🎒 What I Actually Use Every Day (My EDC + Setup Breakdown)

I overthink gear. Not because I want the nicest stuff - I just don't want things that slow me down or feel off. Everything here is something I've picked apart, tested, and kept because it works for how I think, build, and move.

💻 Laptop: Dell XPS 16 9640

I needed something powerful enough to handle AI, coding, 20 Chrome tabs, and maybe a little Unreal. But also clean. XPS gives me MacBook energy but with Windows and ports.

I picked the 16 because I don't like cramped screens. Trackpad's actually usable (rare on Windows).

Only complaint: it's kinda heavy, but I knew what I signed up for. This is my mobile command center. I don't baby it - it's a tool.

🖥️ Desktop Build: RTX 3060 / Ryzen 5 6800 / 16GB RAM / 2TB

This one's my fault - I built it during a burnout weekend just to feel productive.

3060 is the sweet spot: strong enough for deep learning and games, but doesn't fry my wallet.

6800 because I wanted a snappy CPU but didn't care about bragging rights.

2TB because I hoard files, datasets, and backups like it's 1999.

I could've gone 32GB RAM, but I haven't maxed 16 yet. If I do, I'll upgrade. I buy what I need when I need it.

🧠 Homelab: HP EliteDesk G5

I7-8900 / 16GB / 2TB NVMe

This one's criminally underrated. Got it cheap, runs cool, and does everything quietly in the corner.

Runs a custom OS I built off Arch. Yeah, I made my life harder on purpose.

I use it for file storage, SSH access, containers, and weird Linux projects.

It's small enough to hide but important enough I panic when the power flickers.

Might grab another and cluster them. More power never hurts.

🎒 Bag: North Face Surge

It's not flashy, but it holds everything. I tried more “minimal” bags. They annoyed me.

This has compartments where I want them, and I can throw it on the floor without caring.

✏️ Pens, Tools & Notebooks

Rotring 600: I bought this because I wanted a pencil that felt like a weapon. And it is. Metal, weighty, makes me write slower in a good way.

Pentel P205: My fast pencil. When I'm sketching ideas or doing math, I don't want to be precise. I want to be quick.

Mintra Notebook (white): Simple. Durable. I tried fancy notebooks but hated how stiff and dark they felt. This one lets me scribble and move on.

General Tools Precision Set (28-piece): You never realize how often stuff breaks until you carry a screwdriver. I fix everything I can. It's satisfying.

HYTO Screwdriver: Daily carry screwdriver can't be carring a set on me this one is pocketable.

Pinecil by PINE64: Great for soldering - quickly heats up, super fast, and its magnetic stand holds it securely. You don't know how many times I've burned myself with other irons.

💾 Storage: Silicon Power 1TB w/ Enclosure

Picked this one for two reasons: cheap but not trash, and it doesn't overheat after 10 mins.

It's my emergency drive. Backup, bootable OS, or sneakernet if Wi-Fi dies.

🎧 iPhone 12 + AirPods Pro 2

iPhone 12 still holds up. Camera's solid, screen's fine, no reason to upgrade (yet).

AirPods Pro 2 = lifesavers. Noise canceling, fast pairing, decent mic. They're not “audiophile,” but I'm not trying to mix an album on the train.

Sony MDR-EX14 school banned bluetooth devices, wanted somthing better than airpods but still wired.

🪛 Custom Google Mini (ESP32 Mod)

This was a dumb project that ended up teaching me a lot.

Took apart a Google Mini, replaced the board with an ESP32.

Now it runs local voice commands + some automations I set up. It's not about practicality. It's about being curious.

🎸 Fender Jazz Bass

Not part of my workflow, but part of my mental health.

When I can't think straight or I'm fried from code, I just play. It's analog. It's slow. It doesn't beep or ping or demand anything. That matters.

🖨 EcoTank Printer/Scanner

I don't print often, but when I do, I don't want to deal with ink drama. This one works. That's all I ask.

☁️ Hosting & Dev Tools

I use Cloudflare Pages to host most of my static sites - fast, secure, and no nonsense.

For custom domain emails, I use Zoho Mail, then route it to Gmail for convenience.

🧰 Productivity & Communication

I use Visual Studio Code for most of my coding.

For design work and school presentations, I go with Canva.

Google Suite handles schoolwork and communication.

I'll use PowerPoint if I know the other person can open it.

🧠 Why I Use What I Use

I'm not chasing “clean desk” TikToks.

I'm chasing tools that actually do their job, don't get in the way, and make me feel like I'm building something real.

This setup is a mix of practicality, personality, and overthinking. But that's the point. It reflects how I work and what I care about.

If you've got similar gear or want to build your own setup, I'll happily overanalyze it with you.