What I Use

Last updated on January 12, 2025

These are the tools, apps, and gear that help me stay productive and creative. I might be overly committed to the idea of “a craftsman is only as good as his tools” - every time I start something new, I find myself Googling “reddit best XXX app” to find the best tool for the job. I guess if I’m using the best tools and still can’t achieve my goals, then it must be my own problem, right?

Some of the links below may be affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission if you purchase through them - at no additional cost to you. I personally hate ads, but this isn’t really advertising, and it doesn’t create visual pollution. Since they offer affiliate links and I genuinely use and love their products, why not get a small share if you happen to buy something through my recommendation?

🖥️ Software

Mac

  • Obsidian
    #note-taking
    Obsidian might be my favorite software right now. I love everything about it - the features, the team, the brand, the philosophy. I write all my diaries and notes in it daily. It has evolved into my trusted knowledge management system. You can use it completely free if you sync your data your own way, but I’m happy to pay to support them.

  • Things 3
    #task-management
    Things 3 has a clean interface but is incredibly feature-rich. Once you learn the keyboard shortcuts, you never need to touch the mouse. And in an era where every TODO app is switching to subscription pricing, they still maintain a one-time purchase of $59.99. Love it.

  • Claude
    #ai #writing
    I use Claude for my writing because my favorite authors say it’s better than ChatGPT. I trust them.

  • ChatGPT
    #ai #development
    I consult ChatGPT for my engineering decisions and Japanese translations. ChatGPT can also chat directly, which Claude can’t do.

  • 1Password
    #security
    Even though it’s not open source like Bitwarden and requires a subscription, the design and browser integration make it worth the trade-off. The polish and reliability are unmatched.

  • Fastmail
    #email
    Replacing Gmail with Fastmail has been one of my best recent decisions. $50/year gets you unlimited custom domain emails and masked emails, plus perfect integration with 1Password.

  • Raycast
    #productivity
    The built-in unit and currency conversion feature alone was enough to make me switch from Alfred. A true productivity enhancer.

  • Karabiner Elements
    #productivity
    Turning the useless Capslock key into a HYPER key is so powerful. Completely changed how I launch apps on my Mac. For example, HYPER + M opens Fastmail. Essential for keyboard-driven workflows.

  • Klack
    #utility
    This app adds keyboard sounds to your Mac. Sounds really good and makes typing more fun. A small but satisfying addition.

🛠️ Development Tools

  • Xcode
    #development #ios
    Every iOS engineer’s love-hate relationship. You know what I mean if you’re in iOS development. Essential but sometimes frustrating.

  • Cursor
    #development #ai
    Game-changing software that changed my flow and productivity completely. The AI integration is just perfect. Perfect for modern development workflows.

  • VS Code
    #development
    For developing anything that’s not iOS, like this site, or python scripts. Versatile and highly customizable.

  • Eagle
    #design
    This app has been a game-changer for helping me create inspirations and moodboards for what I want for my next projects. Invaluable for design work.

  • Astro
    #app-store #analytics
    With App Annie (data.ai) being purchased by Sensor Tower and the fear that more features will be gone behind a paywall, this has been a solid alternative. Not as comprehensive but provides essential tracking at a reasonable price.

  • Recut
    #audio #video
    I use this app to cut Japanese audio from my voice actress. It saves so much time. Looking forward to using it for YouTube content in the future.

🔧 Hardware

  • iPhone 12 Pro 256GB
    #mobile
    I might be the last iOS engineer with enough money but still using a 12 as a main driver. An iPhone is like a car, it depreciates 30% out of the door. It updates every year and every time it’s quite disappointing. Will maybe change it when there’s something truly exciting.

  • MacBook Pro M1 Max 16”
    #laptop
    This is a beast and more than enough for what I do. Handles everything from development to video editing without breaking a sweat.

  • Onyx Boox Go Color 7
    #e-reader
    Color makes reading programming books and using Obsidian really nice. Perfect for technical documentation and note-taking.

🚫 What I Don’t Use (Intentionally)

I think choosing what not to use is just as important. Here’s what I skip and why:

  • Windows PC - I don’t need another PC just to play games.
  • Steam Deck - This will be a life sink. Maybe when my kids are older.

Got Better Ideas?

I’m always looking to optimize my workflow! If you have suggestions for better tools or different ways to use the ones I have, please email me. I love trying new things and hearing about how others work.