Software I use, gadgets I love, and other things I recommend.

I get asked a lot about the things I use to build software, stay productive, or buy to fool myself into thinking I’m being productive when I’m really just procrastinating. Here’s a big list of all of my favorite stuff.

Workstation

  • Mac Mini - 10C CPU - 16C GPU

    I was using a 16” MacBook Pro prior to this but the stability the Mac Mini has found it’s place. I’ve never heard the fans turn on a single time, even under the incredibly heavy loads I put it through with load testing simulations.

  • Apple Pro Display XDR (Standard Glass)

    The only display on the market if you want something HiDPI and bigger than 27”. When you’re working at planetary scale, every pixel you can get counts.

  • Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - US English

    They don’t make keyboards the way they used to. I buy these any time I see them go up for sale and keep them in storage in case I need parts or need to retire my main.

  • Apple Magic Trackpad

    Something about all the gestures makes me feel like a wizard with special powers. I really like feeling like a wizard with special powers.

  • Herman Miller Aeron Chair

    If I’m going to slouch in the worst ergonomic position imaginable all day, I might as well do it in an expensive chair.

Development tools

  • VsCode

    I’ve tried them all and I always come back to VsCode. The extensions ecosystem is unmatched and the performance is great.

  • macOs Terminal

    I’m honestly not even sure what features I don’t get with this that aren’t part of the iTerm2 so it’s what I use.

  • Github Copilot

    Github copilot has pushed AI to the forefront of my development. It is the best thing to happen to me since my last born child. I use it for everything from writing emails to writing code.

Design

  • Figma

    We started using Figma as just a design tool but now it’s become our virtual whiteboard for the entire company. Never would have expected the collaboration features to be the real hook.

Productivity

  • ChatGpt

    There is no better friend than ChatGpt. I use it for everything from writing emails to writing code.

  • Calendly

    Great tool for scheduling meetings while protecting my calendar and making sure I still have lots of time for deep work during the week.