Uses This
Inspired by Uses This, the tools, services, and techniques I’m using to get things done.
Hardware
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MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018): Work computer provided by Go-Jek.
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MacBook Air M1 (13-inch, 2020): My personal computer.
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One Plus 5: The best bang for the buck phone out there.
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Spigen Rugged Armor Cover Case; Spigen has the best covers.
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Sony WH-1000XM3: Best noise cancelling headphones out there in 20-30K INR price range.
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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).
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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.
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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).
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Proffisy Laptop Stand: Good build quality; I got 2 of these.
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Gizga Cable Organiser Manager: Organizing and concealing all types of cables.
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Sony PS4 Slim: Mostly to play Fifa 21.
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Mika Study Chair: Worth the price.
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Mi Smart Band 4: I took a lot of time deciding between this and a Fitbit. TBH I am quite happy with this one.
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SwooK Case Cover Shell: Cover for my M1.
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Cable Hunter® Thunderbolt 3 to USB: Far cheaper than getting a USB hub.
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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.
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Deco M5: There is some signal and speed loss, but I am overall happy with this buy.
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TP-Link Archer C6: My main router.
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Micromax 43 inch TV: My PS4 Display for the last 4 years; one of the best electronics purchase I have ever made.
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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
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Sketch: Got a license thanks to Go-Jek. Fulfils all my prototyping needs (also when I need to make memes).
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Atom: Typing this on Atom. I like Sublime Editor too.
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Google Chrome: My primary browser. Bookmark Manager says I have got 6000+ bookmarks there. I use AdblockPlus to stop the annoying Youtube ads.
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Microsoft Office Suite: Can’t live without Excel as a Product Manager.
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Slack: For Office Communication.
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Zoom: Best Video Conferencing tool out there. Go-Jek runs on Zoom.
On iPad
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iBooks: To read epubs on my iPad when I am bored of reading on my Phone.
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Notes: To take handwritten notes using my Apple Pencil during meetings.
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Procreate: The only software I did not feel bad paying for.
On Phone
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Loop Habits Tracker: To build new habits & track them.
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Google Podcasts: To listen to podcasts during my commute.
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InkPad Notepad: Primary note taking app on my Phone. I live my live through it.
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Lithium: Have read dozens of ebooks on my phone thanks to this app.
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Insight Timer - Free Meditation App: I prefer this free app over paying for Headspace now.
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Mi fit app: Pairs with my Mi fit.
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Splitwise: To share expenses with friends and family.
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Youtube Music: Started listening to music on this app after paying for Youtube Premium.
Health
Home gym
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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.
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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.
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USI Universal Power Lifting Belt PLH: For deadlifts.
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Kettlebells - AmazonBasics cast-iron 6kg and 12 kgs: Kettlebells are amazing; I mostly use them for swings and presses.
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AmazonBasics Puzzle Exercise Mat with EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles: Protects the floor.
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Dolphy Exercise Spinning Bike: Not using this as much as I would have liked.
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Fitlastics Resistance Loop Bands: These are very good for warming up. You can even use them as replacement for weights.
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Wrist Wrap Gloves: Highly recommend this one.
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Push-up Bars: Like my bike, this is something which is mostly lying unused. Should not have bought them.
Wellness
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Humidifier: Useful purchase.
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Ekam Fragrance Candles: Candles have been a pretty good addition to my life.
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Steam inhaler: Have been using it everyday before I sleep.
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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.
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Plants: Plants are a good happiness hack.
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