Everything I use daily for work, music and games. A few words on each thing and what I think of it.
My main machine, and I’m very happy with it. Far more powerful than the Air M1 before it (though I like the M1’s wedge design more); I work on it, and I also finished Baldur’s Gate 3 on it. The physical layout is German, so I pulled the keys and swapped Z and Y. Don’t repeat my mistake and skip the dark blue Midnight: it shows every speck of dust and every fingerprint, and it fades too.
My main phone, which I honestly don’t use much: banking, replying when I’m away from the computer. The ProMotion display is a joy. But it’s heavy: the iPhone 13 was much better on weight, and the iPhone XS is still my benchmark for size and comfort.
The device that gives me a small thrill every time, on par with the Steam Deck. Simple, yet great: YouTube, handwritten notes with the Pencil, and sometimes a second screen for the Mac.
The best watch you can get if you’re not focused on sport and two days of battery is fine by you. The Sport Loop band is a killer: my wrist doesn’t sweat under it, it feels lovely and adjusts in a second. Frankly, it’s sexy.
My main keyboard for work. It copies the MacBook’s built-in one exactly, so muscle memory is shared and my Hammerspoon scripts behave the same. Together with the trackpad it takes as much room as the Keychron alone. It would be nice if the compact version came in grey and black too.
The mechanical board that was my main one before the Magic Keyboard. Now I take it out when I want that mechanical feel, and for keyboard-and-mouse games on the Steam Deck or PS5. I used to like full-size keyboards; these days they feel awkward.
Big, clicks anywhere and holds a charge for ages. I use it more than the mouse.
A great mouse, even though I’m on the trackpad more often. The most important thing set up in Logi Options+ is the wheel: zoom in one app, tab switching in another, horizontal scroll in a third. It shines in GeoGuessr.
The most basic Pencil in the line-up, but the others don’t work with the iPad 10. Mostly for jotting down thoughts. I miss pressure sensitivity.
A portable monitor, the second screen for the Mac.
My first turntable. I picked the version without Bluetooth or USB: Bluetooth defeats the point of vinyl, and I don’t plan to digitise records. Fully automatic, with a built-in phono preamp.
~/vinyl →Bookshelf speakers for the turntable. I chose the Bluetooth version on purpose, so they also play from the phone, Mac, iPad or Steam Deck. There’s an optical input and a sub-out, so a subwoofer can come later.
My main earbuds for outdoors, transport and chores around the house. They replaced first-generation AirPods Pro whose noise-cancelling mics started crackling. It’s handy that they charge on the same puck as my Apple Watch. But noise cancelling gets weaker every month, so when they finally give out I’ll move to whatever the latest AirPods Pro are by then.
A surprise: at the desk I like them more than the AirPods Pro. A decent mic that works with the laptop lid closed, an open fit and the good old inline remote. But after three hours my left ear hurts like hell.
My main gaming device since I sold my PC. Not pocketable, but perfect for flopping onto the bed with it, or switching over for 15 minutes in the chair without closing my work apps. I enjoyed Hades 2, Balatro, Stardew Valley, Slay the Spire 1 and 2 and Euro Truck Simulator 2 on it the most. I finished Cyberpunk 2077 on it too, as a netrunner, because I can’t aim with a gamepad. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and Expedition 33, though, need more power than it has.
My first proper home console, and I grabbed it new for €500. I’m very happy with it: after a PC it’s a joy to just turn it on and play. It has plenty of downsides compared with a PC, but plenty of upsides too. Right now it feels like Sony is heading the wrong way, but I don’t regret the purchase one bit.
I had one before I moved, but sold it because I didn’t think I’d ever buy a PS5. I used it more than my Xbox controller, especially in games with good DualSense integration. I really, really like it. Two downsides: the battery is built in rather than swappable AAs, and the Xbox controller’s grip suits my hands a little better.
I bought it before the PS5, so these days it mostly gathers dust. But it’s a great controller, and I got to play with it on the MacBook. If I had to pick just one controller for a PC again, it would be this one.