Tools 🛠️

Various tools make all of our lives easier, below is a list of the most useful that I use day to day.

Technology

iPhone 15 Pro - Your phone isn't just the piece of technology you use the most, its also the single entity in the world that you interact with the most. For that reason alone, it is worth getting the best phone you can as it makes every one of those interactions a bit more enjoyable. A longer, more reliable battery, nicer screen and better camera all make it entirely worth it in my opinion. Some years the upgrades are less worth it than others but if you can afford it, this adds a lot of value to your life across lots of domains.

MacBook Pro 13 - Not just the second most used bit of tech I have but the second most essential object I own after my phone. Best case I have found over the years is the Incase Icon sleeve case.

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) - If I had everything stolen from me and could only be left with 3 objects afterwards I would want the iPhone, Mac and AirPods. I cannot emphases how much value I get from the combination of AirPods plus audiobook/podcast in my free time. It helps me to read around 70 books a year which I feel adds tremendous value. It is especially nice paired with the Nomad Leather AirPods case which keeps it nice and clean.

Kindle Paperwhite - best device for reading eBooks.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 - best noise cancelling headphones I've found, wearing these the entire time I'm working listening to Lo-Fi Jazz and Hi

Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera - I only normally use this when at an especially nice or special event or on holiday. The rest of the time, I take photos on my phone but I also prefer making 5-10 minute videos of trips or events with friends and family as I think they are better for remembering those moments, this again normally happens on the phone. Equally I have taken a lot of photos on this camera since 2013 in India, China, Thailand, USA, Nepal, Vietnam and Costa Rica. At the end of the day the best camera is the one you have on you, normally this is my phone but for those extra special events and moments, nothing comes close to a top quality camera.

Travel

Osprey Talon 33 Backpack - best backpack that I've had for comfort, has waist attachments that keep the weight of it through your centre of gravity. Also has zip compartments in the waist attachement meaning if you cycle to work (like I do) you can put your keys inside for quick access and putting away when locking your bike and have your work ID in the other attachment for when you need access to the building. Also at 33L it's pretty big and can have all your main tech in it with a change of clothes if you go to the gym before work. Cannot reccomend enough.

Anker 26800mA Battery Pack - If I have my backpack on, I pretty much never leave the house without a powerbank in my backpack with an Anker iPhone cable, all kept inside a powerbank zip case.

Food and drink

Aeropress - favourite device for making coffee

Chilly's Series 2 Bottle - best reusable water bottle I've found

Kinto Travel Mug - best travel coffee mug I've found

Melitta Coffee grinder - Some might call it overkill to have a £120 coffee grinder but when you are making a nice Aeropress Coffee every single day, being able to choose the size of the grind, the amount you get and press go is an absolute joy when you weren't able to do that before. The single biggest improvement I had in my coffee was to get recently roasted coffee, made with an areopress that was grinded on the spot. Once you start having coffee like that, you won't ever want to go back.

Hasbean Coffee subscription - Responsibly sourced coffee recently roasted. I get 500g delivered once a month and that does enough for a coffee for me every day.

Oddbox Fruit and Veg subscription - Regular delivery of fruit and veg that can't be sold in supermarkets due their size and shape. Reduces food waste, we get a small fruit and veg box once a fortnight. Usually means there's always fruit in the fruit bowel on the living room table.

Other

Marley Stir it up Turntable - I love using my Vinyl collection when I get a chance, it definitely makes me appreciate the music more.

Mahabis Curve Slippers - Comfiest slippers I have ever owned, pricey at around £80-£100 but given how much I wear them around home worth every penny.