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

  • 16” MacBook Pro, M1 Max, 64GB RAM (2021)

    Before this, I used an Intel-based 15” MacBook Pro; the difference is night and day. I’ve never heard the fans turn on a single time, even under the cumbersome loads I put it through with our various launch simulations.

  • Keychron K8 Pro Keyboard

    They don’t make keyboards the way they used to. I like Mechanical keyboards because of their tactile feedback, durability, and customizable switch options. They offer a satisfying typing experience, reduce fatigue, and cater to individual preferences, making them a superior choice for many users.

  • 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 Embody 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. I’ve noticed that it reduces strain on my back and is comfortable for prolonged periods.

Development tools

  • Jetbrains

    I like it better than VS Code. That’s not a popular opinion, but I’m sticking to it. I’ve been using it for so long that I’m faster. I also like that it’s a single tool for all languages.

  • iTerm2

    Honestly, I’m not even sure what features I get with this but I prefer it to the macOS Terminal.

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.

Meetings

  • Zoom.us

    Zoom enables seamless video conferencing with high-quality audio and video, making remote communication efficient and engaging.

  • elgato Prompter

    When I like to connect to an audience with natural eye contact, Promter does the trick. It’s a teleprompter that attaches to my camera and displays my zoom meeting right in front of the lens.