My favorite gear
Tech and stuff I use everyday
Last updated: 18 December 2024
E-ink
Daily drivers
Handwritten e-ink note-taking for work, study, or other personal projects:
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!
Primary ereader (usually bedtime), annotating books (mostly 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. 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 library books and sideloaded files:
[Moaan Inkpalm Mini 5 (also on Amazon)]
Edit, Dec '24: working on finding new links that don't have a ridiculous markup!
Absolutely love the size of this, great for bringing on the go; lives in my handbags.
Not at all the most powerful pocket reader, but spending more than $100 seemed overkill.
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 and get Extreme at minimum.
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 December '24, but still good:
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:
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.
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
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, even in 2024!
Mic for recording voiceovers/audio for newsletters:
Boya lav mic for older videos
Camera and lenses for both video and photos:
Sony ZV-E10 with the kit lens
Viltrox E-Mount lens (this comes out to 35mm equivalent)
iPhone 12 Mini for older videos
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):
Love a one-time purchase instead of a subscription like Adobe.
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.
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.
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):
Most used headphones nowadays, so I can listen to books or podcasts and still hear the baby.
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 good price.
iPhone 12 mini phone case:
Really tough, helpful as 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.
