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

  • 14” MacBook Pro, M3 Pro, 32GB RAM (2023)

    I was using an Intel-based 16” HP Probook 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.

  • Dell UltraSharp 32” 6K Monitor

    The Dell UltraSharp 32" 6K Monitor (U3224KB) represents the future of professional displays by combining premium video conferencing with exceptional image quality. Its groundbreaking AI-powered 4K webcam automatically adjusts to optimize your appearance in any lighting condition, while advanced face tracking keeps you centered and in focus during video calls.

  • Apple Magic Mouse

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

Development tools

  • Visual Studio Code

    Visual Studio Code has revolutionized modern software development by striking the perfect balance between simplicity and power. As a free, lightweight code editor from Microsoft, it combines the speed of a text editor with IDE-like features through its rich ecosystem of extensions.

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.

Productivity

  • RayCast

    It’s not the newest kid on the block but it’s still the fastest. The Sublime Text of the application launcher world.

  • Notion

    Notion redefines digital productivity by breaking down the walls between traditional work tools. Instead of juggling multiple apps, it offers a flexible all-in-one workspace where your notes, tasks, wikis, and projects live harmoniously.

  • Anthropics Claude AI

    Claude AI transforms developer productivity by serving as an intelligent coding companion that goes beyond basic code completion. It excels at architecting solutions, debugging complex issues, and refactoring code with deep understanding of best practices and design patterns.

  • Focus

    Simple tool for blocking distracting websites when I need to just do the work and get some momentum going.