Phillip Johns’ Mac setup
Every week we post a new interview with someone about what software they use on their Mac, iPhone, or iPad. We do these interviews because not only are they fun, but a glimpse into what tools someone uses and how they use those tools can spark our imagination and give us an idea or insight into how we can do things better.
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Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Phillip Johns. I am an accounting manager for a non-profit, a Certified Public Accountant, and a Certified Fraud Examiner. I also run digitaldapper.net, which focuses on home automation.
What is your current setup?
My current setup is a Mac Mini latest generation with 8 GB of RAM, a 2.6 dual-core i5 processor, and a 1 TB Fusion drive. I also have one 27-inch Cinema Display and two Acer k272HUL monitors that rock the same WQHD resolution as the cinema display for a third of the cost. I also use a Logitech wireless keyboard and Logitech mouse, Philips Hue lights in my office (including a bloom on the desk) and a BR30 overhead. These lights make sure I always have the right light to stay motivated.
What software do you use and for what do you use it?
OmniFocus – Task management. I am stuck on a Windows machine at work, but I am too attached and in love to leave OmniFocus.
Byword – All writing starts in Byword for digitaldapper.net.
Evernote – Evernote is the only note-taking application that has stuck with me. I use it for article research, receipts, outlines, and much more. I do not love everything about Evernote, including how bloated it is, but it serves its purpose well for me.
Airfoil – The new version is awesome. I use this app to create a Sonos-like music experience in my house by utilizing Apple TVs and Airport Expresses.
Numbers – I am an accountant after all.
How would your ideal setup look and function?
This is mostly my ideal setup. I just built this desk and shelves for a cubby space in our hallway. I outline the before and after in this post on my site. There are some small changes I do plan to make. For starters, the piece of wood we used for the desktop is not finished very well, so I plan to put on a perfectly finished thin piece of wood and paint it with whiteboard paint. This will allow me to sketch on my desk and keep items written down. I also plan to add more Hue lights including at least one strip light under the first shelf.
I first did the three-monitor setup when I worked at my old job in public accounting. I worked from home nearly every night to get more work done. The three monitor setup was great then! For now, I realize it is overkill for what I do, but at this point it is set up and working so I plan to keep it and see what the future holds!
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