Tech Whiz

Tech Whiz

Nov 2024

Nov 2024 | By Felicia Chua

Stylish Functionality 
A dull workplace can make your day feel extra draggy and lethargic. To set the right mood and inspire new ideas, try switching up your aesthetics. With four eye-catching colours and sleek contoured designs, add some zest to your workstation with the Logitech® POP Icon Keys ($99.00) and Logitech® POP Mouse ($54.00 each).

 

Marrying style with unparalleled functionality, this iconic duo isn’t just about the looks. With customisable action keys via the free Logi Options+ app, switch seamlessly between Work mode and Break mode, instantly open a ChatGPT prompt window, and access must-have shortcuts such as the emoji menu, screenshot, and more. For the busy bees pulling up Excel sheets and replying to emails across multiple screens, enjoy the ultimate convenience of typing, scrolling, and clicking across up to three computers, phones, or tablets with the Easy Switch button.

The office is a shared space, so if you want to avoid being on the receiving end of not-so-conspicuous glares, it’s best to keep your noise level down. Get the most out of the POP Mouse Silent Touch technology, which removes 90% of click noise* for a more conducive work environment.

 

Bang out your work on the contoured POP Icon Keys, which offers responsive yet hushed typing so you can be that very mindful coworker everyone appreciates. With much to offer, boost your self-expression and productivity at the workspace today!

* Click noise reduced by over 90% compared to Logitech M185. Left click dBA level measured by an independent lab at 1 metre.

Effortless Charging
Designed to fit effortlessly in your palm or pocket, the Momax IP122B Q.Mag Minimal Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5,000mAh ($39.90 each) is a compact outdoor essential that features a stylish suitcase-inspired design with a straight stripe structure. It is both MagSafe and Qi-compatible, delivering up to 15W of wireless fastcharging capability as compared to the conventional 5W or 7.5W wireless chargers. The best part is, you don’t have to deal with sockets, cables, and other charging accessories while on the go. The tangle-free magnetic technology allows you to securely snap your device in place and power up twice as fast whenever you need a boost. To take it up a notch, the Q.Mag Minimal also supports USB-C Power Delivery with an impressive 20W output to provide both the speed and reliability you need.

 

With news of power banks causing accidental fires, you’d want to go for one that not only fuels your productivity but also adheres to industrial safety standards. Constructed with ULcertified fireproof materials, the Q.Mag Minimal meets USB and PD safety standards and has undergone rigorous testing to earn the CCC, CE, FCC, and RoHS certifications. Equipped with several safety protection features, it guards against overcurrent, overvoltage, short circuit, and overheating for your peace of mind.

Immersive Visuals
With the year-end holidays peeking around the corner, you’re bound to come together with family, friends, and colleagues over a hearty meal or indulgent drinks. And if you’re planning to play host, it’s about time to get your house looking sharp, spiffy, and ready to party.

 

To treat your guests to an immersive theatre experience, the Xiaomi TV A Pro 55” 2025 ($649) is a good addition to your TV console. With a full-screen, ultra-slim bezel design, it provides a high screen-to-body ratio far beyond that of standard TVs. The 4K ultra-HD QLED display, in particular, reflects crisp colours with razor-sharp precision for a visual feast of the hottest blockbusters of the season. In addition, the Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation (MEMC) technology works to deliver smooth high-speed motion images, which will come in especially handy if your party wants to tune in to an exhilarating sports event or enjoy an adrenaline-pumping action movie.

To broaden your entertainment options, freely access a growing library of live channels of news, movies, reality shows, and more on Xiaomi TV+. With the built-in Miracast and Chromecast, you can also conveniently cast videos, photos, and other content directly from your phone or tablet to the TV to regale everyone with funny encounters and fond memories. Armed with a trove of entertainment to dive into, you and your guests are all set to have a whale of a time!

 

All-Rounder Smartwatch
Combining the functionalities of a phone, GPS tracker, music player, camera, clock, and fitness tracker into one, the myFirst Fone R2 ($299 each) is the ultimate all-in-one wearable technology for the little ones. Designed specifically for children aged 5 to 12, it is packed with childfriendly features and is lightweight yet durable enough to withstand their active lifestyles.

 

To protect your child from stranger danger, the smartwatch is equipped with essential safety features such as the one-touch SOS alert to seek assistance in emergencies and parent-approved contacts to keep online predators and other unauthorised people at bay. More importantly, to manage your child’s screen time and allow for distraction-free learning, you can set designated periods to silence the smartwatch and disable all features except for the SOS function.

Of course, a smartwatch for youngsters can’t do without the fun factor. Apart from Fone R2’s wide variety of interactive stickers and GIFs, your child will have a blast sending and receiving Knock-Knocks as well as responding with a camera snapshot from their smartwatch or phone to share their current moment. What’s more, the smartwatch also allows your child’s unique personality to shine with five vivacious colours such as Acai Purple and Cotton Candy Mix, interchangeable elastic straps, and customisable clock faces. Hitting all the marks, the all-rounder Fone R2 is the perfect Christmas surprise for your child!

Aug 2024

Aug 2024 | By Felicia Chua

Stellar Storage Performance
In a bustling city-state like Singapore where the hustling never stops, optimised efficiency is not only highly valued but also expected, and even more so when you’re in a time crunch. If you’ve been thinking of upgrading your storage drive to one that can keep up with your productivity level, we’d say look no further and go with the Samsung Portable SSD T9 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. Boasting sequential read/write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s1, the T9 can transfer a 2GB file in almost one second. Say goodbye to lengthy loading times and hello to enhanced work efficiency.

 

Accidents do happen, and if you can’t prevent it, the best you can do is fortify against it. The T9 proves its strength in this aspect with a drop resistance of up to three metres2 to shield your files from external impact, backed by a five-year limited warranty3. You’d also appreciate the dotted, non-slip finish of the exterior for a more comfortable and secure grip. What’s more, the Dynamic Thermal Guard further minimises potential performance drop from overheating while sustaining fast transfer speeds.

Bulk can really undermine portability, which is a problem you won’t face with the T9. Now available in capacities of 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB at just 122g, flit through your day effortlessly with the lightweight Samsung Portable SSD T9 USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 today.

1 Performance may vary depending on host configuration. To reach maximum sequential read/write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, respectively, the host device and connection cables must support USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and the UASP mode must be enabled.
2 Based on an internal free fall shock test conducted under controlled conditions.
3 Limited 5-year warranty (For the full warranty statement, please visit https://www.samsung.com/sg/support/warranty/).

Your Data Secured
Locking in on data security, a new standard in portable storage has arrived with the Seagate Ultra Touch HDD. Apart from password protection, its AES-256 hardware encryption — the same standard used by the U.S. government and global intelligence agencies — can be depended on all fronts to ensure your digital data is privy to you alone.

Backing up your digital data is one thing, making sure everything remains intact and in working order long after is another. This is why the drive earns a nod from us with its Rescue Data Recovery services, allowing for peace of mind against unexpected data loss and retrieval costs.

Thanks to its universal USB-C compatibility with PC, Mac, and Chromebook, the drive also eliminates the need for an additional adapter to access. Simply plug in and you’re operationally ready to tackle your projects with your resources at your fingertips. Striving towards sustainability, we also like that it contains at least 30% post-consumer recycled materials by weight and has 100% recyclable packaging.

Available in capacities of 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB without compromising on its portability with a lightweight, smooth design inspired by the natural world, the Seagate Ultra Touch HDD is certainly one for every need.

Urbanite Essential
Behind every city dweller is a backpack that must be able to withstand the hustle, and that’s why the Targus® 15–16” Terra EcoSmart® Backpack (Black/ Grey) should be every urbanite’s choice pick. With its spacious 23L main compartment, inclusive of a dedicated laptop compartment, you won’t have a problem bringing along all your work or school necessities as you traverse the concrete jungle daily. Fitted with adjustable and ergonomic padded shoulder straps, its body is also constructed with durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant materials to help shave extra weight off your shoulders.

Of course, when it comes to safety, you can never be too sure. Thwart potential thefts with the integrated anti-theft fasteners on primary pockets like the quick-access front pocket and enjoy the peace of mind of having a hidden back lumbar pocket.

Its exceptional versatility also makes it the perfect companion for your weekend escapades from the city. In particular, the removable rain cover comes in handy when you’re caught in a surprise shower while out and about. It is also equipped with a safety strap for a clip-on bike light, as well as integrated fasteners to secure your helmet to the exterior so you can transition from your day commitments to night cycling adventures seamlessly. Delivering safety, security, and utility, the Targus® 15 –16” Terra EcoSmart® Backpack is truly one for the city and one for the trails.

Must-Have Charging Gizmos
From new-generation smartphones to tablets and more, tech titans are rapidly pivoting towards USB-C ports, and for good reasons. With this shift, it’s inevitable that we find ourselves juggling a mix of multimedia gizmos with different charging requirements. To rid yourself of the hassle of having to bring along multiple cables to keep your devices continually powered on the go, the Tectron PC10 10,000mAh 22.5W Fast Charge Power Bank with Built-in Cables (Black/ Grey/ Blue/ Pink) is an ideal addition to your tech collection. Embedded with both USB-C Fast Charging and MFi-certified Lightning cables, this built-in convenience enables you to charge a wide range of devices without additional cords. Even when you’re running really low on juice, this 10,000mAh battery has your back with 22.5W maximum power output for fast charging, so you can be sure to bounce back just as quickly.

If you prefer to switch up your gizmo routine every once in a while, you may also find yourself reaching for the Tectron MC15 240W Magnetic Charging Data USB-C to C Cable 1.5m (Black/ White). Its standout feature is undeniably the magnetic retraction that lets you do away with the frustration of tangled cords by organising itself in a jiffy to store away neatly. Coupled with Power Delivery 240W fast charging and a durable nylon braided exterior to resist wear and tear, the Tectron MC15 is your go-to accessory for high-speed, reliable charging performance.

May 2024

May 2024 | By Felicia Chua

High-Capacity Power Banks
If you’re attached to your devices at the hip, chances are you’ll need a boost to ensure your entertainment isn’t cut short when the battery level hits 0%. To fuel your everyday consumption, the Energea ComPac 35 series of power banks is here to serve. Equipped with Universal Smart Charge, it supports fast charging for Apple, Samsung, and Huawei devices. With dual USB-A and USB-C charging ports, charge two devices simultaneously to maximise your day. What’s more, the USB-C Power Delivery 35W charges up to 30% faster than standard speed, charging up to 60% in just 30 minutes so you can hit the ground running again. With its Low Power Charging mode, you can also safely charge your wearable devices such as wireless earbuds without worrying about overcharging.

Fully recharged in two hours, the ComPac 35 10,000mAh is a high-capacity battery encased in an ultra-portable body to last you the whole day. For heavy users, double up with the ComPac 35 Ultra 20,000mAh. Fully recharged in 3.5 hours, it is 15% lighter than most power banks, so you can travel light with no extra weight. With its benefits stacked up, the ComPac 35 series is sure to satisfy your everyday charging needs.

Wireless Charging
Imagine being lulled into a false sense of security because you’re confident your portable charger is fully charged and in your bag — until you realise you forgot to bring the correct cable. The horrors! It’s much easier to ditch the cables and embrace true portability with the Verbatim Charge ‘n’ Go Magnetic Wireless Power Bank.

Its advanced features include 15W magnetic wireless charging, Power Delivery 20W capabilities, and a versatile bi-directional Type-C port for high compatibility with a wide range of devices for swift charging on the go. Charge up to two devices and monitor the power status with the LED indicator so you always know when to recharge. For a stronger magnetic hold, simply attach the additional metal ring to your phone or phone case.

If you need to charge your devices discreetly, especially while in a business meeting or at a presentation, the Verbatim Charge ‘n’ Go will keep you looking professional at all times. Choose between 5,000mAh with a super-slim 9.6mm body or 10,000mAh with a lean 15mm body, both fitting effortlessly in your pocket with its compact, lightweight design. Now, you will never be caught in low-battery mode again.

Your Trusted Memory Solutions
Some data is just too confidential or personal to store in the cloud or transfer over the Internet. With the uptick in cybersecurity breaches, it is important to secure your data on all platforms and devices. Here are three recommendations to safeguard your files and best-kept memories.

When it comes to security, you know you can put your trust in the Lexar SL500 Portable SSD, which includes the Lexar DataShield™ with 256-bit AES encryption to keep your sensitive files secure, while enjoying up to 2,000MB/s read and 1,800MB/s write speeds. Its slim, solid aluminium unibody of 4.8mm thickness fits most bags without the bulk.

For the average student or office worker looking for basic storage capacities of up to 128GB, the Lexar JumpDrive®V400 USB 3.0 Flash Drive should do the job nicely. Compatible with both PC and Mac® systems, it leverages USB 3.2 Gen 1 technology for file transfers of up to 100MB/s read speed. It also sports a handy keychain loop for easy safekeeping and an assortment of colours like pastel pink.

On top of storage and transfer, you can also quickly capture and playback your favourite songs, photos, and videos in 1080p FHD, 3D, and 4K UHD with the Lexar High-Performance 633x microSDXC™ UHS-I Card BLUE Series. From travel vlogs to anniversary milestones, you can immortalise all your best memories.

Sleek Sound on the Go
Whether you’re running errands or working on tasks alone, listening to music or audiobooks can keep boredom at bay. Of course, as much as it is cathartic to blast your music, it’s impolite to broadcast your entire audio library in public. That’s why a reliable pair of wireless earbuds — such as the Defunc True Go Slim — is always a good companion.

Featuring Defunc’s world-unique, consumer insight-based MultiTip™ design, the True Go Slim delivers better sound quality, secure fit, and comfort. Coupled with a total playtime of 22 hours and fast charging, let loose and shimmy to the beat with no cause to pause! What’s more, you can filter out the background buzz with its updated chipset for improved Environmental Noise Cancellation. Its IPX4 water and sweatresistant function, as well as extra sport wings for enhanced grip, will fuel you through your workout playlist. Environmentally-conscious shoppers will also approve of its incorporation of a mix of ocean-bound plastic and postconsumer recycled mixed material.

Mar 2024

Elevate Your SMART LIVING

Smart living technology can truly help you embrace the benefits of being a home owner.

Mar 2024 | Edited by Felicia Chua

From security solutions to housekeeping tips, home dwellers are always on the lookout to optimise their home sweet home. With a plethora of innovative technology on the market to serve our needs, here are three smart living essentials that complement and enhance your modern lifestyle.

Window to Your Home
Strengthen your home security with the prowess of the EZVIZ H6c Pro, a pinnacle of innovation in Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. With 2MP/4MP resolutions, this indoor camera ensures unparalleled clarity in every frame. The Patrol mode is also a standout feature, thoroughly covering designated areas to keep a vigilant eye on your home. What’s more, the two-way calling feature adds a human touch to your security setup, be it reassuring loved ones or deterring potential intruders via real-time communication. Thanks to the seamless integration with the EZVIZ app, your smartphone doubles up as a window to your home. The app offers remote access, real-time alerts, customisable settings, and a user-friendly interface, putting control at your fingertips. Reinforcing the notion that security is not just a feature but a lifestyle, now you can monitor your abode anytime, anywhere.

Smart Peephole Sentinel
Redefine the way you safeguard your home with the EZVIZ DP2C, a wire-free peephole doorbell. With its sleek design and user-friendly features, it merges functionality with convenience. With a pleasant, built-in doorbell chime and a real-time video call to your phone to notify you instantly, no visitor will be kept waiting for long. On top of vivid imaging, its two-way audio communication feature facilitates effortless conversations to provide a secure and connected entry experience. Simply sync the DP2C with the EZVIZ app and you’ll always be informed of every visitor at your door with real-time alerts and doorstep monitoring.

Trimodal Versatility
A testament to innovation in household technology, the EZVIZ RH2 Smart Cordless Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner cleaning solution designed to simplify your daily chores. Its self-cleaning and hot air-drying features make maintenance effortless, ensuring that your cleaning companion is always ready for action. Featuring a three-in-one design, the RH2 is equipped with Mop, Vacuum, and Floor Cleaner modes, providing a versatile approach to cleaning. In addition, its large dual-water tanks are not only designed to hold more water but also to separate clean from waste water so there’s no cross-contamination. The inclusion of the built-in electrolysed water module also adds a sustainable touch to its powerful cleaning capabilities. The best part is, the RH2 comes with a built-in infrared sensor to automatically detect dirt levels and self-adjust water flow, roller speed, and suction power, all to keep your floors spotless. Home improvement is a never-ending project. As technology advances to better our lifestyles, check out your options at POPULAR Bookstores to upgrade to a smarter home today!

Aug 2023

Fun & Games With VERSATILE CONTROLLERS

Switch up your gaming routine with these versatile controllers to clinch your onscreen victories!
Aug 2023 | By Felicia Chua

Be it a cousins’ sleepover or friends’ hang out, what better way to bond than with a friendly e-sports tournament? An indispensable part of game night, controllers can make or break your chance at victory. With so many opponents to go up against, here are some of our recommendations to render every gaming session a success.

Joys of Going Wireless
When a large group gathers to battle it out over console games, the last thing you want is for anyone to accidentally trip over the mess of extension cords and cables on the living room floor. That’s why the Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch is a popular choice to add to your gaming paraphernalia. Once you connect the controller via Bluetooth 5.0 technology, you’re set to play from anywhere and in any position you like without being physically bound to the console. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery can last up to 30 hours per charge, and you’ll know when it’s time to recharge when the low-battery LED indicator flashes. Not to mention, the striking artworks featuring classic characters like Super Mario will have your guests vying for first dibs on your gorgeous collection.

The Joy-Con Comfort Grip for Nintendo Switch is also one to uplift your wireless gaming experience.Apart from the easy slide-in design to secure each Joy-Con in place, the ergonomic design, such as double-injected rubber grips, translates to more comfortable gameplay. Featuring eye-catching artwork of Princess Zelda and more, the lightweight Comfort Grip, which can stand independently, will certainly also spruce up the aesthetics of your gaming corner.

Stability Is Key
Going wireless clearly has its perks, but if you’re the type who detests wasting time fiddling with the settings to get things working, the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox is your perfect match. Simply plug in the controller to your console with the detachable 3-meter USB cable and you’re good to go, without the worry of running out of battery or losing connection mid-game. Officially licensed by Xbox for Xbox Series X|S and compatible with Xbox One and Windows, the controller is designed with superior ergonomics to last you hours on your gaming marathon, all while retaining the classic button layout we’re familiar with. Fitted with two mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons and immersive dual rumble motors for an augmented gaming experience, you’re sure to have a blast battling it out onscreen. The addition of a volume dial with one-touch chat mute is also a handy feature to have, especially when communicating tactics and celebrating big wins with your fellow gamers.

May 2023

Your One-Stop PRINTING SOLUTION

Be it for school or work, a low-cost yet functional printer is your best bet to get the job done.
May 2023 | By Felicia Chua

Astaple device in every study room, school, and office, the printer has advanced tremendously in the digital age. No longer restricted to just printing, it now supports scanning, copying, and more functions. If you’re looking for a compact printer with high print volumes, the Brother DCP-T426W printer is the perfect solution to meet your printing needs. Enjoy wireless and mobile printing without worrying about costs and expand your print capabilities with professional quality that yields crisp, clear text and brilliant colours for graphics and photos.

User-Friendly Interface
When it comes to pressing deadlines, the printer is either your greatest ally or your worst nemesis. If there’s one thing you don’t need when you’re rushing for time, it’s a printer with ink cartridges that need to be replaced at the last minute or an operating system that’s impossible to navigate, and so the list goes. Lucky for us, the Brother DCP-T426W printer is a breeze to operate. With the simple user interface and the plug-and-play function, you can get your printing done in a jiffy without the hassle of cracking your head over additional driver installations. The printer also features a transparent cover which allows for easy front access to the embedded ink tank. Engineered to minimise the risk of mess and leakage, replacing or refilling ink cartridges will no longer be a sloppy catastrophe waiting to happen.

 

Functional & Affordable
With a document print speed of up to 16/9 ipm (FPOT: 6.5 (mono)/ 10.0 (colour) seconds), the Brother DCP-T426W printer speeds up your workflow so you can do more in less time. From school lab reports and projects like brochures and newsletters to class worksheets and exam reference materials, students and teachers can go full steam ahead to produce purposeful educational materials for everyday learning.

 

Even with an economical inkjet printer, the cost of replacing inks can be pricey in the long run, especially if they tend to deplete quickly. Lower your cost per print when you pair your Brother DCP-T426W printer with Brother’s Ultra High Yield Ink bottles. Print up to 7,500 pages in black and 5,000 pages in colour! With affordable genuine ink to ensure longer-lasting machines and print heads, you’ll be stretching your dollar for maximum output.

 

With so much to offer, don’t miss your chance to get the Brother DCP-T426W printer (exclusive student and educator model) at selected POPULAR Bookstores today!

 

Disclaimer: To print and scan via Mac, users are required to download Brother iPrint&Scan from the App Store. Brother iPrint&Scan application on macOS supports PDF/JPG/BMP/PNG formats only. Mac printer driver is not provided.

Mar 2023

Data Storage: SMALL YET CAPACIOUS

Small in size, but big on storage! Check out the reliable and quality solutions that store your digital way of life!
Mar 2023 | By Jeslyn Say

Technological advancement has afforded us the freedom to record data digitally and store them for future use. With so much of our lives recorded digitally these days, you can only imagine how frustrating it might be without effective and reliable ways to safeguard these memories. For peace of mind, it’s best to look out for reliable brands that offer a variety of quality storage devices that can take your data anywhere. KIOXIA’s data storage solutions, for example, are built with the latest technology and fully backed by supportive customer service. Check out the options available below!

1 microSD/ SD Memory Card
One of the most versatile option in the data storage system is the memory card. It provides a permanent, non-volatile medium to store data and files directly on specific devices, such as smartphones, drones, tablets, dashboards, cameras, and more. The KIOXIA EXCERIA HIGH ENDURANCE microSD memory cards are designed for Full HD video recording, with a cumulative recording time of up to 40,000 hours at 256GB, and up to 17,000 hours of 4K video at its maximum capacity of 512GB. Its high endurance capability makes it suitable for continuous writing and rewriting, while minimising the chance of video recording failures.

2 USB Flash Drives
Despite cloud computing gaining traction, file sharing via USB flash drive is still an important method of storage, especially when wireless networks are not available. With a small, stylish metallic body, the KIOXIA TransMemory U366 USB flash drives have up to 128GB of storage space, and support the USB 3.2 Gen 1 technology, which delivers a read transfer speed of up to 200MB/s. Whereas, the TransMemory U365 has up to 256GB capacity, featuring a read transfer speed of 150MB/s with USB 3.2 Gen 1, which makes media storage fast and simple.

3 Solid State Drive (SSD)
Before exploring this option, check your motherboard’s requirements to see what SSDs are compatible with your computer! Whether you are building a new high-performance gaming desktop or seeking a quick and easy upgrade for your notebook, KIOXIA offers Serial ATA (SATA), Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe), and Portable solid state drives that deliver reliable and quality storage. The three differ in storage technology, transfer speed, shared connection, etc. You can simply choose the SSD of your preferred capacity and performance level, depending on your needs and budget.