Tools of the Trade: Andy Laub
I suppose it’s time for me to chime in on this meme that’s going on. This list represents the hardware/software that brings me to my optimal productivity.
- Mac + OS X: You knew this was coming; I suspect few people have a list that doesn’t include a computer of some sort, but I am not one of them. Maybe I’ve succumbed to the stereotype of “creatives using Macs” but honestly, I love it. I love OS X, and I love Apple’s hardware. My current Mac, a beleaguered old G4 Powerbook, unfortunately no longer has the horsepower I need to feel truly productive, and that’s why a Mac Pro is in the cards very soon. I can’t wait.
- Windows XP: Wait, what? I just went on about how great Apple’s stuff is and now I mention Windows? Blasphemy! But it’s true; capable as it may be, OS X can’t do everything. That’s where trusty old Windows comes in; and thanks to Apple’s switch to Intel last year, I can run it on my Mac as the need arises.
- Adobe Creative Suite: Operating systems aside, Creative Suite is the hammer, screwdriver, and pliers of any designer’s toolbox. Without it, I’d just be checking emails and browsing the internet all day.
- Adium: Marcus already mentioned this one, but Adium is the single best chat program for the Mac. You can manage all of your accounts on it at the same time regardless of origin; MSN, Yahoo!, AOL, all covered. Now they just need to release it for the…
- iPhone: This makes the list tentatively; I can personally attest to how amazing this piece of hardware is; for those of you who don’t really understand it, think of it more as a computer that can make phone calls than anything else. While I still need my Mac for doing the “real” work, the iPhone is a master of all things communication. Sadly, I’m still in a contract with Sprint. Also sadly, the iPhone bill is twice what my current bill is. Yikes.
- iPod: And yet, I couldn’t leave behind the venerable iPod. I have a 60-gig that lets me bring all my music with me, something that the iPhone isn’t yet capable of. Someday they may truly be one and the same, but not yet.
- WordPress: Another obvious one. How could I omit the foundation of Citizen Wausau and andylaub.com?
- Camera: I feel kind of bad mentioning this since I haven’t done anything photography-related for a about three months, but still. I love shooting photos, and I have a little Point n’ Shoot that does alright. But I’m truly falling all over myself for the Canon Digital Rebel XTi. Soon.
- Xbox 360: And then there’s this. Somehow, I think the 360 keeps me sane. I know that when I have a frustrating day, I can go home and lose myself in some of the most amazing games available right now: Bioshock, Assassin’s Creed, Forza 2, Orange Box… you get the idea. I’ve loved video games since I was a little kid, and this is the next best thing. This is also the most connected generation of consoles ever. Get online, download games, and play with people across the globe. Amazing.
That pretty much sums up my life. No doubt that technology will change and evolve, but I have a feeling that the general content of this list will remain the same for a long time.
So let’s hear from you guys! Let’s make this the first official Citizen Wausau meme; put your lists up on your blogs and then then let us know!
Dino Corvino said:
Your out. XP, we need to have a team meeting or intervention
December 21st, 2007 at 2:09 pm #
Andy Laub said:
Ha, it’s not like I said Vista* or something.
*Brought to you by Windows Vista, the nerd punchline of 2007.
December 21st, 2007 at 2:15 pm #