Uses
Welcome to my ‘Uses’ page, where I share the tools, hardware, and software that I use on a daily basis to support my work and productivity. From my favorite text editor to the computer I work on, this page provides a glimpse into my workflow and setup.
This isn’t the first time that I’ve written a ‘Uses’ article, however this is the first time that I’m publishing it on my site.
I hope this page not only gives you a better understanding of my technical setup, but also inspires you to try out new tools and techniques. Let’s dive in!
If you’re interested in similar lists, I recommend that you visit the wesbos/awesome-uses repository on GitHub.
Last update: 17 June 2023
Hardware
Devices
The devices that make up my main setup. Each device plays a crucial role in supporting my work, productivity, and lifestyle. Let’s take a closer look:
- Apple MacBook Pro 14” 2021 with M1 Pro: read my review here!
- Logitech LIFT Ergonomic Mouse and k380 Keyboard Combo
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
- Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 2018 (1st generation)
- Samsung Portable SSD T5 (500GB): Acts as a Time Machine for the MacBook, as a Document and Media Archive.
- Xiaomi Smart Band 7: Fitness tracker; connect to Apple Health for sleep and exercise
The softwares the I use concurrently with these devices will be discuss in the follwing sections.
Stationaries
The stationery items that are essential to my creative process, organization, and daily note-taking. These tools are integral to keeping my thoughts organized and turning ideas into actionable tasks. Let’s explore:
Muji Customizable Journal
I swear by the Muji Customizable Journal as my go-to notebook for all my note-taking needs. Its minimalistic design and high-quality paper provide the perfect canvas for jotting down ideas, sketches, and to-do lists. The ability to customize the journal’s layout to my preferences makes it a versatile companion for both work and personal projects.
Gel Pens
For everyday writing, I rely on gel pens. Muji Gel pen line are my preferred gel pen brands. The smooth ink flow and vibrant colors make writing a pleasure, and they are perfect for taking quick notes, jotting down ideas, or working on creative projects.
Fountain Pens
I find fountain pens to be a delight to use, offering a smooth and elegant writing experience. Among my collection, I particularly enjoy using Lamy and Waterman fountain pens. Lamy’s ergonomic design and interchangeable nibs allow for different writing styles, while Waterman pens exude a timeless charm. These fountain pens are perfect for journaling, personal reflections, or any writing that deserves a touch of sophistication.
Software
Global Services and Apps
In this section, I’ll introduce you to the software applications and services I use across various platforms. These tools play a crucial role in organizing my work, staying productive, and keeping me entertained. Let’s explore each one:
Notion
Notion is the backbone of my productivity and organization. It serves as an all-in-one workspace, combining note-taking, task management, project planning, and more. With its flexible structure and powerful features, I use Notion to create detailed to-do lists, maintain databases, and store valuable information. The ability to customize layouts and templates makes it a versatile tool that adapts to my ever-changing needs.
Things
Things is my go-to task manager on macOS and iOS. Its elegant and intuitive design allows me to organize and prioritize my tasks effortlessly. I rely on Things to create daily to-do lists, set reminders, and track my progress on various projects. Its seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem ensures that I stay on top of my tasks, whether I’m at my desk or on the go.
Apple Calendar
Apple Calendar is my primary tool for scheduling and time management. I use it to keep track of meetings, appointments, deadlines, and personal events. Its user-friendly interface and cross-device synchronization make it easy to stay organized and never miss an important event.
Spotify
For entertainment and background music while working, Spotify is my preferred music streaming service. Its extensive library of songs and curated playlists cater to my diverse musical tastes, helping me stay focused and motivated during long working hours.
Apple Books
As an avid reader, I turn to Apple Books for my digital reading needs. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or educational material, Apple Books provides a vast selection of e-books that I can access on my iPad or iPhone.
Others
- Reeder: Personal favorite RSS reader
- Canva: General presentation making, interchangable with Keynote
Note on Dark/Light Theme
I prefer the light theme over the dark theme in my software applications. The bright interface helps me maintain focus and clarity while working. Additionally, I appreciate the Solarized theme, which strikes a balance between light and dark, providing a soothing color scheme that is easy on the eyes.
MacOS
In this section, I’ll introduce you to the macOS-specific software applications I use to streamline my development, simplify the Mac menubar, and enhance my productivity. Let’s explore each application:
Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is my preferred code editor for macOS. Its lightweight yet powerful features make it perfect for coding in various programming languages. With a vast array of extensions available, I customize VS Code to suit my specific needs, boosting my coding efficiency and providing a seamless development experience.
Xcode
Xcode is an essential macOS application for iOS and macOS developers. As an integrated development environment (IDE), it allows me to create, debug, and test apps for Apple devices. Xcode’s comprehensive set of tools, including the Interface Builder and SwiftUI, enables me to build cutting-edge applications for the Apple ecosystem.
Dozer and Stats
Dozer and Stats are two Swift-based applications that enhance my Mac menubar experience and provide valuable real-time system status information.
Dozer: Dozer allows me to simplify the menubar by hiding or rearranging status icons, reducing visual clutter and providing a cleaner desktop environment.
Stats: Stats delivers at-a-glance real-time information on my Mac’s CPU, GPU, storage, and network status. This helps me monitor system performance and ensure optimal efficiency during resource-intensive tasks.
Others
- MATLAB (R2022a): numerical computing software that I use for data analysis, simulation, and algorithm development
- Figma: general prototyping and design work
- Apple Preview: All time best go-to file opener :D
- OBS + Streamlabs: live streaming and content creation
- Rectangle: window management tool that helps me organize and arrange application windows on my desktop efficiently
iOS
Here are some of my favorite apps that have transformed how I use my iOS device:
Audible
As someone who used to enjoy reading books but struggled to find the time since I started working, Audible has been a game-changer. With its vast collection of audiobooks, I can now indulge in captivating stories, informative non-fiction, and thrilling mysteries, even during my busiest days. Whether I’m commuting, exercising, or simply unwinding, Audible accompanies me with fantastic narrations, making every moment an opportunity to explore new worlds and gain knowledge. Thanks to Audible, I’ve reignited my love for books and continue to enjoy stories, even with a hectic schedule.
Sparks mail
Sparks Mail has made email management a breeze, giving me more time to concentrate on what truly matters in both my personal and professional life.
PCalc
This powerful calculator app goes above and beyond basic arithmetic, offering advanced scientific functions, unit conversions, and customizable layouts. PCalc provides the precision and versatility I need.
iPadOS
In the realm of iPadOS, two standout applications have become essential tools for my creative pursuits and note-taking needs:
Procreate
Procreate has completely transformed how I express my creativity on the iPad. With its powerful digital drawing tools, intuitive interface, and extensive brush library, Procreate provides an unparalleled digital art experience. Whether I’m sketching, painting, or illustrating, Procreate’s responsiveness and precision make it feel like I’m working with traditional art materials. It has become my go-to app for bringing my artistic visions to life.
Notability - Legacy User
As a legacy user of Notability, this app remains my top choice for note-taking on the iPad. Its smooth handwriting capabilities, flexible organization options, and seamless iCloud integration have kept me coming back. I rely on Notability to jot down ideas, annotate documents, and record audio during meetings. The ability to sync across all my devices ensures that my notes are readily accessible whenever I need them.
Potential Upgrades in the Future
While I’m currently content with my setup, I’m always eager to explore new tools and hardware that could further enhance my productivity and overall experience. Here are some exciting potential upgrades that I’m considering for the future:
- Apple Watch (upgrade from Xiaomi Smart Band 7): As my interest in fitness and health tracking grows, I’m intrigued by the possibilities offered by the Apple Watch. With its advanced features, including heart rate monitoring, ECG, and a range of fitness apps, it promises to be a significant upgrade from my current Xiaomi Smart Band 7. The seamless integration with other Apple devices is also appealing, making it a potential addition to my Apple ecosystem.
What I stopped using
- Goodnotes (to Notability): As much as I enjoyed using Goodnotes for note-taking, I eventually switched to Notability due to its more intuitive interface and seamless iCloud integration. With Notability, I found that the tools bar takes up less workspace area, allowing me to focus more on my notes and sketches. Additionally, as my note library grew, Goodnotes began to feel sluggish, while Notability continues to provide a smooth and responsive experience.
- Google Chrome (to Safari): For a long time, I relied on Google Chrome as my go-to browser. However, after giving Apple’s Safari a try, I was pleasantly surprised by its speed, efficiency, and integration with macOS and iOS devices. Safari’s focus on privacy and security also resonated with me, making it my preferred browser for the past couple of months. Its seamless synchronization with my Apple devices ensures a consistent and secure browsing experience.
- Pycharm (to VScode): As a developer, Pycharm was my IDE of choice for Python programming. However, with the latest updates to Visual Studio Code (VScode), I’ve found that nearly all the features I normally use in Pycharm are now available in VScode. Its lightweight yet powerful nature and extensive library of extensions have made it a compelling alternative. I’m considering making the switch to VScode in the future to streamline my development workflow across different languages and projects.