by Chris Ching
Update: There’s more equipment listed on my Amazon page!
Hey there, I get a lot of questions about what Mac to buy for iOS development or what software I’m using to record my videos.
I’ve listed all the stuff I use below. To keep the list short, these are all the essential items that I’m currently using or have recently used.
Also, some of the links are affiliate links which means I’ll get a small bonus if you decide to follow my recommendations. (If you do use these links to buy, thank you for supporting CWC!)
My iOS development gear
M1 Mac Mini, 16 GB Ram, 1 TB Storage
This is my daily machine. One of the most frustrating things about my old iMac was low disk space so with this one I might’ve gone overboard…
This is my daily machine. One of the most frustrating things about my old iMac was low disk space so with this one I might’ve gone overboard…
27″ LG UltraFine Display
This monitor isn’t worth the price but I really missed the display on my old 5K iMac so this was my replacement.
This monitor isn’t worth the price but I really missed the display on my old 5K iMac so this was my replacement.
M1 14″ MacBook Pro, 16 GB Ram, 512 GB Storage
Obviously the iMac isn’t so portable so I have a laptop as well for on-the-go situations and presentations. Also serves as a backup machine in case something happens to my Mac Mini.
Obviously the iMac isn’t so portable so I have a laptop as well for on-the-go situations and presentations. Also serves as a backup machine in case something happens to my Mac Mini.
Sony XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
I felt guilty splurging for these headphones but the noise cancelling has made up for the price on more than one occasion.
I felt guilty splurging for these headphones but the noise cancelling has made up for the price on more than one occasion.
Various Mechanical Keyboards
I have a keyboard problem. Avoid the mechanical keyboard hobby at all costs! I love my keyboards…
I have a keyboard problem. Avoid the mechanical keyboard hobby at all costs! I love my keyboards…
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse
This wasn’t a deliberate choice but just something I had lying around and I actually like the way it feels in my hand.
This wasn’t a deliberate choice but just something I had lying around and I actually like the way it feels in my hand.
My iOS development software
Xcode
Good ‘ole Xcode. It’s not so bad once you get to know it.
Good ‘ole Xcode. It’s not so bad once you get to know it.
Figma
I prefer Figma over Sketch because it’s cross platform and can be run in a browser. This works better for my team and I like having all my files on the cloud. Oh, did I mention it’s free?
I prefer Figma over Sketch because it’s cross platform and can be run in a browser. This works better for my team and I like having all my files on the cloud. Oh, did I mention it’s free?
Adobe Photoshop
I still use Photoshop from time to time to resize and touch up images or to remove backgrounds but for graphics creation, it’s Figma.
I still use Photoshop from time to time to resize and touch up images or to remove backgrounds but for graphics creation, it’s Figma.
Icons8
I use Icons8 for all of my icon needs. They have icons suited for iOS app development as well as icons in other styles so I find myself using them for app development as well as graphics creation for things like YouTube thumbnails and article banners.
I use Icons8 for all of my icon needs. They have icons suited for iOS app development as well as icons in other styles so I find myself using them for app development as well as graphics creation for things like YouTube thumbnails and article banners.
Tools I use to run my business
Thinkific
This is where all of our training and courses are hosted.
This is where all of our training and courses are hosted.
WPEngine
This is where our website is hosted.
This is where our website is hosted.
Drip
This is the email marketing software I currently use because back then only Drip had automated workflows at an affordable price. These days, that’s a standard feature in most providers.
This is the email marketing software I currently use because back then only Drip had automated workflows at an affordable price. These days, that’s a standard feature in most providers.
Monday
This recent addition has made a big impact on how we work together as a team. It keeps all of our projects, tasks, deadlines and communication together in one place.
This recent addition has made a big impact on how we work together as a team. It keeps all of our projects, tasks, deadlines and communication together in one place.
Camtasia
This is the software I use to record my screen when I code. It’s not as versatile as the professional grade programs like Final Cut or Adobe Premiere, but Camtasia has a really good balance of being user friendly and being just powerful enough for what I need.
This is the software I use to record my screen when I code. It’s not as versatile as the professional grade programs like Final Cut or Adobe Premiere, but Camtasia has a really good balance of being user friendly and being just powerful enough for what I need.