// gear & setup
The software, gadgets, and tools I actually use.
People ask a lot about what I use to build software and stay productive — or trick myself into thinking I'm being productive when I'm really just procrastinating. Here's the running list.
// workstation
16" MacBook Pro, M1 Max, 64GB RAM (2021)
Coming from an Intel 16" the difference is night and day. I've never heard the fans turn on, even under heavy launch simulations.
Apple Pro Display XDR (Standard Glass)
The only display on the market if you want HiDPI and bigger than 27". When you're working at planetary scale, every pixel counts.
IBM Model M SSK Industrial Keyboard
They don't make keyboards the way they used to. I buy these any time I see them go up for sale.
Apple Magic Trackpad
Something about all the gestures makes me feel like a wizard with special powers. I really like feeling like a wizard.
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.
// development tools
Sublime Text 4
I don't care if it's missing all of the fancy IDE features — it's still the best text editor ever made.
iTerm2
Not even sure what features I get over macOS Terminal but it's what I use.
TablePlus
Great for working with databases. Has saved me from building about a thousand admin interfaces.
// design
Figma
Started as a design tool, became a virtual whiteboard for the whole team. Collaboration features turned out to be the real hook.
// productivity
Alfred
Not the newest kid on the block but still the fastest. The Sublime Text of application launchers.
Reflect
Daily-notes system over rigid topic folders. Still keeps things discoverable by topic when I want it to.
SavvyCal
Great for scheduling meetings while protecting blocks of deep work.
Focus
Simple tool for blocking distracting websites when I need momentum.