OH since we're sharing tools, check this out- it's free right now (it's in its beta testing version), I swear by it. It's called Flow by Whisper. Time flies, I literally get done with work so much faster, its a speech-to-text application. Anything I say gets converted into text in literally milliseconds, I don't need to spend time typing anymore. All of my emails and everything get formatted for me, and it kind of adapts to my writing style as well, which is pretty sick.
Appreciate the comment, Nico. These days it seems like most hardware companies are looking for ways to incorporate subscriptions on top of initial purchase price wherever possible, especially if they'll incur AI costs in delivering new services, etc. It'll be interesting to see whether some offer lifetime subscription options or flat rate single purchase options if subscription fatigue grows. To Oura's credit, they grandfathered in those who purchased rings before there were any subscription fees.
They‘d be nuts if they just try to sell the hardware and provide data analytics for free forever. I guess offering a very limited freemium version would have been nicer and could have calmed some of the angered folks a bit.
I’m always happy when I get the wonder tools newsletter in my email inbox, Jeremy. The latest edition of the newsletter that I received today, the addition that described hardware that you use, was especially helpful. Keep up the wonderful work. Charlie
Great rundown. I just wanted to throw out a caution. Those Frixion pens are great, but the ink may disappear if it gets too warm. So for example, leaving a notebook in the car in the summer or in a sunny window. For that reason, as much as I love them, I’ve largely discontinued using them because I don’t want to lose anything.
Jackie, thanks for that tip! I haven't encountered that heat erasure yet, but that's a useful tip and important. It would be awful to lose something important because of that.
I can't say I use anywhere near the number of tools that you use. Then again, I don't have a regular job, at least not one that I get paid for. That said, here's what I use on a daily basis.
All my writing and 99 % of my research is done on a desktop computer. Maybe it's just a habit since I've been using a computer since I bought my first one in 1984. But I like working in a specific space, something I'd define as an office. It used to be my workplace's private office and the foyer in my Manhattan apartment. Now it's a separate room in my house. I also have a Surface 9 Pro for those occasions when I either need to work somewhere else in the house or in some other location.
I use an iPhone for any number of tasks from time to time. Obviously for phone conversations and texting, but sometimes for research.
I often use Scrivener to write. Otherwise, it's Microsoft Word. And sometimes I use Bloks for meetings.
Hi speed internet is vital, as is the Linksys mesh wi-fi router.
A high quality AIO printer (in my case an Epson 8760) churns out about 500 pages a month, not to mention scans.
A pair of good desktop speakers helps with the music that often accompanies my writing.
A shredder is handy.
My keyboard and mouse matter a lot. In my case, a Logitech K800 wireless keyboard and a MX Master 2S mouse.
There are other pieces of software that I find useful. For example, I use eM Client as a desktop email client that includes my calendar and contact list. I use Clipmate as a substitute for Microsoft's Clipboard (although I'll say that the Clipboard in Windows 11 is far superior to its predecessor). I use WordWeb Pro for a dictionary in part because it has a host of other dictionaries (like the Oxford English Dictionary) that can be associated with it. I (cautiously) use Grammarly and Pro Writing Aid. Also, the web-based Master Writer.
Thanks, Michael, for the thorough overview of your toolkit! I'm with you on the value of Scrivener, particularly for organizing lengthy writing projects. Nice points re: the importance of keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. I may follow-up at some point to share more of my picks in those hardware areas. Thank you for a snapshot of your setup!
Hi Jeremy, I've just started using a planner from Nu Notebooks this year: https://nunotebooks.co.uk/collections/journals/products/nu-navy-planner?variant=40680432369700. It's a simple design. Two pages to a week, with dedicated spaces for "main aims", "deadlines", "relaxing things to do" and "thoughts and goals for next week". It's your week at a glance and it's that simplicity that I like. I have an electronic calendar and planner as well, but I find I'm using the paper and electronic for different things.
OH since we're sharing tools, check this out- it's free right now (it's in its beta testing version), I swear by it. It's called Flow by Whisper. Time flies, I literally get done with work so much faster, its a speech-to-text application. Anything I say gets converted into text in literally milliseconds, I don't need to spend time typing anymore. All of my emails and everything get formatted for me, and it kind of adapts to my writing style as well, which is pretty sick.
This is right up my alley. I love new, cool stuff that makes life/work easier. Keep ‘em’ coming.
Love the Cube timer… pretty nifty. Love these practical ideas/tips. Very cool !
thanks for the links to wonderful products!
I like my Oura ring a lot and I understand that they need to make money beyond the initial purchase.
Appreciate the comment, Nico. These days it seems like most hardware companies are looking for ways to incorporate subscriptions on top of initial purchase price wherever possible, especially if they'll incur AI costs in delivering new services, etc. It'll be interesting to see whether some offer lifetime subscription options or flat rate single purchase options if subscription fatigue grows. To Oura's credit, they grandfathered in those who purchased rings before there were any subscription fees.
They‘d be nuts if they just try to sell the hardware and provide data analytics for free forever. I guess offering a very limited freemium version would have been nicer and could have calmed some of the angered folks a bit.
I’m always happy when I get the wonder tools newsletter in my email inbox, Jeremy. The latest edition of the newsletter that I received today, the addition that described hardware that you use, was especially helpful. Keep up the wonderful work. Charlie
Thanks, Charlie! I appreciate your feedback.
Great rundown. I just wanted to throw out a caution. Those Frixion pens are great, but the ink may disappear if it gets too warm. So for example, leaving a notebook in the car in the summer or in a sunny window. For that reason, as much as I love them, I’ve largely discontinued using them because I don’t want to lose anything.
Jackie, thanks for that tip! I haven't encountered that heat erasure yet, but that's a useful tip and important. It would be awful to lose something important because of that.
I can't say I use anywhere near the number of tools that you use. Then again, I don't have a regular job, at least not one that I get paid for. That said, here's what I use on a daily basis.
All my writing and 99 % of my research is done on a desktop computer. Maybe it's just a habit since I've been using a computer since I bought my first one in 1984. But I like working in a specific space, something I'd define as an office. It used to be my workplace's private office and the foyer in my Manhattan apartment. Now it's a separate room in my house. I also have a Surface 9 Pro for those occasions when I either need to work somewhere else in the house or in some other location.
I use an iPhone for any number of tasks from time to time. Obviously for phone conversations and texting, but sometimes for research.
I often use Scrivener to write. Otherwise, it's Microsoft Word. And sometimes I use Bloks for meetings.
Hi speed internet is vital, as is the Linksys mesh wi-fi router.
A high quality AIO printer (in my case an Epson 8760) churns out about 500 pages a month, not to mention scans.
A pair of good desktop speakers helps with the music that often accompanies my writing.
A shredder is handy.
My keyboard and mouse matter a lot. In my case, a Logitech K800 wireless keyboard and a MX Master 2S mouse.
There are other pieces of software that I find useful. For example, I use eM Client as a desktop email client that includes my calendar and contact list. I use Clipmate as a substitute for Microsoft's Clipboard (although I'll say that the Clipboard in Windows 11 is far superior to its predecessor). I use WordWeb Pro for a dictionary in part because it has a host of other dictionaries (like the Oxford English Dictionary) that can be associated with it. I (cautiously) use Grammarly and Pro Writing Aid. Also, the web-based Master Writer.
And that's about all.
Thanks, Michael, for the thorough overview of your toolkit! I'm with you on the value of Scrivener, particularly for organizing lengthy writing projects. Nice points re: the importance of keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. I may follow-up at some point to share more of my picks in those hardware areas. Thank you for a snapshot of your setup!
Hi Jeremy, I've just started using a planner from Nu Notebooks this year: https://nunotebooks.co.uk/collections/journals/products/nu-navy-planner?variant=40680432369700. It's a simple design. Two pages to a week, with dedicated spaces for "main aims", "deadlines", "relaxing things to do" and "thoughts and goals for next week". It's your week at a glance and it's that simplicity that I like. I have an electronic calendar and planner as well, but I find I'm using the paper and electronic for different things.
Neat! I like the simplicity and clarity of those notebook sections. Thanks for sharing that, Ralph.
ohh, interesting read!! will def check out the cube timer :)
Santa brought our house a four pack of that neck light. We’re big fans!
(Obviously) helpful for reading, but also great for eg packing up your blanket after fireworks & walking home.
Great post! I love gadgets!
Love the digital and analogue vibe here, just great as ever.
I would love to learn more !