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 recently switched to a MacBook Pro from a Lenovo X1 Carbon (gen 6) which was running the Ubuntu LTS. While I miss the docker performance the MacOS ecosystem is alot more pleasant to work in for me.
- LG 38" Ultrawide QHD+ IPS /w Thunderbolt 3
I bought this back in 2018 and it's been my workhorse monitor since then. The resolution is great (and the X1 Carbon could run it). The top feature is the thunderbolt 3 connectivity which replaces the need for a standalone dock.
- GMMK Pro
I had this keyboard on my wishlist for a long time and it was totally worth it. I have the white ice colour with the default aluminium backplate, Glorious Panda lubed switches, and Cherry Notion key caps.
- Logitech MX Master 2S
I've had this mouse for yeaaaaars and it's still working great. I will likely upgrade to the MX Master 3S if/when it starts breaking down.
- Herman Miller Mira 1
If I’m going to slouch in the worst ergonomic position imaginable all day, I might as well do it in an expensive chair.
- Autonomous.ai Smart Desk Pro
DigitalOcean was kind enough to offer us a work-from-home stipend to enhance our home offices and this was the desk frame I chose to use with my existing Ikea kitchen counter desk top.
Development tools
- VSCode
This is my all-in-one IDE. The fuzzy searching, multi-cursor support, and awesome marketplace of supported addons keeps me happy and productive.
- 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.
- DigitalOcean App Platform
All of my web based projects (and some not web based) are hosted on App Platform. As one of the original devs on the platform I focused on building a platform that would satisfy people like me and it does that very well.
Gaming
My office workstation and gaming systems are shared some some components like keyboard and monitor are not listed here but are present above.
- Computer
- CPU
- Intel i9-11900k
- Motherboard
- Asus Rog Strix Z590-E
- GPU
- Asus Rog Strix GeForce RTX 3080 V2 OC Edition
- PSU
- Asus Rog Strix 1000W Gold
- Memory
- G.Skill Ripjaws V 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3200 CL 16
- Case
- Fractal Meshify 2
- Logitech Pro Gaming Mouse (wired)
I bought this mouse back in 2018 and it's been an absolute boss. I immediately noticed an improvement in my competiveness and over all enjoyment with FPS games.
- Arctis Pro Wireless
After my 7 year old Steelseries headset had an unfortunate run in with my office chair I decided to invest in another Steelseries.