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

  • 14” MacBook Pro, M2 Max, 64GB RAM (2023)

    I was using an Intel-based 14” 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.

  • 32” Apple Pro Display XDR

    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.

  • Apple Magic Trackpad

    Something about all the gestures makes me feel like a wizard with special powers. I really like feeling like a wizard with special powers.

Development tools

  • Visual Studio Code

    Visual Studio Code is a free, open-source editor that stands out for its extensive range of powerful debugging, syntax highlighting, and version control features, facilitating a smoother and more productive coding experience. Its vast ecosystem of extensions allows developers to customize and enhance their development environment, making it adaptable to a wide array of programming languages and project requirements.

  • Hyper

    Hyper is a modern terminal built on web technologies, offering a sleek interface and extensible features for developers on macOS. Its customizability, along with the ability to add extensions and themes, makes it a flexible and user-friendly alternative to traditional terminal applications.

  • DataGrip

    JetBrains DataGrip is a robust database IDE that supports multiple databases, offering a unified interface for database management and development. Its intelligent code analysis, efficient schema navigation, and powerful query tools streamline the database workflow, making it a valuable asset for developers and database administrators.

Design

  • Figma

    Figma facilitates collaborative design by allowing multiple users to work on projects in real-time, streamlining the design process and enabling instant feedback. Its robust set of design tools and cross-platform accessibility make it a versatile choice for individuals and teams looking to create, test, and share digital designs efficiently.

Productivity

  • Notion

    Notion serves as an all-in-one workspace, blending notes, databases, and project management into a unified platform, which enhances organization and collaboration. Its modular structure allows users to create custom layouts and templates, catering to individual or team-specific needs. By offering integrations with various other tools and a user-friendly interface, Notion streamlines information management and project coordination, making it a versatile choice for both personal and professional use.

  • Apple Spotlight

    Apple Spotlight is a rapid search utility on Mac, enabling seamless searches for documents, apps, and more. It indexes various file types and integrates with system services for an enriched user experience. With features like file preview and Boolean operators, it offers a blend of efficiency and advanced search capabilities, while respecting user privacy.

  • Apple Notes

    Apple Notes is a versatile note-taking app, offering features like Quick Notes, interactive checklists, and table creation. It provides robust security options like password protection, alongside seamless data recognition and integration with other iOS apps. With capabilities like document scanning, linking, and collaborative PDF annotation, it caters to both casual and serious note-takers.

  • Apple Reminders

    Apple Reminders facilitates task management with features like customizable grocery lists and scheduled reminders. It has the ability to send notifications based on messaging interactions, and also supports hierarchical organization of tasks through subtasks. These features, coupled with its seamless integration across Apple devices, make it a handy tool for keeping track of daily tasks and reminders.

  • MacOS Focus

    MacOS Focus helps minimize distractions by managing notifications based on user-defined modes for different activities. It offers personalized setup experiences, with the ability to specify allowed notifications, making it ideal for maintaining concentration during important tasks. With the integration of Focus filters and cross-device syncing, it's a comprehensive feature for creating a tailored, distraction-free environment across Apple devices.