I occasionally get asked about the tools I’m using at the moment. This page provides those answers. While I recommend many of these items, I plan to upgrade some in the future. I’m always happy to talk more about any of these choices.
You can see other /uses pages at uses.tech or similar interviews at usesthis.com for further inspiration.
None of the links below are affiliate links, and none of these things are sponsored in any way.
Some links point to the newest product version if a link to the older version is no longer available.
Office
- Chair: Steelcase Leap (with aftermarket Rollerblade-style wheels)
- Desk: UPLIFT Seated-Height 2-Leg Table w/ 72“×30“×1“ Maple Laminate Top
- Lamp: UPLIFT Desk Lamp E7
- Microphone Arm: RODE PSA1+
- Monitor Arm: UPLIFT Range Single Monitor Arm
Networking
- APs: Ubiquity U7 Pro Max
- IP Cameras: G4/G5 Bullet
- Rack: Ubiquity Toolless Mini Rack (6u)
- Router: Ubiquity Dream Machine Pro
- Switch: Ubiquity Switch Pro 24 PoE
Computers
- Laptop: ThinkPad T14 (Gen 4) (i7-1355U, 16GB (soldered), 512GB, re-paste with Duronaut) [1, 2, 3]
- Workstation: Custom build (Ryzen 7800X3D, RX 7800 XT, 64 GB)
- Home Server: Framework Desktop (Max+ 395, 64GB), with Noctua panel mod
Peripherals
- Audio Interface: Motu M2
- Ethernet Adapter: Anker USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet
- Headphones: Sennheiser HD 6xx with ZMF HD6xx+ Sub Pads (Suede Perforated)
- In-Ear Monitors (IEMs): Etymotic ER3XR
- Key Light: Elgato Key Light Air (discontinued, see Key Light)
- Keyboard: HHKB Pro Hybrid Type-S (White, Blank) or NuPhy Air75v3 (Blush nano)
- Laptop Stand: Roost v1
- Microphone: Shure SM7B
- Monitor: ASUS PA32QCV (31.5“, 6016×3384 @ 60Hz)
- Mouse Pad: Razer Sphex v2
- Mouse: Razer Basilisk v2 Wired
- Security Key(s): YubiKey 5 Series
- USB Switch: UGREEN 2-in 7-Out USB 3.2 Switch (CM836) +
display-switch - Webcam: Logitech C920s Pro
Planning and Productivity
- I use Cal Newport-style time-block planning, full-task capture, etc. Currently, implemented with Google Calendar and Google Tasks for convenience.
Software
- Coding Font: Berkeley Mono (TX-02)
- Color Scheme: Catppuccin (mocha) generally, and Flexoki for this website
- Desktop Environment: hyprland
- Email Client: aerc
- Media Player: mpv
- Operating System: Omarchy (Arch), with my dotfiles
- Password Manager: passage
- Remote Shell: mosh
- RSS Reader: newsboat (Linux), StreamSphere (Android)
- Shell History: atuin
- Shell Prompt: starship
- Shell: fish
- Terminal Emulator: Ghostty
- Terminal Workspace: Zellij
- Text Editor: helix
See the rest of my favorites here: my favorite software.
Services
- Cloud VMs: DigitalOcean
- Domain Registrar: PorkBun
- Email Service: Migadu
- Finance Tracker: YNAB
- Issue Tracker: Linear
- Media System: Jellyfin
- Secure Messaging: Signal
- Team Chat: Zulip
- Voice Chat: Mumble
- VPN: Tailscale / Mullvad
- Web Host: Cloudflare Pages
Everyday carry (EDC)
- Bottle: Zojirushi SM-SF60-BA (Zojirushi Tuff Sports SF-CC20 for home)
- Carabiner: Nite Ize G-Series Dual Chamber (Size #3)
- Chopsticks: Keith Titanium Ti5634
- Earplugs: EarPeace Music PRO (20dB)
- Knife: Benchmade Osborne 940KB-03 (MagnaCut)
- Notebook: Stalogy Editor’s Series 365Days Notebook in a Kokuyo Systemic Note Cover (A5)
- Writing Instruments
- EDC: BIGiDESIGNS Ti Pocket Pro (with 1, 2, 3, or 4)
- Eraser: Sakura Arch
- Fountain: TWSBI Vac Mini (F), typically inked with Diamine Skyline
- Gel: Spoke Pen Model 2
- Pencil: Pentel Orenz Nero (0.5mm, 2B)
- Rollerball/Ballpoint: Studio Neat Mark One (with a Pokka Clip)
- Multi: Zebra Sharbo X LT3
- Phone: Pixel 6a
- Pry Tool: Gerber Shard
- Torch: Zebralight SC65c HI or Zebralight H600Fd Mk IV
- Wallet: RE:FORM RE:02
- Watch: Casio Oceanus OCW-T200S or an oil-filled Casio A168W-1
Bags & organizers
- Backpack: Mission Workshop Rhake VX (22L) or Able Carry Max EDC X-Pac (26L) (with Rain Cover)
- Briefcase: Mission Workshop Transit Laptop Brief VX (19L)
- Pencil/Pen Case: Lihit Labs Slim Pen Case
- Sling: Aer Day Sling 3 Ultra (3L)
- Tech Pouch: Aer Slim Pouch
Clothing
- Insulated Jacket: Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
- Pants
- Seagale Hybrid Pants (discontinued)
- Outlier Futuredarts
- Outlier Futureworks
- Trainers: Vivobareboot Motus Strength II
Travel
Some gear I specifically switch to when on the road or use for one-bag travel.
- Bag: Aer Travel Pack 3 X-Pac (35L)
- Charger: Anker Prime 160W GaN Charger
- Comb: Chicago Comb Model 2 (Carbon Fiber)
- Dopp Kit: Aer Travel Kit 2
- Mouse: Razer Pro Click Mini
- Packing Cubes: Able Carry Cube Set
- Power Bank: Anker A1695 Laptop Power Bank
- Sandals: Xero Z-Trail EV
- Shoes: Vivobarefoot Gobi IV
- Soap Case: Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case
- Toothpaste Tube: Matador Refillable Toothpaste Tubes
- Travel Clothesline: Flexo-line + Hero Clip (Medium), to more easily hang where there isn’t a convenient protruding object
- USB-C Cable: Anker Prime USB-C (240W)
- Wash Bag: Scrubba
Miscellaneous
- 18650 Batteries: Panasonic/Sanyo NCR18650GA
- 18650 Charger: Nitecore Ci2 and XTAR MX8
- Bike: Trek 1220
- Compressed Air: DataVac Electric Duster
- Cot: Helinox Cot One Convertible + legs + warmer
- Dishwasher Detergent: Green Llama Dishwasher Powder
- Knife Sharpener: KME Precision Knife Sharpening System
- KVM: Sipeed NanoKVM-USB