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since 2002
A key gripe with the Linksys Velop (Tri-Band) was its price, S$349 to S$749 across packs. The Linksys Velop (Dual-Band), launched 28th July 2018, solves that by being roughly half the price, making mesh Wi-Fi far more wallet-friendly.
Parallels Desktop 14 for Mac launched on 21st August 2018, ready for macOS Mojave. It supports Mojave's Dark Mode and Quick Look Quick Actions for Windows files, with more features and storage optimisation in development.
After a four-year hiatus, VAIO returns to Singapore with its VAIO S Series laptops. In Asia the brand is licensed by Hong Kong's Nexstgo, which also owns AVITA. The range debuts at the VAIO shop in Bugis Junction.
I bought The Battery Organizer Storage Case from Amazon for US$14.55, shipping it via HopShopGo. The plastic case has a hinged transparent cover, though its edges are a little rough and sharp; otherwise it's handy.
Singtel's price plans for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, launching in Singapore on 25th August 2018 in Ocean Blue, Metallic Copper, and Midnight Black. Unlike the Note 8's single capacity, the Note 9 offers 128GB at S$1,398 and 512GB.
Three years after the EA8500, Linksys's first MU-MIMO router, comes the EA8100 Max-Stream AC2600, the brand's first DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) router. DFS is its main draw, opening up extra Wi-Fi channels.
The Microsoft Surface Go arrives in Singapore on 28th August 2018, with pre-orders the day before. The most portable and affordable Surface yet, it's sold via the Microsoft Online Store and retailers like Best Denki, Challenger, and Courts.
The BenQ EW3270U 32-inch 4K HDR Monitor retails for S$899. A big brother to the EW2770QZ 27-inch I reviewed, it pairs 4K resolution with HDR10, which most 4K monitors lack, plus 2W stereo speakers.
Point 2 is the second-generation smart home security alarm from Minut, following the original 2015 Point. Like its predecessor, it launched on Kickstarter, raising US$312,061 from 2,139 backers in late 2017, though shipping was delayed.
The HyperDrive 7.5W Wireless Charger USB-C Hub came from a Kickstarter in January 2018 that raised US$657,117. I missed the early-bird US$79 price, so my friend Kevin helped me get it; it finally shipped to me in July 2018.
Inspired by US YouTubers with their unboxing knives, I went hunting for one when an Amazon Gold Box deal on Kershaw blades caught my eye. I ended up with the Kershaw 1660 Ken Onion Leek.
Don Quijote runs a global online store at mpglobal.donki.com that ships to Singapore via EMS, with prices cheaper than Don Don Donki here. Singapore falls in Region 2, where a 1kg EMS parcel costs around S$14.
I discovered the UHA Mikakuto Croquette Snack while shopping at Don Quijote on a Tokyo trip. With tax-free shopping it's about S$1.70 a pack. I loved it enough to bring back 50 packets, filling half my luggage.
Ichiran is a famous Japanese tonkotsu ramen chain, with 24-hour branches across Japan, Hong Kong, the US, and Taiwan, dating to a 1960 Fukuoka stall. I'm hoping they reach Singapore soon; for now, there's this instant version.
ErgoEdge makes standing desks in Singapore, and the AmpDesk is its latest, a customisable, height-adjustable desk starting at S$650 with three years' warranty. I was sponsored a configured unit, topping up S$30 for the large dual-motor size.
The Sudio Niva is Sudio's first foray into true wireless earbuds, retailing for S$165 in black or white, with a complimentary tote bag. Shipping to Singapore is free via DHL, and the code lesterchan15 takes 15% off.
ErgoEdge also sells monitor arms under its Freedom brand, in single or dual configurations, with or without a laptop holder. The single arm is S$99 and the dual S$159, each S$30 more with a laptop holder.
I bought the Chrome MXD Notch All Black Sling Bag at Chrome's Tokyo Bay store for about S$131, or S$121 with the tourist tax refund. It features two compartments and two front pockets.
Wiha is a leading German hand-tool maker, founded by Willi Hahn in 1939 (the name from his initials). In October 2017 it partnered with Xiaomi to produce the Mijia Wiha 24-in-1 Screwdriver Kit, praised by Xiaomi's CEO Lei Jun.
Following my unboxing post, a few weeks with the Huawei P20 Pro left me recommending a case. The glossy back is a fingerprint and dust magnet, and the camera bump makes the phone wobble when tapped face-up.
The Huawei P20 series has two variants, the P20 Pro and the P20. The difference is the P20 Pro's triple Leica camera versus the P20's dual. The Pro also adds IP67, a 6.1-inch OLED, 6GB RAM, and a 4,000mAh battery.
Oddly, the official Huawei P20 Pro Silicone Case sells for S$28 on Lazada but S$38 at the Huawei Concept Store in 313@Somerset, even though both are run by the same operator, Jim and Rich Trading.