Software I use, gadgets I love, and other things I recommend.

Sometimes I'm get asked about the things I use to build software, stay productive, or buy to try out. Here’s a big list of all of my favorite stuff.

Workstation

  • 16” MacBook Pro, M1, 16GB RAM (2021)

    I was using an Intel-based 16” MacBook Pro prior to this and the difference is night and day. When they switched back to MagSafe and some other "vintage" hardware designs with the Silicon chip, I decides pull the trigger. Super reliable. I even play guitar through the simulated amplifiers on here.

  • LG Monitor - USB-C/Thunderbolt

    A monitor that charges my Mac as well as helps me create.

  • Apple Magic Keyboard with Number Pad

    I once worked as a teller for Wells Fargo, where the numberpad was essential. I haven't lost that habit.

  • Apple Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse

    I'll switch back and forth depending on the task - design or development.

  • Steelcase Leap Chair

    Very comfortable, ergonomic chair.

Development tools

  • VS Code

    I only started using VSCode late in 2024. Remarkable IDE. I love how extensible it is.

  • WebStorm

    Sometimes I like to use something a little more robust. WebStorm is a solid, familiar tool.

  • Transit 5

    My tool of choice for SFTP transfers. Well designed UI. Panic always made great looking Mac software.

Design

  • Figma

    I started using Figma four years ago. Remarkable tool at that time, and now a powerful suite of tools. I've created a design system, shared libraries and design prototypes with it.

  • Adobe Creative Suite

    Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign have been mainstays throughout my career.

Musical Gear

  • Guitars

    I've been playing guitar for nearly 4 decades. Along the way I've collected some great axes. If you are a guitar player, try these out.• Marc Rutters Stratocaster
    • Marc Rutters Les Paul
    • Gibson ES-335 Larry Carlton Signature
    • Gibson "Roxy SG" Frank Zappa Signature
    • Pickups: Ron Ellis Pickups

  • Amplifiers

    • Bogner Shiva 20th Anniversary Head
    • Original 1965 Fender Deluxe Reverb

Audiophile

  • High Fidelity

    I got back into listening to vinyl records in early 2024. My collection of vinyl grew quickly, as did my knowledge and preferences for gear to play them. Below is a list of gear I own and love.• Mobile Fidelity Masterdeck Turntable
    • Balanced Audio Technology VP-10 Tube Phono Stage
    • McIntosh 6550 Integrated Amplifier
    • Sonus Faber Sonetto V Speakers