My ~2005 Herman Miller Aeron Chair. It was expensive at the time, over $1,000.00 with a 10-year warranty. It’s still going strong in 2023, okay a bit weak, because I broke the hydraulic lift arm and I have one 6″ split cut in the left armrest. But other than that, it works and I should probably replace it or find a Herman Miller Aeron Chair fix it person.
Here are some tools I use to computerize. Hopefully, this is a living document and I update it often as required. This list has been verified as of 2023.
Software Development / Editing
- Visual Studio Code stays open all day and night for writing and working with code as well as editing other text files. Various extensions including Live Server.
- I use Hemingway Editor when I start an article. It’s great at checking grammar, displaying word count, and the reading grade level.
- I also use ChatGPT, Bard, and various AI apps for writing, editing, and idea generation.
- This site (billbolmeier.com) is running on self-hosted WordPress as well as 3 other sites I manage. It allows me to have full control of my website. I have two manually coded single-page websites as well.
Apps and Other Softwares
- I use Magnet on my Mac Mini M2 for window management.
- I use f.lux so my eyeballs don’t start bleeding.
- I use Twemex to get more out of Twitter. Here’s the manual to read more about it.
- I use Cryptomator to secure sensitive data on various cloud storage services.
Productivity
- I use this freely available 2023 Year at a Glance calendar in Google Sheets to get an overview of the year and significant events. If you copy this to your Google Sheets, make sure you make a copy of it and save it to your Google Sheets, where you can update it.
- For managing tasks, I use Todoist.
- I use Snagit and Camtasia for screen capture and video editing.
- I use MindNode for mind mapping.
- I manage multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse using Synergy. Even moving between Mac OS and Windows 11.
- mp4 to text transcription: Notta.ai and Temi.
- I try to listen to podcasts at 2x the speed until my brain explodes using Pocket Casts. I do the same thing with eBooks.
- I use Peach to listen at 2x speed on my iPhone, iPad, and M2 Mac Mini for articles.
Desk Setup and Mobile
- I have a standing desk from ƒully (now Herman Miller).
- My main monitor is an ASUS 34″ ProArt Display.
- My main machine is an Apple Mac Mini M2.
- My iPhone 13 Pro Max has a LifeProof case and privacy cover.
- My iPad Mini (6th Generation) has a Zugu case, a Paperlike cover, and Apple Pen.
Drums and Cymbals
I’ve used Yamaha drums for decades but also use others to keep up with anything new on the scene.
I’ve also used Zildjian cymbals for decades but also use others to keep up with anything new on the scene.
You can find some of my musical experiences on my about page.
