Computers & Laptops
laptop
MacBook Pro 14” M-series what I use
The battery life changed how I work. Genuinely 10–12 hours doing real work, not light browsing. The M-series chip handles video, code, and AI tools without thermal throttling. If you're buying a laptop for the next 5 years, this is it.
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laptop – windows
Dell XPS 13 or 15
Best Windows laptop if you're not going Mac. Build quality is excellent, display is sharp, and the form factor is genuinely portable. Go for 16GB RAM minimum.
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Audio & Headphones
noise cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM5 what I use
Best ANC headphones I've owned, full stop. The noise cancellation is genuinely impressive – cafes, planes, open offices all disappear. Battery lasts 30+ hours. Sound quality is excellent without being audiophile-precious about it.
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earbuds
AirPods Pro (2nd gen)
If you're in the Apple ecosystem, these are the best earbuds available. The transparency mode is genuinely useful, and the fit is more secure than the original AirPods. ANC is good, not XM5-level, but for earbuds it's excellent.
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Desk & Home Office
monitor
27” 4K Monitor – LG or Dell
Once you go 4K you can't go back, especially for reading and writing. LG's UltraFine line and Dell's UltraSharp are both excellent. Get the USB-C version if you can – one cable for power and display is genuinely life-changing for a laptop setup.
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keyboard
Logitech MX Keys what I use
The best full-size wireless keyboard I've used. The keys have a satisfying low-profile feel, backlighting that adjusts automatically, and it pairs with up to three devices seamlessly. Works beautifully with Mac and Windows.
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mouse
Logitech MX Master 3 what I use
The best mouse I've ever owned. The electromagnetic scroll wheel is genuinely one of those things you can't explain until you try it – flicks through long documents instantly. Ergonomic shape, USB-C charging, works on any surface.
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standing desk
Electric Standing Desk – Flexispot or Uplift
Worth every dollar if you sit for work. Get electric, not manual – you'll actually use it. Flexispot is the best value, Uplift is premium and excellent if you want to spend more. 60” x 30” is the right size for most people.
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webcam
Logitech Brio 4K
If you're on video calls regularly, a good webcam is a professional investment. The Brio's auto-light-correction is excellent and it handles low light far better than any built-in camera.
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lighting
Elgato Key Light
Makes an immediately noticeable difference on video calls. Soft, diffused light that eliminates shadows. App-controlled brightness and temperature. One of those purchases where you wonder why you waited.
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Software & Services I Pay For
🤖
AI assistant
Claude Pro (Anthropic) what I use
My most-used software tool by a wide margin. I use it to write, code, think through problems, and build the tools on this site. If you're only going to pay for one AI subscription, make it this one.
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💻
code editor
Cursor
VS Code with AI built into the editor. Autocomplete that actually understands context, not just syntax. Has meaningfully changed how fast I can write and refactor code.
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🎨
design
Canva Pro
The fastest way to make something look good. I use it for social graphics, presentations, and quick mockups. The AI tools they've added recently are genuinely useful – background removal, image generation, magic resize.
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✨
AI assistant
Google Gemini
A solid second AI tool to have in rotation. Gemini's strength is Google integration – it works well for research, pulling current information, and anything where being plugged into Search matters.
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