Ugreen MFi Lightning Cables

Thanks to my earlier purchase of cables…

The on-line retailer gave me a voucher for the next purchase plus free shipping if I purchase 3 items plus free cable ties for all cables.

Not wanting to put anyting to waste, I purchased lightning cables.

A long one and a short one to be exact, both are braided and both are MFi certified.

Performance

Not bad on my iPhone 8, compared to the 6.6W output of my original cable.

The white cable (short one) had a 10.3W output.

Black cable (long one) had a 8.9W output.

Ugreen Cables (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to Lightning)

One thing I hate the most, holding my phone and powerbank while my phone is charging.

Yes, there are some people who would keep the powerbank on their bags with a long cable connected to their phone. But as powerbanks can be a fire hazard, I prefer seeing the powerbank and phone while its charging.

To make life easier, I purchased an Anker powerbank with USB-C PD – it should make charging my phone and recharging the powerbank faster. To maximize my powerbank, I knew I had to replace my USB-A – Lightning/USB-C cables.

This is how I ended up buying cables from Ugreen.

Items arrived quickly in Ugreen packaging.

As expected, the USB-C to Lightning cable had better packaging than the USB-C to USB-C cable. Although the USB-C to USB-C cable was longer (I remembering ordering 6 inch versions of both cables).

Performance (I have a post here on how USB-A to USB-C and USB-A to Lightning cables performed)

USB-C to USB-C on my Pixel 3XL

Anker Powerport PD 1: 8.99V/1.06A
Anker PowerCore Nintendo Switch: 9.07V/1.22A

USB-C to Lightning on my iPhone 8

Anker Powerport PD 1: 8.98V/1.25A
Anker PowerCore Nintendo Switch: 9.07V/1.25A

Laptop Stand

Something we all have and take for granted.

I have 1 from Ikea which can be used when you need to work on your lap to a long period of time…

And I have a very old one from Targus, not only is it a laptop stand, you can also use it for your lap (without the cushion of the Ikea one).

Been closely checking Lazada for a nice, inexpensive, portable laptop stand and I saw this…

It was normally sold for S$24++ but when it went on sale, I knew I just had to buy it.

It comes with a case and you just need to unfold it to use.

As you can see, it’s a bit narrow, but I had no issues with it when used with my 13-inch laptop.

There’s a small piece of aluminium sticking out in front which is a big plus since you can be sure that your laptop will not slide off the table.

Highly recommended… if you’re paying less than S$20 for it.

Here’s how it looks compared to my old laptop stand…

Remax Wireless Charger

Bought this one for my wife as I noticed that she loves leaving her phone on an upright position when working.

Rather than buy the cheap unbranded charger I bought for myself, I decided to purchase something 2.5X more expensive.

Out of the box, it came with the charger and (surprisingly) a USB-A to C cable, I honestly didn’t expect this thing to use a USB-C cable, but it was very welcome.

It’s nicely built, really feels good on the hands. Cable is inserted behind the charging pad, just on top of the vents.

If I have a small complain about it, it’s that the lower lip holding the phone is a bit too narrow, it was ok for my iPhone 8 but you’ll notice something is a bit off when I use my Pixel 3XL which has a much thicker case.

It has 2 LED lights on the side that turns green when it’s charging a device, but those lights are easily covered by the device you’re charging.

Performance.

iPhone 8
Cable: 4.95V / 1.29A
Wireless Charger: 5.1V / 1.43A

Pixel 3XL
Cable (same cable connected to the wireless charger): 4.97V / 1.29A
Wireless Charger: 5.11V / .93A
Ampere App (using the wireless charger): 4.138V / 960mA

So the wireless charger was strangely faster than my old lightning cable on the iPhone 8.
Almost same on the Pixel 3XL

Compared to all my other wireless chargers (except for the Samsung), performance is really good, but you have to consider the fact that it’s also more expensive.

The price? It really looks good and it will be a nice addition to my wife’s office desk once we all go back to work.

Dongxi Universal Qi Fast Wireless Charger

Purchased from Lazada during “singles day”

Box will come with a short instruction manual and a MicroUSB cable.

It has 1 LED light in front… Blue if charging and green when the device is full.

As for the charging speed (using my tester).

I was getting 5.2V and 1A when used on my Pixel 3XL and iPhone 8.

However, it was giving 1.2A when both devices were on landscape.

I don’t expect charging speed to be faster than my old charger… But it’s easier to use since the phone will always be docked on the right position.

Headphones Headband Cover (Audio Technica ATH-M40x)

Follow-up to my earlier post.

Found an inexpensive headband cover from Lazada.

“Miracle Shining Replacement Headband Cushion Pad for Audio technica M30 M40 M50 M50X M50S”

Since my daughter thinks that I used electrical tape to cover up my headphone’s chipping headband. I decided to give it a try…

Material… Think of those cheap joint support used for sports.

It’s a bit tight, but once you’ve locked the zipper, it’s not so bad.

It will add significant size to your headband. My wife thinks my headphones are now too bulky for her.

But again, it’s a cheap solution if your headband starts to show its age…

Madventure 360 Camera

Ever since Google released Jelly Bean I have been taking photo spheres.

Especially when travelling, there are places I will not visit again! Taking photo spheres is a nice way of remembering how the place looked like during my trip…

Yes, using my phone means zero cost to taking a photo sphere, but using a dedicated camera means the photo will look better, with me inside it.

So I bet you’re reading this post because you’re considering to buy a 360 camera…

Before making that purchase, you have to know that you don’t need one!

It’s nice to have, but it won’t replace your phone, camera and GoPro and I don’t think you have an extra hand to use it.

Resolution of my Hero 5 is much better, distortion on a 360 camera is highly noticeable, and you even get lower resolution when you share it on Facebook!

I guess it’s time to start talking about the Madventure 360 Camera.

*photo*

It’s Orange! – Yes, people will notice it once you start taking a selfie

Compared to Xiaomi’s (black) version, MadV gives you a selfie stick with remote and GoPro mount. (Bought my Madventure 360 from Lazada and price was the same with the Xiaomi version)

I’m sure you’ve seen a lot of sample photos/videos taken by the Madventure 360 Camera. I was impressed with the quality even in low light.

Few issues which no one mentioned before I purchased the camera.

1. You can’t use 1 side only, once you turn it on, you can only take 360 video/photos
2. U3 memory cards are recommended
3. It gets really hot

Physically, this camera is well built, even the monopod and case that came with it look and felt really good.

Camera is bulging out, make sure you have the case all the time.

Power button will also select between photo and video mode, then beside it is the Wi-Fi button, shutter button is the 3rd button available.

*photo*

USB-C and Memory card slots are on the side with a rubber cover.

Bottom has the tripod mount and contacts for the selfie stick control.

The phone app is pretty basic and will need lots of imporvement. Once connected to a phone, you can use the phone’s volume buttons to take a photo/video.

Editing 360 Videos only allows you to cut the videos, you cannot join 2 videos together.

Once connected to the camera, you’ll notice that 360 photos were automatically stitched by the camera. For videos, you will need to extract the video and save on your device.

Haven’t tried using the PC App, but it’s only available for Windows.

Thanks to inexpensive VR headsets (where you put your phone inside as the screen), Google Photos and Facebook’s support for 360 photos/videos. You can justify why you need a 360 camera. Personally, if you can afford it, why not?

But, I personally have one for the memories…

Am I buying a better one in the future? Probably not.

Sony HT-CT80 Soundbar

Just purchased my first ever soundbar… And after watching TV last night… I’m wondering why it took me this long to buy one.

Bought my HT-CT80 from Sony Singapore’s Official Lazada Store.

Why did I choose the HT-CT80?

I was initially searching for soundbars. So under Categories -> Electronic Devices -> Home Entertainment -> Soundbars! Sort by: Price low to high, clicked the brands I want to see in my living room (underneath my TV) – Sony, Samsung, LG and Bose

Sony’s HT-CT80 was the cheapest at S$138.00! Don’t get me wrong, I was so close to get Samsung’s HW-M360, I was willing to pay extra for the wireless sub-woofer which I can place behind my sofa… But after doing my research, I preferred the wired sub-woofer of the Sony.

First thing you have to know is that this thing is big…

My TV is 42 inches, the woofer was also bigger than expected.

Had it delivered to my office and the packaging required me to book an Uber home.

*Shoe cabinet behind if from Ikea*

As for the sound… Better than expected!

I’m not an audiophile and I know there are other Soundbars that sound better.

For it’s price, free delivery (option is available) and features (BT and NFC for easy pairing with your phone) the HT-CT80 is a good start if you want to improve the sound of your TV.

You’re not buying it for convenience, looks and ease of set-up… It’s all about the price!

EVA Protective Case for DJI Osmo Mobile

This item has been on my wishlist for months!

It was originally priced at S$40 so when the price dropped (after the Osmo Mobile 2 was announced) I knew I had to buy it.

I love my DJI Mobile, but I hate the case that came with it.

So when priced correctly, I did not think twice and bought this from Lazada…

Item arrived as scheduled.

Only issue I have against it is the size!

I somehow feel like the space inside can be utilized better…

I guess that will be a project for me in the coming months!

The Replacements: Google Wifi

5 years ago… Only PCs and 2 iPhones connected to my Airport Extreme.

It was a gift from my wife and since my home internet was only 2mbps, I felt like my router can last forever.

5 years later, my internet is now 200X faster and 7 devices at home are continuously connected to my router (more than 10 devices if we use our iMac and Laptops).

Videos, Apps and sites needed an extra time to load.

My router which once felt invincible started showing its age…

Google Wifi

I know, there are cheaper routers in the market.

S$200 should be enough to buy me a router which looked like an evil spider.

But why did I choose Google Wifi? I basically wanted to use my phone to set-up and secure my network.

Buying a S$100 router will require me to do my settings using a PC.

(In Singapore) Google Wifi is exclusively distributed by Starhub. But a quick Google Search will show you that you can also buy it from 3rd party shops. I bought mine from Lazada which arrived in less than a week (even with free shipping).

Package included the router, adapter, and LAN cable.

You will also need to install the Google Wifi App to set-up the device. (Play Store | App Store)

Like my Airport Extreme… Google Wifi looks good

LAN Ports and USB-C (for power) are at the bottom, so you’ll only see 2 cables outside the device (3 if you have a PC connected to it through LAN)

Starhub sells the pack of 3… For our 2 bedroom flat, we only needed 1 point.

The Google Wifi app has a function to test your internet speed and test the strenght of your connection.

The app also shows you how many devices are connected to it, and if you want to allocate more bandwidth to a specific device.

I’ve been using the Google Wifi over the weekend, heavy Full HD streaming of movies to my TV (Chromecast). 4K video viewing on our mobile devices. The router handled them smoothly.

I never thought changing my router will make such a noticeable upgrade on how my devices performed.

I guess we can no longer take our routers for granted.

The Google Wifi is not perfect, I would have preferred a black or gray color. Would have wanted an additional LAN port (it only has 1) and would want to have a control on the internet speed of the guest account.

But for the extra $$$ you’re spending on this device, you get simple set up and a router that looks good.