Uses - rakuen (楽園)

I can be a bit of a pedant when it comes to the things I use. People who know me, know that I am usually quite frugal, however when it comes to my daily drivers, I don't mind spending the extra coin.
My purchasing principle is usually as follows: If I think and feel that an item can add value to my life and that (often most importantly) that value outweighs the price tag, then in my eyes it is worth the money. The value I typically look for is convenience; does this item make my life easier? How much time can I save by using this item?
I thought it would be fun to list out everything that I use here. Furthermore, doing something like this allows me to take a step back and look at what I already have, so that I can:
1.Be grateful
2.Stop buying more shit
3.Look at what can be improved
I frequently change aspects of my setup / what constitutes as my daily drivers so I will try my best to keep this page updated.
Hardware
Custom Built PC (2020)
​PCPartPicker AU​
This is one of my most prized possessions. Definitely not top-of-the-line but it's my pride and joy - and my first ever PC build. I built this PC during the midst of a state-wide COVID-19 lockdown in a battle against boredom. I'd always wanted to build a PC and I'm glad I finally acted on my urges. Overall, I found the building process to be much more simple than expected and more importantly, rewarding. It was like I was five again and was assembling a Lego set. I had a tonne of fun scouring the internet for sweet deals on parts and learning how to build this machine.
I dual-boot Arch Linux (Insert meme: I use Arch btw) and Windows 11. I use Arch daily for web development and all other typical computer stuff. I primarily use Windows for gaming, but at times run a WSL Linux distro called Pengwin.
MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015)
This is my laptop that I used to use for university. I first started learning web development on this machine.
Although I do not use this computer as much as my custom built PC (mainly due to lesser processing power), I do love the portability this laptop provides. Moreover, I must say that I really do enjoy using Mac OSX, the UI is very polished and I like that it is UNIX-based. There's also a lot of Mac-only apps that are really nice.
iPhone 12 Pro
Using a combination of frequent flyer points and hard-earned cash, I was able to get my hands on the iPhone 12 Pro a few months before the 13th generation released. I love using my new phone a little too much. The battery life is amazing when compared with my previous phone (iPhone 7 Plus) - I barely need to use my RAVPower portable charger (which is a relief as it's a heavy son-of-a-gun, though incredibly reliable). The iPhone allows me to do things on-the-go and comes in handy when I have any last-minute deadlines.
I like to use cross-platform apps. I have many iOS Shortcuts and automations set-up.
iPad 9th gen. 2021
A gift from my grandma - I use the iPad to read articles from a variety of sources - namely Matter, Medium and my read-it-later app of choice, Instapaper. Moreover, the iPad is my go-to device for reading my Kindle purchases, as well my preferred way to browse Reddit through Apollo. I like to pick up my iPad in the morning to check on any reminders and to-dos. I've slowly started using my iPad more over time and have found myself using it as a hub for brainstorming, exploring and crystalising thoughts.
I don't really take it out the house, and mainly use either in bed or in the toilet.
Sony α6400
Got this camera through an eBay auction - it was an absolute steal! I use this in conjunction with a RØDE VideoMic Pro that my good friends got me for my birthday. I only have the 16-50mm lens that the Camera Kit was bundled with. I definitely will look to add some lenses to my collection. I decided to hit "Place Bid" because I wanted to capture different parts of my life and also because I was watching a lot of Potato Jet at the time.
Others
Monitors: Acer ED320QR S & ED320QRP​
The two monitors are basically the same (both 31.5" Curved & FHD w/ 165Hz).
Dual monitors are awesome, definitely a productivity booster for me.
Held up with my trusty Brateck LDT47-C024N monitor mount.
Keyboard: Logitech Craft​
Pretty much got this for the knob.
Mouse: Logitech MX Master 3​
My favourite mouse of all-time - not that I've tried very many.
Favourite feature: The Hyper-fast Scrollwheel
Second favourite feature: The Easy-Switch button - allows me to switch between my linked devices.
I pair my mouse with the Carpio 2.0 to avoid Carpal tunnel syndrome
Speakers: Audioengine A2+​
A new addition to my setup - a gift from my girlfriend.
The look and sound quality on these speakers are fucking great.
Headphones:
​Bose Quietcomfort 35 II​
I've had these for years - very reliable and great battery life, perfect for travel.
​AirPods Pro​
​Jaybird X3​
Webcam: Logitech C922 Pro Stream​
I hate it when my face is mirrored.
Microphone: Audio Technica AT2020​
I feel like a Twitch streamer when I'm using this.
Audio Interface: Steinberg UR12​
Works great with my microphone. Haven't had any issues using this across the different operating systems I use.
Docking Station: Targus USB-C Universal Dual Video 4K (freebie from work)
The latest addition to my setup. This is a really cool device that allows me to connect my MacBook and work laptop to my dual monitors, as well as charge them through one USB-C/A cable.
I have a KVM switch hooked to this, so that I can use the same peripherals across my PC and whatever device is linked, with the click of a button.
Watch: Fitbit Versa 2​
I use my Fitbit to track and monitor my steps, heart rate and sleep quality. The Fitbit allows me to read notifications from my iPhone, however I usually have this feature disabled as it can be too distracting at times. The battery life is starting to slow down but other than that I can't complain - it's good at what it does!
Software
Operating Systems
Arch Linux
My day-to-day workhorse. The installation process was really fun and definitely different to what I had previously experienced. I love that the installation is minimal and bare-bones as it allows me to customise how I do things to my heart's content. The Arch Wiki is bloody amazing (probably what sold me on Arch) and the AUR community is very active.
Windows 10
Pretty standard stuff. I use Windows 10 mostly for gaming (VALORANT) but do have Ubuntu and Pengwin set-up via WSL2. I must say, the developer experience you get from Pengwin is top notch.
macOS
Everyone's beloved Apple OS. Was a good experience when all I had was my MacBook. Homebrew has a strong community around it so using the command line gave me no problems.
What's On My iPhone?
Mobile Apps
As mentioned earlier, I like to use software that is available across different platforms - so a lot of web-based apps.
Productivity
Todoist
Google Calendar
Notion
Raindrop.io
GitHub
1Password
IFTTT
Reading
Gmail
Kindle
Medium
Dev.to
Audible
Instapaper
Readwise
Inoreader
Apollo
Tracking
Fitbit
MyFitnessPal
Rise Sleep
Day One
EMMO
Habitify
Google Sheets
Music
Spotify
Brain.fm
Snoozemaker
Airr
Other
Parcel
Steer
iOS Shortcuts
Find Gas Nearby
Delayed Time Message
Text Last Image
Make a QR Code
iOS Automations
I generally try to automate anything that I can afford to. The reason being that I want to simplify life for myself. In a day, we are limited in the amount of time, energy and focus that we have. By automating different aspects of my life, I set up systems so that I save time and mental energy for more important task, even if its only a few minutes.
When my wake-up alarm is stopped -> Siri Speak Text: Greeting, Current Weather, Precipitation% -> Open Todoist
At 7AM -> Send Message to loved ones
When I arrive to the gym -> Open Google Sheets: Workout Tracker
When I leave the gym -> Show Alert: "Make post-workout protein shake!"
When iPhone is connected to AirPods -> Set Volume to 65%
When battery level is 50% -> Set Low Power Mode On
When iPhone is connected to power -> Set Low Power Mode On
When iPhone is disconnected from power -> Set Low Power Mode Off
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Last modified 4mo ago
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Contents
Hardware
Custom Built PC (2020)
MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015)