Uses
(Last updated: February 2023)
Note: This page contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you.
Its getting common for personal blogs to have a section outlining the various hardware and software used on a day to day basis, so here's my list.
Hardware
Macbook Pro
I've used Mac since around 2012 after the company I worked for moved everyone onto them. After a few years saving I've upgraded from a 2011 MBP and got a new Macbook Pro 14 Inch M1 Pro which absolutely flies!
Monitor
I have a Viewsonic VX3211-2K-MHD 2K WQHD 32 inch monitor. Nothing fancy, but it's a good monitor for the price.
Keyboard & Mouse
I use a Satechi Wireless Bluetooth keyboard. I like this as it allows me to pair with up to three devices. Mouse is a Logitech MX Master 2S.
Desk & Chair
I've fitted an old kitchen worktop to the wall which gives me a perfect height and depth to work from. I have a LUKRACER gaming chair which I bought when working from home during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Its comfortable enough.
Other
I have a large vinyl record collection and listen to them on a red Pro-ject Essential III turntable hooked up to an ART-PRO Phono Pre-amplifier. This is then fed into a pair of Moukey Studio Bookshelf Speakers which sound really good.
Software
I use the following tools for web development and writing (some links may be affiliate programs):
Notes and Documentation:
- Notion - Awesome for notes, organisation, and just about anything else that involves storing information.
- Obsidian - As well as Notion, I also use Obsidian for keeping local notes or notes related to specific projects.
Sytem Tools:
- Raycast - immensely helpful omni-search. I used to use Alfred but found Raycast to be easier and cheaper.
- Bartender - to manage the ever growing menu bar on the mac.
- Cleanshot - for screen grabs
IDE / Text Editor:
- PHPStorm - for work.
- Vim - for most things - coding, writing, administration etc.
Development Environment:
- Laravel Valet - for local development. Used in conjunction with Docker.
- Docker - for MySQL and other software on mac
- iTerm3 with ZSH / Oh My ZSH - the best terminal and shell combination there is
- Tinkerwell - for tinkering with PHP / Laravel code
- Ray - for debugging
Productivity:
- Todoist - I manage my life with this - projects, renewals, birthdays/anniversaries, shopping etc
Graphic Design:
- Affinity Designer - for any vector work I need to do. I also use it for basic mock ups.
- Affinity Photo - for image work. Usually resizing, cropping, and enhancing.
Service Clients:
- Tableplus - for database access and management (when not using cli)
- Cyberduck - for SFTP / AWS S3 remote access
Other:
- Gmail - for, erm, email
- Slack
- Spotify
Browsers:
- Google Chrome - as my main browser
- Firefox / Brave / Safari / Edge - for testing and debugging
- Internet Explorer 6 - just kidding :)