Uses

I think a lot (maybe too much) about the tools I use and the things I buy. I read too many reviews and compare way too many options. Here’s what made the cut for now (at least until I find something better).

Training

• I’m back to running a lot now, using Runna for my training plan.
• But I haven’t stopped lifting, and I’m using Evolve for it.
• I run with Adidas Adizero shoes: Boston 12s for most of my runs, but I still reach for my Adizero SL2 on interval or sprint sessions when I need lighter feet.
• During weight training I’ve been using the same shoes for the past 10 years (only replaced them once): the “SABO PowerLift”¹.
• I also use a lifting belt I’ve had again for the past 10 years (this one I haven’t replaced): a Pioneer single-prong 10mm white belt.

Coffee

• The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is my daily workhorse, pumping out espresso every morning and afternoon.
• I’m brewing “Fecafe” beans by Seis Montes lately, Brazilian-origin Red Catuaí that’s great as a general purpose bean for filter, espresso and milk drinks too.
• When I’m feeling fancy: a Colombian or Kenyan bean can be really good.
• I buy the beans whole and grind fresh with my Fellow Opus.
• When I’m traveling however, it’s Aeropress time. The size vs quality ratio is just unmatched.
• An off brand Chemex is great for a slower more meditative experience. I use this as my “get into work mode” ritual. Plus a filtered coffee cup will get me through a good chunk of work time, whereas I go through my espresso cup in two sips.

Reading

I’m reaching for my Kobo Clara BW daily. I totally enjoy reading paper books, but the practicality of carrying all of your library in your pocket and being able to read on the go with ease is unmatched.

I used a Kindle Paperwhite for the longest time, but once it was time to replace it I went for Kobo: better size, Instapaper integration, and broader options when it came to buying books from other stores.

Music

• I play piano on a Casio Privia PX-150 that has served me well for a while, though I’m considering upgrading.
• I listen to music on either my Edifier R1280DB speakers, or a set of Sennheiser HD 560S headphones.
• I have not bought a turntable (yet).

Building software

• Neovim (with Lazyvim) is the latest thing I’m playing with. I’ve used (and enjoyed) vim for a looong time now, and am too used to the keybindings and modal editing to move away from it. Having said that, for the longest time I had fallen back to Visual Studio Code or similar tools and just used keybindings on those.
• I use both Claude Code (at work) and Codex (for hobby), this last one via OpenCode. I don’t really love integrated experiences like Cursor’s personally, and I work better splitting the LLM experience from the editor.
• Other editors I use are Zed and VS Code but again, I mostly live in the terminal now.

Look at other setups

Check out uses.tech for other blogs sharing their tools.