Things I use
Tech
Hardware
- MacBook Pro 2019 (Intel) - still going – despite the fans running at ~100% for as long as I can remember! I'll be upgrading to Apple silicon this year, so it'll become end-of-life.
- CalDigit TS-4 dock - this allows me to plug a single USB-C cable into any device and instantly connect it to all my displays, peripherals and power. It wasn't cheap, but definitely worth the price.
- Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - my preferred keyboard. I know, not mechanical, but my all-day-typing fingers appreciate there's less travel on these keyboards. I could live without the numeric keys though.
- Logitech G900 gaming mouse - super comfortable all day long. And it has RGB!
- Dual LG Ultrafine 32" IPS UHD 60Hz 4K monitors - I've been using two of these monitors mounted with this dual monitor stand for the past 2-3 years, and I've no complaints. A while back I tried some ultrawide alternatives, but found they didn't fit my workflow as well (multitasking didn't feel as natural). Recently, I've been contemplating replacing the dual screens with a large OLED. Maybe 2024 is the year.
- My DIY NAS - this stores all of my families data, backups, etc and runs several containers for home automation.
- SteamDeck (OG 256GB LCD) - gaming on the go, and a portable linux desktop in my backpack. Paired with the UGREEN 145W 2500mAH power bank, a USB-C dock, and the Logitech K400 keyboard and touchpad.
Software
- IDE: VSCode
- Browser: Firefox
- Terminal: iTerm2
- Shell: Zsh with Oh My Zsh, Powerlines 10K and Zsh-Z
- dotfiles: https://github.com/davenicoll/dotfiles
- Notes: Obsidian
- Plug-ins: Obsidian Git, Advanced Tables, Icons, Linter, Table of Contents
- MacOS essentials: Rectangle, CopyClip, MonitorControl, MeetingBar
- Cloud authentication: Leapp
- Password Manager: Bitwarden
- Bookmarks: raindrop.io
- Shortcuts & launcher: Raycast
- Remote working: Around
- Pair programming: Pop!
- Containers: OrbStack and Portainer
- Better desktop widgets: GeekTool
SteamDeck
- Plug-ins: Decky Loader
- Retro gaming: RetroDeck
- Running non-steam games: Lutris
Xbox Series X
- Gamertag: BinarySneaker
Mobile apps
- Browser: Firefox
- Add-ons: View Source, Google Search Ad Remover, uBlock Origin, Web Archives, Chrome UA on Google for Firefox Android, Bitwarden, Consent-O-Matic, Don't track me Google. (Any add-on from the official Firefox add-on store can be installed on mobile by switching to Desktop mode).
- Hackernews: Harmonic
- Reading/Library: Libby
- Password Manager: Bitwarden
- MFA: Authy and Google Authenticator
IoT/SBC
- Raspberry Pi Pico - mainly for building cool badges #badgelife
- Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W - the most portable and versatile RPi, useful for those times when you need a lightweight SBC running linux
- Raspberry Pi 5 - for when you need more compute power than a dinky RPi0... retro gaming, media streaming, etc
- Orange Pi Zero 2W - an alternative to the RPi Zero 2W
- BBC micro:bit v2 - for fun projects with kids
- ESP-WROOM-32 - for all the obscure hardware projects I do, when I need a reliable SBC to do a single job
- Home Assistant - home automation controller and dashboard
Coffee
I once worked a few minutes away from a small, boutique coffee shop called Pot Kettle Black. Ever since, and mainly thanks to James Hoffman, I've become a bit of a coffee snob.
- Machine: I use a Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, which has been nothing short of life-changing.
- Beans: Hasbean Ethiopia: Edition 23.045. This is hands-down the best coffee I've ever tasted. "Opening with a blast of blueberries and damsons, the punchy dark fruit has a layer of brown sugar sweetness underneath it. The clean finish has a twist of orange zest, which calls you back for that next sip."