Uses

This page is inspired from the uses.tech movement. So this is a quick overview of the tech I use, which serve me well for my work and hobbies.

Last updated: 21 Sep, 2023

Computing Device

I have a single machine, Macbook Air M1, 2020 with specs as follows:

• CPU : Apple M1, 8 core
• GPU : 7 core
• RAM : 8 GB
• Storage : 256 GB
• OS : MacOS
• Display : 13” 2560x1600 ultra HD
• Keyboard Cover : Laprite Premium Ultra Thin

Desktop Dock

When not using my Macbook as laptop, I doc it to my desk. For this I use the following hardware:

• Monitor : BenQ 28-inch UHD 4K Monitor
• Dock : EKSA USB C Hub for MacBook
• Keyboard : Portronics, Key-2 Wireless
• Mouse : Logitech, MX Master 3
• Desk Mat : Scarters

Content consumption

I don’t use mainstream social media for a lot of reasons, but, I still consume content online by subscribing to RSS feeds & I do am a regular reader as well. I used to rely on Kindle paperback for ebooks, but lately switched to iPad altogether for both RSS and ebooks. The iPad has spec as follows:

• Model : iPad Air 5, 2022
• CPU : M1
• Gen : 5th
• Storage : 64 GB
• Display : 10.9-inch/27.69 cm
• Protective Cover : ESR, Magnetic (Black)
• Color : Purple
• Pencil : 2nd gen
• Paperlike for screen : ESR

Storage

Usually I keep my working machines clean except with the stuff I need at moment, like course material I might be learning or books I want to add to my bookshelf. However, to dump the digital artifacts I use

• SSD Samsung T7 500GB - as my regular storage drive.
• HDD Seagate Expansion 4TB - for long term hoarding.

Software

• Homebrew - package manager.
• VSCode - code editor (howivscode), ditched VSCodium
• ArcBrowser - productivity web browser
• Firefox - for containerized browsing with hardened config.
• uBlock Origin - for aggressive ad-blocking.
• iTerm2 - terminal.
• zsh - shell.
• Oh My Zsh - zsh plugin for power users.
• Fig - shell autocompletion but in better way.
• Helix - cli text editor (Vim substitute)
• Karbiner Elements - powerful and stable keyboard customizer for macOS.
• IVPN - regular VPN.
• The Unarchiver - free rar unarchive utility for macOS.
• Transmission - Free Torrent Client.
• UTM - for OS virtualization.
• OrbStack - snappy docker Alt for macOS with virtualization.
• Syncthing - cross device sync & backup.
• Notion - knowledge management (not using currently)
• Craft - quick notes, to-do lists, documents.
• Figma - designing tool.
• Canva - for quick mockup videos, posts, presentations.
• Proton - email service.
• NetNewsWire - RSS reader (my setup)
• Strongbox - password manager (my setup)
• Telegram - cloud based instant messenger (best practices)
• Raindrop - bookmarks manager.
• Lastpass - authenticator (Ditched)
• Shotrr - clicking screenshots on Mac.
• Textual - IRC Client for Mac.
• AppCleaner - uninstalling apps on Mac with no junk left.
• Clean Me - A macOS system analyser and cleaner
• WhatRoute - GUI network utility tool for MacOS.
• Rectangle - multi-windows management on Mac.
• Hidden Bar - menu bar items management.
• Calibre - for editing books metadata & inter conversion.
• iBooks - reading.
• mpv - free & open source media player for CLI.
• LocalSend - free & open source nearby file sharing app.
• Tomato2 - promodo technique based app for Mac.
• HazeOver - distraction dimmer to focus on task at hand.
• MonitorControl - control external display brightness & volume.
• Capacities - knowledge & notes management.
• Lulu - macOS firewall (security measures)
• Name Mangler - for bulk file renaming.
• Alice - GPT based AI assistant for macOS (got early access from dev)
• Rize.io - time tracker for productivity
• ImageOptim - file resizing and optimising images, even on the command line (free)
• Shifty - control night shift from menu.
• Velja - free browser picker app for macOS.
• Anytype - Offline, privacy focused knowledge management tool.
• Transmit - remote cloud file transfer app with cool features

Also check my software recommendations