# My Setup: A Step-by-Step Journey Hello everybody! My name is AlexCloudstar and today I want to take you in a journey in which you will see my full setup. As a tech enthusiast focused on efficiency, I’ve assembled a collection of tools that have significantly improved my work experie... Tags: productivity, devtools Published: 2023-11-18 (updated 2026-10-22) Hello everybody! My name is AlexCloudstar and today I want to take you in a journey in which you will see my full setup. As a tech enthusiast focused on efficiency, I've assembled a collection of tools that have significantly improved [my work experience and productivity](/blog/to-remote-or-not-to-remote-chronicles-of-a-developers-journey/). I want to share these resources with you. Not to brag or anything, but maybe you will find it helpful **What is in my developer setup?** A MacBook Air M1 and a Mac Studio (M1 Max) as the machines, a Huawei MateView GT 34" monitor, a Kinesis Advantage360 Professional split keyboard, an Apple Magic Mouse, Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, an Ergoplus Joy-H chair and a UPS to protect it all. **The Foundation of Performance** * MacBook Air 2020, Apple M1 processor, 16 GB RAM The versatility of a laptop combined with the power of Apple's M1 chip. An excellent choice for daily tasks and development. * Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad Comfort and functionality, essential elements for any workflow. * Apple Magic Mouse 3, Black Multi-Touch Surface Intuitive control and a sleek design for moving around the desktop. **Enhanced Work Experience** * Mac Studio, Apple M1 Max processor Incredible power for intensive tasks and high-level development. * Sony WH-1000XM5B Over the Ear Headphones, Wireless, Bluetooth, Noise cancelling, 30-hour battery life Distraction-free focus and premium sound for an unparalleled auditory experience. * Ergoplus Joy-H Chair Ergonomics and comfort for [long hours of work without compromising health](/blog/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-programmer-new-challenges-or-a-routine/). * NJOY Cadu 650 UPS, 600VA/360W Protection against power fluctuations to keep your equipment safe. * [Kinesis Advantage360 Professional Keyboard](/blog/typing-towards-health-the-benefits-of-split-keyboards/) An ergonomic keyboard for effortless typing and reduced hand fatigue. More on that below. * Huawei MateView GT 34" Monitor Expanded workspace and vibrant colors for a captivating visual experience. ## Why I Use a Kinesis Advantage360 Professional The Kinesis Advantage360 Professional is the one piece of this desk that changed how typing feels. It is a split keyboard, so each hand gets its own half and your wrists stay in a more natural position instead of bending inward. It is also adjustable, which matters because the right angle is personal. I was uncertain it would be worth the money. It was. I wrote up the health and productivity side in [the benefits of split keyboards](/blog/typing-towards-health-the-benefits-of-split-keyboards/), including what to look for if you are choosing one. If you are comparing the Kinesis Advantage360 against other split boards, start there. The mouse is the other half of the ergonomics problem. When my wrist started hurting I ran an experiment to rely on it less, which I wrote about in [No Mouse 30](/blog/no-mouse-30/). ## How I Keep the Machines in Sync Hardware is only half of a setup. I keep the software side in a dotfiles repo, and I describe how it works in [how I keep my Mac up to date with dotfiles and Ansible](/blog/ansible-dotfiles-macos-setup-2026/). ## The Idea Behind the Setup This setup isn’t just a collection of tools; it's an amalgamation of brands and elements that resonate with my work style and preferences. It’s not solely about the specs or features; it’s about the synergy they create when working together. While this setup might appear comprehensive, remember that you don’t need to acquire everything at once. Each piece can be an incremental addition, gradually enhancing your work environment. Even with just a few of these tools, you can create a workspace that fosters productivity and comfort. For those starting on this journey: 1. Prioritize Your Needs: Invest in tools that address your specific requirements or improve critical aspects of your workflow. 2. Experiment and Adapt: Not all tools suit everyone. Try different options to find what aligns best with your work style and preferences. 3. Smart Budgeting: Quality gear can be an investment. Start with more budget-friendly alternatives and upgrade as needed and as your budget allows. Remember, it's not about having the most high-end gadgets; it's about finding what works for you. ## Frequently Asked **Which keyboard do you use?** A Kinesis Advantage360 Professional split keyboard. **Which computers do you work on?** A MacBook Air M1 (2020, 16 GB RAM) and a Mac Studio with an M1 Max chip. **Which monitor do you use?** A Huawei MateView GT 34". **Do I need all of this?** No. Add one piece at a time and start with whatever fixes your biggest problem. #Workspace  #ProductivityHacks  #TechSetup #ErgonomicDesign  #AppleEcosystem #SonyHeadphones  #HuaweiMonitor  #HomeOfficeEssentials