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since 2002
The Anker Powerline+ II is Anker's second MFi-certified USB-C to Lightning cable, after the Powerline II. The only real difference is the exterior: the Powerline+ II uses nylon braid versus the Powerline II's TPE, both with reinforced strength.
After Li Xiang dropped my Flosku walnut Apple TV Remote case and cracked it, I switched to a TPU case that won't break when dropped. I got the Clear TPU Case from Lazada for S$7.
Xiaomi Alkaline Batteries come in AA and AAA, known in China as No. 5 and No. 7. Each pack of ten costs about S$2, just S$0.20 a battery. Once sold in Singapore Mi stores, they quietly vanished.
On my first business trip to Shanghai, I visited the Mi Store and bought the Xiaomi High Speed Wireless Charger Set for around S$30. It bundles a 27W USB-A charger and a 20W wireless charger.
I bought the third-generation Xiaomi Mi 10,000mAh Power Bank from Lazada during a mid-year flash sale for just S$19.90, down from S$28. Available in silver or black, I chose black; a key upgrade this generation is USB-C input.
I picked up the Ugreen Silicone Case for Apple AirPods from Lazada during the mid-year sale for S$4.15. The silicone case comes in red, black, and dark blue, with a carabiner; I chose black.
Apple refreshed the AirPods in March 2019, offering two versions: with Wireless Charging Case at S$299 or standard Charging Case at S$239, a S$60 premium for Qi wireless. I got the wireless version during Lazada's mid-year festival.
The Minix Neo Storage is a USB-C hub with a built-in, non-removable SSD. The Neo S1 (120GB) retails for S$120 and the S2 (240GB) for S$150, found on Amconics' Lazada store, which only carries the Silver colour.
Apple's second Singapore store and the world's first airport Apple Store, Apple Jewel Changi Airport, opened on 13th July 2019. The first in the queue received a commemorative US-made t-shirt reading 'Jewel Changi Airport'.
The Peak Design Everyday Backpack came from a Kickstarter that raised over US$6.5 million. It comes in 20L and 30L, the 20L retailing for US$259.95 in four colours: Black, Charcoal, Ash, and Tan. I chose Charcoal.
The Peak Design Field Pouch retails for US$39.95, shipped from Hong Kong. It comes in four colours, and I picked Charcoal as the flagship shade, finding Black too dull and Ash and Tan prone to dirt.
I'd wanted a short MFi USB-C to Lightning cable to pair with a USB-C power bank, since less wire dangles. I found the Ugreen one on Lazada in a 25cm length for S$13.79.
Peak Design offers three camera straps, differing by width: Slide for DSLRs, Slide Lite for smaller and mirrorless cameras, and Leash, the slimmest, for compact cameras. All come in Black and Ash; the Leash is the most affordable.
Singapore's second Apple Store, Apple Jewel Changi Airport, opens at Jewel on 13th July 2019, two years after Apple Orchard Road. Jewel is a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex on the landside of Changi Airport.
My second Yeezy, the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 v2 in Black, thanks to my brother. Launched on 7th June 2019 at S$349, he couldn't snag it from Adidas Singapore, so he bought it from Yeezy Supply for around S$300.
My iRobot Roomba 980's side brush kept failing, its rubber heads turning brittle and snapping, even on the spare after a single clean. Frustratingly, replacements are only available from iRobot's official agent, with no cheaper alternative.
The Philips SpeedPro Max Aqua is a cordless vacuum with an integrated mop function, a market first. It retails for S$799 at most stores, with an online promotion. I kept the unit after this unpaid review.
The Huawei P30 Pro launched in Singapore on 6th April 2019, in four colours including Amber Sunrise and Breathing Crystal. It comes in 256GB at S$1,398 and 512GB at S$1,698, available on Huawei's official Lazada store.
The Choetech 5 Coils Dual Fast Wireless Charging Pad retails for S$39.90. It's the upgraded version of the Dual 5W pad I've used reliably in the office, so I got this faster one for home.
I bought the Spigen Huawei P30 Pro Liquid Crystal Case from Lazada for S$20.90. Made in Korea, this TPU case is lightweight, flexible, and shock-absorbent, adding 4mm of thickness with raised edges to protect the screen and lens.
igloohome seemingly granted my exact request: two years ago, reviewing their Smart Lock, I wished for a smart padlock for my main gate. The igloohome Smart PadLock came from an Indiegogo campaign funded in November 2018.
Google launched the Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL in Singapore on 8th May 2019. The 3a retails for S$659 with a 5.6-inch display, while the larger 3a XL is S$779 with a 6-inch display.