Leplus USB-C to USB-A 3.0 Adapter
I bought the Leplus USB-C to USB-A 3.0 Adapter from Yodobashi Sapporo. Leplus, a brand by MSSolutions Japan, is relatively unknown, so it's cheap; I paid about S$11 after a tax-free discount.
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Xiaomi ZMI QB820 20,000mAh Power Bank
I hadn't realised ZMI is one of Xiaomi's ecosystem companies, supplying its power banks, batteries, and chargers. I came across the ZMI QB820 20,000mAh Power Bank through a friend's comment during the Razer Power Bank launch discussion.
nonda USB-C to USB-A 3.0 Mini Adapter
I bought the nonda USB-C to USB-A 3.0 Mini Adapter from Amazon for US$9.99. Billed as the world's smallest USB-C adapter, it qualifies for free AmazonGlobal shipping above US$125, which I consolidated through my US freight forwarder HopShopGo.
Anker USB-C to 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub With Ethernet Adapter
Hunting for a USB-C Ethernet adapter, I found Belkin's at S$49 overpriced versus Anker's at S$32. For a little more, the Anker USB-C to 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub with Ethernet Adapter adds extra USB ports, so I chose it.
Klipsch Reference X12i
The Klipsch Reference X12i launched in Singapore in November 2015 at S$599, succeeding the X11i and X10i before it. These in-ear earphones weigh just 15g, with a milled aluminium chassis under 6mm in diameter for a deep-fit seal.
Anker Powerline USB-C to USB-C Cable
To charge a USB-C MacBook Pro, your cable must support USB Power Delivery. The Anker PowerLine USB-C to USB-C Cable retails for US$15.99 in a 0.9m length, a cheaper alternative to Apple's 2m USB-C Charge Cable at S$48.
Plugable USB-C to DisplayPort Cable
USB-C to DisplayPort cables and adapters are tough to find in Singapore, so you must order online from Lazada or Amazon. I bought mine from Amazon for the wider choice, settling on the Plugable cable.
Satechi Aluminum USB-C Multi-Port Adapter
The Satechi Aluminum USB-C Multi-Port Adapter retails for US$89.99 in Gold, Space Grey, and Silver. A perfect compact docking station, it adds HDMI, Ethernet, three USB ports, USB-C pass-through charging, and SD and microSD card slots.
Satechi Aluminum USB-C Micro/SD Card Reader
Searching for a USB-C SD card reader, I found SanDisk's Apple Store option at S$75 expensive and SD-only. I instead settled on the Satechi Aluminum USB-C Micro/SD Card Reader from Amazon at US$14.99, though it ships only via a forwarder.
Elecom iPad Pro 10.5″ Clear Back Cover
While gadget shopping in Sapporo, I picked up the Elecom iPad Pro 10.5-inch Clear Back Cover at Yodobashi for around JP¥3,110. Spending over JP¥5,000 made it tax-free, and paying by VISA added another 5% off the final price.
Apple iPad Pro 10.5″ (Space Grey 256GB) (Wi-Fi + Cellular)
The iPad Pro 10.5-inch is my fourth iPad, after the original (2010), iPad 2, and iPad Air. Nearly four years on, my Air feels sluggish, and its 16GB was always too little, prompting this upgrade.
Apple iPad Pro 10.5″ Smart Cover (Charcoal Grey)
The Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch Smart Cover comes in leather at S$98 or polyurethane at S$68. The leather has four colours and the polyurethane seven. I preferred the cheaper polyurethane, choosing Charcoal Grey for my iPad Pro.
Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter
The Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter retails for S$98, my first purchase at the new Apple Orchard Road store. It powers the 13-inch MacBook Pro, though pricey, it doesn't include a USB-C charge cable.
Apple MacBook Pro 13″ With Touch Bar And Touch ID (Mid 2017)
I'd been stocking up on USB-C devices to prepare for this: my company MacBook Pro 13-inch (Mid 2014) was due for a refresh after three years at Tech in Asia. Its replacement is the MacBook Pro 13-inch with Touch Bar.
Adidas Originals x PORTER 2 Way Waist/Shoulder Bag
The Adidas Originals x PORTER 2 Way Waist/Shoulder Bag retails for S$259 at Dover Street Market Singapore, S$10 more than the matching NMD C1 shoes. My brother bought me both, and this is my second waist bag.
Adidas Originals x PORTER NMD C1 Shoes
I already own two pairs of Adidas NMD shoes, from Hong Kong and Munich, and have used Head Porter bags since 2009. So when Adidas NMD crossed over with Porter (Yoshida), I had to get the NMD C1 shoes.
Innergie PowerJoy 30C
The Innergie PowerJoy 30C, unveiled at Computex 2017, is Innergie's first USB-C wall charger, retailing for US$44. It features SmartBoost for up to 35% faster charging and InnerShield power protection, and ships with three interchangeable travel plugs.
Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter
The Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter retails for S$98. It extends a single USB-C port into three: HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C. The HDMI supports full HD at 60Hz or 4K at 30Hz, though Apple notes some incompatibilities.
Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter
I found an unopened Apple Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter in my drawer and decided to write it up. It retails for S$38, a price unchanged after all these years; the Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter costs the same.
Glif – A Tripod Mount For Smartphones
Glif is a smartphone tripod mount from Studio Neat. The original launched on Kickstarter in 2010, raising US$137,417, though I missed it. The second generation followed in July 2016, raising over US$208,000, and this review covers that version.
KeySmart Nano Torch
Like the KeySmart Nano Pen, the KeySmart Nano Torch is a KeySmart accessory, a small stainless steel LED torch. Its NICHIA LED puts out 25 lumens, powered by four included LR521 button cells, and it retails for US$19.99.
Ambi Climate (2nd Edition) Review
Three years after the original launched on Kickstarter in 2014, Ambi Climate returns with the 2nd Edition, again crowdfunded. The smart AI device learns your comfort preferences to control your air conditioner. This reviews the new version.