Founder of lesterchan.net, a Singapore tech and gadgets blog running since 2002. An engineering leader by day and a WordPress plugin developer since 2003, with a soft spot for gadgets, smart home, and a good deal.
The day after publishing my Nest Hello installation post, the doorbell started failing, starting with its ring light. Received on 7th September 2021, it was bricked within days, a frustrating end to a brand-new device.
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Clear Case with MagSafe is unchanged from last year's, holding the S$75 price or S$67.41 on the EPP. Shipping was even faster, delivered the day after the iPhone 13 announcement.
A rundown of Singtel's price plans for the iPhone 13 Mini, 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max, launching 24th September 2021. The Pro models gain Sierra Blue, and the iPhone 13 ends the 64GB base capacity.
I bought the Nest Hello Doorbell (Wired) from B&H during a Labour Day sale for US$179, shipped to Singapore via fast DHL. This post walks through installing it on a typical HDB BTO doorbell setup.
My second Koncept Z-Bar LED Desk Lamp, after one I've used for over eight years. Sole distributor Bridgemen kindly sent me the Z-Bar (AR3000) along with a desk clamp and occupancy sensor to feature here.
I bought the ILife Shinebot W450 from Lazada for S$249.99, down from its S$320 retail after 8/8 sale discounts and vouchers. It's a single-purpose mopping robot, so unlike most robot cleaners it doesn't vacuum at all.
My second Moshi Integra cable, the USB-C Cable comes in 1m and 2m lengths. Made in Taiwan with anodised aluminium ends, it retails for S$44; I wish they made a 25cm version.
Moshi Integra is the brand's braided cable line. I have the USB-C to Lightning Cable in 25cm, the perfect on-the-go length for linking a power bank to my phone. MFi-certified and made in Taiwan, it retails for S$43.
The Moshi HDMI Cable is my second HDMI Premium Certified cable after Cable Matters, retailing for S$40. Moshi leaves 'Premium Certified' out of the name, though it's verifiable via the HDMI certification app.
I bought the Ugreen USB-C to USB-A Adapter on Lazada's 8/8 sale for S$3.99, below its S$5.39 retail. This USB 3.1 Gen 1 OTG adapter hits 5Gbps and comes with a keychain strap.
The Moshi Lounge Q is the most premium wireless charging stand I own, retailing for S$125. Surprisingly, its size and weight add to the premium feel, and it's powered by a non-removable USB-C cable.
The Moshi Symbus Mini 7-in-1 is the only hub in Moshi's Symbus range available outside the US, retailing for S$150. Despite the 'mini' name it's as long as an iPhone 12, though still thin at 125g.
The Verbatim 4-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock retails for S$159 and is both MFi and Qi certified, charging up to four devices at a 45W maximum. Fun fact: it began as a Korean crowdfunding project in early 2020.
The Verbatim 4-Port PD 100W Charger is a GaN unit with two USB-C and two USB-A ports, supporting PD 3.0 and QC 3.0. It retails for S$109; mine ships with an EU plug, though I'd prefer UK.
Verbatim, a name I last associated with floppy disks, has moved into mobile accessories. Its Sync & Charge USB-C Cable retails for S$24.90, with a tough nylon-braided exterior, second only to my Nomad cable.
I grabbed the Xiaomi Mi Multifunctional Digital Clock on Lazada for S$16.99. It has a 3.7-inch e-ink display and pairs with the Mi Home app, but only if your region is set to China.
The Ugreen EU 4-Port PD 100W Desktop Charger is the brand's first 100W unit, retailing for S$74.99 though often cheaper in flash sales. With unusually premium packaging, it's a desktop charger powered by a separate 2m cable.
I bought an Atlas Headrest for my Herman Miller Classic Aeron during Lazada's 7/7 sale, paying S$232.18 against an S$280 retail. Installation took five minutes, and the headrest looks indistinguishable from a genuine Herman Miller part.
Synology DiskStation Manager 7 (DSM 7) launched on 29th June 2021, with upgrading still a manual process via the Download Center. I walk through updating both my DS920+ and DS1621+ from DSM 6.2.4.
Having upgraded to a Sonos 5.1 system, Beam, Sub (Gen 3), and two PLAY:1, I wanted to confirm it was working correctly. With resources scattered, I pieced together a guide using Netflix Test Patterns.
I bought the Sonos One SL on Amazon Prime Day for S$259, down from its S$299 retail. As the mic-less true successor to the PLAY:1, its packaging feels a touch cheap.
I bought the Logitech C920 Pro HD Webcam during Lazada's Online Tech Show for S$108.05, well below its S$149 retail. Its step-up model is the Logitech C922 Pro Stream, which adds 1080p streaming.