Uses This
I decided to borrow this idea and format from uses this because I thought it might be informative and interesting. I’ve every intention on keeping this update as time goes on.
Hardware
I recently picked up a Macbook Pro 14”. It’s pretty much the base model with 512gb of storage, but I bumped the RAM to 32GB because much like my Surface Pro 3 I expect this machine to last me for 7+ years. Not to mention I’d love to really start running virtual machines with little to no lag. This is my first personal Mac ever. There was a lot of flip flopping looking at Dell XPS machines, as well as System 76, expecting I’d switch back to Linux after years on Windows. Truly though, nothing on the market came close to the power and hardware design of the Macbook.
My smartphone is a Google Pixel 8 Pro (512GB). I miss the size of the Pixel 5 a bit.
I’ve upgrade from an Apple iPad Pro (2016) and 1st generation pencil to the 2021 iPad Pro with 2nd generation Pencil. I use it as a drawing, e-reading and general browsing tool. It’s honestly the best digital drawing experience I’ve had.
Other than those devices, the only other things I can think have value in my day to day is my Chromecast , formerly one of the original Chromecast’s from 2013, but recently got a Chromecast with Google TV — for YouTube and Netflix on the big screen, the Nintendo Switch, Google Home (OG air freshener looking model and my Raspberry Pi which I’ve configured to be a dual emulator for gaming, and television/movie watching box. I’ve got a Raspberry Pi Zero that I’d love to do something with, maybe a Pi Hole for ad/malware blocking.
Software
My prior job had me using both proprietary software as well as the major office tools ( MS Office Suite ). My personal usage and interests have had me exposed and getting my hands dirty with Windows, Linux, MacOS, Chrome OS, iOS, Android. I run most of my personal life on the Google Suite.
My hobbies and interest in tinkering has had me rooting, and installing alternative (custom) ROMS on my Android devices — from smartphones, tablets and ereaders.
My day to day, most used software and services are:
YouTube Music
I was a day one Google Music user. Sadly I let the cheapest plan slip from hands, but I did get back on at the $9.99. Do I suffer from grass-is-greener when it comes to other services? Of course. But I have a difficult time giving up the idea of ad-free YouTube. I understand there have been some switching pains that other users have felt. I was definitely there too but once I dove in completely with YTM, I’ve grown to like it, and expect there’s a commitment from Google to continue bringing over features from GPM.
Pocket Casts
In the early days of podcasts, I was a through and through iTunes user with my iPod Video. Then I got a Nexus phone, and messed with Doggcatcher, until I got Pocket Casts.
TL;DR
Personal computer: MacBook Pro 14” (2021) (512GB SSD) (32GB RAM)
Mobile Device:
Google Pixel 8 Pro (2023) (512GB)
Apple iPad Pro (2021) (256GB) with Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
Extras:
Chromecast with Google TV
Steam Deck
Playstation 5
Nintendo Switch
Google Home
Apps: