Toolbox

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List of apps that I used on daily basis to learn, create content or consume it.

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Apps

Here is how I choose apps in general:

  1. Available on multi-platform. Since I use many devices with different operating systems, so the apps must be available for all of my devices. If not, at least it has the web version.
  2. Data portability and interoperability. Since an app’s developer policy may change at any time without user consent, the ability to migrate app data from one app to a similar one is very important for me to avoid being locked-in in the future.

Communication

  • Apple Mail. Email client app with email tracking protection. Compare to a similar app, it may not be feature-rich, but it works for me on iPhone.
  • Spark Desktop. This sleek email client makes emailing more fun, while also helping me manage my email and achieve inbox zero. It’s free and comes with generous features.

Design

  • Lunacy. Design app with built-in design assets and artificial intelligence. No need to back and forth between the app and browser to search for icons, illustrations, or photos. Everything can be done within the app.

Financial

  • Spendee. App for managing budget and expense tracker. Can be connected to a bank account or more, so no need to do manual input.

Listening

  • Pocket Cast. Podcast player with playback speed adjustment, silence trimmer, and vocal boost. Feed management work well for me who subs to many podcast.

Productivity

  • TickTick. The most complete productivity app. Task management, multi-view calendar, habit tracker, focus timer with built-in white noise. Everything I need to be more productive available in one app.

Reading

  • Unread. A beautiful RSS reader app for iPhone and iPad. The well crafted typography make me read more. And gesture-based navigation makes it easy to sort through thousands of articles. Free with limited features.

Security

  • 1Password. Beyond password manager. Securely store your ID, bank account, credit card details, medical record, driving permit, app licenses, API, SSH, and many more. Feature-rich and well-designed.

Writing

  • Craft. Fast and reliable note-taking app. Making list, setting alignment, creating a table, inserting an image, and everything you need to take to format your document can easily be achieved by pressing /.
  • Notion. For managing and organizing longform notes. I mainly used the desktop version since the mobile app is slow and the offline experience is unreliable.

Software as A Services

The things that I consider before committing to subscribe to a SaaS include:

  1. Refund policy. The first thing I do before subscribing to a SaaS is checking their refund policy to see if they have a fair policy.
  2. Reliability. I choose a service based on its reliability. I can’t tolerate any errors when using the apps or services.

Email

  • Proton Mail. I have been a Proton Mail user since it was in closed beta in 2014. It is an encrypted email service based in Switzerland. Free with limited features.

VPN

  • Proton VPN. A no-log VPN based in Switzerland. I like its streaming support, which allows me to watch geo-restricted content. It also has NetShield to block tracker, ads, and malware. It is free with limited features, allowing you to connect to servers in 3 countries.

Hardware

Things I consider when choosing hardware in general:

  • Long-term use. When acquiring a new device, what I expect is to use it on a daily basis for years.
  • Value for money. I prefer to spend a little bit more to get a better outcome, in accordance with the first point.

Chargers

  • Aukey PA-T11 60W Desktop Charger. A powerful charger that can charge 6 devices at once. It supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 and Ai Power, which makes charging faster.
  • Ugreen 100W GaN Charger. This is a travel charger. With GaN technology, it is able to charge 4 devices at once. It supports multiple fast charging protocols.

Listening

  • Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 Pro. These are great for listening to music, podcasts, and videos on the go. They can be connected to 2 devices at once. I like the active noise cancellation, although it can be hit or miss.
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M50x BT. These are good for listening to music, podcasts, or videos when at home. They support both Bluetooth and wired connections. The sound is good, although the bass can be a bit dominant. The earpad material is prone to wearing out.

Keyboard

  • Keychron K1. This is a solid mechanical keyboard. It supports connections to both Windows and Mac. It can be connected through a wired USB-C port or wirelessly through Bluetooth. I use the blue switch, which can be a little noisy for those who are not used to mechanical keyboards.

Mouse

  • Logitech MX Master 3. I never expected to like the scroll wheel, but it is very helpful for navigating long documents. The thumb wheel provides an alternative way to navigate on the computer.

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