uses
2026-10-25
I like learning about people's tools, so here's a list of the gear that I use on a regular basis
// everyday
Notebook: Midori MD Dotgrid A5
I've been using an empty notebook as a planner for about 9 years now and I love it. The Midori notebooks have a clear slip cover which means I can chuck stickers on the front and back to easily personalise each year's notebook.
Pen: Uniball ZENTO 0.5mm
I moved between a few fineliner and rollerball pens over the years, but the uniball zento is a close I have found to a pen that I just dont have to worry about.
Phone: iPhone 13 mini
I don't really like using phones any larger than this. Haven't updated past iOS 18. Would go smaller if I could!
Watch: Pebble Time 2
This is the smartwatch. Had a second hand Pebble Time Round for a while 10 years ago, and was exstatic when I heard they were coming back.
Music Player: iPod Classic
Currently out of comission, but I recently refurbed with flash memory and a bigger battery. I use some no-name IEMs with this.
Headphones: Shokz Open Run 2
Bone conductors are great for the odd dog walk or podcast, or bike ride or whatever.
// workdesk
Computer: 14" 2021 Macbook Pro (M1 Pro, 16GB)
I upgraded from a 2017 MacBook Pro to a refurbished M1 pro in 2022, and it hasn't missed a beat since. I don't anticipate needing to replace this any time soon. Haven't updated the OS past Sonoma (macOS 14).
Keyboard: Neupy Air 75
Feels great, needed something more low profile compared to my previous keyboard (Keychron K2)
Mouse: Keychron M6
Wanted a mouse with a horizontal scroll, but this didn't really hit the mark. It's fine.
Mouse: Magic Trackpad
Great to use with AudioSwift for MIDI manipulation.
Monitor: Samsung S6 ViewFinity 24"
My desk is quite shallow, so the smaller 24" size with the 1440p resolution keeps everying clear without having to move my head to see different sides of the screen. The 100hz refresh rate helps make mouse work a bit smoother.
Audio Interface: Focusrite Clarett 4Pre
Yep. It works.
Speakers: A pair of KRK Rockit 8" monitors
Yep. They work.
Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro
THey are as comfy as they look.
MIDI Controller: mcKnob
Got this off of etsy, and I'm yet to fully integrate it into the workflow but it feels great
MIDI Keyboard: icon IKeyboard 6
Got this 10 years ago and it hasn't given up. Very handy that it's super slim and can slide right under the desk.
Electric Keyboard: Nord Electro 6D
Needed something away from the computer, and this works great. Probably should have shelled out for the larger model or a stage, but hey.
// software
Planning: Obsidian
The goat for a reason. Don't bother with anything else imo.
DAW: Logic Pro X & Reaper
Starting to feel a bit constricted by Logic after using it for so long, but it's a workhorse. Reaper is highly recommended for a reason. It has a free unlimited trial, don't hesitate.
Whiteboard: tldraw
The fact people don't need an account to use it is great. Will stan tldraw until they inevitably get ruined.
Static Site Generator: Eleventy
still learning about this kind of stuff but eleventy is pretty streamlined and no-nonsense.
Text Editor: ???
Don't think I've found one I really love yet. Using VSCode right now, but I like Sublime too.
Misc: Heynote
Saw this recommended on some forum somewhere and I'm grateful every day
// gadgets
Handheld: Miyoo mini +
Grabbed this on a whim and it's a great way to play retro roms on a handheld.
Handheld: Retroid Pocket 6
A recent addition and it's similarly delightful. Great for using Apollo/Artemis to stream off of the tower PC.
Tablet: 10" Lenovo IdeaPad Duet
This thing is a hunk of junk and I love it. Just enough juice to check the web or watch a video (but not at the same time). I prefer using this to my phone when I'm at home.
Ereader: Kobo Aura One
Had this for years now and it's still going strong. I love chucking articles on here through Instapaper so I can read away from the computer screen. Also great for manga.
Camera: Fujifilm XT-20
Got this second hand with a pancake lens. Flash is broken, but it still takes a great picture.
Projector: Optoma UHD 35+
Upgraded from a 1080p Epson projector we had for yonks. Super crisp, bright, and gets dark enough for the price point.