When we start programming, we often wonder what hardware we need. Throughout my career as a developer, I've acquired various gadgets that have allowed me to program more productively and, most importantly, in an agile way to be able to work from anywhere.
For me, it was very important that my setup was quick to move around and didn't require thousands of different cables to work, while still maintaining high productivity.
Main Setup
MacBook 16GB RAM
I've used Windows all my life. But when Macs with M chips came out, I started reading about them and saw that their battery lasted over 12 hours. I bought a MacBook Air M1 and was amazed. It had no fan!
I've worked with ThinkPads, and the speed I get with my MacBook is very noticeable. Everything runs smoothly and the screen is incredible. The only point I would recommend to everyone in general is don't buy one with less than 16GB of RAM! This is the most important thing to have a Mac that never gets stuck.
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Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M2): Liquid Retina Display, 256 GB
The Mac's perfect companion. For me, if you plan to travel and use a Mac, this is a must. With the Apple Pencil, it's my notebook for taking notes, making diagrams, etc... And it's also a secondary screen without an HDMI cable! This functionality is totally underrated.
Buy on AmazonEssential Peripherals
Logitech MX Anywhere 3S
My favorite mouse I've ever had. Works perfectly with Mac and iPad. The wheel feeling is the best I've tried and horizontal scrolling is easy. You need to press the sides + move the wheel to do it, but you get used to it quickly.
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Logitech MX Mechanical Mini Keyboard
Good low-profile mechanical keyboard. I usually program directly on the Mac because I made it a point to get used to it for when I travel, but sometimes I use this keyboard which is small and comfortable.
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Apple AirPods Pro 2
For me, this is the most essential gadget without a doubt. They connect simultaneously to iPhone, iPad, and Mac depending on what you're using. They sound great and their noise cancellation and transparency modes are amazing! I'm always listening to music and in meetings, and if I'm away from home, they're 100% needed!
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JBL Flip 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The speaker I use when I want more volume at home than with the HomePod Mini. (I also take it when traveling, to the beach, when showering, etc...). Maybe I'd like a bit more bass.
Buy on AmazonAccessories
Apple Pencil 2
I draw ERD diagrams, flowcharts, summaries...I'll add a link to a post about how I use it. Works great and the best thing for me compared to version 1 is that it charges with the iPad; it takes very little time to charge.
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USB-C HDMI Adapter
This is the adapter I always carry with me when traveling or going to an office. Simple and compact (I don't like the ones that stick to the Mac).
Buy on AmazonHome Office Accessories
These are the accessories I use for my home office, they're not necessary for programming, they're products that have helped me have better ergonomics and productivity while working from home.
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HomePod Mini
For managing all my home automation. Good speaker although I always wear the AirPods.
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Monitor Screen
My secondary screen that I use when I'm at home. Good value for money.
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MagSafe Charger
With this, I leave the AirPods case on top and they're always fully charged.
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Cable Management Box
So no cables are visible anywhere! I have 2 of these.
Final Conclusions
So these are my essential gadgets that I use for programming in 2025. You can add one more screen, one less... in the end, look at your needs and your daily routine. Maybe if you're into gaming you might prefer Windows, but what I do recommend is that don't buy a Mac without RAM! (16GB minimum).
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All recommendations are based on my personal experience and preferences.
Rubén Pérez · zShuck
Software AI Engineer · Product Engineer · Barcelona