Lester Chan's Website » Challenger

Innergie Magic Cable Trio – Charge & Sync 3-in-1 USB Cable

Lester Chan — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:04:33 +0000

The Innergie Magic Cable Trio – Charge & Sync 3-in-1 USB Cable and Innergie Magic Cable Duo – Charge & Sync 2-in-1 USB Cable are the most expensive USB cables from Innergie. Each retailing for SGD$29 at Challenger but there is a 10% discount for members, so it adds up to SGD$26.10 each.

I got the Innergie Magic Cable Trio instead since it has 3 tips (Mini USB, Micro USB & Apple 30-pin connector) whereas the Innergie Magic Cable Duo has only 2 tips (Micro USB & Apple 30-pin connector).

You must be wondering since they are priced the same, one has 3 tips and the other has 2 tips, why don’t we just get the 3 tips one instead. This is where the length of the cable comes in. The length of the Innergie Magic Cable Trio is freaking short (20cm) where as Innergie Magic Cable Duo is 4 times longer (79cm)!

The build of the Innergie Magic Cable Duo/Trio is even better than the build of the Innergie Magic Cable – Multi-Tip USB Cable and I would say the build is similar to the official Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable.

The Apple 30-pin connector fits perfectly to my iPhone 4S, something which Deal Extreme‘s version of any Apple 30-pin connector cable can never do!

I would say this cable is very well worth SGD$26.10 considering the official Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable already cost SGD$28.

Innergie Magic Cable Trio – Box Front

Innergie Magic Cable Trio

Innergie Magic Cable Trio – Micro USB On Nokia Lumia 800

Innergie Magic Cable Trio – Apple 30-pin Connector On Apple iPhone 4S

Innergie Magic Cable – Multi-Tip USB Cable

Lester Chan — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:36:04 +0000

Bought the Innergie Magic Cable – Multi-Tip USB Cable from Plaza Singapura’s Challenger for SGD$13 (after 10% member’s discount is SGD$11.70). I always wanted to try out Innergie’s product, because it is always very well designed though it is on the pricey side.

In case you are wondering, Innergie is popular for universal adapters for laptops.

This particular model of the Magic Cable comes with 2 tips, 1 for Micro USB and the other for Mini USB. Also the cable is retractable.

Despite being expensive, the build quality is pretty good. It is not as flimsy as those retractable cables that I bought from Deal Extreme.

And yes, there is a clone of Innergie Magic Cable on Deal Extreme which is called “Multifunction 3-in-1 Retractable Charging Adapter – Black“, it is a 3-in-1 cable instead of 2-in-1 as it contains the extra Apple 30-pin connector. Just for comparison, I did placed an order for that on 4th February 2012 since it is only USD$5 with free shipping to any country in the world. I will post about it when I received it 1 month later (Deal Extreme takes freaking long to ship).

Innergie Magic Cable – Multi-Tip USB Cable – Box Front

Innergie Magic Cable – Multi-Tip USB Cable

Innergie Magic Cable – Multi-Tip USB Cable – Mini USB Tip

Innergie Magic Cable – Multi-Tip USB Cable – Plugged-in

Griffin PowerJolt Micro

Lester Chan — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:41:51 +0000

I got the Belkin Auto Charger For iPod And iPhone almost 3 years ago, but unfortunately it could not charge my iPad and hence I got to get another car charger for my iPad as I will be using it as a backup GPS device for my US trip next month.

The Griffin PowerJolt Micro is capable of charging iPad, iPhone and iPod. It takes in an input of 12v DC and output 5v DC at 2.1A. In order to charge the iPad properly, you need 2.1A whereas iPhone/iPod just need 500mAh.

It is selling for SGD$39 at all Challenger stores and as usual, members get a 10% discount and hence you only need to pay SGD$35.10 for it.

I like the form factor of the Griffin PowerJolt Micro, it is so slim, flat and light unlike most iPad car chargers out there. The packaging is simple and straightforward, literally it is just the iPhone Dock Connector Cable and the Car Charger Head.

Box Front

Box Back

Box Contents

Slim & Flat Car Charger Head

PowerPac Plug Key

Lester Chan — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:36:29 +0000

Bought a packet of 3 PowerPac Plug Keys from Challenger at Funan for SGD$0.90 (after 20% member’s discount is SGD$0.72). This Plug Key will convert your 3-pin plug socket to support a 2-pin plug power cable.

Since Singapore was once part of the British, we follow the British BS 1363 standard.

BS 1363 is a British Standard which specifies the most common type of domestic AC power plugs and sockets that are used in the United Kingdom. Distinctive characteristics of the system are shutters on the line and neutral socket holes, and a fuse in the plug. It has been adopted in many former British overseas territories; Ireland, Malaysia and Singapore have equivalent national standards. BS 1363 was introduced in 1947 as one of the new standards for electrical wiring in the United Kingdom used for post-war reconstruction. The plug replaced the former BS 546 plug, which is still found in old installations or in special applications.

Anyone like me who find it troublesome that in Singapore, some electrical appliances requires a 2-pin plug while some others requires a 3-pin one?

Packaging Front

Comes In Pack Of 3

Front View

Back View

Side View

Taiyo 3-Pin Plug Adapter

Lester Chan — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:53:32 +0000

Bought a pack of 2 Taiyo 3-Pin Plug Adapters from Challenger at Funan for SGD$14.90 (after 10% member’s discount is SGD$13.41). I like it because it has individual switch to control power to each of the 3 3-pin sockets.

I find it weird that some countries do not have the concept of switching off an individual switch on a power strip but rather leaving all the switches always on, if you look at Belkin Surge Protectors, there is no on/off switch available.

Packaging Front

Top View

Left View

Right View

Indicator Lights

Sanyo Eneloop Standard Charger NC-MQN09

Lester Chan — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:10:31 +0000

Got the Sanyo Eneloop Standard Charger NC-MQN09 at Challenger at Funan for SGD$29.90 (after member’s discount is SGD$26.91).

I was deciding between 2 variants, the Standard Charger NC-MQN09 (SGD$29.90) or the Basic Charger NC-MQN09 (SGD$22.90). The price difference is SGD$7.

I end up choosing the NC-MQN09 because for SGD$7 extra, you get US-plug compatibility, microprocessor to control the charging and 2x blue LED to give you obvious indication of the charging status which you can double it up as a night light as well.

This charger can charge 4x AA or 4x AAA batteries and the charging status is split into 2 sets (set A and set B) of 2 batteries each and each represented by 1x blue LED.

Packaging Front

Packaging Contents

US-plug Compatibility

2x Blue LED

Set A Is Fully Charged While Set B Is Still Charging

Specifications

Input: 100-240V~ 50-60 Hz 4W
Output: 2,4V, 300mA × 2 (AA), 2,4V, 150mA × 2 (AAA)
Charge Control: -delta V
Charging Time: 570 minutes (4 AA), 420 minutes (4 AAA)
Charge-Indicator: 2 LEDs
Size: 78mm × 132mm × 37 mm
Weight: 130g

Aftermath Of Bluelounge CableBox

Lester Chan — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:26:16 +0000

Bought 2 Bluelounge CableBoxes when I was in Hong Kong and did not have the chance to fully utilize it. For the past few days, I have been packing my room and tidying my cables and I just realized I need another 2 more CableBoxes, so I got 2 more from Challenger at Funan for SGD$49 (after member discount is SGD$44.10) each. I chose the black color this time round.

CableBox #4 Before

CableBox #4 (Room Power Strips)

CableBox #3 (Computer)

CableBox #2 (Television)

CableBox #1 (Router/Switch/NAS)

CableBox Mini #1 Before

CableBox Mini #1 (Fiber Internet)

Bluelounge CableDrop

Lester Chan — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 03:56:48 +0000

Got the Bluelounge CableDrop from Challenger at Funan for SGD$16.90 (after member’s discount is SGD$15.21). I left 1 more, Bluelounge Cableyoyo to complete my collection for Bluelounge cable management!

Packaging Front

Comes With 6 CableDrop

Usage Of CableDrop

Bluelounge CableClip

Lester Chan — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 02:13:55 +0000

As you know by now, I am a huge fan of Bluelounge products, my latest purchase from them this time round is the CableClip. I got all 3 sizes (Small, Medium & Large) from Challenger at Funan. Each cost SGD$16.90 and after 10% member’s discount, it cost SGD$15.21. I have to say these clips are pretty expensive, but I think of it as supporting a company that makes great products!

All 3 Sizes

CableClips

Large comes with 2 Clips
Medium comes with 4 Clips
Small comes with 6 clips

Usage Of Small Clip

Usage Of Medium Clip

Usage Of Large Clip

Bluelounge CableBox

Lester Chan — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:41:35 +0000

The Bluelounge CableBox is the first Bluelounge product that I bought. I bought it when I was in Hong Kong back in April 2011 for HKD$288 (~SGD$45.67) at city’super. Too bad they only have white color over there.

In Singapore you can find both the black and white color at Challenger (Funan) or at EpiCentre@Ion Orchard retailing for SGD$49.90 (Member’s Price: SGD$44.91).

Do note that at most you can only fit in a 5-Socket (3-Pin) Power Strip into this CableBox. I got a 6-Socket Power Strip and it is too long for the box. Too bad the CableBox does not come in a larger size. However, they do come in a smaller size, take a look at Bluelounge CableBox Mini.

CableBox

CableBox Open

CableBox With 3-Socket Power Strip

CableBox Under Table

Bluelounge Nest

Lester Chan — Sat, 07 May 2011 14:49:43 +0000

Got the Bluelounge Nest for SGD$19.90 (Member’s Price: SGD$17.91) from Challenger. I think Challenger or the agent in Singapore only brought in the Black and White variant as I can’t seem to find the rest of the colors (Blue / Green / Orange / Pink) at Challenger but I saw it at EpiCentre@Ion Orchard.

Package Front

Package Back

Position #1

Position #2

Challenger At Funan Will Be Open 24 Hours

Lester Chan — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:57:55 +0000

Challenger at Funan will be open 24 hours daily starting tomorrow, 1st March 2011!

Address: 109 North Bridge Road, #06-00, Funan DigitaLife Mall, Singapore 179097
Tel: (65) 6339 9008
Fax: (65) 6413 0110
Email: fc@challenger.sg

Finally there is a computer store that is open for 24 hours daily besides Mustafa.

I think it will be useful for people who need IT supplies like certain model Printer Ink or Laser Toner the very last minute and you can’t find those in any 24 hours hypermarket.

If you can’t sleep at night and got bored of 24 hours hypermarket, you can drop by Challenger for a walk as well.

Windows 7 Pricing In Singapore

Lester Chan — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:36:58 +0000

Windows 7 has officially been launch in Singapore at midnight on 22nd October 2009. The launch was collaborated between Microsoft Singapore and Challenger Funan. The first person in the queue started queuing at 3.30pm and only at 7pm they started giving out the queue number. At about 10.30pm, there was about 140+ people in the queue, but I think it eventually went up to 200 before midnight.

The first 177 customers gets to buy Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Edition at SGD$77 (RRP: SGD$219). After that, a limited number of customers can purchase it at SGD$147 during the launch event.

Full Install Prices

Windows 7 Home Premium – SGD$359
Windows 7 Professional – SGD$529
Windows 7 Ultimate – SGD$549

Upgrade Prices

Windows 7 Home Premium – SGD$219
Windows 7 Professional – SGD$359
Windows 7 Ultimate – SGD$379

OEM Prices (Full Install)

Windows 7 Home Premium – SGD$190
Windows 7 Professional – SGD$255
Windows 7 Ultimate – SGD$350

I have been using Windows 7 for quite sometime since it was available in my school’s MSDN AA on 14th August 2009. I am very satisfied with it, definitely an improvement over the failed Windows Vista or the long running Windows XP.

However, do not rush to buy it. Wait and see how much will the OEM version cost at Sim Lim Square first.

*UPDATE* Updated post with Windows 7 OEM prices from Fuwell.

Source: DK and VR Zone