Uses
These are the tools that I frequently use. I set up this page after discovering this useful blog which interviews people about what they use to get the job done.
Last updated: 2026-03-13
Hardware
Laptops
For the past three years or so, I’ve been using a Macbook Air M1. It’s been great for all the usual reasons (the hardware!). Even after 3 years it doesn’t seem like the battery has degraded and it still gets great battery life, which I think is one of the most important things for a laptop.
I also use an old Thinkpad x230 when I feel like I miss linux (and I still really love that keyboard).
Raspberry Pi4B
I’ve had one of these for a few years now and it’s a great little tool for lots of random applications. Currently using it for syncing notes and pihole.
Kindle
My Kindle is the longest running piece of tech I use. I got it in 2011 and it’s still going strong.
Kobo
I recently switched from the Kindle, which lasted me 15 years, to a Kobo Libra. So far I really love it.
Home Server
I have a home server setup with around 7TB of storage. It’s set up with proxmox and three containers, one running TrueNas, one Jellyfin, and one with Ubuntu and a few docker containers. The case is the Fractal Design Node 804 and is highly recommended.
Software
Here is the list of the main software I use in my common workflows. Obviously, there are also a huge amount of smaller utilities that I depend on, but I’ll stick to the major programmes for now. Mainly it’s emacs.
| Tool | Functions | Alternative to? |
|---|---|---|
| Emacs | Word Processing | Microsoft Word, etc. |
| Coding | VSCode | |
| mail (mu4e) | ||
| Feed Reader (elfeed) | Youtube, News Websites | |
| Network Client (web/gopher/gemini) | ||
| Chat (erc) | ||
| File explorer/manager (Dired) | ||
| Note Management (denote) | ||
| Time Tracking/Task Management (org) | ||
| Keeping a Diary (denote) | ||
| Git | Version Control | |
| Mpv | Watching/streaming Videos | |
| Ncmpcpp/Mpd | Playing Music, Streaming Radio | |
| Jellyfin | Streaming Videos on local network | Netflix/Streaming Services |
| Ledger | Managing/Tracking Personal Finances | |
| Syncthing | Sharing files between devices | Dropbox, etc. |
| Streamlink | Streaming Twitch (w/mpv) | |
| Calibre | Managing eBooks | |
| Zulip | Chat | Discord |
Dream setup
I’m not sure that I have a ‘dream setup’, I prefer to work with what I already have. Working within limitations can often lead to creative solutions and a better understanding of the underlying tech.