My Essential Software/Hardware List
JW
Jonathan Wong / July 31, 2018
4 min read • ––– views
I've found value in learning about what tools others use to complete their personal and professional tasks. More specifically, reading about what other programmers use has led me to discover some new products and ultimately changed my daily workflow. I figured I would compile a list of my own personal necessities. Most are tailored to my professions (programming and videography).
Note: These are my essential tools. Your mileage may vary.
Table of Contents#
Hardware
Software
Hardware#
iPhone X#
- Camera quality is seriously phenomenal
- Grown to love FaceID
- The screen is mesmerizing - a huge upgrade from the 6S
- The form factor is perfect for me - not too small or large
- Build quality is superb
- Battery life has been excellent so far
- Swipe navigation > home button, especially switching apps
Macbook Pro#
- Very lightweight and compact
- The screen is really, really good
- Battery life has been excellent as well, but I'm plugged in a lot
- I do miss the SD card and other slots (USB-C adapter helps a bit)
- Don't really use touch bar
- Luckily haven't had any keyboard problems
Lacie USB-C External HDD#
- 4TB of storage at an affordable price
- Serves as a full backup of my computer / old video footage
Bose QC35#
- Absolute game changer for flights
- Helps to combat open office plans
- I also wear these when working out to drown out gym noise
- Comfortable - solid battery life
- Sound quality is adequate unless you're a true audiophile
Software#
1Password#
- No more remembering passwords - login to sites with a keyboard shortcut
- Chrome integration works seamlessly
- Grandfathered in at $60 - I believe it's now subscription based
- iPhone app has iCloud sync and Face ID, integrates into lots of existing apps
VSCode#
- Lightweight and fast to start
- Git support replaced my usage in the terminal/SourceTree
- Keyboard shortcuts work well for me
- Can run Python unit tests directly
- An adequate solution for my work (mostly web dev)
Adobe Creative Suite#
- Lightroom changed the game for photo editing
- Anything more complex usually gets taken to Photoshop
- Premiere handles the bulk of my video editing
- Anything more complex will go to After Effects
- Occasionally mess with XD for making app mockups
Spotify#
- I'm a happy premium user
- Spotify convinced me to stop pirating music (shhhhh)
- AI generated playlists are really good 👍🏼
- Has almost everything I could want
- I go to SoundCloud for remixes and deep cuts
Gifox#
- Well-spent money on a tool I use all the time
- Easy to use and has lots of controls
- Launch by keyboard shortcut
Google Chrome#
Github#
- My choice for work and personal projects
- Best source control provider IMO
- GitLab is doing some amazing things as well
iTerm 2#
- I like ZSH over Bash (+ Powerline fonts)
- Lots of flexibility with keyboard shortcuts
Feedly & Instapaper#
