I get asked by friends and colleagues what do you use to do your job? So here it is! So here it is! A breakdown of all the software and gear that I use to manage the work that I do. Also, shout out to Wes Bos for the inspiration. I stole your idea. Sue me.
Hardware
I recently upgraded all my peripherals to wireless Bluetooth ones so I wouldn't have cables running all over my desk. I was hesitant at first. Figuring I would have to constantly be plugging them in to charge. But I've found that at long as I do that every other night, I don't have to worry about it. Haven't had anything die on me in the middle of a work session. Yet.
Computers
I do almost all of my development on my 2019 MacBook Pro 16-inch. I find that coding on a Mac is just more enjoyable. I do however have a Frankenstien PC that is mostly used for gaming and streaming. It's an Intel i9 3.6gh with 64gb of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce 2070 graphics card. When I built her during the pandemic, the 3000 series had just come out and were stupidly overpriced. So I went with the 2000 series.
Monitor
The only external monitor I use is a LG Ultrafine 5k 27". It is Thunderbolt 3 compatabile so it plays nicely with my MacBook Pro. I would have bought two of them (the more desktop the better) but it comes with a built in webcam and I didn't need two of them. Remember, Big Brother is watching you.
Keyboard
I like my keyboards low profile, so I use an Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad. It's great with all the typing I do. I can't stand large, clunky, mechanical keyboards.
Mouse
For my mouse I prefer gaming mice. They just fit my hand better. Went with a Razer DeathAdder v2 wireless gaming mouse. It's Bluetooth so no wires and it's super responsive.
Camera
I've had several cameras over the years. But the one I keep coming back to is my LogiTech Brio 4k. It records in 4k with almost no lag what so ever when streaming with OBS.
Lights
I'm new to the world of lighting so I went with 2x Elgato Key Light Air. They look great on my desktop and make me pretty during Zoom calls. They are controllable via a task bar app or though your phone which comes in real handy.
Hub
Because Macs keep changing external ports, you got to have a great Hub to plug in all your stuff. For that I use a CalDigit TS3 Plus. It has everything I need from Gigabit Ethernet to USB-C to Multiple Display Ports.
Audio
For me, music plays a big part in my life. I listen to music almost all day while I'm working. So I didn't mind spending a little extra on quality audio gear. Below are the items I use to keep the music sounding top notch.
Headphones
For my day to day work listening, I use the Beats Studio 3 wireless headphones. They are super comfortable and with the noise cancelling, the audio quality is superb.
Earphones
When I'm on the go, I have a set of Beats Studio Buds that I wear. Again, the audio quality is awesome and they pair nicely with my iPhone.
Microphone
I wanted to upgrade to an actual microphone as opposed to using my MacBook's onboard mic. So I went with a Shure SM7B Vocal Mic. I've always been a fan of Shure products. I still have a Shure SM58 from my garage band days that still works after I would beat the living hell out of it on stage.
Audio Interface
I use a Scarlet 2i2 USB Audio Interface. There is absolutely no set up. You just plug it in and it works. I primarily use it for my microphone but occasionally I plug one of my guitars in it to record ideas for songs. It's probably to most affordably reliable audio interfaces on the market.