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Developer Hardware Everyday Carry (EDC)
12/21/2015 by Chris Toohey
For those of you not familiar with EDC, or Everyday Carry, the term refers to the various items - from wallets to weapons and more - that for one reason or another you keep on yourself or in your pockets... daily. Instead of showing you the contents of my pockets, I thought that I would share with you the hardware and software that I use every day. Perhaps you'll see something that will become a part of your personal "Development EDC".
EDC Hardware
This "ultrabook" is a beast! I purchased this as my "main development rig", as I wanted something that would handle multiple customer virtual machines while running local servers (more on that in the Software section). It's sleek and overpowered while professional -- an excellent device!
Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 (64GB Model)
Having jumped from iOS to Android circa the iPhone 4 and Samsung Galaxy S4, this powerhouse smartphone was a no-brainer. I can build and test on a physical device (which is a critical part of mobile or hybrid application user experience development), load up on podcasts, run in a windowed or split-screen mode to run apps side-by-side, and easily RDP into servers and PCs at will.
I will be picking up a new Note once they re-introduce microSD expansion, which was missing from the Note 5.
Targus USB 3.0 Dual Video Docking Station
If you've ever used multiple monitors, you realize how crippling going back to a single-monitor configuration can be. Despite my Dell XPS 15 having the QHD+ display, I still wanted to be able to position an IDE on my main display and use other displays for previews, reference/documentation, server consoles, and more. The easiest way to do this was to pick up a simple USB 3.0 dual-video dock.
The Targus, which is the same make/model as the Dell branded device, allows me to run my Dell XPS display as well as two external displays.
If you're not running at least +1 displays, pick up another monitor (or 2) ASAP!
My only issue with this device is that you can not charge the laptop from the docking station. There is a different model available (the Target USB 3.0 DV2K Dock with Power) that allows you to charge your laptop... but if I were to put money into another docking station at this point I'd pick up the Dell USB 3.0 Triple Display Dock (and 3 more displays)!
Dell E2214H 21.5-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor
I have two of these displays hooked up to the aforementioned docking station, and am currently running a three display rig. Not much to say about these displays - they get the job done!
Dual LCD Monitor Desk Mount Stand (Vertical)
Another "not much to say here" pickup. This vertical monitor stand allows me to run the 3 displays without feeling like I'm mid-court in a tennis match!
With the vertical monitor mount placing my displays at a comfortable viewing position, I wanted a stand that would raise my Dell XPS from the "flat-on-the-desk" angle to something equally easy on my neck. My solution was this simple kickstand-looking stand. With the Dell XPS in the stand, it's raised display is at the perfect viewing angle while not taking up more real estate on my desk. And the 45 degree incline of the keyboard is not an issue for me as I run an external keyboard (and rarely use the touchscreen display when in this configuration).
Microsoft Sculpt Mobile Keyboard (T9T-00001) and Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Bluetooth Mouse (H3S-00003)
In an attempt to minimize the wires on the desk, I picked up a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.
I chose Bluetooth over wifi dongle-based wireless connected devices mostly so I didn't have to carry around another part -- another part that I could potentially lose and make two peripherals useless.
What's your EDC?
Time to share your Everyday Carry! What hardware do you use to do your job? What's on your hardware wishlist? Let us know in the comments below!