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Tech Setup

Inside My 2026 Tech Setup.

The workstations, sovereign Linux boxes, Apple silicon, cameras, audio, and AI hardware I actually use daily.

Building software, running local AI agents, testing hardware for Tony Reviews Things, and shipping client work for AIowa LLC requires a setup that balances raw compute with daily reliability. This is the exact hardware stack I use to build, test, film, and operate.

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Workstations & Computers

Heavy Compute & Video

Lenovo Legion 9i (RTX 4090)

RTX 4090 / Intel Core i9 / 64GB RAM

When I need to edit complex 4K timelines, grade high-bitrate footage, or throw raw brute-force compute at heavy workloads, this is what I open. It is loud and heavy, but it eats high-resolution video files for breakfast.

macOS Workstation & Main Machine

Mac mini (M5 Pro, 48GB)

Apple M5 Pro / 48GB unified memory / 1TB SSD / macOS

My main machine for macOS and iOS app development, Xcode builds, AI tooling, cross-platform testing, and creator workflows. Built for silent, sustained performance without compromise.

macOS & Portable Dev

MacBook Pro with M5 Pro

Apple M5 Pro / Liquid Retina XDR / macOS

My portable machine for macOS and iOS app development, Xcode builds, AI tooling, cross-platform testing, and creator workflows. Built for silent, sustained performance on battery without compromise.

Linux / Dev / AI Workstation

GEEKOM A9 Max

AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 / 32GB RAM / 2TB NVMe / Arch Linux

My sovereign Linux box running Arch. This isn’t a low-power office mini PC—it’s an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 powerhouse running 24/7 local Hermes agents, ROCm/Vulkan inference, developer tooling, and system-level engineering.

Dual-Display Desk Pair

Acer Nitro 27-inch Monitors (2)

27-inch / 2 units

Two 27-inch Acer Nitro monitors used as the dual-display desk pair.

Cameras & Optics

Vlogging & Desk Video

Sony ZV-1

20.1 MP / 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Lens

An easy vlogging camera for creators who want strong color and clean output without a complicated setup. Compact, reliable, and ideal for quick desk video capture.

Hybrid Video & Stills

Sony a6500

24.2 MP APS-C / 5-Axis IBIS / 4K Video / Sony E-Mount

A dependable APS-C workhorse in my photography and video kit. With 5-axis in-body image stabilization, fast autofocus, and clean 4K output, it handles B-roll, studio video capture, and detailed product stills with ease.

Product Photography

Sony A7II Full Frame

24.3 MP / Full Frame Sensor / 5-Axis IBIS

My main photography workhorse for crisp, clear product shots and header images across the site. Full-frame depth of field and proven color science make it a studio fixture.

Phone Gimbal

DJI Osmo Mobile 8

Phone gimbal

Phone gimbal used for handheld video work.

Camera Monitor

Moman Monitor

Monitor

Moman monitor used in the filming setup.

Audio

Audio Capture

FIFINE AmpliGame AM8

Dynamic Cardioid / USB-C & XLR / Touch Mute / 3.5mm Monitor

My daily driver for voiceovers, streaming, and calls. A high-value dynamic mic with dual USB-C and XLR outputs, physical gain controls, and clean off-axis room noise rejection.

Broadcast Microphone

RØDE PodMic

Microphone

Microphone used in the current recording setup.

Microphone Arm

InnoGear Mic Arm

Microphone arm

InnoGear arm used to position the microphone.

USB-C Audio Interface

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen

USB-C audio interface / 4th Gen

Audio interface used in the desk recording setup.

Lavalier Microphone

USB-C Lavalier Microphone

USB-C lavalier microphone

USB-C lavalier microphone used for recording.

Studio & Production

Smart Studio Lighting

LIFX Luna

1,000 Lumens / Multizone RGB / Matter Support

Dialed-in studio lighting without clutter. This multizone smart lamp delivers approximately 1,000 lumens of clean accent lighting, full color blending, and native Matter support to set the physical tone for filming and late-night coding.

Studio Controller

Elgato Stream Deck MK.2

15 Customizable LCD Keys / Detachable USB-C / Macro Control

The physical command center on my desk. Automates OBS scene switching, camera angles, audio mutes, and multi-step development macros with tactile LCD keys and custom profile paging.

Desk

ErGear Desk

Desk

ErGear desk used in the workspace.

AI & Experimental Gear

AI Companion / Agent Device

Rabbit r1

RabbitOS 2.3 / 2.88" Touchscreen / Push-to-Talk / 4G LTE

A dedicated handheld AI device in my testing rotation. Beyond standard voice queries, I experiment with it as an interactive voice remote and edge hardware interface for custom Hermes agents.

Storage & Accessories

Primary Mouse

Logitech MX Master 4

Mouse

Mouse used at the main workstation.

Wireless Keyboard

Logitech MX Keys S

Keyboard

Keyboard used with the workstation.

Portable Hub

Acer USB-C Hub

USB-C hub

Acer USB-C hub used with the workspace.

Workstation Hub

Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1)

8-in-1 / 100W PD Input (85W Pass-Through) / 4K60 HDMI / Ethernet / SD + microSD

Connects external displays, high-speed drives, card readers, and power through one dependable, pocketable hub.

Mobile Capture & Testing

iPhone 18 Pro Max

iPhone 18 Pro Max / 256GB / Black / Apple Intelligence

My daily iPhone and mobile test device for app reviews, camera capture, and on-the-go creator workflows.