What I use

Here's an up-to-date list of the tools, software, and hardware I use regularly for development and other tasks. Also included are miscellaneous things that either make me happy or help me get through my daily routine, working out, and working from home.

Hardware

Code Editor

Terminal

Audio

  • Spotify - Rock on
  • Schiit Modi 3 - An affordable DAC that makes my computer audio sound, well, really good. The Modi also features a 3-way input switch.
  • Schiit SYS - A simple, 2-input passive preamp. No electronics. No power. No distortion. Just a 2-way switch and a potentiometer. SYS stands for "switch your, ...er... schtuff."
  • Schiit Mani - A phono preamp for my Technics turntable.
  • Audioengine A2+ Speakers - Powered desktop speakers. I previously owned the A5+, but they took up way too much desk real estate. I also have them sitting on the DS1 Desktop Speaker Stands to isolate the speakers and reduce vibration.
  • Technics SL-D2 TurnTable - This thing has been around since before I was born. It belonged to my parents, and now it's all mine, including all their vintage vinyl.
  • Apple Airpods Pro 2

Other software & services

  • Adobe Illustrator - I do a lot of UX Design, layouts, and really all my design work in Adobe Illustrator. I'm faster in Illustrator than whatever the trendy tool is this month, so I stick to what I'm good at when time is a factor.
  • Specify for Illustrator - Shameless plug, but whether you are designing graphics, web pages, kitchen cabinets, or a woodworking project, this Adobe Illustrator script is super-handy at dimensioning objects on your artboard. You can read about the details in this dedicated post.

Everyday Carry

  • Apple iPhone 15 Pro
  • Apple Watch Series 7, Midnight with a Nomad Goods Sport Band
  • Alpaka Elements Backpack Pro - The perfect commuter backpack. Includes space for all of my tech gear, external water bottle pockets, and more.
  • Owala FreeSip - What I have determined is the perfect insulated water bottle to use at the office or when working from home.
  • Nomad Goods Card Wallet Plus - A slim leather wallet for cards and folded cash.
  • Benchmade Mini Griptilian - There's always a use for a reliable knife. A bonus in going with Benchmade: they will sharpen and clean your knife for free for life; just mail it in.
  • Stowa Flieger Classic 40 - When I'm not wearing my Apple Watch, this classic Pilot watch is on my wrist. Sapphire crystal, blued steel hands, and a date window at the 6 o'clock position. Perfect.

Miscellaneous

  • Tucker - My work from home buddy, squirrel security system, and whipped cream aficionado. Currently has the zoomies, probably.
  • Nespresso Creatista Plus by Breville - Developers need coffee, and I like mine HOT . The integrated milk steamer is a must-have, and since this machine takes (recyclable) Nespresso pods, I can do regular or decaf (uh, no).
  • Google Keep - I use this primarily as a shared shopping list and "wish list," and for saving web links and lists I want to add to/come back to later.
  • The Mezmoglobe desk toy - I get bored on calls and need to fidget.