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 much-awaited Aqara Presence Sensor FP2 launched in Singapore on 20th April 2023 for S$159. Unlike PIR motion sensors, its 60GHz mmWave radar detects actual presence, sensing multiple people and even someone sitting perfectly still.
Most igloohome locks are Bluetooth-only, needing your phone in range. The igloohome Bridge, at S$110, links your phone to the lock over Wi-Fi for remote control, though only certain, non-dated lock models are compatible.
The igloohome Smart PadLock 2 succeeds the original, with changes mostly on the hardware. It swaps the 9V battery for a USB-C rechargeable lithium one and upgrades to IPX7 waterproofing, making it outdoor-ready.
The Roborock S8 is the successor to the popular S7 I bought two years ago. It retails for S$799.90, with a 4/4 flash sale dropping it to S$749.90, adding DuoRoller brushes and 6,000Pa suction.
More than five years after their US debut, the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) and HomePod Mini finally arrived officially in Singapore, with orders from 30th March 2023. The HomePod retails for S$429 and the Mini for S$139.
My last birthday before turning 40, marking over 22 years of blogging since my first post on 24th March 2002. I celebrated with Li Xiang over a hearty dinner at Bedrock Bar & Grill in Somerset.
The Arlo Go 2 launched in Singapore in February 2023 at S$399, succeeding the Arlo Go. Key upgrades include 1080p resolution, colour night vision, and added Wi-Fi alongside 4G LTE, at nearly half the original price.
My Hario V60 drip scale was laggy and bulky for weighing espresso shots, so I went endgame with the Acaia Lunar. Listed at US$250, I bought it from Daily Grind Supply for S$379.
Starting espresso, the first lesson was to get a good grinder, and the Niche Zero is the default. At £499 plus shipping, GST, and fees, it cost me about S$1,015, cheaper than buying locally.
The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 reached Singapore at S$209.90. It offers a 162-degree 1080p view with infrared night vision, runs on six AA batteries or a wired adapter, and supports up to a 512GB microSD.
After seven years, my DYMO LabelManager 280 failed with power and LCD issues. Since I had spare cassettes, I stuck with the brand and bought the DYMO LabelManager 160 from Amazon.sg for S$69.59, shipping included.
The Aqara Smart Wall Switch H1 EU is the third smart switch I'm evaluating, after MCO Touch Panel and Sonoff T2UK. I'm getting one to let Li Xiang compare tactile against touch switches.
Since the Ulanzi U-PAD III iPad mount only fits an iPhone in landscape, the ST-27 Metal Phone Tripod Mount is the phone-focused option. Solid all-metal aluminium with three 1/4-inch screw holes, I got mine for S$33.90.
I bought the Ulanzi U-PAD III Metal iPad Tripod Mount for S$41.67 during 12/12, down from S$49.90. The premium all-metal aluminium mount holds devices from 10 to 23cm, so it fits an iPhone in landscape too.
Looking back at 2022, the year Singapore reopened and masks became optional, finally feeling almost normal again. It was also when I joined Roborock's PR list and received the Q7 Max and G10 for review.
The Rode PSA1+ is a microphone boom arm I grabbed from Red Dot Photo for S$141.32, against the usual S$169. It replaced a cheap China OEM arm whose loose rotation and table-scratching screws were dealbreakers.
The Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable comes in one 1.2m length, black or white, at S$49, though Amazon.sg had black for S$40. I needed it because my Belkin equivalent wouldn't work on AirPods Max.
With Li Xiang now office-based, I passed her my Apple Magic Keyboard and got myself a new mechanical one. Wanting a 75% layout, I chose the NuPhy Air75 over the Keychron K3 Pro.
I wanted a microphone mainly for Zoom and Slack calls rather than podcasting. For Black Friday, I picked the Rode NT-USB Mini over the ageing, mini-USB Blue Yeti, a well-regarded beginner alternative, for S$135.90.
The Charby Orbit Powerbank is a 5,000mAh pack at S$53.99 that charges three devices at once, with a kickstand and flashlight. It is MagSafe-compatible for up to 10W; my readers get 15% off with code LESTERCHAN.
Looking for a MagSafe phone stand that didn't need a separate Apple charger, I found the Charby Orbit Stand at S$22.94. Shipping is steep, so it's worth bundling another item like the Orbit Power Bank.
Just before Singles' Day, the scroll wheel on my Logitech MX Master gave out, stuck in free-spin mode. With the fix only temporary, I took it as my cue to upgrade to the MX Master 3S.