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

  • 14” MacBook Pro, M1 Pro, 16GB RAM (2022)

    I was using an Intel-based 13” MacBook Pro prior to this and the difference is night and day. I’ve never heard the fans turn on a single time, even under the incredibly heavy loads I put it through with our various launch simulations.

  • HP Pavilion 15, Core i5 - 6th Gen

    This is the computer I started my development journey. With it’s 15” 720p display it was outdated when I first got it 2017. However, to my surprise, it is still functional and proudly serving as a home server to this day.

  • Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard

    The Logitech K380 keyboard impresses with its remarkable battery life, allowing for extended usage without frequent recharging. Combined with seamless multi-device connectivity and a satisfying typing experience, it proves to be a reliable companion for long-lasting performance.

  • Google Pixel 6A

    The Pixel 6a is a mobile developer’s dream. With its powerful hardware, optimized software, and seamless updates, it provides an exceptional development experience. From its vibrant display to reliable battery life, it’s the perfect tool for creating and testing mobile applications with ease.

  • KZ ZSN Pro In-Ear Monitor

    I’m absolutely loving the KZ ZSN Pro! Its powerful drivers and balanced sound signature create an immersive audio experience that brings my music to life. Not to mention, its comfortable fit and durable build make it the perfect companion for my day-to-day development adventures.

Development tools

  • Sublime Text 4

    I don’t care if it’s missing all of the fancy IDE features everyone else relies on, Sublime Text is still the best text editor ever made.

  • iTerm2

    I’m honestly not even sure what features I get with this that aren’t just part of the macOS Terminal but it’s what I use.

  • TablePlus

    Great software for working with databases. Has saved me from building about a thousand admin interfaces for my various projects over the years.

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

  • Alfred

    It’s not the newest kid on the block but it’s still the fastest. The Sublime Text of the application launcher world.

  • Reflect

    Using a daily notes system instead of trying to keep things organized by topics has been super powerful for me. And with Reflect, it’s still easy for me to keep all of that stuff discoverable by topic even though all of my writing happens in the daily note.

  • SavvyCal

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

  • Focus

    Simple tool for blocking distracting websites when I need to just do the work and get some momentum going.