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 Canon PowerShot N launched in April 2013 for S$399, available only in white. It uses a microSD card and packs a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with a DIGIC 5 image processor, along with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing.
The Moshi Cardette 3 is in its third generation, hence the number, neatly coinciding with USB 3.0. It's a USB 3.0 card reader with a built-in 2-port USB 3.0 hub, and at just 88g it's wonderfully lightweight and travel-friendly.
I got a free Timbuk2 Custom Bag at the launch of the new Timbuk2 Singapore Store. Already owning a Custom Laptop Messenger, I chose the Custom Classic Messenger in Extra Small, which fits an iPad.
The Ozaki O!coat 0.3+Pocket is an extremely thin, 0.3mm, and lightweight 9g case made from polypropylene. Its leather-textured back includes a cardholder slot for one credit card, or two at a push. It also holds paper reminders.
I bought the Anker Astro E4 13,000mAh External Battery from Amazon at a promotional US$36.99, down from US$43.99, excluding shipping. My third Anker product, I'm a fan of this up-and-coming brand, popular in the US, which tops Gizmodo's Five Best.
The Moshi 3.5mm Audio Jack Splitter, at S$20.90, offers something most splitters lack, even the pricey Belkin one, letting one of the two connected earphones support a microphone. A splitter lets two people share music from a single device.
I bought the McKAL Airplane Audio Adapter from the new Challenger at Bugis Junction for S$6.90, or S$5.90 with member's price. Now I can finally use my own earphones for in-flight entertainment, and keep watching 10 to 15 minutes longer.
IonBank is Moshi's range of portable battery packs, currently three products: the IonBank 10k, plus the IonBank 5k in Lightning and Micro USB versions. The 5k holds 5,000mAh and has two integrated cables, one a Lightning or Micro USB connector.
The Anker 25W 5-Port Wall Charger retails for US$19.99 on Amazon. My friend Benjamin ordered for both of us and I shared the shipping, paying S$33 in all. Weighing 166g, it has five USB ports individually labelled by device.
Thanks to screenprotector.sg for the complimentary 3M Easy-On Privacy Filter for iPad. Made in the USA, this custom-fit filter for the iPad 2 and 3rd/4th generation keeps on-screen information private while maintaining high image clarity and protecting the LCD.
Timbuk2 has opened its first in-store customisation outside the United States, here in Singapore. The Timbuk2 Singapore store officially opened on 31st October 2013 at #03-26A Bugis Junction, open 10.30am to 10pm daily. The 280-square-foot store carries the full range.
I got the Griffin Coiled USB-to-Lightning Cable from Challenger for S$39, or S$31.20 with a 20% member's discount, for use in the car. I've always felt coiled cables suit cars. Coiled it measures about 33cm, stretching to roughly 120cm.
I bought the Spigen SGP GLAS.tR Nano Slim Screen Protector for iPhone 5/5c/5s from MobyShop for S$52, including free application of the glass. Don't confuse it with the similar GLAS.t version, the R standing for rounded.
This is my first time using the Power Support Air Jacket Set (Clear) for iPhone 5/5s. I picked it up in Thailand at Siam Paragon for TH฿990, about S$40, versus S$59.90 in Singapore, and mine is definitely an original.
I bought the Case-Mate Waddler Penguin Case for iPhone 5/5s for Li Xiang from Amazon, US$15 plus US$7 shipping. It's the same case I got her for her old iPhone 4S, which she recently replaced with a gold iPhone 5s.
On 17th October 2013, Western Digital launched the new My Passport Slim. It's the first thin drive to offer up to 2TB, a metal enclosure, and 256-bit hardware-based encryption. The bundled WD SmartWare Pro software backs up your data.
I bought the Google Chromecast from Amazon for US$35, excluding shipping. It works like Apple's AirPlay. In the US you can stream Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Google Play content, but for everyday users in Singapore, there's little beyond YouTube streaming.
I got the Anker Uspeed USB 3.0 9-Port Hub from Amazon for US$59.99, excluding shipping. Despite the long name, it's basically a 9-port USB 3.0 powered hub with an extra USB charging port. You can charge from all nine ports.
I was invited to a Dell event two days ago, where they announced Latitude, Inspiron, and XPS laptops, plus Venue 7, 8, and 11 Pro tablets. With much still to be announced, I'll start with the Inspiron 7000, 11 3000.
I backed the Crabby Wallet on Kickstarter in April 2013, and it funded the next month, raising US$308,838 against a US$10,000 goal. I bought two, orange and pink, for US$37 total. They mixed up the order and shipped purple instead.
I'd waited for the Innergie MagiCable Duo with Lightning Connector ever since Apple announced the Lightning cable, and after a year Innergie finally released it. I bought it at Wheelock Place's EpiCentre for S$49, only to blog about it.
I picked up the Lifetrons High Tech Multi-Tool Adaptor (Lightning Edition) on a Thai Airways flight for US$69. Pricey but not overpriced, it's like a Swiss Army knife for gadgets, packing three cable heads, a SIM holder, and phone stand.