I’ve been working entirely remotely at my current company for a little over two years now, and it’s been glorious, especially for someone that’s tolerated some “interesting” commutes over the years.
I’m a big fan of “what’s in my bag”-style lists, so I thought I’d share my current remote worker setup:
MacBook Pro: A company-issued machine that almost never leaves my desk. Earlier this year I got upgraded to an Apple Silicon model, which is staggeringly better than my previous Intel-based disgrace.
Some Giant Monitor: From LG. Also a company-issued piece of hardware. All I know is that it’s huge, very hi-res and awesome.
Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam: A remote worker’s lifeline, and this one has been pretty great without breaking the bank.
MuteMe Button: A physical mute button changes the game if you’re on Zoom all day long.
iPhone 14 Pro Max: Once you go big, you can’t go back.
Android Test Phone: Some large-screen Samsung model that I turn on when I need to verify something we’re shipping on Android.
Apple Magic Keyboard: Feels great and doesn’t take up much desk space.
Apple Magic Mouse: Has remained a favorite over the years.
Clip Light: Gotta look sharp on those video calls.
Various Glasses: I’m super young obviously, so I have computer glasses, prescription sunglasses and…cough…bifocals.
Nintendo Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.: I have countless ways to see the time from my chair, but this one is the most amusing.
Belkin Wireless Charger With Kickstand: The kickstand is key for StandBy mode.
Anker USB C Hub(s): Thankfully the latest Macs are slightly less dongle-tastic, but I still have two of these hubs to let me power my empire.
Hidrate Spark PRO Smart Water Bottle: My wife got one of these a few months before I did, and I use it all the time at the gym. In theory I also use it at my desk, though if we’re being honest, 99% of the time I just grab a can of seltzer or Diet Coke out of laziness.
Rubik’s Cube: I’m perpetually fidgeting, and this is my go-to jam at the moment.
‘This is Fine’ Dog Pop! Vinyl Figure: Gotta stay grounded, baby.
Dumpster Fire Vinyl Figure: Same story here.
Mold-A-Rama Lion From Brookfield Zoo: Gotta honor your roots.
Smart Coffee Gravity-Induction Heating Plate: Hot coffee is essential to the first few hours of my morning.
Echo Button: These were ostensibly made to play Alexa games, but I’ve set mine up to turn off all the lights in our bedroom just by slamming it.
Sony MDR-7506 Headphones: All hail the king.
Apple Watch SE: Great at the gym. I updated a bit ago to the first SE model since my older Apple Watch was becoming unusable.
Elago W3 Watch Stand – Classic Monitor Design: This is how I keep the watch charged. I know, adorbs.
iPhone Leather Wallet with MagSafe: I’ve used this for a while now as my only physical wallet. I’m down to just two cards (my license and one credit card) and it’s liberating. Eat it, George Costanza.
Apple AirTag: Just replaced a Tile tracker I had on my keychain with this, works as expected and looks futuristic.
Slice Micro Ceramic Blade Safety Cutter: I bought this years ago on a recommendation I read from Matt Haughey, and it remains incredibly useful.
Anker Magnetic Portable Charger with Stand: For when I leave the house for extended periods of time (spoiler: not often).
AirPods Pro: Mostly used at the gym, for dog walks or extended phone calls (which are also a lot less common these days).
Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook: Not technically on my desk (next to it), but this is my primary “play” machine, and what I’m using to write this post.
Kindle Paperwhite: Used when I’m reading something longer (which I really should do more).
Analogue Pocket: Sometimes “self care” comes in the form of a quick Game Boy Tetris fix using an original cartridge.
Playdate: And sometimes it manifests as a little yellow thing with a crank.
