There are plenty of 3-in-1 wireless chargers on the market. But once you narrow it down to Qi2.2 with 25W fast charging and Apple Made for Watch (MFW) certification, your options become surprisingly limited.

In Singapore, at the time of writing, I could only find two options: the Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock with Qi2 25W and the Ugreen MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Desktop Charger 25W.

Qi2 is widely available now, but most chargers are still capped at 15W. Moving up to Qi2.2 at 25W makes a difference, especially for quick top-ups during the day.

The bigger limitation is the Apple Watch. Many chargers use non-certified modules, which results in slower charging speeds when using an Apple Watch Ultra 2. Hence, Made For Watch (MFW) certification for chargers is important as you will get fast charging for compatible Apple Watches.

In Singapore, the Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock retails for S$249 on Shopee, while the Ugreen MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Desktop Charger retails for S$179.90 on Shopee.

After the voucher deductions on sales day, the difference can range from S$40 to S$50. Cheapest I saw after vouchers is around S$170 for the Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock.

Both chargers come with a 45W power adapter and USB-C cable, so that they will work out of the box.

A nice touch here is that your charger and cable match the color of your dock.

The Belkin cable arrived braided and is 1.5m long.

Design & Build
The Ugreen is designed to be compact and travel-ready, which explains why it weighs just 210g. The Apple Watch charging puck can be slid in and hidden, making it more portable and cleaner when not in use.

The Belkin, on the other hand, is more suited for a permanent desk setup. It weighs 550g, giving it a more solid, premium feel.

There are rubber feet at the base, so your charger stays in place.

Belkin is available in two colors (Black and Sand), while Ugreen is available in only one (Blue). The overall material and finish on the Belkin feel more premium. It uses a soft-touch matte plastic finish that feels smooth and slightly rubberized.

Like most newly launched Belkin products, this finish feels great in the hand. Based on the Belkin products I have used, the rubberized coating has held up well so far, with the oldest being more than 3 years old, so I am less concerned about long-term durability even in Singapore’s hot and humid climate.

Also, this is the home dock version. If you prefer something portable, Belkin offers the Belkin UltraCharge 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger, which features a similar rubberized finish but is designed to fold and travel.

Moving Parts
For Belkin, only the iPhone charging puck is adjustable (0° to 90°).

For Ugreen, both the iPhone and Apple Watch charging puck are adjustable. The iPhone charging puck can be adjusted up to 70°, while the Apple Watch charging puck can be slid in and hidden.

For a home dock, I prefer fewer moving parts. The structure generally feels more robust, and there is less unnecessary interaction day to day.

The flexibility of the Ugreen is useful if you intend to travel with it. But in a home setup, you typically leave everything in place. You are unlikely to keep sliding the Apple Watch puck in and out.

In that sense, the additional mechanism feels more like something you can use rather than something you will use. Belkin’s simpler design is easier to use every day.

Thermal Management
Belkin comes with ChillBoost, a built-in fan that helps manage heat when charging at 25W. The switch is on by default, which makes sense if you want to maximize charging performance right away. You can turn it off if you are charging older phones, don’t need maximum speed, and are only doing short charging sessions.

The fan was something I was initially concerned about, but in reality, it is a non-issue. It is extremely quiet. I had to put my ear right up against the back of the iPhone charging puck to confirm the fan was actually working.

So while it has active cooling, it doesn’t introduce any noticeable noise to your setup.

If the fan is off, Belkin behaves like other chargers, with thermal protection kicking in and reducing charging speed if needed.

Ugreen does not include a fan. If you use it most of the time in an air-conditioned room, it should perform well. However, in warmer conditions, thermal protection is likely to kick in earlier, reducing charging speed over time.

Conclusion
Since both products have the same technical charging specifications, iPhone charges at 25W, while both your Apple Watch and AirPods Pro will charge at 5W each, choosing between them ultimately comes down to your use case.

If you prefer a lighter, travel-friendly design with more flexibility, and mostly use it in an air-conditioned environment, the Ugreen MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Desktop Charger offers better value.

If you want a more premium, solid desk setup with better thermal management and fewer moving parts, the Belkin UltraCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Dock is a great choice.

Belkin UltraCharge 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger is designed for users who want a compact solution to charge their iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, which is great for travelling.

It retails for S$189. You can get it online from Shopee and Lazada or in-store from Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Harvey Norman.

Three colors are available: White, Blue, and Black.

Belkin includes a 45W USB-C power adapter in the box, along with a 1.5m USB-C to USB-C cable.

Design
At a glance, the UltraCharge feels like Belkin’s answer to the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station, which has a similar compact foldable design. It also sits alongside the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Travel Pad that I reviewed previously. However, the UltraCharge uses the newer Qi2.2 and a different folding mechanism.

Unlike the BoostCharge Pro Travel Pad, which folds flat like a mat, the UltraCharge folds into a compact block measuring 11 × 6 × 3 cm and weighs about 190g, making it as easy to carry in a bag or tech pouch.

When unfolded, the magnetic iPhone charging pad stands, keeping your phone upright while charging. This is useful if you want to use StandBy mode on supported iPhones.

The AirPods charging pad sits on the base, while the Apple Watch charging puck folds out from the back when needed.

Something you can’t see in the charger is Belkin’s ChillBoost. It is a passive cooling technology that helps reduce heat during fast charging.

Charging
Qi2.2 wireless charging is one of UltraCharge’s key highlights, supporting wireless charging of up to 25W. Qi2 wireless chargers, on the other hand, support up to 15W.

The charger is Made For Watch (MFW) certified, which means it can fast-charge your Apple Watch if your Apple Watch supports it (Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Ultra, and later).

Conclusion
The Belkin UltraCharge 3-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Charger is a compact and practical charging solution for Apple users who want to charge multiple devices without carrying multiple cables. Its foldable stand-style design makes it easy to pack for travel while remaining useful on a desk or a bedside table.

The addition of Qi2.2 wireless charging up to 25W gives it an edge over many existing wireless chargers, and the MFW certification ensures that compatible Apple Watch models can fast-charge.

Belkin also includes a 45W USB-C power adapter and a 1.5m USB-C cable, so everything you need is in the box.

Overall, it is a solid option if you are looking for a portable 3-in-1 charger that is certified for your Apple devices.

Week #1
On the first week of March (Saturday, 6th March 2026), the first steakhouse we visited is The Feather Blade. I ordered the Feather Blade Steak (S$25) while Li Xiang ordered the Portobello Burger (S$22). For Sides, we ordered the Mac & Cheese (S$14).

The steak is perfectly cooked and very good value for money. Li Xiang loves the Portobello Burger, too.

Week #2
On the second week (Friday, 13th March 2026), we visited SteakGrill Steakhouse Chef’s Table. I ordered the Dry Aged Australian Angus Prime MB4 (S$88) while Li Xiang ordered the Grilled Aged Duck Breast (S$36)

Similarly, the steak is perfectly cooked, medium-rare to medium. And the portion is big. My guess is about 300g.

The Grilled Aged Duck Breast is slightly above average. There’s room for improvement: more sauce and seasoning to mask the gaminess further.

Week #3
Visited Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu (Raffles City) during a weekday (Monday, 16th March 2026) for dinner. I ordered their A5 Miyazaki Sirloin Gyukatsu Zen for S$55. I can’t really taste the wagyu as the katsu overpowers it; it is a waste of money.

I did order à la carte Tenderloin Katsu (S$15), and it tasted better than the wagyu as I could taste the meat. I would recommend ordering the Tenderloin Gyukatsu Zen for S$32 instead.

Since Li Xiang doesn’t eat beef, she ordered the Seafood Katsu Zen (S$32). She finds it just average, nothing special to shout about.

On Friday, 20th March 2026, we visited Ma Maison (Ngee Ann City), where I had the Jumbo Hamburger Steak 300g (S$27.80) and Li Xiang had the Grilled Seabass in XO Sauce (S$20.80).

Food is good and value for money. Iced water and wet tissues are free, which is rare these days.

Birthday Dim Sum
This year’s birthday celebration for my brother and me is at Ya Ge (Orchid Hotel) on Saturday, 22nd March 2026, where we had the DimSum.

We have been to Ya Ge a few times, but this is the first time we are there for Dim Sum. Both food and service are excellent. The restaurant is also not so crowded, which makes dining enjoyable. I feel Ya Ge is an underrated restaurant, or a “hidden gem.”

Some Dim Sum dishes we really like are the Crispy Vermicelli Wrapped Scallop (S$13/3 pieces), Crispy Webbed Shrimp Rice Roll (S$12), and Baked Kurobuta Pork Char Siew Puff with Pineapple (S$12/3 pieces).

For à la carte, we like the Dry-Aged Roasted Peking Duck (S$138) and Carrot Cake with Dried Shrimp Paste (S$17).

Birthday cake is Strawberry Shortcake (S$87) from Nesuto. Li Xiang bought it for us.

Birthday Dinner
On 23rd March 2026, I had my birthday dinner with Li Xiang at Steakville. Steakville is not new to me; I went there quite often when I was with Tech in Asia, and we became friends with the boss and chef, Shaun.

For a casual steakhouse in Singapore, Steakville offers excellent value given the quality. Steakville is located in Sunshine Plaza, where I assumed rent is cheaper, so they can pass the savings back to diners.

I ordered 300g of Hanger Steak (S$42) while Li Xiang had the Buttered Brown Chicken (S$19). We also ordered two sides, Crispy Broccoli (S$12) and Buttered Asparagus (S$14).

Li Xiang bought me a slice of Auntie Peng Banana Pie as my birthday cake from Yuan (18 Cross).

Birthday Presents
Thanks to my brother, sister-in-law, and Ava for the Alo Conquer Reform Crewneck Short Sleeve and Alo 7″ Conquer React Performance Short in Bone (Cream) and Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Reed Diffuser.

I didn’t notice there was an engraving on my Jo Malone Diffuser until I inserted the reed sticks.

Thank You
Thanks for all the lovely birthday greetings on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Slack, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Facebook Messenger.

Looking Back

• 40th to 49th Birthday
  • 41st Birthday
  • 40th Birthday
• 30th to 39th Birthday
  • 39th Birthday
  • 38th Birthday
  • 37th Birthday
  • 36th Birthday
  • 35th Birthday
  • 34th Birthday
  • 33rd Birthday
  • 32nd Birthday
  • 31st Birthday
  • 30th Birthday
• 20th to 29th Birthday
  • 29th Birthday
  • 28th Birthday
  • 27th Birthday
  • 26th Birthday
  • 25th Birthday
  • 24th Birthday
  • 23rd Birthday
  • 22nd Birthday
  • 21st Birthday
  • 20th Birthday
• 18th to 19th Birthday
  • 19th Birthday
  • 18th Birthday

You can buy it online from Shopee or Lazada, or in-store at Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, or Harvey Norman stores.

This model is effectively the successor to the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K that I blogged about in August 2023. That product was recalled in November 2024, and this new version appears to be Belkin’s redesigned replacement.

Design
The new power bank is smaller and lighter, weighing 263g while still maintaining a 10,000mAh battery capacity. Two colors are available: Sand and Black.

The overall design retains Belkin’s rounded form factor, making it comfortable to hold and easy to carry. The rubbery texture remains the same as the previous generation, which helps with grip.

A new addition is the digital display, which shows the real-time charging status and battery level, making it easier to check how much battery is remaining quickly.

That said, I still have some concerns about how the rubber coating will hold up over time, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate, where rubberized finishes sometimes degrade or become sticky after prolonged use. The good news is that, based on the previous generation, it held out well for more than a year.

It retains the integrated Apple Watch charging puck, but now it can flip up so you can charge the watch in Nightstand mode, which is convenient when travelling.

There is also a built-in loop that lets you attach the power bank to your bag.

Like the Belkin BoostCharge Slim Magnetic Power Bank 5K, this power bank also has the China Compulsory Certificate (CCC) logo, so you can bring it onboard flights within China.

Integrated USB-C Cable
These days, I like devices that come with an integrated USB-C cable, as I have one less cable to carry and can eliminate the risk of forgetting a cable.

The previous model required you to bring your own cable to charge other devices. With this version, the cable is built into the power bank, so you have one less cable to carry.

In addition to the integrated cable, the power bank still includes a USB-C port, allowing you to charge two wired devices simultaneously.

You can use either the integrated cable or an external USB-C cable to charge the power bank.

Charging
The power bank supports a maximum charging output of 45W.

When charging a single-wired device, you can get the full 45W output, which is enough for fast charging smartphones, tablets, and even some lightweight laptops.

If you charge one or two wired devices together with an Apple Watch, each wired device supports up to 20W.

The built-in Apple Watch charger is Made for Watch (MFW) certified, which means it supports fast charging for compatible Apple Watch models.

Passthrough charging is supported. However, when using passthrough, the maximum output is limited to 10W for the wired device, so charging speeds will be slower.

Conclusion
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 10K with Apple Watch Charger improves on the previous generation with a smaller design, lighter weight, higher charging output, an integrated USB-C cable, and a digital display.

At S$179, it is not cheap for a 10,000mAh power bank. However, if you regularly travel with both an iPhone and Apple Watch, the convenience of having a power bank, Apple Watch fast charger, and USB-C cable in a single device makes it a practical all-in-one portable charging solution.

Though three colors are listed on the website, only Sand and Black are currently available in Singapore.

You can buy it online from Shopee or Lazada or physically from Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Harvey Norman stores.

I love it when Belkin throws in USB-C to USB-C cables with their powerbank. The length measures 60cm.

As the name suggests, this is a slim 5,000 mAh power bank focused on portability. It measures 10.6 mm in thickness and weighs 124 g, making it reasonably slim and lightweight for everyday carry.

Belkin uses a soft-touch matte plastic finish, which feels smooth and slightly rubberised. The rubberized part is on the magnetic portion, which helps to prevent scratches to your iPhone. However, I don’t know whether the rubber coating will disintegrate over the years in Singapore’s humidity.

The power bank has the China Compulsory Certificate (CCC) logo, so you can bring it onboard flights within China.

For wireless charging, since it is Qi-only, it can only charge up to 7.5W instead of 15W with Qi2 or 25W with Qi2.2. It would be perfect if it were Qi2.2.

Wired charging can only output up to 15W, which is slightly on the lower end. When both wireless and wired charging are used, the charging speed maxes out at 5W and 7.5W, respectively.

Attaching the power bank to your iPhone doesn’t automatically initiate the charge; you have to press the button on the right. When your iPhone is charging, the LED indicator beside the button will be lit.

Pressing the button again, or pressing it without attaching it to your phone, will display the remaining battery capacity.

Xiaomi UltraThin Magnetic Power Bank 5000 is a close competitor to the Belkin BoostCharge Slim Magnetic Power Bank 5K that retails for S$69.90 on Shopee. The Xiaomi model is thinner (6mm) and lighter (98g), and it also supports faster wired charging at 22.5W. It uses an aluminium alloy body, which helps achieve its ultra-thin design.

To conclude, the Belkin BoostCharge Slim Magnetic Power Bank 5K is a well-designed and portable magnetic battery pack suitable for everyday use.

While it is not the thinnest option available, it offers good build quality from a brand you can trust. It comes with a 2-year warranty and US$2,500 Connected Equipment Warranty. The included USB-C cable is also a nice bonus.

If you want the thinnest and lightest magnetic power bank, the Xiaomi UltraThin model may be more appealing. But if you prefer Belkin’s design and slightly lower price, the BoostCharge Slim Magnetic Power Bank 5K is still a solid option.

Price remains the same. 1-pack retails for S$45, while 4-pack retails for S$149 (works out to be S$37.25 per AirTag).

If you are on the Apple Corporate Employee Purchase Program (EPP), the 1-pack costs S$40.33 and the 4-pack costs S$134.07 (S$33.51 per AirTag).

The packaging has a makeover. For the 4-pack, the box is now elongated and shows four AirTags on the front.

Most of the changes are on the inside, like the new second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, an upgraded Bluetooth Chip, and louder speakers.

The only visible cosmetic difference is the text behind the AirTag, which is now in caps. Other than that, it remains the same.

Weight-wise, it’s 0.8g heavier, which I doubt anybody can feel.

The second-generation AirTag is largely an incremental upgrade rather than a full redesign. For existing AirTag users, the upgrade is not essential unless the improved tracking range or louder speaker matters to you. But if you’re buying AirTags for the first time, the 2nd-generation model is the better option unless you can get the original AirTag at a 20% discount.

What caught my attention was that this is the only orange wireless charging stand that I have seen. And it matches my iPhone 17 Pro Max in Cosmic Orange. Orange is my favourite color.

I don’t intend to get it, since I already have a lot of chargers.

However, luckily for me, when my cousin came to my house to tour the smart home features of my house, she gave it to me as a housewarming gift.

She told me she is the only one in Singapore selling Kuxiu products on her Shopee Store, Black Tech SG. The Kuxiu X40 Turbo Wireless Charging Station retails for S$105 on her Shopee Store.

Nitpick: the box could have accurately reflected the charger’s color.

Inside the packaging is a 45W charger, a 1m braided USB-C to USB-C cable, and a carrying case.

The Kuxiu X40 Turbo Wireless Charging Station is Qi2.2 certified, making it MagSafe compatible and capable of delivering up to 25W of wireless power to your iPhone.

Because it is a 3-in-1 charger, you can charge your Apple Watch, AirPods, and iPhone simultaneously. For Apple Watch and AirPods charging, the maximum output is 5W each.

Since this charger doesn’t have the Made for Watch (MFW) certification, it doesn’t support fast charging for your Apple Watch. This is the only con of the charger.

Being foldable means it has a small footprint, making it perfect for travel or on-the-go use.

When folded, it measures 64 x 64 x 18 (mm). Weight-wise, it is about 150g.

The USB-C port is located at the back; you need one cable to charge 3 devices.

If you are looking for a compact travel charger that lets you charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once with just one USB-C cable, the Kuxiu X40 Turbo Wireless Charging Station is for you. Because it is Qi2.2 certified, you will get the full 25W wireless charging speed for your iPhone. The only downside is that your Apple Watch will not get fast charging because the charger is not MFW-certified.

ArmorPro, ArmorAir, and ArmorTint are part of their “Cases Built With Kevlar” series and are slightly more premium and expensive.

Benks offers an Essential series, where cases are more affordable (50% cheaper) since they are made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU).

Benks Mist Cases is part of the Essential series.

Three colors are available: Orange, Blue, and Black.

I’m not sure if you know, but Orange is my favourite colour, so I have the Benks Mist Case in Orange for my iPhone 17 Pro Max. The case perfectly matches my iPhone 17 Pro Max in Cosmic Orange.

The metal frame protecting the plateau is 0.3mm in height, so it will prevent your phone’s lens from touching the surface when it is placed back facing down.

The MagSafe area is translucent, providing a lighter contrast to the overall Orange.

All the buttons are covered with metal buttons on the case. There are even holes for your lanyard’s string to pass through.

The camera control button is also covered.

Unlike all cases in the ArmorPro series, the speaker grills are not individually cut out.

Weight-wise, it weighs 41g, which makes it 4g heavier than the Benks ArmorPro Prestige Case and 1g heavier than the Benks ArmorGrid ArmorPro Case.

Benks Mist Case retails for S$25 on Shopee and S$23 on Lazada.

If you are an international user outside of Singapore, you can also get it directly from Benks. You can use my discount coupon code, lesterchan15, for a storewide 15% discount.

The Benks Mist Case is now my default case for my iPhone 17 Pro Max, replacing the Benks ArmorGrid ArmorPro, as it is very orange.

Like all cases in the ArmorPro series, it is also compatible with MagSafe.

The main area of the case is woven with Kevlar Fiber in “jiaoluo” patterns. Jiaoluo in English means edge. I wish the color were more orangey, as it feels more red and brown.

This case is suitable for the year-end holiday vibes, but sadly, I received it after Christmas

The frame is made with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU).

All the buttons are covered, including the camera control button.

Similar to all cases in the ArmorPro series, the speaker grills are individually cut out.

Weight-wise, it weighs 40g, which makes it 3g heavier than the Benks ArmorPro Prestige Case, which I was using.

Benks ArmorGrid ArmorPro Case retails for S$64.45 on Shopee and S$58 on Lazada.

If you are an international user outside of Singapore, you can also get it directly from Benks. You can use my discount coupon code, lesterchan15, for a storewide 15% discount.

You can also get the matching ArmorPop Phone Grip & Stand in Terra Orange to match the case.

ArmorPop Phone Grip & Stand retails for S$32 on Shopee and S$30 Lazada.

This case is perfect for the year-end holiday vibes, but sadly, I received it after the New Year. If not, I would have swapped it out for the Benks ArmorPro Prestige Case in November 2025.

Some examples:

• Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker Zolo USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker 322 PowerLine USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker 544 USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker PowerLine III USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker 643 PowerLine III Flow USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)
• Anker PowerLine Select+ USB-C to USB-C Cable (Shopee | Lazada)

There are only three series that support 240W: Anker Prime, Anker Zolo, and Anker itself. Based on pricing, Anker Prime is the highest tier, followed by Anker and then Anker Zolo.

The Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable is available in only one color, whereas the Anker Zolo and Anker come in four and three colors, respectively.

So I wanted a 1m white USB-C to USB-C cable to match my Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max. I am deciding between the Anker Zolo and the Anker.

I ended up with an Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable because it has strain relief at the ends.

I was in Bangkok, Thailand, on holiday, and I was surprised to find that the Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable is cheaper in physical stores there than on Shopee or Lazada in Singapore.

On Shopee or Lazada, you can purchase it for approximately S$14 during a flash sale. Meanwhile, in the Anker Store at Central World in Bangkok, it is selling for TH฿299, which is approximately S$12.30.

Despite being braided, the Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable is softer and less rigid compared to my Ugreen Braided USB-C to USB-C Cable (100W) or Belkin BoostCharge USB-C to USB-C Cable 240W.

The color is more towards cream than actual white.

At its S$12, a braided USB-C to USB-C cable with strain relief and 240W charging support from a well-known brand like Anker is reasonably priced and good value overall.

Sadly, most, if not all, accessories sold on Singtel Shop are at the Recommended Retail Price (RRP), which means they will be more expensive compared to those sold on Shopee or Lazada.

I held out until the last few days before the expiry, as I was hoping to see the Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max being listed there. But sadly, it is not happening.

So I ended up just buying the Sharge Retractable 65W Charger for S$49.90. I don’t need to fork out a single cent. Shipping is free to my doorstep as I am a Singtel Red member. Otherwise, it is S$8. S$3 if shipped to a Singpost POPStation.

The Sharge Retractable 65W Charger is available in Black and White. I chose Black.

It is the nicest-looking charger I have, featuring a transparent cover that houses the retractable cable coil.

It is not the most compact charger due to the retractable cable coil. It measures 71 x 55 x 32.4 mm and weighs about 145g.

As the name suggests, it comes with a 70 cm retractable USB-C cable, and the charger itself has another USB-C port. The maximum output of the charger is 65W.

These days, I love to have things with built-in cable like the Anker 25000mAh 165W Power Bank, Ugreen MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank, and Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K With Integrated Cable, so I do not need to bring additional USB-C cable on the go. It is just more convenient.

Since I bought it in Singapore, it comes with the removable UK Plug (Type G).

Underneath it is a foldable US Plug (Type A).

With just the Sharge Retractable 65W Charger, I can dump it in my bag. In the event of an emergency, I need to plug it in and charge it. I don’t need to worry about cables.

Any company that wants to conduct layoffs will use AI as a reason. And since AI empowers individuals to do more, hiring has also slowed down. The company may no longer need as many workers as it once did.

As an added side effect, it causes a global shortage of memory chips, and hence, any CPU components that interact with memory, such as RAM, graphics cards, and NVMe storage, have seen an increase in prices. RAM saw the worst rise in prices.

2026 will not be any better, as layoffs and price increases are expected to continue.

Tech Refresh
If I were to look back and sum up my 2025 in two words, it would be ‘Tech Refresh.’

This is the first time I’ve used an AI-generated image as a featured image. Image is generated by Nano Banana on Gemini 2.5 Flash.

Another more realistic image by Nano Banana Pro on Gemini 3 Pro.

Upgraded my car from Mercedes-Benz A180 (W176) (2017) with Certificate of Entitlement (COE) Cat A to the Tesla Model 3 Highland (2025) (RWD) with COE Cat B. If you are a techie, you will love all the high-tech features of the Tesla. I look forward to the day when Full Self-Driving (FSD) becomes available in Singapore.

Upgraded my Internet from Singtel 1+1Gbps Fibre Pro Gamer Bundle to Singtel 10Gbps Enhanced Plan.

The next tech refresh I did was to upgrade my whole network from Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 to Ubiquiti UniFi. I love the User Interface (UI) of UniFi and have never been happier with the seamless and responsive setup. As a “side effect” of that, I fell into the rabbit hole, and now all my networking equipment is from Ubiquiti UniFi.

As every year, I also upgraded my iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB) to the iPhone 17 Pro Max (512GB), and it is in my favourite colour, orange.

Lastly, I upgraded my 5-year-old desktop to AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This time around, I opted for a larger case, the NZXT H7 Flow, and chose an AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card instead of an Nvidia one. I took this opportunity to upgrade my webcam to the Logitech Brio 4K, my speakers to the Edifier MR5, and my monitor to the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM.

Travel
Travelled to India for the first time, visiting my colleagues in our Bangalore office. It isn’t as bad as everyone made it out to be. I will head there again sometime in Q1 2026.

Been to Japan twice this year, Hokkaido and Okinawa. Three times to Thailand, visiting Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Phuket.

What I Said In 2024

There are strong rumors that the Apple HomePod will come with a screen next year. If so, as usual, I will get it.

Again, this didn’t happen. Hopefully in 2026?

iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to undergo a redesign.

It didn’t undergo a radical redesign, just a minor one, with the camera bump now bigger, and it is called a plateau.

I will upgrade my Internet to 10Gbps, provided Singtel allows me to bridge to my Asus ZenWiFi BQ16 without using their crap Mesh Router.

As mentioned above, I upgraded my Internet from Singtel 1+1Gbps Fibre Pro Gamer Bundle to Singtel 10Gbps Enhanced Plan.

I will be looking to change my car before April 2025, as my road tax is up, and my COE is in its 8th year. I paid a deposit for a Tesla Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) with Category B COE.

Managed to secure my COE Cat B after failing to get it in the January 2025 COE bidding rounds. I received the car on 6th February 2025.

For 2026
There are many rumors about a foldable iPhone. Will we get to see it next year?

In terms of tech refresh in 2026, I can only think of my Sonos Play:1 surrounds, Apple TV, and my 8-year-old Apple iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd Generation). Or, unless my Samsung Series 6 40″ UHD 4K Flat Smart TV (UA40JU6400) in my master bedroom is spoiled.

I have not booked any trips for 2026 yet, which is unusual. Li Xiang wants to go to Spain, and I want to go to Tokyo to do my yearly shopping spree. Additionally, maybe a trip to China, visiting cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, or Xiamen.

Wishing all my readers, visitors, and supporters a Happy New Year 2026! May 2026 be a fantastic year for all of us.

Looking Back 2025

50 posts were posted in 2025, accumulating 61 comments, and 244,152 views.

December 2025

31st

Looking Back 2025

29th

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX ZywOo Edition Gaming Keyboard Review

22nd

Asus ROG Keris II Origin Gaming Mouse Review

15th

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM Monitor Review

8th

Logitech Brio 4K Webcam

4th

Ulti Ergo Clamp-On Speaker Stand

1st

Edifier MR5 Studio Monitor Speakers

November 2025

27th

Anker 25000mAh 165W Power Bank

24th

Ulti Glide Heavy-Duty Caster Wheels (M8)

17th

My New Computer AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

10th

Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max

3rd

Anker 140W Charger

October 2025

27th

Ugreen Smart Tag

20th

AirGradient One Indoor Monitor (I-9PSL) Review

13th

Benks ArmorGrid ArmorAir Grand Combo For iPhone 17 Pro Max

6th

Ugreen MagFlow 2-In-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger

September 2025

29th

Ugreen MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank

22nd

Benks ArmorPro Prestige Case For iPhone 17 Pro Max

20th

Benks GlassWarrior Sapphire Screen Protector For iPhone 17 Pro Max

18th

D-Link 5G Mobile Wi-Fi 6 Hotspot (DWR-U2100)

12th

Singtel iPhone Air, iPhone 17, 17 Pro, And 17 Pro Max Price Plans

8th

My Ubiquiti UniFi Setup

1st

Apex+ EVO G27 27″ QHD (2560 x 1440) Monitor Review

August 2025

25th

Synology BeeStation Plus 8TB Review

18th

Moving To Ubiquiti UniFi

11th

Mova P50 Ultra Review

4th

Orico Thunderbolt 10GbE Network Adapter

July 2025

28th

Bridging Singtel ZTE F8648P ONR

21st

Benks ArmorGo Qi2 Power Bank

15th

Ugreen USB-C To USB-C 100W Retractable Cable

1st

Benks ArmorGo Power Bank

June 2025

11th

Benks Grand Headphone Stand

May 2025

26th

Benks ArmorGo Magnetic Wallet Stand

5th

Charging Discounts For Tesla In Singapore

April 2025

28th

Third-Party Tesla Apps: TezLab, Tessie, TeslaMate

21st

My Tesla Model 3 Highland (2025) Modifications

14th

Niimbot D110 Portable Label Printer

7th

Anker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C 140W Cable

1st

Benks ArmorPop Phone Grip & Stand

March 2025

25th

Happy 41st Birthday To Me

17th

Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Travel Pad

10th

Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K With Integrated Cable

3rd

My Tesla Model 3 Highland (2025) Accessories

February 2025

24th

Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank 10K

17th

Tesla Model 3 Highland (2025) Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) COE Category B

10th

SanDisk MobileMate USB 3.0 microSD Card Reader

3rd

Ugreen 130W 3-Port Car Charger

January 2025

21st

Ugreen Uno 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger

13th

Ulti Anti-Fatigue Standing Mat

6th

Belkin Secure Holder with Key Ring for AirTag

The ROG Falchion Ace HFX Gaming Keyboard is a 65% wired gaming Hall Effect (HFX) keyboard featuring pre-lubed ROG HFX magnetic switches and Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) doubleshot keycaps.

Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX ZywOo Edition Gaming Keyboard retails for S$319, while the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX Gaming Keyboard retails for S$279. A difference of S$40 for the ZywOo theme.

Who is ZywOo?
Mathias “ZywOo” Herbaut is one of the most accomplished professional players in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). He is known for his consistently top-tier performance with Team Vitality. He has earned multiple HLTV Player of the Year awards and is widely respected for his exceptional game sense, precise aim, and calm demeanor under pressure.

Box Contents

Inside the box, you’ll find a braided USB-C to USB-A cable, a keycap puller, and spare keycaps (for Ctrl, Esc, and Z).

I wish the braided USB-C to USB-A cable could be replaced with a coiled USB-C to USB-A cable instead; that would be perfect.

What is ROG without stickers? You will receive an esports theme sticker, featuring the ZywOo logo in one of them. The sticker differs from what you will receive with the regular Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX.

Design
Team Vitality’s color is yellow, and the yellow accent color reflects its team color and branding.

The primary color is magenta, but I couldn’t find any association with magenta, so I can only guess it is the complementary color to yellow.

ZywOo most used weapon based on his HLTV’s profile is the Arctic Warfare Police (AWP) rifle, and hence the backspace has the AWP design.

His logo is on the Tab key, Z key, and Spacebar. If you find it too much, you can actually swap back the Z key as the original Z key is included in the box contents.

The Escape key has a design of a chicken, paying homage to the chickens in CS. I remember all the chickens in the map cs_italy. An interesting fact is that ZywOo is also one of the leaders in terms of chicken kills at the tournament.

The kickstands offer two height adjustments.

Controls
The keyboard features two USB-C ports, located at each end of the keyboard. In the middle is the keyboard toggle switch, which allows you to switch usage between computers when two computers are connected to the keyboard via each USB-C port.

On the extreme left side is the switch function button, which allows you to toggle between five different functions and use the capacitive touch panel to control each one.

For example, you can switch to the volume function and use the touch panel to adjust the volume’s loudness.

Another example is that you can switch to the actuation distance function and use the touch panel to adjust the actuation distance. Actuation distance refers to the amount of travel a key must be pressed before it registers an input.

While the touch panel is convenient, it isn’t as accurate as a knob or wheel. Without tactile steps, you sometimes overshoot your target value and need a few adjustments to get it right.

On the extreme right is the trigger mode switch, which enables Rapid Trigger. Rapid Trigger allows a key to reset and activate instantly without needing to return to its original height, enabling faster repeated key presses.

Enabling Rapid Trigger and optimizing the actuation distance will give you an edge in First Person Shooter (FPS) gaming. However, it can’t help you if your aim is poor to begin with.

Magnetic Switches
The reason you can control the actuation distance is due to the magnetic switches, rather than mechanical switches.

Magnetic switches have a linear feel because their actuation is detected by a sensor, rather than physical contact mechanisms, allowing the key to move smoothly without any tactile bump or click.

In this case, Hall Effect (HFX) is a type of magnetic switch. For ROG HFX magnetic switches, the initial force is 40 gf, and the total force is 55 gf.

Out of the box, the actuation distance is 4 mm, which feels far. However, you can adjust it to any value between 0.1 and 4 mm.

In terms of sound, magnetic switches like this produce a muted thock sound. It is acceptable, but not the best-sounding.

Cover
I love that Asus included a keyboard cover, and it’s not just a generic keyboard cover, but also features a ZywOo theme on the underside.

The included cover saves me a couple of bucks, as I don’t need a generic acrylic transparent keyboard cover.

Gear Link
You do not need to use Asus Armoury Crate to configure the keyboard. In fact, even if you have Armoury Crate installed, it will redirect you to Gear Link instead.

For the unaware, Gear Link is Asus’ new web-based configuration tool for its ROG peripherals. Despite it being web-based, you will still need to install a small “companion tool” on Windows first before it can detect the keyboard. But at least Gear Link is much lighter than Armoury Crate.

You can configure all aspects of the mouse on Gear Link, including setting the RGB color, adjusting the polling rate, setting the actuation distance, and key assignment, among other options.

Conclusion
The Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX ZywOo Edition Gaming Keyboard is a well-rounded package that combines hall-effect magnetic switches, adjustable actuation, rapid trigger support, and thoughtful controls in a compact 65% layout. Although I find the touch panel a bit gimmicky, I prefer a knob or a wheel.

The themed elements (AWP backspace, ZywOo logos, and the playful chicken escape key) add personality without compromising performance, making it a fun yet capable keyboard for both gaming and everyday use. The included themed cover is a nice bonus that adds practical value in addition to its aesthetic appeal.

That said, the extra S$40 you’re paying here is entirely for the ZywOo branding and visual theme. Suppose you’re not a fan of ZywOo, Team Vitality, or CS2 in general. In that case, the regular Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX Gaming Keyboard offers the same hardware features and performance at a lower price. However, suppose you enjoy the esports flair or want a keyboard with a more unique identity. In that case, the ZywOo Edition offers a distinctive look in addition to an already excellent keyboard.

At the Recommended Retail Price (RRP), the Origin is priced S$10 more expensive than Ace. S$199 vs S$189. One would expect Origin to be an upgraded model. However, Origin is not the successor of the Ace. Both are different mice, each with its pros and cons.

Unboxing

Asus also included two spare ROG Micro Switches II, a micro-switch clip to remove the micro switches, and a dongle extender.

Unboxing the black envelope reveals the ROG stickers, mouse grip tape, and replaceable mouse feet.

Design & Build
Both mouse comes in Black and White and share the same right-handed ergonomic shape.

The hump, grip angle, and button placement are also similar.

There is a difference in the weight. The Ace weighs 54g while the Origin weighs 65g.

Although 11g doesn’t sound like much on paper, it is noticeable. The Ace feels light and agile. The Origin feels more planted, slightly more stable during slower tracking, and less “floaty.”

The coating is also different. The Origin has a smoother matte finish, while Ace has a more textured shell.

Dirt tends to get stuck on the Ace’s textured shell easily compared to the Origin. While on the Origin, fingerprint smudges become more visible on a matte finish, especially on Black.

Both mice have no rattles, and the build quality is solid.

I prefer the Origin here because it is more planted.

Switches
Ace uses non-hot-swappable ROG Optical Micro Switches, while Origin uses ROG Micro Switch II with Push-Fit Switch Socket II, allowing for easy switch swapping.

To swap the switches in the Origin, remove the two rubber stoppers at the bottom to expose the two screws.

Unscrew those and you can pop the casing right off.

Technically, with the Origin, the mouse can last longer, as the switches can be replaced when they wear out. It is less expensive than replacing the entire mouse.

Asus included two extra ROG Micro Switches II inside the box.

The Origin is more clicky, and the clicks are lighter on the Origin. I prefer the clicks on the Origin instead of the Ace. This might be subjective and boils down to personal preference.

RGB Lighting
If you are into RGB lighting, Origin wins the Ace, as it features three areas of RGB: the Scroll Wheel, the Left Side, and the ROG Logo.

Ace only has one area, which is the scroll wheel.

As a semi-RGB lighting enthusiast, Origin wins in this section as well.

Polling Rate
The Origin has a default polling rate of 1000 Hz, as this is the maximum limit of a USB 2.0 port.

Though it supports up to 8000 Hz via ROG Polling Rate Booster, it is not included in the box content. Therefore, you must purchase it separately.

If you have the ROG Polling Rate Booster, it supports 8000 Hz polling wirelessly, whereas the Ace only supports 4000 Hz wirelessly and only supports 8000 Hz via a wired connection.

So, Origin supports 8,000 Hz polling, but doesn’t include the ROG Polling Rate Booster. In contrast, Ace supports 4,000 Hz polling while including the ROG Polling Rate Booster.

I say Ace wins in this section.

Battery Life
When compared with RGB lighting off, Origin has better battery life than Ace, with 127 hours vs. 107 hours.

If you are getting the Origin, you’re likely into RGB lighting as well, so there’s no point in keeping the RGB lighting off to conserve battery life.

I would say both Origin and Ace are tied in this section.

Software
Gear Link is Asus ROG’s browser-based configuration tool for their ROG peripherals.

You no longer need to install Armoury Crate just to configure your ROG peripherals. You just have to visit gearlink.asus.com and you can setup your ROG peripherals.

Origin supports Gear Link, but Ace doesn’t support it yet. There is no word on whether Asus will bring Gear Link support to older peripherals.

Again, I would say that both Origin and Ace are tied in this section, as there is a chance that Asus may bring Gear Link support to the Ace.

Conclusion
Both the Asus ROG Keris II Origin and Keris II Ace are excellent mice, but they serve slightly different purposes, and it ultimately boils down to personal preference.

I prefer the Origin because of its more planted (heavier) and clicky feel. The texture of the Origin is also better for me as it doesn’t trap dirt easily.

Features such as hot-swappable switches, an 8,000 Hz wireless polling rate, RGB lighting, Gear Link browser-based configuration tool, and improved battery life are all added benefits.

The only downside is that Asus did not include the Polling Rate Booster inside the box and requires you to purchase it separately.

I know I wanted a 32″ monitor since I will be giving away my existing BenQ EW3270U 32″ 4K HDR Monitor to my nephew.

In addition to being 32″, the monitor should have a flat, glossy screen and support a refresh rate of 240Hz. A glossy screen allows for richer colors and stronger contrast compared to matte screens.

Next is the panel, and OLED is the undisputed champion for gaming, followed by Mini LED (See: RTings: Mini LED vs OLED). OLED response time is effectively instant compared to other types of panels, such as Vertical Alignment (VA), Twisted Nematic (TN), In-Plane Switching (IPS), and Mini LED.

There are two different types of OLEDs made by two manufacturers: LG’s WOLED and Samsung’s QD-OLED. The W stands for White, while QD stands for Quantum Dot. The winner here is QD-OLED (See: RTings: QD-OLED vs. WOLED). QD-OLED panels offer richer saturation, a broader color range, and brighter tones than WOLED, making everything appear more vibrant and alive.

There are only a handful of gaming monitors that fit my criteria.

• MSI MPG 321URX
• MSI MPG 322URX
• MSI MAG 321UPX
• Asus ROG PG32UCDM
• Asus ROG PG32UCDMR
• Gigabyte MO32U2
• Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2P
• Gigabyte Aorus FO32U2

Asus ROG PG32UCDM was frequently mentioned in r/OLED_Gaming as the best 32″ OLED gaming monitor, as it has the best factory calibration and build quality. Having said that, you will not go wrong with any of the monitors listed above.

In Singapore, when I compare the prices, the Asus PG32UCDM is probably the most expensive 32″ OLED gaming monitor as well, despite it being released in February last year. The Recommended Retail Price (RRP) is S$2,099.

A newer model, the Asus PG32UCDMR (note the ‘R’ at the end), was released a few months ago, and it retails for S$2,199. If the price difference is only S$100, it is a no-brainer to opt for the newer one, as it features DisplayPort (DP 2.1), a more accurate proximity sensor, and improved OLED burn-in protection.

Some shops might be clearing the older Asus PG32UCDM and offering greater discounts. If the discount is more than S$300, the difference will no longer be worth it. Hence, consider getting the older Asus PG32UCDM instead.

Unboxing
As my review unit of the Asus PG32UCDM is quite used, the box is in poor condition so I will not be posting a photo of it, and there are minor scratches on all the accessories. However, it doesn’t affect the monitor’s performance.

The stand is different from conventional monitors, and that is what makes the Asus PG32UCDM stand out. It follows Asus’ usual ROG design language, featuring aggressive angles, matte black surfaces, and a stand that resembles a small mech.

Personally, I don’t use the stand as I prefer it to be mounted on my Ulti Aura RGB Dual Monitor Arm. You cannot mount the monitor directly onto the monitor arm without using the included VESA mount adapter.

When using the stand, the Asus ROG logo will be projected onto your table. You can even swap it out with a transparent plate, so it will just project colors if you don’t like the logo.

Four cables are included:

• DisplayPort 1.4 Cable
• HDMI 2.1 Cable
• USB 3.2 Type B To Type A Cable
• USB-C Cable

I have already plugged in the USB 3.2 Type B to Type A Cable, and it is therefore not included in the picture above.

This is the first time I’ve seen a monitor come with a carrying bag to keep the cables that you might not use.

Design
The bezel is relatively thin and uniform around. The most prominent feature in front is the red Asus ROG logo, which is lit. Since there is a well-used review unit, there are some noticeable scratches at the bottom.

The display itself is thin, thanks to the use of OLED technology. There’s no backlight array, so the side profile looks more like a high-end TV than a monitor. The ROG logos also light up prominently at the back.

Connectivity
Asus PG32UCDM has two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4 port.

On the right, it features a USB-C port capable of delivering up to 90W of USB-C Power Delivery. The default is 65W, as selecting 90W will limit the maximum brightness of your display to 65%.

The Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) Switch is built into the Asus PG32UCDM, allowing you to use your keyboard and mouse with two different computers seamlessly. You need one computer to be plugged into the USB 3.2 Type B port and the other USB-C port. The USB-C port also supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode). DP Alt Mode allows the USB-C port to transmit DisplayPort video and audio signals.

On-Screen Menu
There are three buttons at the bottom of the monitor. The buttons are behind the bottom ROG logo. The first button is a close button, followed by the 5-way navigation button, and a power button.

DP 1.4 vs DP 2.1
One of the drawbacks of the PG32UCDM in 2025 is its use of the older DP 1.4. The newer PG32UCDMR comes with DP 2.1.

When it comes to bandwidth, DP 1.4 has a maximum bandwidth of 26 Gbps. To support 4K at 240Hz, it needs to utilize DSC (Display Stream Compression). DSC is visually lossless, but it is still a compression. DSC relies on your graphics card drivers, and if they are buggy, your graphics performance will be impacted.

With DP 2.1, the maximum bandwidth is 80 Gbps, utilizing the Ultra-High Bit Rate (UHBR) 20. So there is enough bandwidth to support 4K at 240Hz without any compression.

Things get even more complicated. My PowerColor Red Devil AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT supports DP 2.1a, but it only does UHBR 13.5 (54 Gbps). Regardless, it is still capable of 4K at 240Hz without DSC.

Therefore, choose a DP 2.1 monitor to ensure it is future-proof. However, if the price difference exceeds S$300, then it is probably not worth it, since DSC is visually lossless and you will not be able to tell with the naked eye, no matter how good they are.

Gaming Performance
The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is an upper mid-range graphics card, but it will not be able to drive 4K at 240 fps for AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077. I still manage to achieve over 170 fps on the maximum settings with AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 4.

You can easily achieve 4K at 240 fps with esports games like Counter-Strike 2 or Overwatch 2, as they are optimized for speed rather than graphics.

However, when HDR mode is on, the FPS drops to around 200.

OLED Burn-In
The primary downside to having an OLED monitor is the risk of burn-in. Burn-in on OLED displays occurs when fixed images remain on the screen for an extended period, resulting in permanent ghost marks due to uneven pixel aging.

Asus PG32UCDM has features to prevent that from happening. These features typically involve moving your pixels around, like a screen saver, pixel cleaning, or auto logo brightness. You can set a reminder to run the pixel cleaning utility after 2, 4, or 8 hours of use. The pixel cleaning process takes about 6 minutes.

Turning off the screen as quickly as possible when it detects that you are not at your desk also helps. Hence, a proximity sensor is built into the PG32UCDM.

The newer PG32UCDMR takes it one step further by upgrading the standard proximity sensor with the Neo Proximity Sensor. The Neo Proximity Sensor uses a laser instead of relying on radar/magnetic/capacitive/ultrasonic. It can actually measure the actual distance, thereby reducing false positives. You can read more about it here: Neo Proximity Sensor vs Standard Proximity Sensor.

Generally, OLED protections are sufficient for typical mixed usage scenarios, such as gaming, browsing, coding, or streaming. However, no panel can endure being left on a bright static image for 10 hours a day, every day.

That being said, all Asus OLED monitors come with a 3-year warranty that includes protection against panel burn-in.

Conclusion
The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM is probably the best QD-OLED 32″ monitor you can buy today. You will not go wrong in buying it.

The only downside is that it is more expensive than other QD-OLED monitors on the market, as it is better calibrated at the factory and features a superior build and design.

If budget is not a concern for you, consider the PG32UCDMR instead, as it is future-proof with DP 2.1 and a Neo Proximity Sensor.

Regardless of whether you opt for an Asus QD-OLED or other brands of QD-OLED, if you’re upgrading from IPS or VA, OLED will feel like a generational leap.

Throughout the years, on my Windows gaming setup, I haven’t used it at all since I don’t make any video calls or stream. So, I decided to pass it on to my nephew, along with my old computer.

In its place, I decided to get a webcam that I can use with Windows Hello, allowing me to unlock my Windows with just my face. Currently, I am using the PQI My Lockey USB Fingerprint Reader to unlock with my fingerprint. With a face unlock, it will be more seamless and hassle-free.

It is so hard to find a webcam that supports Windows Hello. To my knowledge, I am only aware of one webcam, and that is the Logitech Brio 4K Webcam.

If you are looking for an official Logitech store that sells it, it is only available on Shopee and not Lazada.

Do note that there is a similar webcam model called Logitech MX Brio 4K Webcam and that doesn’t support Windows Hello. The difference is with the MX naming.

The usual retail price is about S$220, but during the 11/11 double-digit sales day, I bought it for about S$190.

It comes with the OEM box, as indicated when you purchase it. Perhaps they no longer sell it in retail because it is too old? But I don’t mind it since it also comes with a 3-year warranty.

The packaging contents include a 1m USB-A to USB-C cable and a privacy shutter that can be attached to the webcam.

Besides the camera, to support Windows Hello, the Logitech Brio 4K Webcam has an infrared sensor. It also has a dual omnidirectional built-in microphone with a range of up to 1.2 m.

My only complaint is that the 1m cable is too short to route neatly to your desktop computer.

Windows Hello works as advertised, and it is fast. The only caveat is that you cannot be too close to the webcam; you need to be at least 50cm away from the camera.

If you are looking for a hands-free way to unlock your Windows desktop computer, you can consider the Logitech Brio 4K Webcam. Additionally, if you are aware of any other Windows Hello webcams available in Singapore, please let me know in the comments.

With limited space on my standing desk and with the larger Edifier MR5 speakers as compared to the Bose Companion 20, I decided to get a speaker stand that can be mounted to my desk.

Since my standing desk and monitor arms are all from Ulti, the logical choice is to get the Ulti Ergo Clamp-On Speaker Stand. It is available on both Shopee and Lazada. The price difference between the two platforms is quite significant, with Shopee being the cheaper one. On Shopee, it retails for around S$41 while on Lazada, it is S$71.

Installation takes about three steps. The first step is to attach one end of the pole to the clamp.

The second step is to attach the other end of the pole to the plate. Lastly, attach the rubber mat to the plate via the pre-pasted double-sided tape underneath the rubber mat.

The rubber mat acts like an anti-slip and anti-vibration mat. Therefore, you do not need to purchase separate anti-vibration feet for the speakers.

With the speakers placed on the mounted speaker stands, it frees up the left and right space on your desk.

I was reading a lot in r/BudgetAudiophile and narrowing down the brands. My budget is about S$300, and I don’t need a subwoofer. I narrowed down to three speakers, the AudioEngine A2+, Edifier MR5 and Edifier M60.

I ended up with the Edifier MR5 because it offers better value for money than the AudioEngine A2+ and the Edifier M60. I got a great deal on the Edifier MR5 during the 11/11 double-digit sales day on Lazada. The usual retail price is around S$329, and I got it for S$261 during the 11/11 sale.

Two colors are available, black and white. I chose black to complement the overall black theme of my computer.

The box contents are straightforward: just the two speakers and four cables (a speaker connecting cable, a 3.5 mm to RCA audio cable, a 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm audio cable, and a power cable).

The right speaker is the active speaker, and hence it holds all the controls and ports.

You can see the 5″ woofers from the side.

The left speaker is the passive speaker, and therefore, it is connected to the right speaker by only one cable.

I am not an audiophile by any means, but when I swap out the more expensive Bose Companion 20 with the Edifier MR5, I can immediately hear the difference. At the same volume level, the Edifier MR5 feels cleaner and clearer, and the bass is way more powerful.

It is a totally worthwhile upgrade.

I bought it on Lazada during 11/11 double-digit sales day for S$83.25. It is a steal because the recommended retail price is usually S$159.90, and even with discounts, it doesn’t drop below S$100. The price for 11/11 on Shopee still costs more than S$100 after stacking all the vouchers.

Two colors are available. I chose silver to match my Anker 140W Charger. Black chargers and power banks are too common.

A carrying case comes with the power bank.

What makes this powerbank special is the screen and two built-in USB-C cables.

One built-in USB-C cable serves as a lanyard and measures approximately 30 cm.

The other is a standard retractable USB-C cable, measuring 70cm in length. The USB-C end is magnetic and will snap back into the tray.

There are a total of four ports. So after accounting for the two built-in USB-C cables, you are left with a USB-C port and a USB-A port. The USB-C port supports both input and output. You can use any built-in USB-C cable or the USB-C port to charge the power bank.

The maximum output of the power bank is 165W. Each of the USB-C ports can support a maximum output of 100W, while the single USB-A port has a maximum output of 33W.

As a 25,000mAh power bank, it is heavy, weighing around 600g.

Despite being a 25,000mAh power bank, you can bring it on the aeroplane because the watt-hour (Wh) is only 90Wh, which is below the 100Wh limit for most airlines.

In case the airport security personnel fail their math, the power bank clearly indicates that it is 90Wh at the back, so they don’t need to calculate the Wh from mAh.

The power bank has the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) logo at the bottom, so it is safe to bring it for travel to China.

Despite the power bank having a large display area, the actual screen is only a small square. The design is purely aesthetic.

I’m not sure whether I will bring this power bank on my travels, as it’s quite heavy. I usually bring two 10,000mAh power banks for travel. One for me, which is the Ugreen MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Power Bank, and one for Li Xiang, which is the Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K With Integrated Cable. I chose both power banks because they have built-in cables, so I have fewer cables to bring along. I prefer wired charging when travelling because it is faster and less energy is wasted from the power bank.

The reason I got this power bank is so I can charge my Apple 14″ MacBook Pro (2021) on the go, as the battery health has dropped to about 85% after more than 3 years. In fact, I can even charge my laptop at home on my dining table without having to pull a long USB-C cable from the nearest socket.

With the weight of the monitors and computer on the table, it is cumbersome to move the table.

Ulti sells wheels for their standing desk. If you are using an Ulti standing desk, the wheels you are looking for are the Ulti Glide Heavy-Duty Caster Wheels (M8). It retails for S$26.60 on Shopee and S$34 on Lazada. I’m unsure why there’s a significant price difference.

To make my life easier going forward, I decided to get wheels for my standing desk.

Installing the wheels on an existing table is troublesome, as it requires removing everything from the table and tilting it sideways on the floor. But it is a one-off effort.

Installation is straightforward; unscrew the existing foot pads and screw in the new wheels. Again, note that the thread size is M8.

Each wheel has a locking mechanism. But I did not lock it because, given the weight of the items on the desk, it doesn’t move easily.

Switching out the foot pad with the wheels also increases the height. So you will need to re-adjust your chair height.

Surprisingly, installing wheels on your standing desk can be quite life-changing, as it now becomes much easier to move the table. I should have done it initially when I got the desk.