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
13” MacBook Air, M1, 16GB RAM (2020)
I was using an Intel-based 13” 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.
Also my Intel-based 13" MacBook Pro keyboard buttons was starting to fail off 🤯, so I decided to upgrade to the M1 MacBook Air. I'm really happy with it so far.DELL 34” (Dell U3419W)
Having a larger screen has made a big difference in my work as a freelance web developer. I recently worked for a client who had a lot of Excel files I had to review, and it became a real challenge on my small 13" Macbook Air screen. That's when I knew I needed to upgrade to a larger screen.
I did some research and settled on a bigger monitor that I could connect to my laptop. I'm so glad I made the switch. The larger screen has allowed me to work more efficiently and has improved my overall experience. I no longer feel cramped and can comfortably view multiple Excel files at once, which has made a big difference in my productivity.
Aside from Excel work, having a larger screen has also made a big impact on my coding and design work. I now have more screen real estate to work with, which has greatly improved my workflow. I can have multiple windows open at once, making it easier to switch between tasks and keep track of multiple projects.Dell 49” (Dell U4919DW)
Having a larger screen has been a game-changer for me. I used to work on a 34" monitor, but I saw some people using even bigger screens and decided to give it a try. I was blown away by the difference it made. The added screen real estate has allowed me to be more productive and efficient in my work.
I now have two large screens stacked on top of each other, and it has been an awesome experience. I am able to have multiple windows open at the same time and easily switch between them. This has greatly improved my workflow and has made it easier for me to keep track of multiple tasks at once.Apple Magic Keyboard
I have tried a lot of keyboards in the past, but this one is by far the best. The keys are well-spaced and have a satisfying click to them.
The tactile feedback is great, and I love the overall feel of the keyboard. The keyboard has made a big impact on my work as a freelance web developer. I spend a lot of time typing, and a good keyboard can make all the difference. The keyboard I have now has improved my typing speed and accuracy, which has made a big difference in my productivity.
I no longer have to worry about typos or missed keys, which has allowed me to focus on my work. Aside from the technical benefits, I also love the look and design of the keyboard. It has a sleek and modern look that fits in perfectly with my work setup. It's also very durable and built to last, which is important for me as a freelancer who needs to rely on my equipment.Logitech mx anywhere 3
I have been using Apple Magic Mouse for a long time, but I decided to try out a one of the Logitech mice. And it's pretty good and I like it's design a lot.
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
VS code
Just the best editor out there so far. Have been using PHPStorm for a long time, but I decided to go back to VS code because it's is faster and has a lot of extensions.
Warp
I have also recently made the switch from iTerm2 to Warp as my terminal emulator, and I'm so glad I did. Warp is packed with a lot of awesome features and is incredibly fast. It has made a big impact on my work as a freelance web developer. One of the features I love about Warp is its customizable UI.
I can easily change the background color, font size, and more to fit my personal preferences. This has made a big difference in my overall experience and has made it easier for me to use the terminal on a daily basis. Another great feature of Warp is its speed. It opens quickly and is very responsive, which has made a big difference in my workflow.
I no longer have to wait for my terminal to open or for commands to run, which has made a big impact on my productivity. if you're a freelancer or someone who spends a lot of time in the terminal, I highly recommend giving Warp a try. It's packed with a lot of awesome features and is incredibly fast, making it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their terminal experience.TablePlus
Great software for working with databases. Has saved me from building about a thousand admin interfaces for my various projects over the years.
GitHub Desktop
I use GitHub Desktop for all my git stuff. It's a nice way to get a overview over all the changes in your project.
Spark
I use Spark for all my emails. Love it's design and interface.
Hey.com
To host my company email i use Hey.com. It's a really good tool for hosting your company email. and the design is pretty good.
Design
Figma
When i try to design something, i use Figma. It's a great tool for designing. Else i have been using SketchApp for a long time.
Productivity
Arc browser (The browser company)
I use Arc browser for all my browsing. It's stil in beta but the features they spit out is really good. and the way to manage your private / work tabs is really good.
Notion
I use Notion for all my notes and stuff. It's a really good tool for keeping track of all the things.
Raycast.com
I use Raycast instead of Apple Spotlight, I will say it's a must have application for your Mac😎
Ray by Spatie
When am working on Laravel projects i use Ray to see all the debug information.
Tinkerwell
I use Tinkerwell for all my Laravel projects. It's a really good tool for debugging and fast prototype some code ideas.
Brain FM (www.brain.fm)
When i want to get in the zone and focus on my work i start listening to Brain FM. It's a really good tool for getting in the zone. Still pretty mindblowing that it works so well.