Stuff I use, love, and recommend.
Here are a list of things that help me do what I love. The less this list changes, the more I know I've found the right tool for the job.
Workstation
14” MacBook Pro, M2 Pro
The battery life of Apple Silicon is unmatched. The power is more than enough for my day to day work.
GIGABYTE M34WQ 34” Ultrawide
21:9 3440x1440 (WQHD) is a dream resolution, I can easily stack an IDE on half of my screen and a browser, or REST client in the other half for a super immersive working canvas. The built-in USB hub means I can switch between different laptops with a single cable. Not to mention the USB PD will keep the Macbook charged at all times (I never have to use the wonderful MagSafe charger). I might also love this resolution for gaming purposes.
Logitech MX Vertical
Before using this mouse my forearms were constantly sore. I have no intentions to ever use a different mouse.
Mistel Barocco MD770 RGB Keyboard
Another ergonomic solution, a split keyboard allows me to put my hands wherever is most comfortable for me. Plus I might throw my right half out the way during a gaming session.
Edifier MR4 Powered Studio Monitor Speakers
Unbeatable desktop speakers for the price. I stream Spotify 25/8 during during work hours, it needs to sound great.
RØDE NT-USB+ Microphone
No reason to sound like a tin can on all those Zoom calls!
NexiGo N660P Webcam
No reason to look like a 90s Real Player clip during those Zoom calls!
Development tools
PhpStorm
Hands down the best IDE for PHP, I have been a faithful user for over a decade.
Insomnia
Simple, no frills, REST Client.
Business
Fastmail
Fastmail service has been excellent and affordable. It will be number one recommendation to all my friends and customers who want to get out of the feeding the megacorps like Google or Microsoft.
Gusto
I use Gusto to paymyself a salary, pay contractors, pay taxes monthly (rather than quarterly), generate W2s, and on and on. A steal for the price.
Freshbooks
I live in Freshbooks daily, managing timesheets, sending invoices, tracking expenses. Much simpler interface than Quickbooks. Highly recommended.
Digital Ocean
My favorite host as of late. phpJobs is hosted here. I have not yet tried out the App Plaform for PHP but I had some interest in delving into it when I have some free time.