Looking Back 2018
Looking back at 2018, I left my smart home mostly alone, adding three voice-assistant devices: an Echo Spot bedside alarm, an Echo Show photo frame, and a Google Home Hub. I also upgraded to the iPhone XS Max.
2018
Google Home Hub
I bought the Google Home Hub on Black Friday, when Google knocked US$50 off the US$149 retail price. Rather than risk the Google US Store, where my order likely wouldn't go through, I ordered from B&H instead.
Innergie 60C USB-C Laptop Adapter
The Innergie 60C USB-C laptop adapter, after a Kickstarter raising US$312,227, is now on sale on Amazon. As a backer I received mine months earlier, but Innergie kindly sent the retail-packaged version too.
Synology Mesh Router MR2200ac Review
The Synology Mesh Router MR2200ac launched in Singapore at S$199, with stock initially constrained. It can run as a standalone router covering about 185 square metres, or you can add more units to form a mesh network.
Yubico’s YubiKeys Series 5 Is Now Available in Singapore
Yubico's YubiKeys are now officially available in Singapore, with the company hiring a regional manager and setting up distribution via DT Asia. A YubiKey is a hardware security key offering two-factor and passwordless authentication; Yubico itself is Swedish-American.
Sonos One
It used to be cheaper to import a Sonos PLAY:1 or One from Amazon than buy it locally. That's changed: Singapore prices now match or beat Amazon, with a local warranty, via distributor TC Acoustic.
Bowers & Wilkins PX Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones
The Bowers & Wilkins PX Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones retail for S$589, in Space Grey and Soft Gold. They offer active noise cancellation using six microphones, four for ANC and two for calls.
Adidas Ultra Boost Laceless
For Black Friday I wanted an Ultra Boost to replace my 2014 Adidas Revenge Boost 2, on a S$200 budget. The all-black pair wasn't on sale and Adidas Singapore's deals were poor, so I bought the Laceless from END.
Xiaomi Mi Selfie Stick Tripod
I'd wanted the Xiaomi Mi Selfie Stick Tripod but felt its S$28.90 retail price wasn't worth it. During Xiaomi's Christmas promotion, the price dropped to S$19.90, so I finally bought one. It comes in two colours.
Cambridge Audio Yoyo (S)
Cambridge Audio is a British high-end audio maker founded in 1968 by tech graduates in Cambridge, England. The Yoyo is its entry into Bluetooth speakers, available in Small, Medium, and Large sizes. This review covers the Yoyo (S).
Apple iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd Generation) Smart Folio (Charcoal Grey)
Apple offers two official polyurethane cases for the 3rd-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro: the Smart Keyboard Folio at S$299 and the Smart Folio at S$149. I skipped the keyboard folio for the Charcoal Grey Smart Folio.
Apple iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd Generation) (Space Grey 256GB) (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
I bought the 3rd-gen iPad Pro 12.9-inch (Space Grey 256GB, Wi-Fi + Cellular) to test it as a travel laptop replacement, home entertainment device, and weekend blogging machine. I added an Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) for drawing too.
Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)
The Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) retails for S$189 in Singapore, or S$176.64 tax-free at the airport once you strip out the 7% GST. It's S$51 dearer than the first-generation Pencil, but pairs only with the latest iPad Pro.
Nomad USB-C Cable (1m/100W)
Nomad offers two USB-C to USB-C cables, differing in length, Power Delivery profile, and transfer speed. The shorter 1m cable supports 100W via USB PD profile 5, while the 1.5m supports 60W. This review covers the 1m/100W cable.
Lock Pick Set With Transparent Practice Padlock
After seeing a colleague's lock pick set, which looked like a fun puzzle to solve, I bought the same one from Lazada for S$12.73. It includes 12 lock picks, three tension wrenches, and a transparent practice padlock.
Klipsch R5 Wireless Earphones
The Klipsch R5 is the brand's third wireless earphones, after the R6 and X12. Launched in Singapore on 10th October 2018, it retails for S$199 on the TC Acoustic Online Store, with a one-year warranty.
Choetech USB-C Dual 5W Wireless Charging Pad
The Choetech USB-C Dual 5W Wireless Charging Pad combines two 5W wireless chargers in one unit, powered by a single USB-C port. It measures 220x90x14mm, weighs 150g, and has anti-slip silicone on both surfaces.
Razer Fidget Spinner
The Razer THS Spinner is a glow-in-the-dark fidget spinner retailing for US$19.99. I got mine as a door gift at the Razer Phone 2 launch, where the phone debuted at S$1,249, exclusive to Singtel.
OtterBox Symmetry For iPhone XS Max Giveaway
OtterBox Symmetry cases are ultra-slim, one-piece designs that protect while doubling as colourful fashion statements. The iPhone XS Max line has 15 designs priced from S$59 to S$89. I have the Aspen Gleam, which retails for S$79.
Apple Watch Magnetic Charger to USB-C Cable
The Apple Watch Magnetic Charger to USB-C Cable is the USB-C version of the Apple Watch charging cable, launched on 19th October 2018. Unlike the USB-A variant's three lengths, the USB-C only comes in 0.3m.
Funxim X8 – Qi Wireless Charging Pad For iPhone And Apple Watch
The Funxim X8 is a 10W Qi charging pad that charges your iPhone or Android phone alongside your Apple Watch. It began on Kickstarter in November 2017, raising US$448,097, and shipped from January 2018.
Synology NAS Swag
As a Synology fan owning several of their NAS and routers, I rate their DSM and SRM software the best around. For some reason I started collecting their swag, from a USB drive to a luggage tag and SIM holder.
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