Software I use, gadgets I love, and other things.
I get asked quite often about the things I use, tools, software etc to stay productive, or buy to fool myself into thinking I'm being productive when I'm really just procrastinating. Here's a list of all of my favorite stuff.
Workstation
14” MacBook Pro, M3 Pro, 18GB RAM (2023)
My last upgrade from my previous MB Pro M1 model, and the jump in performance and efficiency is quite nice. Everything runs smooth—even with multiple dev environments, 3D modeling tools, and browser tabs all competing for attention.
Mac Mini, M2 Pro, 32GB RAM (2022)
Used to be my secondary machine, used mainly to drive my old Cetus 3D printer. It's been a bit forgotten since I moved to Bambu Labs Ecosystem.
Apple Studio Display (Nano-Texture Glass)
I wasn’t sure the nano-texture was worth it until I started using it—now I’d never go back. The glare is basically nonexistent, even during sunny afternoons in my workspace. The colors are sharp, text is crisp, and everything just feels easy on the eyes. It’s the kind of screen that disappears so you can focus.
One of my Mechanical Keyboards
I tend to just swap around between my Mechanical Keyboards, almost on a quarterly basis. Maybe I'll post a picture of the collection of blog about each one here.
Apple Magic Trackpad
There’s just something about flicking, pinching, and swiping my way through work. The gestures are so fluid it’s like muscle memory meets magic. Mice are fine—but this? This feels like control at the speed of thought (when I'm not 3D modeling).
Logi Ergo Trackball Mouse
When I’m deep into 3D modeling or tweaking physical designs, this is the tool I reach for. The trackball gives me precision without the wrist strain, and somehow it slows my pace just enough to think more deliberately. It’s not flashy—but it’s solid, comfortable, and gets out of the way when the real work begins.
Anthros Chair
I picked up the Anthros chair hoping to finally ditch the bubble‑wrap sounds and back soreness after hours at the desk. Instead, I got something that forces decent posture—but without feeling like a posture police. The seat cushion genuinely cradles my sit bones, and the dual‑back setup keeps me aligned without me thinking about it. Sure, the first day had my upper back reminding me I wasn’t slouching—but that’s the point, right? It’s like investing in a chair that actually cares about your spine—not just your wallet.
3D Printers: Bambu Lab A1 + AMS Light and P1S with AMS2 Pro
I’ve been through the trenches—starting with a janky MakerMex RepRap, building my own Frankenprinter, then grinding through a Cetus 3D, a Cetus 2, and a Prusa Mini. Back then, every print felt like a battle. Then Bambu Lab came along—and everything just worked. The printers are fast, reliable, and honestly kind of magic. Their slicer? Smooth and smart (of course is based on Orca). No more calibration rituals or firmware guesswork—just hit print and watch it go. Am I not happy about the recent firmware "security stuff"? Is it enough to make me go back... heck, no, not yet, at least.
Development tools
IDE's (Zed, Cursor, and... fine, VS Code)
Zed is where I go when I want speed. Cursor is where I go when I want AI to tag along. VS Code? Still lurking in the background like an old friend I can't quite ghost. I’ve tried them all—but at the end of the day, it’s less about features and more about flow.
Hyper
I know there are faster terminals out there, and definitely lighter ones—but something about Hyper just vibes with me. It’s slick, customizable, and weirdly fun to theme. At this point, it’s less about performance and more about comfort. And yes, I’ve tried switching... but I always come back.
GitHub
The backbone of pretty much everything I build. I’ve been using it for so long it feels like muscle memory at this point—whether I’m reviewing PRs, writing docs, or resurrecting some side project from 2016. It’s not flashy, but it’s solid—and I trust it to scale with whatever I’m working on.
Design
Figma
It started as just a design tool, but now it’s where half my ideas get sketched out—wireframes, flows, random thoughts during calls. I didn’t expect the multiplayer part to matter so much, but it’s basically our team’s whiteboard now. Quick, visual, and always in sync.
Productivity
Alfred
It’s not the newest kid on the block but it’s still the fastest. The Sublime Text or Zed of the application launcher world.
Notion
My catch-all for everything I don’t want to forget—from project plans and interview prep to 3D print notes and business ideas at 2 a.m. It’s flexible enough to bend to my brain, and structured enough to keep it from spiraling. Organized chaos, but make it aesthetic.
Notion Calendar
Clean, fast, and finally not a calendar that fights me. It keeps my week sane, protects deep work hours, and actually respects how I want to work. Bonus points for not feeling like it was designed in 2009.
Superhuman
Email, but fast enough that I don’t hate it. The shortcuts are second nature now, and it keeps my inbox from turning into a full-time job. It’s one of those tools I forget I’m using—until I have to use something else.
ChatGPT
My thinking partner, second brain, and occasional reality check. I use it for everything—from prepping interviews and reviewing transcripts, to debugging code or kicking off content. Whether I need feedback, structure, or just a smarter way to say something, it’s like having a sharp, judgment-free collaborator always on call.
Monocle
Noise-canceling for your screen. It blurs everything except the window I'm actually working in—no more visual chaos from Slack notifications, browser tabs, or that random Finder window I forgot to close. Just me and the task at hand, with everything else calmly waiting in the background. It's minimalist in the best way: less window juggling, more actual work.
Browsers (Arc → Dia)
Arc made browsing feel organized and fun again—but lately I’ve been transitioning to Dia. It’s still early, but I like where it’s going: minimal, focused, and designed for people who treat the browser like a workspace, not a distraction. Tabs are temporary; taste is forever.