Software
-Fences
+Fences
Platform: Windows
++ Fences is a desktop management software that allows you to group your desktop icons into "fences". + These fences can be rolled up so they are tucked away neatly into a corner, allowing you to view + your desktop wallpaper while still being able to access your shortcuts when you need to. + I really like Fences because it keeps my desktop clutter-free and I get to look at my amazing + wallpaper (see Wallpaper Engine). I purchased Fences on + Steam, but you + can also get it directly from Stardock's website. + Would definitely recommend getting it if you have a cluttered desktop. +
-Start10
+Start10
Platform: Windows
++ I wasn't actually interested in Start10 when I first got it. I got it in a + bundle with Fences. + The gist of Start10 is that it allows you to customize the way your taskbar looks and the style of start menu + you would like. The options are Windows 7, Windows 10, or Modern. Windows 7 has the classic + searchbar and list of applications. Windows 10 has the list of programs and start menu "tiles" + introduced in Windows 10. Modern style is a bit of a hybrid. It has the application list from + Windows 7, but the theme looks more like Windows 10. I personally prefer Windows 10 style because + of the "tiles" that easily let you launch your favorite apps. I wouldn't necessarily recommend + getting Start10 on its own as I don't see much value in it, but it is a nice addition if you have + ever wanted to change the look of your taskbar or start menu. +
-Wallpaper Engine
+Wallpaper Engine
Platform: Windows
++ Wallpaper Engine is amongst my favorite programs on this list. If you have ever seen live wallpapers on phones + and thought "can I get that on my PC?"", this is the program for you. At a regular price of $3.99, I + cannot recommend this enough. Fair warning, this will drain your battery and RAM if you plan on running + it at its highest settings with animations and other compute heavy settings. I usually run this on my laptop + so the wallpaper is static when unplugged, but animated and reactive when plugged in. There are some memory + saving options that can pause the program when another program is in full-screen and in-focus to improve + battery life and performance. +
-Notion
+Notion
Platform: Web App, Mac, Windows, iOS, Android
++ This is my current favorite productivity app. I use it to keep track of things like homework, personal tasks, + gift ideas, shopping lists, personal wish lists, upcoming video games, etc. I previously used Trello and + google keep to track tasks and random bits of information, but Notion has been a game changer. While the + full experience is locked behind a paywall, you can try it out for free if you have a university (.edu) email. + If you haven't already, I would suggest giving it a try. Use this + referral link to get + some free credit on your account to use if you decide to use any of the paid tier. +
-Clatter
+Clatter
Platform: Windows
++ Have you ever wondered if there was an app to combine all of your messaging apps into 1? Well, Clatter + is the answer. I used to keep multiple tabs and programs open so I could see all of my messaging services + at once, but with Clatter, they are all neatly packaged in one application. Any messaging service with a web + app can be accessed through Clatter. Give it a try, I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I do. +
-Chocolatey
+Chocolatey
Platform: Windows
++ Chocolatey is Windows's answer to Homebrew. It is essentially a package manager that allows you to easily track + and upgrade/install/uninstall programs on Windows. My process when installing apps is to check if there is a + Windows app on the Microsoft Store. If not, I check Chocolatey. More times than not, it's available there. + You can easily install any programs you need via command prompt and avoid the tedious installation wizard. +
-Pocket Casts
+Pocket Casts
Platform: Web App, iOS, Android
++ This is my preferred Podcast app. I have it on my Android phone and I use the Windows app on my desktop + and laptop. I purchased the web app and android app prior to the new "subscription" model that Pocket Casts + has implemented. While I don't agree with this new pay structure, I appreciate that they have implemented a + free tier that has the majority of features that most people will need. +
-YouTube Vanced
+YouTube Vanced
Platform: Android
++ I discovered this on a MEGA PRO TIPS post on + r/galaxys10 + (tip 29). All relevant information on what apps to download and a fix for a login issue can be found in the + reddit post. The gist of the app is that it removes ads from YouTube on your android phone and you can play + music while your screen is off for free. +
-Xodo
+Xodo
Platform: Web App, iOS, Android, Windows
++ This is the best PDF editor/reader I have found that doesn't require a paid subscription (unlike Adobe) for + all of its features. You can easily write/edit, fill out forms, and add digital signatures. All for free. +
-myTube!
+myTube!
Platform: Windows
++ Similar to YouTube Vanced, this app removes ads from YouTube. The main difference + here is that myTube! is a Windows app rather than an Android app. +
Hardware
Desktop PC
A full list of my desktop PC build components can be found on PCPartPicker. + My current build has stayed largely the same from when I first built it, with the exception of the peripherals and monitors. + I have upgraded my keyboard, mouse, and speakers over the past couple of years as I found deals.Laptop
-Model: HP Specture x360 15"
+Model: HP Spectre x360 15"
CPU: Intel i7-7500U
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 940MX
RAM: 16 GB
++ My main laptop use case is for school. I wanted a touchscreen so I could take digital written notes in class and + I needed a good processor and dedicated graphics card for CAD software and for general programming applications. + I landed on the HP Specture x360 because it had a great balance of specs, amazing display, touch screen, and very + nice typing experience for a reasonable price. I was initially leaning towards a Razer Blade or Microsoft's Surface Book. + The former would be great for my use case and for gaming, but it isn't great for taking handwritten digital notes. + The latter is similar to the Spectre in regards to specs, but has a favorable display ratio. The main reason I chose + against it in the end was the high price relative to the Spectre. I was able to get very comparable specs for a much + lower price with the spectre. +
Tablet
Model: Microsoft Surface Go
CPU: Intel Pentium 4415Y
RAM: 4 GB
++ The Surface Go is primarily used as a secondary-device and tablet. I use it for media consumption and occasional e-book + reading. It is by no means powerful enough to act as my primary device, but I like it as a secondary device that + I will occasionally use. +
+ +Phone
+Model: Samsung Galaxy S10+
++ Got the Galaxy S10+ on sale on Amazon's Prime Day. My previous phone was a Pixel 2XL which I really liked, but I decided + to switch to a Galaxy after the Pixel 3 was a bit of a disappointment and the Pixel 4 wouldn't come out until later in the year. + Other phones I considered, but ultimately decided against were the OnePlus 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Note 9. In retrospect, + I would have waited to replace my Pixel 2XL until the Galaxy Note 10+ came out and the price dropped down to something reasonable. + However, I am happy with my decision as is. +
+ +Watch
+Model: Samsung Galaxy Watch
++ I previously had a Moto 360 Sport smartwatch, but the performance was extremely disappointing. After looking at other + Android wear devices, I didn't feel that another compelling watch on the level of the Apple Watch for iPhones existed. + Thus, I decided to switch to the Galaxy watch. My primary impressions of Tizen OS vs Android Wear is the lack of + supported apps. I have found that this really isn't that big of a deal as it has great media controls for your phone + and the amazing rotating bezel interface. This is by far the superior input method for watches and I feel that + all watches should have some variant of this. Overall, the performance is great and I have come to appreciate + Samsung's brand of apps for my phone and watch. +
Video Games
-The Witcher III: Wild Hunt
-The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
++ These are some of my favorite video games (on my prefered platforms) in no particular order. +
+ +Nintendo Switch
+-
+
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild +
- Fire Emblem: Three Houses +
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate +
- Octopath Traveler +
PlayStation 4
+-
+
- God of War +
- Marvel's Spider-Man +
- Bloodborne +
PC
+-
+
- The Witcher III: Wild Hunt +
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim +
- Dark Souls 1 & 3 +
- Borderlands 2 +
- Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order +
- Minecraft +
- Red Dead Redemption 2 +
- The Sims 3 +
- Monster Hunter: World +
Music
Spotify Playlist
++ These are my current (approximately 100) favorite songs. +