2026 Uses Update

I updated my Uses page to capture changes since early 2025. The page still encompasses my current App Defaults as well.

Recap of changes:

Furniture & Accessories

• I haven’t used the Ugmonk Analog Weekly Kit almost at all. Considering removing it from use, or repurposing another way.
• Swapped out the leather deskmat for a new felt one. I liked the leather, but the smooth texture showed dust and didn’t grip items on it well. I kept it to find another use down the road.
• The Arc Pulse case on my iPhone 15 Pro has been hands down the best case I’ve ever owned. I haven’t used anything else the entire 2 years I’ve been using the phone and it’s awesome. Highly recommend if you’re looking for minimal bulk added, but protection from drops, etc.
• I’ve used the Bellroy backpack and Tech Kit on multiple trips and I can say that it has been the perfect choice for me.

Hardware

• Added a M2 Mac Mini. My son got a Wacom tablet for his artistry and I wanted to have an option for him to use as needed in the home office. Will act as an always on server for other things (Hazel, etc.).
• My Keychron K6 is still great, but I did back the Cerakey Zen75 on Kickstarter and am looking forward to having both the thock of ceramic keycaps, but also the lower profile and VIA functionality for custom programming.
• Added Elgato Wave Neo for work calls and screencast recording. The mic on the Logi MX Brio was just okay and I sounded very distant when I listened back to recordings. The Wave Neo is great.
• I upgraded to the AirPods 4 ANC. The active noise cancellation is great when needed and my AirPods 3 sometimes would not sound great on calls (not sure why).
• Purchased a Plaud Notepin from a secondhand marketplace. I’m interested in testing out using it for idea capture and logging my life in a way that doesn’t require using my phone. The parts that I still need to workout is how to take those and action the recordings in a more automated way. I have ideas, just haven’t had time to develop them into a workflow. So far, I like the device and use it often but not daily.
• I am going to sell my Jabra Evolve2 65 MS, most likely. I don’t use it, and between the mic on the MacBook Pro, Elgato Wave Neo and AirPods in a pinch, I don’t think I need it.

Software Changes

• Biggest change in 2025 was email. I now use iCloud+ hosting and the Mail app across all devices. I’d realized that it was a bonus feature of my iCloud+ subscription that I’d never considered using. HEY! for Domains was working well for me, but there was no need to pay for it and most of the functionality I can replicate with Apple Mail at this point. I’ve enjoyed using Mail and it’s a lot different than I remember many years ago.
• I added an AI category to the software list. I use Claude Pro for almost everything. It’s pretty amazing what it is capable of and Claude Code has made personal app creation something to seriously consider to have tools that work exactly the way you want them to.
• I’m struggling to stick with a journaling app. Day One and Apple Journal are both great. They have many overlapping features and both plug in great with journal suggestions. Apple Journal is now on devices other than the iPhone, but I still don’t like the privacy implication of not being able to opt-out of Legacy Contact. Apple Journal has some great integrations with Shortcuts that I think make it lower friction. I need to pick one and stick with it soon.
• Stopped using Raycast Pro in favor of the new Spotlight. Clipboard history was one of the major drivers and Spotlight is more capable than ever. I wanted to kick the tires on the native experience for awhile.
• Dropped Parcel in favor of the beta order tracker in Apple Wallet. This is another integration that became available because of moving to Apple Mail.
• I still have Setapp, but would really like to eliminate it. There are a few apps that I use regularly, but I’m evaluating if I need it anymore.

Coffee & Miscellaneous

• Added Fellow Carter Travel Mug. I’d gotten this a long time ago, but never added it to the Uses page. It’s great and I need to use it when drinking coffee on the go vs. taking my house mugs with me.
• A family friend gifted me an Aeropress Go. I never would have gotten it for myself, but the way it all packs up into itself is so enjoyable and makes it a much better travel option than the Aeropress classic.
• I will likely get rid of the Fellow Prismo attachment. I haven’t used it in years.
• I haven’t used my Aarke Carbonator III as much lately, but not to the point that I will elminate it. Most days I only drink coffee and water. Last year, most of that water was still vs. sparkling, and I can say that’s mostly out of convenience.

That’s more change than I expected, but none of them were changes to add unecessary complexity. Several cut costs out of the mix, which is always good.

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