Software I use, gadgets I love, and other things I recommend.
I’m often asked which tools I use to build software and stay productive (or to fool myself when I’m actually procrastinating). Here’s a rundown of my favorites.
Workstation
- 16” MacBook Pro, M3, 64GB RAM (2024)
I was using an intel-based MacBook Pro 16”, then I switched to Mac Mini M1. The difference in performance is night and day. With this MacBook Pro, I can bring it with me anywhere and still have a powerful machine. The only bottleneck is not the performance, but my thoughts.
- Apple Studio Display (Standard Glass)
The only display on the market if you want something HiDPI and 27”. When you’re working at planetary scale, every pixel you can get counts.
- Apple Magic Keyboard
It might not be the fanciest keyboard, but it’s the one I’m used to, and it’s the one I like.
- 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.
- 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
- Cursor
A better VS Code with neat autocomplete features.
Design
- Figma
We started using Figma as just a design tool but now it’s become our virtual whiteboard for the entire company. Never would have expected the collaboration features to be the real hook.
- Photoshop
It’s the first tool I learned. I rarely use it now, only for advanced image editing.
Productivity
- Arc
A next-gen web browser with clutter-free interface.
- Paste Now
I always come back to some code block I wrote a few months ago and I know I can find it in Paste Now. Plus, it is one-time purchase.
- Yoink
Drag and drop files can be a pain, but Yoink makes it easy to manage files and folders. Especially when I don’t know where I want to put them.
- CleanShot X
A MacOS-look photoshop/video editor screenshot app. Available everywhere, whenever you need it. I use it for everything.
- Raycast
Power user’s launcher. I especially love the key-binding feature. I get to clean my dock and still have access to all the tools I need.