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, M3, 18GB RAM (2023)

    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, even under the incredibly heavy loads I put it through with our various app simulations and monster slaying.

  • Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro

    They don’t make keyboards the way they used to. I buy these any time I see them go up for sale and keep them in storage in case I need parts or need to retire my main.

  • Logitech G502 HERO

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

Development tools

  • Visual Studio Code

    I don’t care if it’s missing all of the fancy IDE features everyone else relies on, VsCode is still the best text editor ever made.

  • iTerm2

    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.

  • Postman

    Great software for working with APIs. Has saved me from building about a thousand admin interfaces for my various projects over the years.

  • Docker Desktop & CLI

    Whether I’m deploying applications locally or to the cloud, Docker makes it effortless to run containers everywhere. It’s the backbone of my development environment.

Design

  • Canva

    I initially started using Canva to create simple graphics, but now I rely on its amazing template library to bring my ideas to life more efficiently.

  • Stable Diffusion

    At first, Stable Diffusion was just a fun way to create AI art, but it quickly became my go-to for brainstorming visual ideas. Its ability to turn abstract concepts into stunning visuals is unmatched.

  • Flux

    Flux started as an experimental tool for generating images, but it’s now a cornerstone of our design workflow. Its speed and ability to handle complex prompts make it an absolute must-have for creative projects.

Productivity

  • Alt-Tab

    Coming from Windows, Alt-Tab has been a game-changer for managing multiple windows effortlessly on macOS. It feels natural and keeps my workflow smooth and efficient.

  • Stage Manager

    Stage Manager has completely redefined how I organize my desktop. It’s the perfect way to keep my workspace tidy and focused without losing track of open apps.

  • 1Password

    1Password makes managing accounts and sensitive information a breeze. It’s not just about security—it’s about saving time and avoiding frustration when accessing my tools.

HomeLab

  • Synology DS920+

    A versatile and reliable NAS that powers my HomeLab projects. It’s perfect for storing backups, hosting media, and running lightweight services without breaking a sweat.

  • Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Machine Pro

    The backbone of my home network. It combines routing, firewall, and network management in one sleek device, making it easy to keep everything running smoothly.

  • Raspberry Pi 4

    The ultimate tinkering tool. Whether I’m running small Docker containers, experimenting with home automation, or setting up a Pi-hole, it’s always up for the job.

  • Unraid Gaming Server

    A flexible platform for gaming, media storage, and virtual machines. It’s also where I run my local AI models with an RTX 3090, alongside essential services like TeslaMate, Nginx Proxy Manager, and Home Assistant, making it the cornerstone of my HomeLab setup.

  • SMLIGHT SLZB-06 Zigbee Gateway

    A must-have for integrating Zigbee devices into my smart home. It’s fast, reliable, and makes managing smart home gadgets in HomeAssistant a breeze.