Uses This

Who are you, and what do you do?

Jason Fried, one of the original founders of 37signals. I started the business back in 1999 with two other partners. We started as a web design firm, but now build web-based software.

I do a little bit of everything except programming and sys admin. I design, I write, I talk to customers, I think about the vision stuff, I come up with new product ideas and ways to improve our current products. These days I think of myself as an editor most of the time - reviewing, revising, tweaking, and polishing up what we're doing before it goes out the door.

What hardware do you use?

MacBook Pro, anti-glare high-rez screen w/ a 15" monitor. SSD drive to make it fastest. I also use an iPad for drafting design ideas. I also use thick sharpie markers and big pieces of paper to sketch ideas.

I used to use a 30" cinema display with my MacBook Pro, but a couple weeks ago I got rid of it. Now I just use the laptop screen. One screen all the time. I also like the smaller screen because it forces me to make better use of the space. I found myself getting mess on a 30".

You'll also find a Fuji ScanSnap on my desk and a paper shredder under my desk.

Shure SE530s keeps everyone out of my head and an Aeron chair to keep my body comfortable.

And what software?

Mostly: Basecamp, Highrise, Campfire, Backpack, Writeboard, Ta-da List, TextMate, Dropbox, Git, Safari/Firefox/Chrome, Propane, Terminal, Instapaper, Photoshop, Mail, Divvy, MobileMe, Transmit, Logbook (desktop client for the Backpack journal), Airfoil, iTunes, Keynote, 1Password, Pulsar (desktop client for Sirius radio).

What would be your dream setup?

I have it. One powerful, portable, fast, machine with a high-rez screen and a clean desktop. I don't really believe in dreams when it comes to hardware. These are the tools you use to do your job - you should have the best you can afford. Luckily, we're in the computer business, not the Formula One business. The best computers are affordable, all things considered.