NEW USER - Seeking advice: Best Mac Setup (2026)

[CA_Russell]

All,

 

I'm in search of what works best for the everyday workflow.

 

Current setup:

MacBook Pro M3 Pro chip w/ 36GB integrated ram, 1 TB ssd.

CA x17 Premier on MacOS Tahoe 26.3

Apple Magic Mouse

 

I would like current details as to what your using for pointer, and trackpad, if any aids.

There seems to be a great deal of appreciation for 3D Connexion and Logitech.

What do you like? Why? What works? 

 

Are there any resource(s) / app(s) outside of CA that you incorporate?

 

Pro's & Con's would be helpful in purchasing decisions.

I would like to know what works and how to augment my current workflow for speed, etc.

 

Thanks,

Ryan Russell

 

P.S.:

Converted from Nemetschek Vectorworks Architect 2026

VW Architect used Renderworks & Twinmotion for rendering.

[para-CAD]

Apps:

• Dropbox
• Raycast or Alfred
• Sketchup
• Notes or Evernote

Hardware:

• MX Master Mouse
• Caldigit Docking Station
• 3D Connexion (works perfect in Sketchup...not in chief)
• StreamDeck. Start mobile first - repurposed iPad.  $49 lifetime license

Training:

• Dan Baumann's Pro-Academy

 

I'll think of more in a while

[Renerabbitt]

Tagging onto mikes response

I second Dropbox, no comparison to iCloud OneDrive or Google drive.

I prefer blender over sketchup especially for its decimation tools and voxel modeling but if you know sketchup stick with sketchup.

I use onenote but fan of Evernote. I use cursor AI for system design, i.e. folder organization and standardization.

 

Hardware

Logitech G604 is the greatest mouse ever created..I think the internet agrees, it's discontinued and sells for a 500 % markup from original MSRP. It's a 14 button mouse with antighosting and macro programmable keys

Spacemouse pro wireless for your left hand. John schrader of chief experts has done some extensive troubleshooting of its problems in Chief and I think got it working perfectly. Might want to reach out to him

Streameck is a great device. I use the radial menus of the spacemouse in conjunction with modifier keys on my g604 giving a potential 500+ hotkeys with on screen graphics.

 

Here is a link to Pro Academy

https://www.chiefexperts.com/a/17203/23723z2t