--- title: Uses date: 2018-05-06T19:57:05+00:00 modified: 2025-12-26T14:35:52+00:00 image:: https://kaspars.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/uses.jpeg permalink: https://kaspars.net/uses post_type: page author: name: Kaspars avatar: https://reverse.kaspars.net/gravatar/avatar/92bfcd3a8c3a21a033a6484d32c25a40b113ec6891f674336081513d5c98ef76?s=96&d=mm&r=g --- # Uses Here is a list of tools and services I love and use (last updated in December 2025). Note that some of the links are affiliate. ## Computing - [MacBook Pro](https://support.apple.com/kb/SP858) (the original M1 2021). - [iPhone 11](https://www.apple.com/iphone-11/) (3rd battery) and looking to upgrade to iPhone 17. - [Apple Watch Series 8](https://support.apple.com/lv-lv/111848) for tracking sleep, gym, walks and bike rides. - [QNAP TS-435XeU](https://www.qnap.com/en/product/ts-435xeu) ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y7YR35M)) home-lab server for [Home Assistant](https://www.home-assistant.io/) and [Scrypted](https://www.scrypted.app/) along with [Time Machine](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250) backups and local file sharing. - [Beelink U59 Pro](https://kaspars.net/blog/beelink-u59-pro-n5105) ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J4D6TMG)) for dual-booting Windows and various Linux distros. - [Beelink EQ14](https://www.bee-link.com/products/beelink-eq14-n150) ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C339KVH9)) for NVR and homelab Docker containers. - [Mikrotik RB5009UPr+S+IN](https://mikrotik.com/product/rb5009upr_s_in) ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBW159WW)) router with [UniFi U6+](https://techspecs.ui.com/unifi/wifi/u6-plus) ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC7X8XFD)) access-point (see [the related blog posts](https://kaspars.net/blog/tag/mikrotik)). - [Dell UltraSharp 27 inch 4K U2723QE](https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-ultrasharp-27-4k-usb-c-hub-monitor-u2723qe/apd/210-bdpf/monitors-monitor-accessories) monitor ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TQZP9CL)) which requires [this configuration fix](https://kaspars.net/blog/fix-dell-monitor-flickering-mac). ## Development - [Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com/) code editor. - [Tower](https://www.git-tower.com/?via=kaspars) Git client. - [GitHub](https://github.com/) personal plan with 130+ public and 40+ private repositories. - [DigitalOcean](https://www.digitalocean.com/) hosting projects. - [Sketch](https://www.sketchapp.com/) and [Figma](https://www.figma.com/) for design and prototyping. ## Software and Services - [Zen browser](https://zen-browser.app/) (primary) and [Chrome](https://www.google.com/chrome/) for performance work. - [Strongbox](https://strongboxsafe.com/) for password management (synced over iCloud). - [Portainer](https://www.portainer.io) for homelab Docker needs. - [WireGuard](https://www.wireguard.com/) for secure networking ([blog posts](https://kaspars.net/blog/tag/wireguard)) with a DigitalOcean jump-server. - [Home Assistant](https://www.home-assistant.io/) and [Apple Home](https://www.apple.com/ios/home/) for [home automation](https://kaspars.net/blog/topic/home-automation). - [Restic](https://restic.net/) for server backup to homelab. - [Backblaze](https://www.backblaze.com/) for personal computer backups. - [iCloud Storage](https://www.apple.com/lae/icloud/) for photos, videos, family email and iCloud Drive. - [Google Workspace](https://workspace.google.com/) for email, docs, calendars, etc. - [Apple Notes](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=apple+notes&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8) for writing and notes. - [Spotify](https://www.spotify.com) family plan. ## Reading - [Reeder](https://feedly.com/) on iOS and macOS with iCloud sync for following news and blogs. - [Amazon Kindle 2019](https://www.amazon.com/gp/B07FPX819Q) and [iPad Air (4th gen)](https://support.apple.com/kb/SP828) ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V3JH3XS)) for reading. - [Apple Books](https://www.apple.com/apple-books/) for buying and reading books on mobile. - [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/kasparsd) for finding and reviewing books. See [my bookshelf](https://kaspars.net/reads). - Subscriptions to [Passive House Plus](https://passivehouseplus.ie/), [The Economist](https://www.economist.com/) and [Dwell](https://www.dwell.com/). ## Video & Audio - [Canon 750D](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EOS_750D). - [Movo PM10](https://www.movophoto.com/products/movo-pm10-deluxe-lavalier-lapel-clip-on-smartphone-microphone) lavalier microphone for iPhone. ## Hardware & Tools - Carhartt Legacy 14-inch tool bag with 26 pockets ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BBSO104)). - Makita 18V power tools. - [USB-C Makita 18V battery adapter](https://kaspars.net/blog/usb-c-pd65w-adapter-charger-18v-20v-batteries) and charger ([AliExpress](https://kaspars.net/go/udcb094-usb-c-pd60w-adapter-18v-20v-makita-dewalt-milwaukee-bosch-batteries)). ## Electronics - Miniware TS80 USB-C (only 18W QC3.0) soldering iron. Newer versions are [TS80P](https://e-design.com.cn/ProductDetail/8683645.html) 30W ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9MR5PM4), [AliExpress](https://kaspars.net/go/miniware-ts80p)) or TS101 60W ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDTO6X7), [AliExpress](https://kaspars.net/go/miniware-ts101)) which support USB-C PD2.0. - [Rigol DS1054Z](https://www.rigolna.com/products/digital-oscilloscopes/1000z/) 4-channel oscilloscope ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012938E76)). Newer version is Rigol DHO800 series ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGHQHQN7), [AliExpress](https://kaspars.net/go/rigol-dho800)). ## Coffee - DeLonghi Dedica espresso machine ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KA8YC6A)). - CAPFEI bottomless portafilter ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0F12KPDF5)). - AMZCHEF electric coffee grinder ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2943CXZ)). ## Outdoor Gear Most gear purchased from [Trekkinn](https://www.tradeinn.com/trekkinn), [Bergfreunde](https://www.bergfreunde.eu) and [Decathlon](https://www.decathlon.com). - [Fjallraven Raven 28](https://www.fjallraven.com/eu/en-gb/bags-gear/backpacks-bags/laptop-bags/raven-282/) ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6P473X2)) backpack as a daily driver. - [Fjallraven Sten](https://www.fjallraven.com/eu/en-gb/men/jackets/outdoor-jackets/sten-jacket-m/) jacket ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BIJNHA2)) for summer and [Skogso Padded](https://www.fjallraven.com/uk/en-gb/men/jackets/winter-jackets/skogso-padded-jacket-m/?v=F82279::7323451062834) ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PMNTF4L)) jacket for winter which I don’t recommend (sleeves too long and size too small). - [Fjallraven Vidda Pro](https://www.fjallraven.com/uk/en-gb/men/trousers/trekking-trousers/vidda-pro-trousers-m/) ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC256Y5S)) hiking trousers. - [Seiko Alba Solar](https://www.sakurawatches.com/seiko-alba-solar-aefd557) analog watch from Japan via eBay. - [Opinel Nomad](https://www.opinel.com/en/nomad-cooking) ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBCKPDQ7)) cooking set. - [Opinel foldable no. 08 pocket knifes](https://www.opinel.com/en/pocket-knives/carbone/n8-carbon) ([Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002SCUO04)). - [Airbank D13 Pro](https://kaspars.net/blog/airbank-d13-pro-teardown) portable pump for SUPs and other inflatables. ## Other `/uses` Lists See [uses.tech](https://uses.tech/) for other similar lists.