My favorite gear
Tech and stuff I use everyday
Last updated: 1 January 2026
E-ink
Daily drivers
Handwritten e-ink note-taking for work, study, other personal projects and some sketching:
with ceramic nib pen
After having tried multiple platforms, to me this is still the most natural and closest workflow to using paper notebooks and binders.
The A6X2 is closer to my preferred paper notebook sizes; see this video for comparisons.
I've realized I prefer a very light pen and a clicky one so I don't have to fuss with a cap!
Sketching on the Atelier app is so close to using a mechanical pencil that switching between the two feels fairly easy.
Primary ereader and lightly annotating books (e.g. studying foreign language), rare quick notes:
with Metapen M1
Screen being darker doesn't bother me, maybe since I got it in black so there's ample contrast.
Love color highlights, page turn buttons, integrated Overdrive/Libby. Works in a pinch for quick notes.
Went third-party for the pen because the official stylus is really pricey! Prefer the M1 because highlighter is on a side button vs. the pen end (like on the M2)
Pocket ereader for epub files: Moann Inkpalm 5 OR Xteink X4 (in testing)
No longer recommend the Inkpalm 5 because it's impossible to find new under $100/seems like it's discontinued, unfortunately. Have been testing out the Xteink X4 for weeks now to fill this role in my EDC and have been enjoying it so far despite the lack of frontlight because the form factor is awesome.
Accessories
Charger for e-ink tablets:
Since I've seen reports of Boox batteries bloating (allegedly due to not great power management on the devices), I play it safe with wattage and have only charged my e-ink tablets with this charger for a few years now. So far so good!
Thumb drive:
Have been using mine for years (directly plugging into the Supernote as well since it supports OTG) and it still works great.
Micro SD card:
Anytime I need a micro SD card I use this brand, though I've also heard good things about Samsung EVO.
Cables:
Anker braided, e.g. USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to USB-C
I swear by these types of Anker cables, haven't had one fail on me yet.
These have lasted me much, much longer than any Apple cables!
Shelved as of 2025, but still pick up occasionally:
Used to use for Kindle books, large format PDFs, some basic notes (e.g. a scratch pad, shopping lists) but not right now since the KLC is smaller/lighter and easier to use in bed:
Kindle Scribe 2022
16GB has been more than enough space, light can get very dim (used to be my bedtime reader).
The sync to the Kindle app on iOS works well for me for notes, and can buy books directly on it (unlike the Android Kindle app).
Used for running Android apps and web browsing on e-ink, but not getting a lot of use now since I need to use a regular tablet anyway for our baby monitor:
Boox Poke 3 (2020 - no longer in production)
Loved the 6" size since I browsed in bed.
Still happy with performance even without BSR, decent battery life, pick it up occasionally for the rare time I need to read something on a specific app.
NOTE: if you're considering a Boox I highly suggest buying from the Amazon Boox storefront (or Best Buy etc.) for the easier return and repair policies if you live in a supported area
Regular ink and paper
Notebook for journaling:
Endless Recorder in the A5 size, dotted
Rollerball gel pens:
Zebra Sarasa Vintage, specifically the blue gray color
Fountain pen:
Lamy Vista with a fine nib or,
Visconti Rembrandt with a medium nib or,
Pilot Metropolitan with a medium nib
Fountain pen ink:
Pilot Iroshizuku in Tsuki-yo and Ajisai
Content creation
Laptop for absolutely everything (yes, including editing YouTube videos and exporting to 4k!):
MacBook Air M1 (2020) 8GB/512GB
The absolute best value laptop I can think of, if you can snag one!
Mic for recording voiceovers, have tried a few:
Camera and lenses for both video and photos:
Sony ZV-E10 with the kit lens
Viltrox E-Mount lens (on this camera this comes out to 35mm equivalent)
iPhone 12 Mini for older videos
A pretty affordable setup compared to other cameras like it, and the camera and kit lens are a nice compact format for personal use and travel as well.
Camera arm for overhead shots:
I keep this mounted to the desk and just pivot it out of the way when not shooting.
Quick release for camera/arm:
Absolutely indispensable gear, unless you mean to have your camera more or less permanently installed at your shooting area.
Remote for camera:
Works like the Sony RMT-P1BT remote, but half the price.
Photo editing (including graphics for content):
Affinity Photo which I got back when it was a one-time purchase, not linking to it anymore because boo to subscriptions
Apps and services
Personal knowledge management platform (mainly on laptop):
Obsidian on MacOS
I can actually find information after, which is a gamechanger, and it's all stored locally. I'm not updated with the latest plugins but have been using the same vault since 2021.
Reminders and dates to remember (e.g. birthdays, personal errands):
TickTick on iOS and MacOS
I pay for premium - I've tried other apps but I can't live without the monthly view widget on iPhone
Podcasts:
I pay for premium - been using it for years now so I did get grandfathered into a lower price.
Syncs well between devices and web app, love the skip duration and other listening options, you can upload your own audio too.
Other gadgets and accessories
Keyboard (ergonomic layout):
If you can touch type, I find it's pretty comfortable and it doesn't aggravate the overuse injury in my wrist.
Keyboard (standard, 65% layout):
Headphones (open ear, bone condution):
Great so I can listen to books or podcasts and still hear what's going on.
Headphones (noise-cancelling):
Sony WH1000-XM3 (2018)
I still love these despite their age, and haven't felt the urge to upgrade.
Tablet for media viewing etc.:
iPad 9th gen (2021)
Does everything I need and integrates well with my other devices, for a great price.
iPhone phone case:
These cases are REALLY tough, I would know since I drop my phone a lot.
Note: The links above include Amazon and other affiliate links, which may earn me a small commission for purchases made through them, at absolutely no extra cost to you.
