Category Archive: Gear

The more folks push to work from home and the more we switch our time to working at a desk, the more important our desk workspace becomes. Every industry is like this! If you’re a carpenter, your truck, trailer, and tools matter. If you’re a painter, your brushes and paint choices matter. If you’re a developer, designer, or knowledge worker, your workspace matters. »

Throughout the years and after countless experiments, I’ve discovered how I work best. This best version doesn’t involve the sexiest setup. It doesn’t involve the nicest mechanical keyboard or the most expensive camera. This version of “work best” is defined more as “more productive” than “more creative.” »

In this article we are going to tackle the criteria for a good planner. We’re also going to give you some of our favorite planners to recommend and what makes them so great (for both physical and digital planners). »

The Apple Watch Ultra’s Action Button is one of the biggest departures from standard Apple Watch design in, well, ever. Ever since the introduction of the original Series 1 Apple Watch, we’ve only had access to the Digital Crown and the Watch’s side button. The Action Button increases the onboard physical buttons by a full 50%! »

This time, the Watch is here to stay. I think, at least. I’m simply too happy with the impact the Watch has had on my focused periods each day. »

It may be the incremental upgrade of all incremental upgrades: The Logitech MX Master 3S — at least on paper — is one of the smallest gadget updates we’ve seen in recent memory. Put them side by side and you wouldn’t be able to see the difference (unless you were comparing to the newest “Pale Grey” Master 3S color), you probably wouldn’t physically feel the difference, and unless you have a trained eye, you probably wouldn’t notice an on-screen difference either. But rest assured, you’d instantly be able to tell the two top-end mouses apart once you’ve clicked them. »

The iterations are getting smaller, there’s no doubt about it. iPhone 12 Pro to iPhone 13 Pro included a substantially better battery, a smaller notch, and the standard camera improvements. I say “standard camera improvements” because Apple’s largely just playing the physics game here rather than the technology game — take a look at how much bigger the camera lenses are on the back of the iPhone 14 Pro and you’ll see where the year-over-year-over-year improvements are truly coming from. »

The Elgato Stream Deck is a USB peripheral that gives you a grid of customizable buttons that you can assign to actions on your computer, like controlling Hue lights or muting your audio in Zoom. You can assign individual actions to physical buttons, and an LCD display allows you to customize the appearance of each button with an icon or text that you specify. So instead of trying to perform finger gymnastics to hit the right keyboard shortcut in the middle of a video call, you can just press a physical button instead. »

This is perhaps the most exciting section when building out your setup. Where desks, chairs, and computers are the backbone of many workspaces these days, desk accessories and other elements are key to bringing out your personality and inspiration. You can really venture down the rabbit hole here. »

You know how modern cities combat the whole “space” issue by building upwards, toward the sky? Turns out, there’s a lot of unlockable vertical space for humans to grow into. Same goes for your desk. »

If you’re in the middle of building a new workspace at home or at the office, you know just how many elements there are to consider. Desks and chairs are just the tip of the iceberg — anything from lighting through to plant life has likely played a role in your considerations. »

The Opal C1 tries to give you the best of both worlds: DSLR-like quality without the complexity at a fraction of the price. »

Today, we're going to walk through the basic things you need to know when shopping for mechanical keyboards. »

The Studio Display is one of the most giddy-worthy Apple products I’ve played with in a long time. Its design is impeccable, speakers deep and thorough, display bright and crisp, I/O usable and manageable. »

In one short swoop, the AirPods Max have nicely fixed my Madhouse distraction-maximalist home and my late evening television entertainment needs. I can now drown out most of the chaos swirling around when it’s time to work and I can enjoy a new level of audio when watching my favorite Disney+ shows. »

When I discovered Microsoft's relatively new external Number Pad, I thought I might be able to morph the great built-in M1 Pro MacBook Pro keyboard with the functionality of a portable number pad that I could take anywhere. »

They say money can't buy you happiness, but sometimes it can buy you a little joy. »

Here are some quick thoughts on the new 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro and a close look at the 2021 MacBook Pro’s physical design. »

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 […] »

When it was announced during the September iPhone event, I immediately thought that the sixth-generation iPad mini was the star of the show. New iPhones are cool and all, but this iPad mini seemed like it was tailor-made for how I was (and wasn't) using my iPad Pro. I ordered one before the end of the event, and having used it for a month now, I have to say this is by far the most fun I've ever had with an iPad. »

This is the first year that my entire photography workflow can be handled by my iPhone on its own, which has been quite empowering. »

I wrote previously about my video setup and mentioned that I had a couple of LED lights I used to improve the background lighting and eliminate shadows for my video. They're pretty basic, but you can adjust the color with an included remote. I used it initially to set the color where I wanted it, and now just use it to turn the lights on and off individually. But I've always been slightly bothered that I didn't have a way to control them all with the press of a single button from my Stream Deck »

I’ve officially gone off the deep-end — after a year or two of trying out different mechanical keyboards, I’ve made the deepest of dives into the world of 40% keyboards. »

Expands a single Thunderbolt 3 port into 15 awesome ways to connect all your stuff together. »

There are a few moments in Twelve South’s HoverBar Duo marketing video that surely garner a “wow” moment. The video starts out showcasing a multitude of ways you could use Twelve South’s new stand (like shooting a culinary video, recording an aesthetic video, or working at a desk with an iPad at an ergonomic height) and finishes off showcasing how easy it is to swivel, rotate, and maneuver the stand to fit your needs. »

A cool-looking physical object that can add a bit of whimsy to your time tracking workflow. »

The perfect way for anyone new to mechanical keyboards to get their feet wet a little. »

When the group at The Sweet Setup suggested we'd be talking about knowledge and idea workflows in the early part of 2021, I couldn't pass up the chance to talk about my analog adventures that live alongside all the apps I use each day. We can't do everything on our iPhones, after all. »

Based on the iconic and now-classic LS50s, these speakers boast incredibly immersive sound so you can lose yourself in your favorite music. »

Editor’s Note: The LG 4k monitors used for this article are model number 22MD4KA. Some readers have reported that the newer model (24MD4KB) does not work with the mentioned adapter because it requires Thunderbolt 3 instead of USB-C. The Siig adapter mentioned here will ONLY work with a USB-C monitor. I’ve always been a laptop […] »

Designed to simplify podcast production whilst delivering superb audio quality. »

It’s that time of year again: I’ve traded in my iPhone for the newest version, played with it, and now I’m here to tell you what I think of the camera on iPhone 12 Pro Max. So, is it a much better camera than my 11 Pro? Yes, and also no. Let me explain, but first I want to address the phone in the room. »

Rich, clear and loud, like the artist intended. Plus it’s got that classic Marshall look. 😎🎸 »

Among the many enhancements in iOS 14, Apple included a number of audio-specific features that we’ve now had an opportunity to spend some time with in daily use. »

16 overlapping coils gives you freedom of wireless charging placement for up to two devices. »

Just set your Qi-enabled phone against the 5″ x 7″ photo and it immediately starts getting 10 watts of juice. »

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. »

Though the iPhone 12 Pro is the most premium iPhone I've ever held, it's also clear this iPhone is meant to be used. It's been a fun weekend watching my wife discover new ways to use her iPhone. »

I've been wearing an Apple Watch all day, every day since the launch of the original Apple Watch in April of 2015. I wear it around the house. I wear it when working out. I wear it to church. Even more than my iPhone, my Apple Watch is the thing that I always have with me. »

One of the most successful computer games of all time, now in the palm of your hand! »

Adds an elegant vintage vibe to any space when combined with a 60-watt Edison bulb. »

Beautiful elevation for your iMac or external display. »

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. ?? »

Boasting a vibrant orange clothbound hardcover, this eyecatching notebook is the only pumpkin spice-related thing worth getting excited about in 2020. ?? »

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. »

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. »

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. »

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. »

The Everyday Messenger V2 clearly aims to address all of the V1’s shortcomings, while still maintaining what made the original EDM so great. The V2 largely succeeds. »

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. »

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's much-anticipated new “Omnia” USB-C charger with Power Deliveryis here, and it's ready to change your whole device-powering game. »

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 […] »

Aside from the unique layout, I *really* fell for the ViBE's physical design. The floating keycap look is my favorite keyboard design so far, while the aluminum tray is both flashy and sturdy. The off-white keys have a retro vibe, while the keycap type face is easy to read and unique from the old-fashioned keyboards I associate with 90s-era computers. In short, the ViBE looks incredible. »

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. »

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. »

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? »

Our accounting office is right next to a Telus store full of Android and Windows fanatics. I haven’t been able to get any person in the store to even consider an iPhone or Mac for themselves, let alone convince them the iPad is a great business device. The Magic Keyboard is the first accessory that […] »

Here's Blanc Media's work-from-home setups, complete with a list of the main items in each setup. If you're anything like us, you're sure to be curious about a few of the coffee cups gracing these tables. »

The 2020 iPad Pro marked the opportunity for me to try out the smaller of the two iPad Pros. I’ve been using the 12.9-inch iPad Pro since debut day in 2018, and I know how that shoe fits after a few years. Throw that large iPad into a dock on a desk, connect a Smart Keyboard Folio or external keyboard, and hammer away to your heart’s content. With iPadOS 13.4, an external mouse or trackpad make the 12.9-inch iPad Pro really feel like a MacBook replacement. »

Both the AirPods Pro and the Powerbeats Pro are amazing pieces of gear in their own regard, but it ultimately comes down to what your everyday needs are. My search for wireless headphones that were not over-the-ear came down to two contenders: the AirPods Pro and the Powerbeats Pro. After browsing a handful of articles and watching a video or two, I knew I was going to need to try them for myself. So I got both. »

After spending the better part of a month with the EOS R and the RF 35mm ƒ/1.8 IS STM Macro lens, I have some impressions on what it’s like to move from 2016 camera technology to 2018 camera technology, as well as some thoughts on the significant mindset change when flipping from the Fuji X-T2 to the EOS R. »

Apple's latest and greatest true wireless earbuds were worth the wait. »

Despite the massive year-over-year improvements in battery life of the latest iPhones (all three, the 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max), there are still those who somehow find a way to crush their battery on a daily or semi-daily basis. »

As the 16-inch MacBook Pro stands, this is basically a perfect professional laptop. A big, wide color P3 display. Four extra-powerful Thunderbolt 3 ports. The best trackpad in the business. And finally, a physical escape key. »

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. »

The Twelve South HiRise Pro and BackPack are great accessories for cleaning up the desk around your iMac and for pushing your iMac to new ergonomic heights. »

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! »

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 […] »

This is just a slick-as-all-get-out accessory you'll love having on your desk. »

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. »

The Bellroy Premium Sling is a compact everyday carry option that looks great and packs more than you'd think. »

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 […] »

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. »

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. »

Love your Apple Watch but feel like it needs a little more...Iron Man? Juuk's Vitero Crimson band is just the thing. »

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's A2+ Wireless Computer Speakers are a high-quality mini music system for your desktop, bookshelf, or other small space. »

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 […] »

You don't have to rely on those flimsy foam mousepads when you have the option to buy an aluminum mousepad. »

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 […] »

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, […] »