Looking Back 2020
Looking back at 2020, the year I revamped this site to version 5. On the smart-home front I swapped failing MCO Z-Wave switches for Sonoff Wi-Fi ones, and built an AMD Ryzen 7 3700X gaming PC.
2020
Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones
I was holding out for Apple's rumoured headphones, but once the AirPods Max launched at a steep S$849, I bought the Sony WH-1000XM4 instead. iShopChangi had a promotion, and with a coupon I got it for S$439.
Crucial RAM For QNAP NAS
The QNAP TS-453D ships with only 4GB of RAM, too little for containers or virtual machines. I upgraded with a Crucial 8GB DDR4 2666 SODIMM, bought from Amazon.sg during a Black Friday sale for S$31.08.
QNAP TS-453D Review
Ten years ago I chose Synology over QNAP for my second NAS. QNAP wanted my take on the TS-453D against the Synology DS920+, so they sent one over. Both are 4-bay, Intel J4125-powered NAS.
Sonoff T2UK Wi-Fi Smart Wall Switch Review
Since starting my smart home in 2016, I'd relied on MCO Z-Wave switches, but my Series 4 units began failing after a year. This review covers my move to the Wi-Fi-based Sonoff T2UK smart wall switch.
Ugreen NVMe M.2 SSD USB-C Case
The Ugreen NVMe M.2 SSD USB-C Case comes in two variants on Lazada: S$31 with both USB-C and USB-A cables, or S$28.90 with just USB-C. Its space-grey aluminium enclosure feels solid, and setup is tool-free.
Bebird R1
The Bebird R1 is the brand's entry-level smart visual ear-cleaning rod, below the flagship X17 Pro. It retails for US$26.99, though Lazada had it for S$26.50. It packs a 3MP camera and six LEDs.
YZXstudio USB-C Power Meter
The YZXstudio USB-C Power Meter was my first solo Taobao purchase, despite my limited Mandarin. It cost about S$33 plus S$6 shipping, but as a sensitive item it only ships by sea, taking nearly a month.
Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter
The Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter retails for S$29, or S$25.68 on the EPP, and like most Apple gear includes no cable. It's a single-port 20W charger with a folding UK pin, supporting Power Delivery 3 but no GaN.
Close Comfort Cool Focus Portable Air Conditioner Review
The Close Comfort Cool Focus is a personal air conditioner designed to cool people rather than a whole room, like a fan on steroids. From an Australian-Singapore startup, it retails for S$649 and draws around 300W.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe retails for S$75, S$16 more than last year's iPhone 11 Pro Max case. The EPP price is S$67.41. DHL was efficient, delivering mine two days later.
PRISM+ Q55 TV Review
PRISM+ followed its E series with the new Q Series Android TVs, becoming the first Singaporean company to earn Android TV certification, likely riding on Skyworth as OEM. This review covers the 55-inch PRISM+ Q55.
Sudio Femtio Speaker
The Sudio Femtio is the only speaker in Sudio's audio lineup, available in Silver, Black, and Anthracite. It retails for S$189, though the coupon code LESTER35 takes 35% off, bringing it down to S$122.85.
Gutter Mount for Arlo Cameras
I placed my Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera in the kitchen, joining my Nest Cams elsewhere. To mount it, I bought an OEM Gutter Mount for Arlo cameras from Shopee for S$12.09. Despite being OEM, it's well-built and great value.
Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera Review
The Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera is a wire-free, mid-range IP camera retailing for S$239 on Lazada. True to Arlo's wire-free reputation, it records weather-resistant 1080p video indoors or out, with an integrated spotlight.
Apple MagSafe Charger
The Apple MagSafe Charger retails for S$59, or S$53.50 on the EPP. MagSafe is hardly new, Apple having used MagSafe power adapters on MacBooks since 2006, originally to stop a tripped cord from dragging the laptop down.
Bebird X17 Pro
After my Bebird M9 Pro post, the company behind Bebird reached out about the new flagship X17 Pro. It retails for US$69.99 on Bebird's site, currently only in Black, with white and blue sold out.
Singtel iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, 12 Pro, And 12 Pro Max Price Plans
Singtel's price plans for the iPhone 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max. The 12 and 12 Pro launch on 23rd October 2020, with the Mini and Pro Max following on 13th November.
thecoopidea Builder Block
thecoopidea, distributed in Singapore by McBay, has launched the Builder Block, a 65W four-port charger. It offers two USB-C and two USB-A ports with USB Power Delivery, the first USB-C port carrying the bulk.
ErgoTune Supreme (2020)
The ErgoTune Supreme (2020) succeeds the original ErgoTune ergonomic chair, available in Charcoal Black and Coral Red with a 12-year warranty. A launch-month promotion runs until 31st October 2020, dropping the price to S$599.
Xiaomi Mi LED TV 4S 55
My S$2,749 Samsung TV's panel failed twice, the second time out of warranty. Refusing to spend over S$1,000 on a television again, I replaced it with the budget Xiaomi Mi LED TV 4S 55.
Hydragun Review
Hydragun is a massage gun for sports recovery, pounding muscles to ease tension and soreness, much like a power drill in shape. With massage guns now trendy, even my wife wanted one. It retails for S$399 with free shipping.
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