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, 16 RAM (2021)

    I was using an Intel-based 16” MacBook Pro prior to this and the difference is night and day. I admin to sometimes wanting more RAM, especially with 2 instances of IntelliJ open.

  • Ultimate Hacking Keyboard

    This is the best investment I made in 2023. It took me a while to get used to a split keyboard, but it feels so much better now. Aside from the obvious increased ergonomics, the biggest advantage is how many things you can do with your thumbs.

  • 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.

Development tools

  • IntelliJ & Webstorm

    If I code clojure or ClojureScript, I use IntelliJ with Cursive. If I code Typescript, Javascript or any web related languages, I switch to Webstorm simply because it takes less resources - it's pretty much the same editor. Jetbrains created amazing IDEs.

  • 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.

  • LogSeq

    Whenever I collect data or I need to keep something for reference, I use LogSeq, although I think I'm gradually going back to Apple Notes.

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

  • Todoist

    This is where I keep my tasks, personal projects and quick add tasks on the fly. I love it for the Siri & email integration so I can capture everything in my life fast and analyse it later.

  • Alfred

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

  • Fantastical

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