Section 1.1: The Importance of a Good Keyboard

As a software engineer, a considerable portion of my time is spent writing code or navigating through the Terminal. Therefore, having a reliable keyboard is crucial. For almost a decade, I relied on my Apple full-size keyboard, but as it aged, I felt it was time for an upgrade. Encouraged by colleagues who praised mechanical keyboards, I decided to explore this option.

After researching various models, I became intrigued by the Logitech MX Mechanical, which was specifically designed for Mac compatibility. After reading numerous reviews, I decided to give it a shot, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed. The tactile feedback it provides is perfect for coding and writing documentation.

Section 1.2: My Favorite Mouse

Currently, I use the original Logitech MX Master, a purchase I made during a Black Friday sale five years ago. This mouse has been an excellent companion, offering ergonomic comfort for both my hands and my wife’s smaller hands.

One standout feature is the dual-mode scroll wheel. The first mode allows for rapid scrolling through lengthy documents, while the second provides notched scrolling for precision. If I were to buy a new mouse today, I would opt for the Logitech MX Master 2S or the MX Master 3S, both of which have enhancements over my current model.

Section 2.1: External Storage Solutions

Modern Macs come with the limitation that you cannot upgrade the hard drive after purchase, and opting for additional storage at the time of purchase can be costly. Thus, I chose the Transcend JetDrive, an external SSD that conveniently fits into the SD slot of my Mac.

This SSD is flush with the device, allowing for easy removal, and utilizes high-quality MLC NAND Flash chips, ensuring superior speed and reliability. At around £120.99 for 1TB, it's a much more economical choice than the £400 I would have spent for the same capacity from Apple.

Section 2.2: Protecting Your Investment

Given the high cost of Macs and my propensity for clumsiness, I decided to invest in a hard case for protection. The case I selected is quite basic yet provides good ventilation and solid protection. While it does tend to collect fingerprints, the addition of stickers has helped mask that issue.

Section 2.3: Enhancing Workspace Ergonomics

For my work setup, I always use my Mac in closed-book mode, connected to an external monitor. However, this arrangement can lead to overheating due to inadequate airflow. After experiencing performance issues during a summer heatwave, I researched solutions and found that a vertical laptop stand could significantly improve air circulation.