Being productive is only possible if you create an environment that promotes productivity. In today's post, I would like to share the setup I use to be focused and productive. Please note that some of the links included in this episode are affiliate links.
The Desk
Health is important to me and that is why I invested in a standing desk a few years ago. Sitting for long periods of time isn't healthy. Standing several times per day instead of sitting boosts my productivity and energy levels. The one I use and absolutely love is the Jarvis standing desk. It's made by Fully and easy to assemble and configure. It has a beautiful bamboo top and built-in outlets. I also like the fact that cables and wires are nicely tucked away below the bamboo top.
The Workhorse
For years, I used a 15" MacBook Pro to write software and create content for Cocoacasts. Apple's MacBook lineup is great, but I often feel that I don't get enough performance from a MacBook. Because I work remotely from home, I switched to an iMac Pro in 2018. Even though I chose for the base model, it's still a pricey machine. That said, I couldn't be happier with this amazing piece of engineering. It has a beautiful display, is (mostly) quiet, and it performs great. It's the best Mac I have ever owned and it should last me many years.
Multiple Displays
I have always been a fan of multiple displays. Many years ago, I purchased an Apple Thunderbolt display for my 15" MacBook Pro. I no longer use the 15" MacBook Pro for software development, but I still use the Apple Thunderbolt display in combination with the iMac Pro. Even though the Apple Thunderbolt display isn't a retina display, it works very well with the iMac Pro because both displays are the same size. Apple no longer manufactures the Apple Thunderbolt display, but you should be able to find it second hand.
Keyboard and Mouse
Every developer needs a reliable keyboard and mouse. The keyboard of the iMac Pro is fine for me. I have no complaints. Switching from the 15" MacBook Pro keyboard to that of the iMac Pro took some time, but I actually have come to prefer it.
I'm not a fan of Apple's mice. I have tried switching several times, but I just don't like them. The mice I prefer are built by Logitech. The Logitech Performance MX is the one I like most and still use today even though Logitech no longer make this model. The Logitech MX Master 3 is its successor. The Logitech Performance MX has a great scroll wheel and several configurable buttons I use all the time.
Screencasting
My screencasting setup is surprisingly simple. I use a Rode Podcaster dynamic microphone with a USB interface. The microphone is mounted on a Rode PSM1 shock mount and a Rode PSA1 studio boom. I no longer use a pop filter. I replaced it with a simple DIY solution.
Testing
As a developer, I collect old Apple devices for testing purposes. I recently replaced my iPhone 7 with an iPhone 11. I have an iPhone 6 that runs iOS 11.4, an iPhone 7 that runs iOS 12.4.1 and the iPhone 11 runs the latest version of iOS 13. My setup for testing on iPad is much simpler. I have an 10.5" iPad Pro that runs the latest version of iOS 13.
For tvOS development, I use a 4th generation Apple TV running iOS 13. It is hooked up to an oldish Philips television.
Business
I'm a big fan of a paperless workflow and I use a Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 to digitize any paperwork I receive. It isn't the cheapest scanner, but it's the best I have ever owned. I used to scan documents with my iPhone, but that gets old very quickly. The Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 is fast, accurate, and it sends any documents straight to Dropbox. I love it.
What Have I Missed?
That's pretty much it. My setup isn't complex and that's intentional. I like to keep things simple. Am I missing something? What does your setup look like?
