Home Target and Reference Architecture
Hardware Platform
The home-based hardware platform is Apple for both phone and laptop.
How to use a Dell Thunderbolt Dock (WD19TB/WD19TBS,WD22TB4) and Apple USB-C Hosts
Software Platform
Operating System
I exclusively use Apple Hardware and Operating System
Browser
I use Chrome for both MacBook and iPhone which I set as default browsers
eMail
Google can be configured as the default email provider for iOS devices
Calendar
Google can be configured as the default calendar while syncing with Apple's calendar
Contacts
Google can be configured as the default contacts to sync with your Apple iPhone - so - when you add a contact via the phone it shows up in Google and vice versa
Notes / Memos
Apple's Notes: Laptop: Apple's Notes application and iPhone: Apple's Notes application
This is where I have varied from being "all Google". I found the integration across Apple's iCloud to be more suitable for the simple note taking
All my notes I take under the Account called "iCloud" so the notes sync across all devices
I do configure Google for Notes but I don't use it
Tasks
Apple's Reminders: Laptop: Apple's Reminders application and iPhone: Apple's Reminders application
iPhone: Due application - I use an app called "Due" for those things that I for sure can't forget about - it is an electronic nag - drives you crazy until you finish the task or postpone it but highly effective
Password Management
This is a MUST for anyone that uses passwords on the Internet. 1Password is my tool of choice though others prefer LastPass and/or Dashlane. Regardless - use one!
This was selected after extensive searching and evaluating. I believe for Apple products this is a winner. It works seamless across Apple's Keychain and all associated application via browser plug-ins, etc. With the new iOS it now allows for in-app password insertions - a life saver.
To get the full features for both OSx and iOS you pay - but - I found you don't have to. I just wanted to be able to have everything in one spot.
The big benefit of this application is you can subdivide and have certain password accounts shared across other family members while also having your own space. I haven't tried this yet but it gets great reviews.
File Sharing
I use Google Drive. I know everyone likes DropBox and all of that but I haven't found a reason to pay money for that.
What I like best about this is that it integrates with the OSx's Finder application.
I do pay for extra storage so I can share large files with others in a Dropbox-type way.
I found it a little clumsy for users that are not on the Google platform (having a Google email). Many times I get the "the link doesn't work..." but this has improved over time.
Photos
Lightroom is by far and away the best photo management software out there - for those serious about photography.
For basic needs use Google Photo.
My workflow is:
Import my images into Lightroom where I manage and process them.
Export my images and store them Google Photo where I organize them in Albums and share those Albums with others - and - where I can stage my Instagram images
Backups
Password Management
An alternative is KeePassX
AntiVirus
Avast - Free
RansomWare
Memory, File Cleanup
CCLeaner - Free
CleanMyMac - Paid