App Recommendations from Chris Gonzales
The best Reddit app for iOS
Apollo
The best Pinboard app for iOS
Pinner
The best recipe manager for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Paprika
Blog Posts & Articles by Chris Gonzales
The Nomadic Work Setup of Chris Gonzales
Our resident full-time RVer shares how he gets his writing work done while traveling across the US. »
Apps and Gear for the Holidays, 2021 Edition
It’s that time of year once again when we like to bring you a few of our top app and gear picks to get you through the holiday season in one piece. This handy list has a little bit of everything, whether you’re looking for some neat gift ideas or you’re simply in need of […] »
Shawn Blanc’s Writing Process: From Idea to Published
Here's an inside look at my entire writing process: How I take things from idea to written draft to final published article. »
Realmac Software Releases Squash 3 Batch Image Editor for macOS
Totally rebuilt from the ground up, Squash 3 offers a way to quickly batch process images. Everything from resizing, converting, applying filters, to compressing, renaming, and more. »
Apps We’re Trying: Actie — A Daily Planner by Priority for iPhone
Gives you a daily plan of tasks sorted by their importance to you. »
Halide Mark II for iPad
An all-new app with an interface made from scratch to take advantage of the iPad's larger form factor. »
CalDigit “TS3 Plus” Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Expands a single Thunderbolt 3 port into 15 awesome ways to connect all your stuff together. »
The “GMMK” Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The perfect way for anyone new to mechanical keyboards to get their feet wet a little. »
KEF “LS50 Meta” Bookshelf Loudspeakers
Based on the iconic and now-classic LS50s, these speakers boast incredibly immersive sound so you can lose yourself in your favorite music. »
The “RØDECaster Pro” Podcast Production Studio
Designed to simplify podcast production whilst delivering superb audio quality. »
Must-Have Apps and Gear for the Holidays (2020 Edition)
2020 was hard enough without having to think about all the usual holiday stresses, but we're here to help! Here is our annual list of great apps and gear to get you through the holiday season in one piece. »
Marshall “Emberton” Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Rich, clear and loud, like the artist intended. Plus it’s got that classic Marshall look. 😎🎸 »
ZENS “Liberty” 16-Coil Dual Wireless Charging Pad
16 overlapping coils gives you freedom of wireless charging placement for up to two devices. »
Twelve South “PowerPic” Picture Frame + Wireless Phone Charger
Just set your Qi-enabled phone against the 5″ x 7″ photo and it immediately starts getting 10 watts of juice. »
Satechi USB-C Wireless Charging Dock for Airpods
Compatible with Apple's AirPods and AirPods Pro (in their respective wireless charging cases), this compact yet sleek dock powers your AirPods with ease when directly connected to a powered Type-C device. »
‘The Oregon Trail’ Handheld Game
One of the most successful computer games of all time, now in the palm of your hand! »
App Subscriptions Worth Paying For (Your Results)
Ten of the top app (and cloud service) subscriptions as voted on by TSS readers. »
HAITRAL Industrial Desk Lamp
Adds an elegant vintage vibe to any space when combined with a 60-watt Edison bulb. »
Twelve South “Curve Riser” Desk Stand
Beautiful elevation for your iMac or external display. »
Razer “Kishi” Universal Gaming Controller for iPhone & Android
This universal mobile gaming controller fits most smartphones and is designed to bring console-level control to your on-the-go gaming. Bring your A-game anytime, anywhere. ?? »
Baron Fig Limited-Edition ‘Pumpkin’ Confidant Notebook
Boasting a vibrant orange clothbound hardcover, this eyecatching notebook is the only pumpkin spice-related thing worth getting excited about in 2020. ?? »
Staedtler 0.05mm Pigment Liner Pens
I love a good, fine-tipped pen for writing in pocket notebooks or doing clean detail work while sketching. Staedtler's 0.05mm “Pigment Liner” pens are just the ticket, with their long, needle-like tips that create crisp and precise lines (without bleedthough), which dry almost instantly and are then waterproof. »
RØDE VideoMic Pro+ On-Camera Shotgun Condenser Microphone
Look, I won't sit here and pretend to be an expert about on-camera shotgun microphones, but I do know that the RØDE VideoMic Pro+ is a beast of a mic that will make your vlogs, films, and interviews sound exceptionally clean and crisp. »
Marshall “Monitor II” Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
Released earlier this year, Marshall's “Monitor II A.N.C” wireless headphonesare some sweet-looking and incredible sounding headphones that brought two first-time features to Marshall's headphone lineup. »
“8pxl” HD Pixel Art Wallpaper Packs (Desktop & Mobile)
I'm a bit of a sucker for high-quality pixel art, especially if it's got a calming, Studio Ghibli-esque atmosphere. These high-definition landscape/cityscape wallpaper packs by an artist who goes only by the name of Jubilee have exactly the right kind of vibe. »
Day One Releases 5.0 Update for iOS & Mac
Today, our friends at Day One released version 5.0 of their venerable journaling app, which continues to be one of the most important apps on our respective home screens. »
Focusrite “Scarlett Solo Studio” USB Audio Interface
Focusrite's Scarlett Solois a super simple USB audio interface for getting studio-quality recordings at home. Whether you're a musician, podcaster, vlogger, voice actor, voice-over artist, or have any other high-performance recording needs, it's a reliable and intuitive piece of hardware that always captures clear, detailed audio. »
Yostyle Under-Desk Headphone + Apple Watch Stand with 5-Port USB Charger (QC 3.0)
Once installed beneath your workspace, you can conveniently hang your headphones on one side and your Apple Watch on the other, while also charging up to five other devices with its Quick Charge 3.0 USB ports. »
AUKEY “Omnia” 100W USB-C PD Charger for MacBook Pro, Nintendo Switch & More
AUKEY's much-anticipated new “Omnia” USB-C charger with Power Deliveryis here, and it's ready to change your whole device-powering game. »
Lamicall Adjustable Laptop Stand
Lamicall’s adjustable laptop stand is a solidly constructed and nice-looking way to elevate your laptop off a desk to a more ergonomic position. It’s made from thick aluminum with a sturdy base, is height adjustable (between 5.7″ and 8.1″), can be angled up or down (from 45° to 180°), and it can rotate a full […] »
Brother HL-L2300D Monochrome Laser Printer
Sometimes you just want a printer that works. You're not interested in fancy features, wireless connectivity, ink colors, scanning, or special paper sizes. All you need is the ability to print in black ink on 8x11 white paper — that's it. »
Elgato “Stream Deck” Customizable Key Pad Controller
Whether you're a game streamer looking to boost your production quality or someone who wouldn't mind a novel way to up your productivity levels, Elgato's Stream Deck has something to offer. »
PITAKA Air Case for iPhone 11/Pro/Max
We've always had mixed feelings about iPhone cases. You want to protect your expensive investment, of course, but what's the point of having such a gorgeous, svelte device if you're going to cover it up with some chunky, heavy thing? The question then becomes, can you keep the phone safe *and* slim? »
Fun and Useful Apps (and more) for Working from Home
One of the sad realities of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak is that social distancing is the new normal. Though it pains us to say it, we all have to face the fact that we're in this for the long haul. An interesting side effect of all this is that workforces around the world are now partaking in a “work from home” experiment of unprecedented scale. Millions of people are suddenly finding themselves trying to carve out the space and time to get their work done outside the office, with no friends or coworkers to chat with in person, all while dealing with the everyday distractions of home and making sure the kids — who are also now stuck at home — are fed, schooled, and generally occupied all day. »
Essential Apps for Your New iPad
Have a new iPad? Check out our recommendations for unique and essentials apps to get you started. »
Essential Apps for Your New iPhone
A list of apps we consider absolutely essential for every iPhone, as well as a range of apps that are simply better than their first-party counterparts made by Apple. »
Our Favorite iOS Games (2019 Edition)
2019 was an incredible year for gaming on the iPhone and iPad. Many of us who pay attention to this market had sadly begun writing off the App Store's gaming section as fading into obsolescence, thanks to the glut of “freemium” titles that lure you in with flashy visuals and addictive gameplay before using every trick in the book to nickel-and-dime you into the ground. »
Apps and Gear for the Holidays
It's that time of year once again when we like to bring you a few of our top app and gear picks to help get you through the holiday season in one piece. From recipe gathering to trip planning, photo editing, and various kinds of audio distraction entertainment, this handy list has a bit of everything. »
ElevationLab FamilyCharger
ElevationLab's FamilyCharger gives you one central place to quickly charge all the gadgets in your household, without all the cord clutter you get from most multi-port chargers. »
Peraco Wooden Docking Station & Nightstand Organizer
You know that saying, “A place for everything, everything in its place”? I'm a big proponent of it, as anyone who's ever worked with me in person can tell you. I get real anxiety about things just being left around all willy-nilly with no system. There has to be a system, people! »
Elago AW3 Case for Apple AirPods
As Mac nerds that go way back, Elago’s retro-styled W3 stand for the Apple Watch is still one of our favorite Apple gadget accessories around. Now they’ve released a complimentary product to go with your AirPods: the AW3 AirPods Case. Compatible with versions 1 and 2 of the AirPods, the Elago AW3 makes your AirPods […] »
Twelve South’s HiRise Pro Stand for iMac and External Displays
This is just a slick-as-all-get-out accessory you'll love having on your desk. »
Dark Noise: An Delightful White Noise App for iOS
Released just over a month ago, Dark Noise is a simple yet powerful ambient noise app for iPhone and iPad created by first-time iOS developer Charlie Chapman that offers exactly what you'd expect: a collection of high-quality ambient noises (38 in all) to help you sleep, focus, or relax. »
David Smith’s “Moon++” for Apple Watch
Developer David Smith has added another great app to his “plus-plus” lineup: It’s called Moon++ and it’s available only for the Apple Watch and the new watchOS 6. In a blog post, he explains what it does and why he made it (bold emphasis mine): Moon++ seeks to provide a highly accurate, visually pleasing indication […] »
CANSHN Crystal Clear Case for iPhone
I'm the type of guy that puts a lot of thought into the color of any iPhone I buy. For that reason, I don't often like to put a case on the phone — but if I'm going to, it has to be a crystal clear case like this one. »
RegisBox “Sheikah Slate” Zelda-Themed Wireless Phone Charging Pad
Here's one for you Legend of Zelda nerds: Charging accessory company RegisBox has a sweet wireless charging pad inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild that will make charging your phone feel like inserting the Sheikah Slate into one of the game's Rune Pedestals. »
Juuk “Vitero Crimson” Apple Watch Band
Love your Apple Watch but feel like it needs a little more...Iron Man? Juuk's Vitero Crimson band is just the thing. »
IKEA & Sonos “SYMFONISK” Table Lamp + Wi-Fi Speaker
Earlier this year, it was announced that IKEA and Sonos would be teaming up to release a Wi-Fi speaker that was also a lamp. (They cleverly billed it as “the best sounding lamp in the world.”) That product, the “SYMFONISK” table lamp speaker, is now available for purchase. The best way to describe it is […] »
Audioengine A2+ Wireless Computer Speakers
Audioengine's A2+ Wireless Computer Speakers are a high-quality mini music system for your desktop, bookshelf, or other small space. »
Hyleton Universal Travel Adapter
If you’ve ever traveled internationally, you know that not every country in the world uses the same style of electrical outlet. With a universal adapter like this one, you can plug into outlets in more than 150 countries, as long as they’re of the US, AU, EU, or UK socket styles: Using the sliders on […] »
Yicaihong Aluminum Mousepads
You don't have to rely on those flimsy foam mousepads when you have the option to buy an aluminum mousepad. »
The TGT iPad Case
The TGT Wallet (pronounced “tight wallet”) is something we’ve mentioned over on Tools & Toys a number of times over the years. However, they’ve got another product that we think is worthy of The Sweet Setup’s audience’s time: the TGT iPad Case. Introduced back in November, this case fits the standard 9.7″ iPad design and […] »
Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700
For years now, Bose’s QuietComfort 35 IIs have been the industry standard when it comes to noise-cancelling headphones. Back in May, they surprise announced that they’d be releasing something a little different that could potentially unseat their own flagship product: the Noise-Cancelling Headphones 700. As Marques “MKBHD” Brownlee puts it in his excellent YouTube review, […] »
Apps and Gear for Summer (2019 Edition)
We've put together a list full of apps and gear (plus a bonus mention!) to help make your summer the best it can be. »
A Roundup of Apps for a Fitter You
Dieting and exercise are essential to a happy and productive life, but they can be challenging at times. Luckily, there are tools to help track and encourage your path a healthier self. »
The Best Apps for Thinkers
We rely on certain apps to get us through the mess and come out the other side with a plan. In today's roundup, we've gathered together eight of our favorite apps for outlining, brainstorming, planning, capturing, and tracking it all. »
CropSize Review: Bulk Photo Processing and Resizing App for iPad
CropSize is a single-purpose iOS utility that makes resizing and compressing images a breeze. »
How to Backup an iPhone or iPad Before an Upgrade
With the new iPhones and iOS 12 both making their way into the world, now would be a good time to back up your devices before upgrading to the shiny new stuff. »
Dark Sky for iOS updated to version 3.0, brings unified timeline, saved locations, and more
Dark Sky received a visual refresh this week, along with some great new functionality. »
Apps and services for the holidays
As is our annual tradition, we like to select a handful of apps and services to help you get through the season with your sanity intact. »
How to create content filters in Narwhal
With Narwhal for iOS, you can easily filter out subreddits and other topics that you don't want to see in the app. »
Apps and Gear for Summer (2016 Edition)
Summer’s in full swing here in the US, and whether you're trying to make memories while traveling, enjoying food and drink with loved ones, or even if you just need ways to pass the time, we've got some app and gear suggestions that may help you out. »
Spring Break Apps & Tech
Here are a few things to help you get the most out of your Spring Break vacation. »
Apps for the Holidays
The holidays are here, and we've collected some of our favorite apps to help you through this busy but special time. »
Tweetbot 4: A Huge Update to Our Favorite Twitter app for iPhone and iPad
Tweetbot 4 brings a much-anticipated new look to the best Twitter client for iPad users. »
Our favorite iPad writing app
Editorial is our favorite writing app for iPad because it contains so many power-features that make us more productive and happy writers. »
Pushpin Updated to Version 4.0
Pushpin received a big update that includes some helpful features and plenty of smaller, delightful updates. »
These are a few of our favorite games
We put together a brief list of our all-time favorite iOS games to share with you, grouped into their respective categories. Enjoy! »
Faith Korpi’s sweet Mac setup
Faith Korpi is a co-host on the IRL Talk podcast, a professional copywriter, makes films and teaches ballet on the side. »
Álvaro Serrano’s sweet setup
Álvaro Serrano is the author and publisher of Analog Senses, a website about the human side of technology featuring links and articles on design, photography, Apple, and the tech industry in general. »
Fraser Speirs’ sweet setup
Fraser Speirs is primarily a teacher of Computer Science in Greenock, Scotland, provisions all the IT at the school, writes speirs.org and co-hosts Out of School with Bradley Chambers. »
Brad Dowdy’s sweet setup
Brad Dowdy is a husband and father, and a pen addict and business owner that specializes in high-quality pen cases. »
Brandon Wentland’s sweet setup
Brandon Wentland runs a 14-person digital marketing agency called Optimal, where they help brands make money online by driving lots of traffic to their sites and converting them into buyers, as well as custom website design and development. »
Nate Boateng’s sweet setup
Nate Boateng is a self-proclaimed tech junkie and also writes his own site when not spending time with his wife and sons. »
Steven Aquino’s sweet iPhone setup
Steven Aquino is a freelance tech writer who covers iOS Accessibility, publishes his personal site, Steven's Blog, and co-hosts Accessible, a weekly podcast focusing on accessibility on iOS. »
Jamelle Bouie’s sweet setup
Jamelle Bouie is a staff writer for Slate magazine, where he covers politics and policy, takes photographs, and sometimes goes on TV. »
Andrew Franciosa’s sweet Mac setup
Andrew Franciosa is a photographer living in Upstate New York where he runs his own studio that focuses on commercial and wedding photography. »
Conor McClure’s sweet Mac setup
Conor McClure is a student currently living in Western North Carolina, days away from finishing a degree in music business, and writes conormcclure.net, where he talks about photography and technology. »
Sruli Loewy’s sweet Mac setup
Sruli Loewy is a student and runs SrulTech Solutions, a general technology support and web design company that he founded, and also designs websites and writes posts for his blog. »
Shahaf Levi’s sweet iOS setup
Shahaf Levi is a writer and developer on his site, SL Repository, where he builds apps and writes about things he discovers. »
Alex Arena’s sweet Mac setup
Alex Arena is an undergraduate CS student at ASU, and an instructor for the Tuts+ network. »
Sven Fechner’s sweet setup
Sven Fechner is the writer, curator, and internet harlequin behind SimplicityBliss and one of three pilots on the popular German technology podcast Der Übercast. »
Oliver Haslam’s sweet setup
Oliver Haslam is a part-time writer of words, full-time tinkerer of tech, and father. »
Quick Tip: Use Tweetbot to mute unwanted tweets
Use Tweetbot to mute tweets that you don't want in your Timeline. »
Some of our favorite apps are on sale now
Several of our top picks for apps in the productivity genre are on sale right now. »
Fantastical releases version 2.1
Fantastical released version 2.1 today, which includes new snooze functionality, keyboard shortcuts, and more. »
Apps for summer
We made a list of some of our favorite apps to use during the summer when traveling abroad and relaxing at home. »
Quick Tip: Use iOS keyboard shortcuts to save time
Chris Gonzales shows us some useful ideas for creating and using text shortcuts in iOS. »
Pushpin 3.1 update
The newest update to Pushpin, our pick for best Pinboard client, received a slew of awesome updates, such as keyboard shortcuts and custom feeds. »