This is a list of the tools, apps, services, AI tools, and hardware that I use regularly, both in my formal day job and for myself. I’m probably forgetting a lot of things, so they may be added without warning later.
Last updated: March 2026
Hardware
I use a Mac Pro (2019) as my personal computer. I also have a 2023 MacBook Pro 16-inch, M2 Pro 16GB that I use when I’m on the go, at conferences, or if I feel like working from the comfort of my sofa.
The choice to work from an increasingly obsolete Intel-based Macintosh is a controversial one, but with my computer’s large pool of memory, huge array of storage (both solid-state and mechanical for cold backup), and dedicated graphics cards that still perform well, this solution works well for me.
My work laptop is a 2024 MacBook Pro 14-inch, M4 Pro 24GB.
| Hardware | Specification |
| Left monitor (Vertical) | ROG PG278Q (144Hz, 1440p) |
| Centre monitor (Ultra-wide) | Samsung LC34G55T (165Hz, 1440p+) |
| Keyboard | Kinesis Advantage 2 |
| Gaming Keyboard | Razer Blackadder V3 |
| Mouse | Razer Deathadder Essential |
| Headphones | Steelseries Arctis Pro |
| Webcam | Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 |
| Desk Microphone | Logitech Blue Yeti mounted on a generic desk arm |
| Printer / Scanner | Brother MFC-L3710CW |
| Mouse Mat | IKEA LÅNESPELARE |
| Desk | 2x 160*60″ Sanodesk Standing Desks |
| Chair | Secretlabs Titan XL |
In addition, I have a gaming computer with a 2070Ti that is occasionally hooked up for playing intensive games that won’t run on my Mac Pro – honestly I rarely if ever need it.
Software
I run the latest version of macOS on all of my Mac computers. I honestly find the latest version of Tahoe to work great under both Apple Silicon and Intel. I do also dual-boot Windows 10 on my Mac Pro, should I feel the need to play something.
I like macOS. I’m not religious to it however, and have happily used other platforms in the past and will inevitably do the same in the future. I do appreciate the synergy they offer with my iPhone Pro 16 Max.
Artificial Intelligence
I’ve experimented with a lot of different agentic tools, and have found working with OpenAI Codex and their latest models to be the most enjoyable and cost-effective, though I use Claude at work.
I frequently work collaboratively with generative AI on development tools, as well as utilising automations to provide routine maintenance, documentation updates, sanity checks, and so on. I’ll also reach for ChatGPT for most other non-code usages.
At this time of writing, I don’t use fully automated agent platforms like OpenClaw due to security concerns.
Human Development Tools
Development-environment wise, I use predominantly PhpStorm as my IDE of choice at work and in personal endeavours when working with PHP. Similarly, I reach for RubyMine when working with Rails.
For all other languages and work, or to make changes to individual code files or text, I’ll almost always reach for Zed. It’s incredibly lightweight with an ever-increasing range of support for various ecosystems.
I’ve got no preference for any console editor and will generally use Vi or Nano without complaint. Speaking of which, Ghosttty is my new favourite terminal emulator that pairs well with ohmyzsh.
I use DataGrip if I’m working with a range of databases, but generally most database interactivity can be done within PhpStorm.
Godot is my tool of choice for most game development endeavours, with tools like Krita and Aesprite for artwork.
I alternate between light and dark themes depending on the current time of day. I’ll use JetBrains Mono as the default font. It just works.
Subscriptions
I begrudgingly pay for software subscriptions that make my life easier, though I would rather they be one-time purchases. These include:
- Codex and ChatGPT – For programming and things that are not programming.
- Spotify – For music and podcasts both at home and on the go.
- 1Password – The best password manager out there, in my opinion.
- Tinkerwell – It’s a PHP REPL. A good one.
I no longer use Dropbox, (my Mac Pro has plenty of storage), NutraCheck (I use generative AI), Motion (far too expensive), or Parallels. (VMware Fusion is free)
Other Software
A few other odds and ends that I use or feel like are worthy of mentioning:
- Brave – This recently overtook Firefox as my favourite browser, and its ad-blocking is second to none.
- Mail – I finally broke free of Outlook and now happily use Apple’s built-in Mail and Calendar tools.
- Docker / Docker Desktop – Goes without saying.
- Git – Again, goes without saying.
- Slack / Discord / WhatsApp / Messenger – Tools for communicating with others. Nothing more to add.
- Upscalyl – Open source AI-based image upscaler, for the rare times I need to enhance an image.
- Anki – Hands down my favourite tool for flashcards.