Tech Talk: The Computers, Microphones, Keyboards, and Hardware I use for my Brand & Web Design Business
Many articles focus on software: Honeybook, Canva, Asana, and more.
But, you need a computer to actually use that software! Having good tech for your small business can prevent a huge headache and save you tons of time. You need a computer that holds a good charge, isn’t slow, and is either stable enough for you (desktop computer) or lightweight and portable (laptop or Macbook.) There’s nothing worse than constantly be worried about charging a computer, the size of data it can hold, or it being so bulky that you’d rather use it as a paperweight.
In this remote and digital age, small businesses also need a great microphone and camera to increase the quality of your Zoom, Whereby, and/or other types of virtual meetings. Nothing is worse than someone who can’t hear you, and the constant “Can you hear me? Can you hear me now?”
Aside from computers and input devices, having tech that supports your lifestyle makes your business flow easier. Whether it’s a stand for your phone, an iPad for drawing, or even an Alexa to help you with tasks, adding tech to your life can make things simpler and save you time.
Time is my scarcest resource, so anything that puts time back into my day is worth its weight in gold.
I do not have hours in my day to worry about how slow my computer is or attempting workarounds for my Lives and TikToks.
Below find a breakdown of all of the tech, computers, and accessories I use for my small design business! As a designer, I use all of this tech a LOT. Everything from an office chair to a mouse pad is covered in this review!
The Computers I Use as a Designer
Yes, I said “computers” - plural.
Here’s a personal note: my home had a break-in December of 2020. The day after Christmas, in fact. Thanks, robbers! They stole a lot of computers that I had that were handed down from family and a few other things.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that they also stole the cutest computer bag ever, and I miss it terribly. I guess they needed something to carry all of my stolen computers in! I’m fortunate that I had a great insurance company who provided compensation for my losses.
When faced with the decision to rebuild my tech life, I knew I needed a very flexible workflow.
I work during the day at my desk on large monitors, but as soon as it hits 6:00pm, I head straight to the couch to finish my day in comfort. Not to mention, my husband and I live a very travel-based lifestyle, often hopping around to visit our families in other states or to take impromptu trips locally and internationally.
Because of all these reasons, it made sense for my business strategy to buy two computers, and here are the ones I picked.
My reviews of the M1 Mac Mini and M1 Macbook Air:
Mac Mini with M1 chip for Desktop | 1TB | 16Ram
The M1 chip is a must. It’s a new processor that EXCELS at speed and power. It has revolutionized computers, and I mean that. I use this little powerful computer connected to a monitor (listed below) and it’s incredible. It’s fast and powerful enough to handle my larger design projects when I’m sitting at a desktop!
Because Apple products are an ecosystem, it’s easy to use Dropbox syncing and iCloud to use two computers seamlessly!
Rose Gold Macbook Air with M1 Chip
Was the rose gold necessary? No, but I love it dearly. This rose gold Macbook Air absolutely stunned me. I was prepared to return it because of screen size or slowness, but neither of those affect me. I am okay with a small screen, especially because when I use a laptop, it’s very close to my face.
This incredible machine is also extremely lightweight. I can hold it with one hand and basically tuck it into one of my larger purses. How is it so powerful, then? The power comes from the M1 chip! This chip revolutionized Macs and now, this computer stands tall next to any other! I highly, highly recommend.
Input and Output: Devices for Recordings, and Accessories I Use as a Designer
My reviews on Blue Yeti Microphone and a Durgod Taurus K320, plus more!
My Beloved: A Mechanical Keyboard (Durgod Taurus K320)
It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s extremely expensive to customize. I do not care, because this keyboard is one of my favorite parts of sitting at my desk. A mechanical keyboard is known for its very, very clicky keys. You can also customize those keys, because the keycaps are removable! They’re expensive to purchase, however, with a single key being around $20 and a spacebar getting up to $100!
Here’s a TikTok I did about my keyboard!
Blue Yeti Snowball Microphone
Did I use all of those words in the right order? Probably not. But, the Blue Yeti brand makes excellent microphones. Since I use the Mac Mini, there’s not a microphone built in, so I needed one. But even if there was, these microphones are top of their game and make me sound professional when recording for Looms, Crowdcast, or just meetings.
I have the black one, but wish I had gotten the white one...anyone want to trade?
NexiGo Camera
I didn’t do a lot of research for this one, honestly. I simply Amazon’d (you’re welcome, Jeffrey) a camera that would sit at the top of my computer, and this one fit the bill! No complaints, but no rave reviews, either.
Amazon Echo Dot
I got my office an Echo Dot to use for music and a speaker. I use Alexa to play music, set reminders, read my calendar, and work my lights. It’s totally a luxury, but I’m here for it.
Ring Light
I do have a ring light, but it was given to me by a friend! I can definitely say it makes a huge difference when recording. The ring light gave me the confidence I needed to start my TikTok, because I can now record at night after work.
Comfort
My Review of the Branch Office Chair
Branch Office Chair* (Get $20 off with that link.)
For YEARS I used a dining chair from West Elm as my computer chair. I absolutely hate the way normal ergonomic chairs look. For me, it almost felt like there was a secret agreement between chair companies that only black fabric and black pieces could be used to make chairs. I have a certain aesthetic to my office and black wasn’t going to do it for me, but I knew I wanted comfort.
Enter: Branch! These guys have a wonderful selection of soft and modern colors, in addition to different levels of customization. I have the Daily Chair in green.
Fun Gadgets and Extra Accessories I Use as a Designer
My review on a mouse, phone stands, and iPad Air
Mint Mouse
I cannot believe I let a Microsoft product into my home, but alas: this mouse came in a mint color! Using a mouse is proven to reduce carpal tunnel so I use it during my general work day. I have no complaints, as it works just like a mouse should. No lagging, snagging, or anything!
Branded Mouse Pad
If you have a mouse, you have to have a mousepad! I branded mine from Vistaprint. Easy peasy, and looks great on my desk. I promised no affiliate links in this post, but here’s my toolkit if you do want to use any of my links!
These Phone Stands
They’re simple, they’re small, and they hold up my phone and my iPad. What more could you ask for? I’m also very picky about my desk aesthetics, so the fact that this comes in a beautiful white and forest green was a real winner. I have one for my phone for IG Lives and Reels, and one for my iPad to use as a second monitor.
iPad Air, Mint (10.9”, 64G memory)
Yes, I ALSO have an iPad air! Who AM I? I actually use my iPad Air in Sidecar mode - meaning it’s an extra monitor! When not using it as a monitor, I am slowly attempting to learn ProCreate. The iPad was a “fun” business purchase for me, meaning it’s more of a hobby than a necessity for my work.
All of these tech and tools contribute to making my working experience much more pleasant. Each day, I use a combination of all these items to streamline my workflow and process. Sometimes I feel a little nerdy with the amount I actually have, but overall it’s amazing how tech enhances our lives!
Comment below with the tech you use!
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