need to keep organized.
- 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 earbuds 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
- Recently I start testing out Cursor as my primary editor with the
GitHub Dark Default theme.
So far the experience has been great, but once GitHub Copilot and VSCode start offering similar features, I will likely switch back.
But I was a longtime Vim user too, so I still open that up 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. - Not too long 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 (and do) go on about it for a while...but don't worry, I won't do that to you.
- 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 "second brain", 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.
- I've been using 1Password as my password manager for years now. It used to be LastPass, but I switched a few years ago after some security concerns.
- 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 myself manage all my tasks and projects using the GTD Methodology, and use it every day.
- I also recently switched to Omnivore to manage, organize and track all my reading. I was using Readwise, but wasn't really happy with it. Omnivore has been a great replacement.
That's about it for now. I'll be sure to remind him to update this page as he finds new tools and software that make his life easier and better.