Uses This

Inspired by Uses This, the tools, services, and techniques I’m using to get things done.

Hardware

• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018): Work computer provided by Go-Jek.

• MacBook Air M1 (13-inch, 2020): My personal computer.

• One Plus 5: The best bang for the buck phone out there.

• Spigen Rugged Armor Cover Case; Spigen has the best covers.

• Sony WH-1000XM3: Best noise cancelling headphones out there in 20-30K INR price range.

• Kindle Paperwhite (Wi-fi model): I bought my first Kindle in 2015. Got another Kindle Paperwhite as part of my onboarding at Directi. I use both Kindles: one for reading non fiction (and take notes) and another for fiction (mostly light reading).

• Apple iPad (Wi-Fi, 32GB): I spent months agonising over whether to buy it or not. It has turned out to be money well spent. Helpful for creating quick mocks. My wife uses it to draw.

• Apple Pencil: Bought it along with with my iPad. It has been a life changer. Super helpful to create handwritten notes & also draw on Procreate (when you are in the mood for it).

• Proffisy Laptop Stand: Good build quality; I got 2 of these.

• Gizga Cable Organiser Manager: Organizing and concealing all types of cables.

• Sony PS4 Slim: Mostly to play Fifa 21.

• Mika Study Chair: Worth the price.

• Mi Smart Band 4: I took a lot of time deciding between this and a Fitbit. TBH I am quite happy with this one.

• SwooK Case Cover Shell: Cover for my M1.

• Cable Hunter® Thunderbolt 3 to USB: Far cheaper than getting a USB hub.

• Mi Smart Bedside Lamp 2: I went ahead with this instead Hue because it was cheaper. It has been a good buy. I turn it on half an hour before I sleep.

• Deco M5: There is some signal and speed loss, but I am overall happy with this buy.

• TP-Link Archer C6: My main router.

• Micromax 43 inch TV: My PS4 Display for the last 4 years; one of the best electronics purchase I have ever made.

• Study desk: I use a dining table as my study desk; cheaper, solid wood and far more space than a traditional desk.

Software

On Laptop

• Sketch: Got a license thanks to Go-Jek. Fulfils all my prototyping needs (also when I need to make memes).

• Atom: Typing this on Atom. I like Sublime Editor too.

• Google Chrome: My primary browser. Bookmark Manager says I have got 6000+ bookmarks there. I use AdblockPlus to stop the annoying Youtube ads.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Can’t live without Excel as a Product Manager.

• Slack: For Office Communication.

• Zoom: Best Video Conferencing tool out there. Go-Jek runs on Zoom.

On iPad

• iBooks: To read epubs on my iPad when I am bored of reading on my Phone.

• Notes: To take handwritten notes using my Apple Pencil during meetings.

• Procreate: The only software I did not feel bad paying for.

On Phone

• Loop Habits Tracker: To build new habits & track them.

• Google Podcasts: To listen to podcasts during my commute.

• Pedometer/ Pacer: To count steps.

• InkPad Notepad: Primary note taking app on my Phone. I live my live through it.

• Lithium: Have read dozens of ebooks on my phone thanks to this app.

• Insight Timer - Free Meditation App: I prefer this free app over paying for Headspace now.

• Mi fit app: Pairs with my Mi fit.

• Splitwise: To share expenses with friends and family.

• Youtube Music: Started listening to music on this app after paying for Youtube Premium.

Health

Home gym

• Weight training equipments: curl rod, dumbbell rods, plain rods + around 100 kgs weight: Got the cheapest equipments because I did not want to overcommit and then have weights occupying space.

• AMAZE Multipurpose Exercise Flat Bench: Extremely fuddu bench but I needed something to do chest workouts. Can’t wait to get a better bench. Most Amazon gym equipments are low quality. My plan is to use these for 6 months and then spend more and get better stuff from local retailers.

• USI Universal Power Lifting Belt PLH: For deadlifts.

• Kettlebells - AmazonBasics cast-iron 6kg and 12 kgs: Kettlebells are amazing; I mostly use them for swings and presses.

• AmazonBasics Puzzle Exercise Mat with EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles: Protects the floor.

• Dolphy Exercise Spinning Bike: Not using this as much as I would have liked.

• Fitlastics Resistance Loop Bands: These are very good for warming up. You can even use them as replacement for weights.

• Wrist Wrap Gloves: Highly recommend this one.

• Push-up Bars: Like my bike, this is something which is mostly lying unused. Should not have bought them.

Wellness

• Humidifier: Useful purchase.

• Ekam Fragrance Candles: Candles have been a pretty good addition to my life.

• Steam inhaler: Have been using it everyday before I sleep.

• Nykaa sheet masks: Put on a sheet mask, light a nice candle, play some podcast in the background. This is how I treat myself after a hard week at work.

• Plants: Plants are a good happiness hack.

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