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)

    I was using an Intel-based 16” 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.

  • 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.

Software

  • Visual Studio Code

    I use Visual Studio Code for all of my development work. If you’re looking for a solid code editor, look no further. It’s free, open-source, and has a massive community of developers building extensions for it. WebStorm is also a great option if you’re looking for something more powerful and don’t mind paying for it.

  • Figma

    I use Figma for most of my web and UI design work. It’s a great web-based tool that has a ton of features that make it a great for designing websites and apps.

  • Illustrator

    Illustrator is a staple for vector-based design work. I use it for all of my logo design, icon design, and any other design work that requires a vector format.

  • Affinity Designer

    Even though I use Illustrator most of the time, I’m really starting to appreciate Affinity Designer. Being able to switch between vector and raster work in the same program is a huge time saver.

  • Procreate

    I use Procreate for all of my digital painting and illustration work. It’s a great app that’s extremely powerful and easy to use. I love the fact that I can take my iPad anywhere and work on my art.

Hardware

  • Logitech MX 3 Mouse

    I’ve been using the MX Master series for years now and I can’t imagine using anything else. The MX 3 is the best mouse I’ve ever used. It’s comfortable, has a ton of customizable buttons, and the battery life is amazing.

  • Keychron K6 Mechanical Keyboard

    I have been rocking with Keychron keyboards for about 4 yrs now. They are the best bang for your buck. I have the K6 with Gateron Brown switches and the programmable knob. I love the compact size and the wireless capabilities.

  • 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.

Productivity

  • Notion

    I use Notion as my second brain. I keep track of all of my notes, web links, and ideas in Notion. It’s wonderful having everything in one place and being able to access it from anywhere.

  • Apple Reminders

    I use Apple Reminders to keep track of all of my daily tasks. I have a list for almost everything I do and being that everyone in my household has an Apple device, it makes it that much easier to share those lists with everyone. Yes I’m the one that makes a checklist for any trip we go on.