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

  • 16” MacBook Pro, M1 Pro, 16GB RAM (2021)

    I was using an Intel-based 16” MacBook Pro prior to this and the difference is night and day. I’ve never heard the fans turn on a single time, and the battery seems to last forever.

  • 16” Macbook Pro, Intel 6‑core 9th‑gen i7, 16GB RAM (2019)

    This was the Intel-based Macbook Pro prior to purchasing the M1 Pro Macbook and it worked great for me. I keep it up-to-date but other than that it just stays put away.

  • MSI Summit E15, Intel 6-core 11th-gen i7, 16GB RAM

    The VA gave me this laptop when I was attending the University of Texas at Austin Fullstack Web Developer Bootcamp. I keep it up to date and also use WSL (Windows Subsystem Linux) with Arch Linux. I alternate using the M1 Macbook Pro and this Windows laptop.

  • Custom Desktop, Intel 8-core 9th-gen i9-9900K, 32GB RAM

    I use this desktop as my gaming machine but also have WSL (Windows Subsystem Linux) so I can tinker around using Arch Linux.

  • Keychron K6 Keyboard

    This keyboard is great because it allows me to connect via bluetooth up to 3 devices. I can switch between MacOS and Windows layout by toggling a switch.

  • Logitech MX Master 3 Mouse

    This mouse lets me connect to 3 devices via bluetooth. It works great paired with the Keychron K6 keyboard.

  • LG 49WL95C-W Ultrawide

    This monitor is impressive! I can have up to 4 browser windows open side-by-side and won’t have to scroll sideways to view the websites.

Development tools

  • VS Code

    I don’t care if it’s missing all of the fancy IDE features everyone else relies on, VS Code is still the best text editor ever made. I’m able to use my config in Codespaces in the browser.

  • Hyper Terminal

    I’m honestly not even sure what features I get with this that aren’t just part of the macOS Terminal but it’s what I use.

  • Warp Terminal

    I have been testing out this new terminal for a few months and it feels great. It’s a Rust based terminal with AI built-in and feels like a code editor.

Productivity

  • Raycast

    I replaced Alfred with Raycast and it is amazing. It allowed me to uninstall some other apps such as Rectangle (window manager). Raycast has it built-in and also has an extensive library for plugins. I hope they make a Windows version.

  • Arc Browser

    My daily driver browser. Arc Browser aims to take on Google Chrome and Safari as a more efficient (space-wise) and productive way to browse the web with split view, easal and notes.

  • Brave Browser

    Brave was my daily browser for several years until Arc Browser sent me an invite to early access. Brave brings truly independent search, free video calls, offline playlists, even a customizable news feed. All fully private.