Software and Hardware (2024)

A quick list that I conjured about what apps or hardware that I use. I love reading people’s setups and preferences, so I thought I’d write one of my own.

Software

ChatGPT - I’ve tried other models and services such as Claude, but I’m comfortable with ChatGPT at the moment. I understand the ramifications of its usage on the environment, so I’m hoping to find an eco-friendly solution.

For now, I restrict my usage to educational purposes only.

Ulysses - The only markdown editor that I love using. Its simplicity and capabilities are what I enjoy most. I’m neutral on subscriptions—I understand the pros and cons of both—but this is one piece of software that I am willing to subscribe to. It’s just that good.

Zed - My preferred editor. I’ve wrote about it in a previous post.

Raycast - A rich feature set alternative to Apple’s Spotlight. I prefer it over Alfred, but both are fantastic options.

IINA - The best media player, period.

Safari - I love Safari. Tried other browsers such as Arc and Firefox but kept coming back to Safari every time.

Amadine - Available both on iPad and macOS. I mostly use the iPad version. It has such a clean user interface, and I think it’s really underrated.

Eagle - Asset management tool where I organize my references. It’s seriously powerful, but I wish it was a native app. Regardless, I can’t find anything comparable.

Apple Passwords - I’ve moved on from 1Password to Apple Passwords as it is free. While the 1Password app has tons more features, the simplicity of Apple Passwords is unparalleled.

CotEditor - A beautiful plain-text editor for macOS. Oh best of all? It’s completely free.

Hardware

iPhone 13 mini - Please, Apple. Please make a pro version of the mini. I hate large phones.

Apple Mac mini (M2 Pro) - Yes, I wish I had waited for the M4. But this thing is still a beast, and I don’t plan on upgrading anytime soon.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) - I love this thing. I can’t believe how excellent it is for its price.

Kobo Clara 2E - There is a newer model that features color and a faster processor, but I am content with what I currently have. I don’t think I’ll be upgrading for a long time.

iPad Pro (2018) - Look, I bought a screen protector and have installed it perfectly. As someone who is very easily agitated about having tiny debris trapped under my screen protector, I somehow managed to have none.

I also got the screen protector to be perfectly aligned, which is easier to accomplish, but its still a feat nevertheless.

Unfortunately, the screen protector is no longer available to purchase, and I have yet to find an alternative. Until then, I won’t be upgrading. Even though the iPad is starting to show its age. That’s how important it is for me to have a clean screen.

AirPods Pro (1st Generation) - Surprisingly, the battery health is still pretty decent. I get a couple of hours before I need to recharge them again. I will be upgrading to the 3rd generation when that releases.

QK80 Mechanical Keyboard - Featuring ‘Year of the Tiger’ keycaps and Gateron Oil Kings switches. I adore typing on this thing.

Utilities

Displaperture - It rounds your display corners. I seriously love the macOS community. Little tweaks like this goes a long way.

AppCleaner - I use this to uninstall macOS apps and ensure that everything is removed.

Karabiner - So I can remap the keys on my mechanical keyboard (QK85)

Pastel - Current colour picker. I used to use Sip but I needed an app for iOS and iPadOS too. With that being said, I am working on an alternative. Stay tuned for news on that.