I think we can all learn from each other when it comes to productivity. One of the aspects that is frequently overlooked is the tools we use. While the tool doesn’t make the system, it can help refine it. Since I have recently changed my everyday operating system I have decided to revisit my tool list and share what I have learned and what I have used with you guys.

Hardware

Laptop

My primary machine is a MacBook Pro. Since I am a consultant I spend a lot of my time at client sites. While there I am normally doing penetration testing or vulnerability assessments. I would like to have a MacBook Air for this task, but it just will not do for the tasks I normally execute.

The Specs: 15″ High Resolution Antiglare display 2.2GHz quad-core i7 16GB of Ram 500GB hard drive

What laptop would be complete without a list of accessories?

Accessories

Bag – Timbuk2 Command Large – I have been a serial monogamist when it comes to bag. It seems like I am always searching for the right one. Well I think I found it. I chose to go with the large size. I had started with a medium in hopes that I could force myself to live with the smaller confines. Well that didn’t work.

Pointing Device – Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse – I prefer the trackpad for most everyday, but when in the hotel I like to game and the mouse comes in handy for that.

Power – Quirky PowerCurl – Just to keep my cord in good shape.

Ear Phones – iBeats by Dre – I know some people don’t like them, but they were a gift for Christmas and I actually like the sound.

Desktop

For my desktop needs I again turn to Apple. This time in the form of an iMac. For this machine I chose to go with the i5 and really do not regret the choice. For most of the tasks that I ask it to perform it does a good job. The only exception to this would be video encoding, but I have and the MBP to help out.

The Specs: 27″ Display 2.7GHz quad-core i7 16GB of Ram 1TB hard drive

Pointing Device – Logitech Performance Mouse MX – I know this might seem like an odd choice given that I chose Apple trackpad for my laptop, but since I play games on this machine it is nice to have. I will be adding a Magic Trackpad later.

Keyboard – Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 – I love this Keyboard!

External Storage – I am currently in the process of reviewing external storage solutions for my video editing and long term media storage.

Software

Email – Mail.app – I know some people don’t like the stock app, but I use it everyday even on the corporate exchange server and it never lets me down.

Word processing – Word – Given the line of work I do, I am in word far more than what I like. I have thought about trying iWork, but I am fearful that the amount of issues that might arise will far outweighs the benefits and good feeling.

Text Editing – TextMate & vim – I was primarily a TextMate user and that was fine because of the power. My friend Daniel made a good argument for using it as my primary text tool and I have been trying to make an effort to switch to vim and so far I am liking it. There are still some things that I use TextMate for, but this is becoming less and less.

Note Taking – vim – There are lots of good services for keeping and taking notes. I have decided to forgo them all and use vim. This makes for universal capture and text is a great way to keep data that is unstructured.

Blogging – TextMate – I have not found a better blog posting platform yet! I don’t see this changing at all.

Syncing – Dropbox – My note taking system and capturing of items all goes into dropbox. This is universal across every platform that I use so it is a natural fit.

Mobile Devices

Phone

iPhone 4s 32G- I was once a die hard Android device user. Lets be clear, I have also had every iPhone released, but I always loved the Android platform. Now I have made the switch and I don’t think I am going to switch back. That is, I want switch back if Apple adapts 4G in the next release. If they fail that, I might switch back because I feel that will be game over. So for now the iPhone 4s it is.

Tablet

iPad 2 32G- I really don’t know how I lived without this device! I am on my iPad far more than I am on a computer when I am not working. I read books, watch movies and communicate with others. I know the iPad 3 will be coming out soon and I will more than likely be getting one toward the end of the year.

For the case my wife just ordered me the DODOcase! I will do a full review later.

Mobile Software

Since I am hooked into the Apple ecosystem the software I use on my phone I, mostly, use on my tablet. This does make some things simpler.

Dropbox – Need I say more.

PlainText – I use this app and dropbox for universal text capture. By far the best system I have used.

Reminders – For my todo management I use Apple’s reminders. It is available on all my platforms and is easy to sue and does not let me down.

Tapatalk – I visit tons of forums and this app helps me stay on top of things while I’m mobile.