My Smart Home Accessories
A tour of my smart home accessories, built around Apple HomeKit and five bridges. Aqara Hub M2 and M3 handle most Aqara devices, while Homebridge runs on my Synology NAS with several plugins to fill the remaining gaps.
Archive
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.
Aqara Curtain Driver E1 (Track Version) Review
Aqara's Curtain Driver E1 comes in Track and Rod versions, with the Track cheaper at S$138.90. Since my curtains use U-shaped rails, I went with the Track version, which also supports I-shaped rails, bought from Souky's stores.
My Smart Home Journey 2
Eight years on from my first smart home post, a move to a new house let me rebuild everything from scratch. With more options and cheaper accessories, I share how past experience and lifestyle shaped my HomeKit and Aqara choices.
Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station
The Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station is a 3-in-1 travel charger retailing for S$189.99, though I grabbed it for S$124.99 during Lazada's 5/5 sale. It is Qi2 and MFW certified, giving 15W to iPhone, and bundles a 27W charger.
Aqara Motion & Light Sensor P2 Review
The Aqara Motion & Light Sensor P2 is Aqara's second Matter device, a pricier alternative to the Motion Sensor P1 I use for toilet lighting. It retails for S$55 versus S$36 for the P1.
Aqara Door & Window Sensor P2 Review
The Aqara Door & Window Sensor P2 is Aqara's first Thread-based device with native Matter support, an alternative to the Zigbee T1. It retails for S$46.80 at Souky's Shopee shop versus S$33 for the T1.
Aqara Hub M3 Review
Launched in Singapore on 8th May 2024 for S$209, the Aqara Hub M3 is the direct successor to my Aqara Hub M2. Its key additions are acting as a Matter Controller and a Thread Border Router.
Spigen Lock Fit (MagFit)
The Spigen Lock Fit is a hard-case MagSafe wallet that holds both cards and cash. I got it for S$34.84 on Amazon.sg; at 62g it is bulky and best suited to a Pro Max iPhone.
Asus ROG Keris II Ace Gaming Mouse Review
The Asus ROG Keris II Ace is a wireless gaming mouse retailing for S$189 in black and white. It weighs 54g with a 42,000-dpi optical sensor and supports 4,000 Hz polling wirelessly or 8,000 Hz wired.
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming Keyboard Review
The Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is a 96% wireless mechanical gaming keyboard in black and white. Officially S$279, but on the market since 2023 it can be found cheaper, as low as S$215.
Yubico NFC Security Keys
Yubico offers two NFC security keys in its Series 5: the YubiKey 5C NFC for USB-C at US$55 and the 5 NFC for USB-A at US$50. NFC support on iOS has matured with Safari and Chrome.
Prolink PRO1201SFCU UPS
After my APC BACK-UPS battery died and a replacement made no financial sense, I switched to the Prolink PRO1201SFCU UPS. My new home's electricity trips monthly, so it protects my two NAS units.
Our Play & Work From Home Setup 2024
Four years on from my 2020 setup post, COVID has come and gone and I've moved to a more central home. An updated tour of how my partner and I now play and work from home.
Belkin BoostCharge Pro 140W 4-Port GaN Wall Charger (With US, EU, UK Tips)
Responding to feedback on the original, Belkin released this version of the BoostCharge Pro 140W 4-Port GaN Wall Charger with interchangeable US, EU, and UK tips, making the four-port charger far better suited to international travel.
Happy 40th Birthday To Me
I celebrated my 40th birthday with family, reaching the midpoint of life. In gaming terms, my health bar is down to 50%. The plan is to enjoy life and make quality of life my top priority.
Divoom Times Gate
The Divoom Times Gate reminded me of the LaMetric Time I once backed on Kickstarter. Retailing for S$189, I paid around S$137 after sales and vouchers, choosing Gray for its orange accent, my favourite colour.
ULTIDESK Xtreme Standing Desk Review
The ULTIDESK Xtreme is Ulti's high-end standing desk, adding dual motors, an RGB light strip, a 15-degree front slope, and an OLED handset. It comes in 1.4m and 1.6m lengths, with the 1.4m retailing for S$799.
Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova Review
The Asus ROG Cetra True Wireless SpeedNova are gaming earbuds retailing for S$349. They offer dual Bluetooth 5.3 and low-latency 2.4 GHz connectivity, 10mm drivers, bone-conduction mics, and adaptive active noise cancellation.
Verbatim Tough Max Cables
Verbatim Tough Max cables wrap a pure copper core in DuPont Kevlar Aramid fibre and a double-layered nylon braid for exceptional durability. The 21AWG core enables faster charging and stable data, reinforcing the weak connector joint.
Verbatim 4-Port 100W PD Travel Charger
The Verbatim 4-Port 100W PD Travel Charger packs three USB-C PD ports and one USB-A QC port, with four interchangeable plugs and a carrying pouch. Weighing 227g, it retails for S$114 on Shopee and Lazada.
Aqara Smart Wall Switch Z1 Pro
The Aqara Smart Wall Switch Z1 Pro is Aqara's latest after the H1 and D1, starting at S$77. It comes in 1- to 4-gang, though the 4-gang's fourth button is actually a wireless switch.
Apex+ Wireless Gaming Mice Review
Apex+ is the gaming brand from Ulti, known for monitor arms. Its first products are two wireless gaming mice, the Xtreme and the Evolution, which differ in material, with the Xtreme using magnesium alloy.