My Tech Setup (or The Gear I Use Every Day)

Most of what I do involves creating content. Most of the time that’s writing about technology, small businesses, and creativity. Sometimes it’s shooting video or still photography. I also travel a good amount for work, which means that I want to be able to work anywhere.

Here’s the list of gadgets that make up my tech setup, also known as the gear I use every day:

Apple 13” MacBook Pro (2019)

I’m a big fan of the 13” MacBook Pro. The one I’m using has the 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7, with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. It’s the right combination of power and portability that makes it perfect for someone like me who not only works from home, but travels quite a bit. Yes, the butterfly keyboard isn’t great.

Actually, it’s pretty obnoxious when you’re used to anything else. But honestly, when you use it every day, you just get used to it. Or, like me, you get the Apple Magic Keyboard and Mouse, which means you aren’t using the keyboard except when you’re on the go.

iPhone 11 Pro

I’ve written a lot about the newest iPhone in my column at Inc.com, and I’m super happy with it. I use a Totallee thin case, which is impossibly thin, but still keeps it protected from scratches. I also have the Apple Smart Case for this phone, which—in addition to having the dedicated shutter button—is a lifesaver for traveling and days when you aren’t going to be able to stop and recharge.

iPad Pro 11-inch

I’ve been using the 2018 iPad Pro since last November, and now that iPadOS is here, it’s my primary device for reading, writing, and a lot of other daily tasks. I use it with the Smart Keyboard Folio, as well as the Apple Pencil, but I’ve been testing out the Brydge Keyboard, and I really like it (future review coming).

I use the aforementioned MacBook Pro for quite a bit, but the iPad is both more convenient and honestly, just as powerful. In fact, if I had gotten the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, I’d have very little reason for the MacBook Pro. The reason I don’t is that size is terrible as a tablet.

Apple AirPods Pro

Can we just say “noise cancellation?” Thank you very much. Audiophiles will argue that the Sony WF1000XM3 have a better overall sound, and they might be right. However, the AirPods Pro are easily the simplest and most versatile wireless in-ears you can buy, especially if you’re a Mac or iPhone user.

Samsung - UE590 Series 28" LED 4K UHD Monitor

Nope, I’m not dropping $5K on a new Apple Display. Instead, I saved most of that and instead use this 28” 4K monitor that looks great. I love that this display is big enough to work on multiple documents, browsers, or files at the same time, but not so big that it’s overwhelming.

LaCie 1 TB Mobile SSD

While the MacBook Pro has 1 TB of storage, sometimes you need a little more space for projects, and this LaCie 1TB SSD is the perfect companion. Not only is it small and sleek, it’s SSD, meaning it’s super fast for transferring files back and forth to the laptop. It’s also supported on my iPad Pro, which is great for having access to what I need on th ego.

Bestand Aluminum Cooling Computer Stand

Since my laptop is sitting next to that huge 28” display, the Bestand is a great way to elevate my MacBook Pro to eye level. I usually keep my email app (Spark) and Slack open on my laptop, while all of my main work happens on the larger display. This stand also has a slot in the back for running any cords, but I found that the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter is great for connecting power, HDMI and even a USB 3.0 Hub.

Nomad Base Station Apple Watch Edition

Courtesy: Nomad

I first learned about Nomad when I bought my Apple Watch (series 4), and wanted something a little nicer than the sport band. They make great cases and a plenty of other accessories, but the one I like the best is the wireless base station. It charges my iPhone 11 Pro, AirPods Pro, and Apple Watch all at the same time.

LEUCHTTURM1917 Notebook

I’ve been a Moleskine fan for a long time, but earlier last year I started using one of these notebooks. I have the grid version, which is great for creating different sections for notes, todos, and other reminders. I also like that it has numbered pages, and a place for the date. There’s also a table of contents in the front that makes it easy to keep track of what you’re using it for. While I love technology, I’m still a big fan of thinking with pen and paper.