As a passionate unicorn 🦄 navigating the ever-evolving digital realm, I depend on a handpicked arsenal of hardware, software, and services to keep my workflow smooth and efficient. In this post, I’m thrilled to share my essential daily drivers—the very tools that empower my creativity and productivity. For an in-depth look at my software favorites, check out My Essential Apps & Programs, and get an exclusive insight into my Homelab project!
🖥️ Hardware: My Daily Drivers
MacBook Pro M1 Pro (Base Config)
My MacBook Pro is my primary machine for coding tasks, especially those requiring substantial power like Docker, which isn’t supported on the iPad. While I primarily use it at home, I do take it with me when I need its capabilities on the go. Despite its age, it continues to perform exceptionally well. However, I’m considering an upgrade in the next couple of years to keep up with advancing technology. You can find the apps and programs I use in this blog post.
👉 Get the latest MacBook Pro
iPad Pro 2018 12,9"
Still going strong! I use it daily for taking notes in school, working on the go, or simply watching Netflix. Paired with the Apple Pencil, it’s perfect for handwritten notes and sketching. I also use the Magic Keyboard, though my version is no longer available, so I recommend the latest one for newer iPads. To make writing feel more natural, I have a Paperlike screen protector, which enhances the experience by adding a slight resistance, just like writing on paper. Despite being a few years old, this iPad still delivers powerful performance, making it a fantastic device for students like me, and creatives alike. You can find the apps and programs I use in this blog post.
👉 Get the latest iPad Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
It’s just a phone. It works fine for me, great camera, and seamlessly integrates with my ecosystem.
👉 Get the iPhone 15 Pro
AirPods Pro
Those might be on the pricier side for headphones, but they’re worth every penny. I use them daily for listening to music and podcasts, and they’re fantastic for Zoom or Teams meetings with crystal-clear audio. The sound quality is top-notch, but the real game-changer is the active noise cancellation — it lets me disconnect from distractions and fully focus, whether I’m working, studying, or just unwinding.
👉 Get AirPods Pro
Samsung T7 2TB SSD
A blazing-fast, sleek external SSD that I rely on to keep my video projects, high-resolution images, and other large files at my fingertips wherever I go. With its bundled encryption software, your data stays secure—giving you peace of mind on every journey.
👉 Get the Samsung T7 2TB
DockTech USB-C Hub
If you need a reliable, compact, and high-quality USB-C hub, the DockTech USB-C Hub is the perfect choice! It keeps all my devices connected, whether I’m at school, work, or on the go. I always carry it with me, and since I often lend it to classmates, teachers, and coworkers, I recommend labeling yours with your name!
👉 View on Amazon
However, if you’re on a tighter budget, a more affordable option like this one can also get the job done:
👉 Check out this budget-friendly alternative
Synology NAS
A powerful mass storage solution that acts as my personal archive for all the essential files. I can easily access my data over the network or via VPN, and it even works as a complete cloud alternative—perfect for storing surveillance footage, serving as a media server, or backing up important projects. A cornerstone of my homelab, this NAS offers centralized, reliable storage at a competitive price. I outfit mine with four Seagate NAS HDDs (some refurbished for extra savings), ensuring that performance and affordability go hand in hand.
👉 Get a Synology NAS
đź’¬ Messaging Apps I Use
Because privacy is a top priority for me, I use Signal as my daily messenger. For all other apps, programs, and software recommendations, check out my Essential Apps & Programs post.
Signal
Signal is an end-to-end encrypted messaging app that I’ve trusted for over five years—ever since I decided to leave WhatsApp. It offers all the features you’d expect, including text messaging, audio & video calls, stickers, reactions, stories, and more. It’s so user-friendly that even my grandma loves it. Give it a try!
👉 Download Signal
🔧 My Homelab (always evolving)
I’m currently setting up my homelab for even more self-hosted goodness! Stay tuned for updates on my journey into home networking, automation, and personal server projects. Due to the growing scope of this project, I’ve created a dedicated page for it — visit My Homelab for more details.
If you’re looking to experiment with your own homelab but don’t have the necessary hardware, I recommend Hetzner. With data centers in Germany, Finland, the US, and Singapore, Hetzner offers affordable, high-performance cloud computing billed per hour—often as low as 10 cents for short-term tests. Plus, signing up through this link gets you a €20/$20 start credit to try out their cloud services. I use Hetzner for personal projects like my mail server (running Mailcow) and have never experienced any issues.
Sign up via this link to receive a €20 start credit!
👉 Check out Hetzner
That’s my essential tech stack that’s amost always with me! I’m always experimenting with new tools, so if you have any recommendations, feel free to reach out. Happy coding! 🦄💻✨
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the ongoing maintenance of this website and allow me to continue providing quality content. I only recommend products and services that I personally use and believe in. Thank you for your support!