The 5 AI tools I actually use (after testing dozens)

I subscribe to several AI Newsletters and every day, these newsletters promote new AI software coming onto the market. Testing AI software could be a full-time job - but it's probably not yours.

So today, I want to share the AI tools that have genuinely made my work life better (and more fun) after countless hours of testing and tinkering.

​Claude: My go-to Gen AI​

You know how some AI conversations feel robotic? Not with Claude. It's been my reliable thought partner for over a year, and here's the cool part - it actually "gets" my voice (sure - I still do an edit, but it's pretty good for a quick first draft or a final polish). When I compare it side-by-side with ChatGPT, Claude consistently feels more like chatting with a savvy colleague than a computer.

Pro tip: The new Claude Projects feature is like having different brain spaces for different projects (think Slack channels, but make them AI). The real magic happens when you customise Claude to be your perfect assistant for each specific project. It's like training your own personal specialist.

​Perplexity: Google's Cool Younger Cousin ​

Here's something interesting: younger folk are ditching Google for Perplexity, and I get why. Instead of drowning in a sea of ads and SEO-optimised fluff, Perplexity gives you clear, cited answers pulled from multiple sources. Think of it as having a really efficient research assistant who always shows their work. And bonus - no ads.

​Rosebud: Your Pocket Therapist

Remember those journaling sessions where you stare at a blank page? Yeah, not anymore. While I used to swear by Day One, Rosebud has stolen my heart. It's like having a gentle but persistent coach who reads your entries and asks, "But what about this?" or "Have you considered that?" Just the right amount of prodding to help you unlock those deeper insights.

​Snipd: Because Brilliant Podcast Moments Shouldn't Get Lost

Ever had that moment in a podcast where you're like "OMG, I need to remember this!" but you're cooking/running/driving? Been there. Instead of the stop-start-Siri dance I used to do, Snipd lets me capture those golden nuggets with just a tap on my headphones. It even creates an AI-generated transcript and summary. Game Changer.

​Consensus: My Evidence-Based BFF

As someone who's obsessed with making sure everything we do at Inventium is backed by solid research, Consensus is my secret weapon. It's like having a super-smart research assistant who's read every academic paper ever and can point you straight to the good stuff. No more drowning in academic databases.

​BONUS: Google Notebook (For When Learning Feels Like a Chore)

Got a dry report sitting in your "to-read" pile? Google Notebook has this brilliant feature that turns boring documents into engaging podcast-style conversations between two hosts. It's like magic - suddenly that dense research paper becomes a fun chat between two enthusiastic Americans. Who knew learning could actually be entertaining?

Time to experiment: Try one of these tools this week and see how it transforms your workflow. Remember, the goal isn't to use ALL the AI tools - it's finding the ones that make your work life easier and maybe even a bit more fun. Which one catches your eye first? Drop me a note and let me know :)