AS with the DIY Equipment page, this is a summary of some of my favorite stuff that I use for work. There are also a few things scattered in here that could be considered “personal gear,” but could be argued that they help me run my business, Jeremy Cook Consulting LLC. Hope you find what I use interesting!
Whiteboards ~$33 [Amazon]
If one whiteboard is good, then two are better? Shown here is a rare glimpse of that my boards look like when clean. My one complaint about these boards is that I ordered one, then the other, and there was a slight change in the design. This means they’re not quite identical, but it’s something I haven’t thought about in some time.
Carbon Fiber Money Clip ~$10 [Amazon]
After having some back issues, I decided to see about using a thinner wallet. While I still have back issues, this type of money clip has held up for several years, and look pretty awesome holding my cards and cash.
Lenovo Yoga 3
Perhaps there are better computers out there, but what I really like about this computer is that I can fold the keyboard underneath it when docked. This allows me to use it as a secondary monitor without the keys getting in the way. Here’s a video about my setup with an original Yoga from 2014.
Adafruit Edge Badge ~35 [Adafruit]
This badge runs CircuitPython, and has a default program that allows you to put your name in on one screen, info and a background picture on another, and an automatically-generated QR code on the other. It’s of course programmable for an unlimited number of other purposes, and can even run TensorFlow Lite, but even as a name badge using its 1.8″ TFT display, it really shines.
rOtring Rapid Pro Mechanical Pencil ~$23 [Amazon]
While a bit of a splurge compared to cheap-o plastic models, I really like this pencil. The tip that supports the lead retracts into the body, making it really good for transportation etc. You can see this or my other pencil (a 600 series also by rOtring [Amazon]) at the end of many of my videos when I sketch whatever I’m working on.
Moleskine Notebook ~$14 [Amazon]
Like the pencils above, these notebooks aren’t cheap, but are very good. I initially wanted to get an isometric pattern (which I haven’t been able to find in this sort of format), but the square grid seems to work fine after getting used to it. As shown to the right, I’ve ordered several of these.
Drawing for Product Designers ~$13 [Amazon]
I paid close to $30 for this book, but as I write it it’s under $13. It’s really a great book that has helped me improve my sketching technique quite a bit (see results above). To be fair, I haven’t gotten through all of it, but that’s one of my goals for this year.
Ergonomic Keyboard ~$37 [Amazon]
Took a while to get used to, but really helped with some pain in my wrists that I’d been having. Keeps hands in a more natural position when typing, with respect to my body.
Logitech M570 Trackball ~$30 [Amazon]
I got one of these at work to try it out, and purchased one for home use in 2013, then replaced it in 2018 with the same type. Looks like there may have been a minor change in the labeling, but other than that it appears identical. This will take a while to get used to, but seems to help you move about the screen quickly.
Brother DCPL2540DW Laser Printer ~$200 [Amazon]
I purchased this printer in October 2015, with the idea that I rarely need to print in color, and the cartridges would last a very long time. Since then, I’ve replaced the toner either once or twice, including the initial “sample” cartridge. Also, it’s got a great scanner, an an auto-feeder for multiple pages. While it’s been a really printer for my purposes, I bought it for $109.99, and now it seems the price has nearly doubled! I would certainly recommend the brand, and type, but maybe there’s a better and/or cheaper unit out now.
*Note that links to Amazon are affiliate, meaning I get a small percentage of the purchase price at no additional cost to you. Also, prices are estimates, as they tend to change. Let me know at hi@jeremyscook.com if something is way off and I need to update.