I just found out (23rd Jan 2014) that the highly rated Crucial M500 SSDs have a price drop.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
What to Buy on Amazon : Office Supplies
One of the more useful item to help you get organized is a labeller. There are a few reputable brands out there which make very nice labellers, like Brother, Epson, Dymo etc. The thing here is, labellers locally here in Singapore is extremely over-priced. As a result, whichever model you want is probably a lot cheaper on Amazon.
I personally used Brother's PT-80 but seems like Amazon no longer carries it. The closest will be the Brother PT-70 Personal Handheld Labeler with special time & date function.
After getting the labeller itself, you'll need the correct type of tapes to go along. Brother makes 2 types of tapes, laminated and non-laminated. The PT-70 uses the M-series tapes which are non-laminated. The tapes come in a few colors and sizes so it depends on your preferences. The one I prefer is Brother M231 1/2-Inch Black on White Tape for P-Touch Labeler
.
Other office supplies you can get from Amazon will be stationeries. I quite like Sharpie stuff and I have used Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Markers, 12 Black Markers(30001)
and also Sharpie Accent Tank-Style Highlighters, 12 Fluorescent Yellow Highlighters(25025)
.
The other item that is of amazing value will be BIC Round Stic Ball Pen, Medium Point (1.0 mm), Blue, 60 Pens
. It's going for $3.99 right now. You can't really argue with the price point of 6.7 cents per pen.
Lastly, mechanical pencils. My current favorite is Uni's Kuru Toga. Normally, you can find the 0.5mm version of it locally at very competitive prices. However, the 0.7mm version is no where to be seen. As a result, I got mine,Uni-ball KuruToga 0.7mm Mechanical Pencil Starter Set, from Amazon instead.
Have fun!
I personally used Brother's PT-80 but seems like Amazon no longer carries it. The closest will be the Brother PT-70 Personal Handheld Labeler with special time & date function.
After getting the labeller itself, you'll need the correct type of tapes to go along. Brother makes 2 types of tapes, laminated and non-laminated. The PT-70 uses the M-series tapes which are non-laminated. The tapes come in a few colors and sizes so it depends on your preferences. The one I prefer is Brother M231 1/2-Inch Black on White Tape for P-Touch Labeler.Other office supplies you can get from Amazon will be stationeries. I quite like Sharpie stuff and I have used Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Markers, 12 Black Markers(30001)
and also Sharpie Accent Tank-Style Highlighters, 12 Fluorescent Yellow Highlighters(25025).The other item that is of amazing value will be BIC Round Stic Ball Pen, Medium Point (1.0 mm), Blue, 60 Pens
. It's going for $3.99 right now. You can't really argue with the price point of 6.7 cents per pen.Lastly, mechanical pencils. My current favorite is Uni's Kuru Toga. Normally, you can find the 0.5mm version of it locally at very competitive prices. However, the 0.7mm version is no where to be seen. As a result, I got mine,Uni-ball KuruToga 0.7mm Mechanical Pencil Starter Set, from Amazon instead.
Have fun!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
What to Buy on Amazon : Kids Toys!
Kids toys are kind of over-priced here in Singapore when you compare them with prices in the US. Besides Legos, there are quite a few kids and baby toys that are relatively cheaper to buy on Amazon than locally.
First, Thomas & Friends : Take n Play
. These are the die-cast version and a lot cheaper compared to the ones offered locally by the usual suspects. Some are not available locally as well.
Next, the Disney Cars themed merchandise are more than 50% cheaper. For example, Disney/Pixar Cars Micro Drifters Fast-Flip Carry Case
is about $15-$20 on Amazon but I believe it is sold for S$69.90 here. The 3-pack drifters can cost as low as $6.99, like Cars Micro Drifters Max Schnell, Lightning McQueen and Jeff Gorvette Vehicle, 3-Pack
. It is S$19.90 here.
If your kids fancy Trash Packs, then Amazon does offers some which are not available here. They carry the later series, like Trash Pack Series #5 Figure, 12-Pack
and Trash Pack Series #4, 5-Pack
. They also have the Trash Wheels! Trash Pack Wheels Junk Yard
K'NEX is another brand which is getting popular. And if you're also a Mario fan, you can definitely take a look at the Mario Kart range, like Nintendo Bowser's Castle: Mario and Luigi at the Starting Line Building Set
.
Lastly, Fisher-Price stuff are also cheap on Amazon. However, the good value ones tend to be the bigger toys which does not ship free to Singapore. That said, you might still score some savings even if you pay for the shipping.
First, Thomas & Friends : Take n Play
. These are the die-cast version and a lot cheaper compared to the ones offered locally by the usual suspects. Some are not available locally as well.Next, the Disney Cars themed merchandise are more than 50% cheaper. For example, Disney/Pixar Cars Micro Drifters Fast-Flip Carry Case
is about $15-$20 on Amazon but I believe it is sold for S$69.90 here. The 3-pack drifters can cost as low as $6.99, like Cars Micro Drifters Max Schnell, Lightning McQueen and Jeff Gorvette Vehicle, 3-Pack. It is S$19.90 here.If your kids fancy Trash Packs, then Amazon does offers some which are not available here. They carry the later series, like Trash Pack Series #5 Figure, 12-Pack
and Trash Pack Series #4, 5-Pack. They also have the Trash Wheels! Trash Pack Wheels Junk YardK'NEX is another brand which is getting popular. And if you're also a Mario fan, you can definitely take a look at the Mario Kart range, like Nintendo Bowser's Castle: Mario and Luigi at the Starting Line Building Set
.Lastly, Fisher-Price stuff are also cheap on Amazon. However, the good value ones tend to be the bigger toys which does not ship free to Singapore. That said, you might still score some savings even if you pay for the shipping.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
What to Buy on Amazon : NiMH Rechargeable Batteries (AA / AAA)
If you tend to use quite a fair bit of AA or AAA sized batteries, you might want to consider investing in a good set of rechargeable NiMH batteries and chargers. While there are cheap and cheerful disposable alkalines like Maxell LR6 AA Cell 48 Pack Box Battery (723443)
, you will most likely see some savings using rechargeables, and do your little part in saving Mother Earth along the way. There are also lithium based disposable dry cells, like Energizer Lithium AA Batteries, 10 Count
. While they provide more 'run time' when compared to standard alkalines, they also do cost a lot more so might not be viable for frequent everyday use.
There are a few types of rechargeables but I'll only focus on NiMH batteries, specifically, the 'Low Self-Discharge' type (LSD). First thing first, let's talk about the downside of NiMH rechargeables, just so you know what to expect. The single biggest problem with NiMH is that their nominal terminal voltage is only 1.2v, compared with 1.5v on alkalines. This means NiMH may not be able to power some devices. I have personally come across some of these. The second issue is that these rechargeables lose charge over time, and it can be significant. Alkalines also lose charge over time, but it's so slow, it's negligible. Normal NiMH can lose up to 20% or more of their charge over the course of a few days.
There is no solution to the first problem. The nominal voltage of 1.2v is determined by the chemistry of the cell. So long as it's NiMH, it's 1.2v. This problem is mitigated slightly by the fact that NiMH has a relatively flat discharge curve. Flat meaning the cells are able to sustain 1.2v from full capacity to almost empty. This is something alkalines cannnot do. In fact, towards the end of the discharge curve, the terminal voltage of alkalines can read just about 1v. I have found this website with some nice tests on AA cells.
The newer LSD type NiMH addresses the second issue. These new cells have much lower self discharge rates. I recommend eneloop 2000 mAh typical, 1900 mAh minimum,8 pack AA, Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries
. I have used these since Sanyo introduced them in 2005. The current batch is into their 3rd generation, capable of recharging 1500x. If you need the AAA version, this is the one : eneloop NEW 800 mAh Typical, 750 mAh Minimum, 1800 cycle, 8 pack AAA, Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries
. Note that Panasonic has since acquired Sanyo Eneloop. You may see the newer Panasonic branded Eneloops instead.
Amazon OEM these LSDs as well and offers them in both AA (AmazonBasics AA NiMH Precharged Rechargeable Batteries (16 Pack, 2000 mAh)
) and AAA (AmazonBasics AAA NiMH Precharged Rechargeable Batteries (12 Pack, 800 mAh)
).
Besides the batteries, we'll of course need a capable charger to charge them. There are many chargers out there with varying amount of intelligence built-in. NiMHs are relatively difficult to charge fully so I suggest getting one that is more full-featured. Personally, I'll go with La Crosse Technology Alpha Power Battery Charger, BC1000
and its little brother La Crosse Technology BC-700 Alpha Power Battery Charger
or the Maha MH-C401FS-DCW INTERNATIONAL Version Smart Charger with Car Adapter
. For readers from Singapore or India, only the La Crosse ships internationally, the Maha does not. I used these chargers personally for a long time and they proved to be reliable and good investment.
Sanyo also offers the Eneloops in what is known as 'Power Packs', like Sanyo SEC-N16SETEVP eneloop Super Power Pack, 2000mAh Typical, 1900mAh Minimum, 1500 cycle, 12AA, 4AAA, 2 C and 2 D Spacers, 4 Position Charger, and Storage Case
. These come with a charger, some batteries, C and D spacers and a nice carrying case. The bundled charger is decent but obviously not the best. C and D spacers are basically plastic canisters shaped exactly like your C and D sized batteries. You pop the Eneloops into them to use them in appliances that take in either C or D sized batteries.
Lastly, if you have a huge fleet of batteries, consider organizing them with eneloop 166704298/6S Genuine AA/AAA Battery Storage Cases, 6 Pack
.
, you will most likely see some savings using rechargeables, and do your little part in saving Mother Earth along the way. There are also lithium based disposable dry cells, like Energizer Lithium AA Batteries, 10 Count. While they provide more 'run time' when compared to standard alkalines, they also do cost a lot more so might not be viable for frequent everyday use.There are a few types of rechargeables but I'll only focus on NiMH batteries, specifically, the 'Low Self-Discharge' type (LSD). First thing first, let's talk about the downside of NiMH rechargeables, just so you know what to expect. The single biggest problem with NiMH is that their nominal terminal voltage is only 1.2v, compared with 1.5v on alkalines. This means NiMH may not be able to power some devices. I have personally come across some of these. The second issue is that these rechargeables lose charge over time, and it can be significant. Alkalines also lose charge over time, but it's so slow, it's negligible. Normal NiMH can lose up to 20% or more of their charge over the course of a few days.
There is no solution to the first problem. The nominal voltage of 1.2v is determined by the chemistry of the cell. So long as it's NiMH, it's 1.2v. This problem is mitigated slightly by the fact that NiMH has a relatively flat discharge curve. Flat meaning the cells are able to sustain 1.2v from full capacity to almost empty. This is something alkalines cannnot do. In fact, towards the end of the discharge curve, the terminal voltage of alkalines can read just about 1v. I have found this website with some nice tests on AA cells.
The newer LSD type NiMH addresses the second issue. These new cells have much lower self discharge rates. I recommend eneloop 2000 mAh typical, 1900 mAh minimum,8 pack AA, Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries
. I have used these since Sanyo introduced them in 2005. The current batch is into their 3rd generation, capable of recharging 1500x. If you need the AAA version, this is the one : eneloop NEW 800 mAh Typical, 750 mAh Minimum, 1800 cycle, 8 pack AAA, Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries. Note that Panasonic has since acquired Sanyo Eneloop. You may see the newer Panasonic branded Eneloops instead.Amazon OEM these LSDs as well and offers them in both AA (AmazonBasics AA NiMH Precharged Rechargeable Batteries (16 Pack, 2000 mAh)
) and AAA (AmazonBasics AAA NiMH Precharged Rechargeable Batteries (12 Pack, 800 mAh)).Besides the batteries, we'll of course need a capable charger to charge them. There are many chargers out there with varying amount of intelligence built-in. NiMHs are relatively difficult to charge fully so I suggest getting one that is more full-featured. Personally, I'll go with La Crosse Technology Alpha Power Battery Charger, BC1000
and its little brother La Crosse Technology BC-700 Alpha Power Battery Charger or the Maha MH-C401FS-DCW INTERNATIONAL Version Smart Charger with Car Adapter. For readers from Singapore or India, only the La Crosse ships internationally, the Maha does not. I used these chargers personally for a long time and they proved to be reliable and good investment.Sanyo also offers the Eneloops in what is known as 'Power Packs', like Sanyo SEC-N16SETEVP eneloop Super Power Pack, 2000mAh Typical, 1900mAh Minimum, 1500 cycle, 12AA, 4AAA, 2 C and 2 D Spacers, 4 Position Charger, and Storage Case
. These come with a charger, some batteries, C and D spacers and a nice carrying case. The bundled charger is decent but obviously not the best. C and D spacers are basically plastic canisters shaped exactly like your C and D sized batteries. You pop the Eneloops into them to use them in appliances that take in either C or D sized batteries.Lastly, if you have a huge fleet of batteries, consider organizing them with eneloop 166704298/6S Genuine AA/AAA Battery Storage Cases, 6 Pack
.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Current Deals : Jan 5th
A brief run through for the week.
Canon PowerShot A1400 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 5x Digital Image Stabilized Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Black)
A no frill P&S from Canon. $58.99. This model doesn't seems to be available in Singapore so the nearest model would be the A2500. One nice thing about the A1400, it uses 2x AA batteries.
Pokémon X
A slight price drop for the Pokemon X 3DS game. $34.92. Slightly cheaper than all the famous game shops here.
Panasonic Oral Irrigator EW-DJ10-A
This item has a $5 coupon. One of the most popular water-based flossing tools.
Threat Vector (Jack Ryan, Jr.)
The latest installment from Tom Clancy. Price has stayed the same at $5.39 since launched, cheaper than the rest of Tom Clancy's work.
Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 with Built-In Multi-Touch Touchpad
At $24.99, I'll consider this a good buy. If you need one, just get it now.
Canon PowerShot A1400 16.0 MP Digital Camera with 5x Digital Image Stabilized Zoom 28mm Wide-Angle Lens and 720p HD Video Recording (Black)
A no frill P&S from Canon. $58.99. This model doesn't seems to be available in Singapore so the nearest model would be the A2500. One nice thing about the A1400, it uses 2x AA batteries.Pokémon X
A slight price drop for the Pokemon X 3DS game. $34.92. Slightly cheaper than all the famous game shops here.Panasonic Oral Irrigator EW-DJ10-A
This item has a $5 coupon. One of the most popular water-based flossing tools.Threat Vector (Jack Ryan, Jr.)
The latest installment from Tom Clancy. Price has stayed the same at $5.39 since launched, cheaper than the rest of Tom Clancy's work.Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 with Built-In Multi-Touch Touchpad
At $24.99, I'll consider this a good buy. If you need one, just get it now.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
What to Buy on Amazon : Lego Toys
The selection of Lego boxed sets that are available for sale out of US from Amazon is quite limited. However, for those that qualifies, the discount in price is easily at least 40%. If you're lucky, you might be able to get some that are approximately 50% off. For example, in Lego Star Wars, here are some of the theme sets that can be shipped out of US.
Both sets retail for S$129.90 and S$89.90 locally respectively.
If you prefer Ninjago, here are some which qualifies -
The Lego Community Sets are mostly eligible though. These are good for your kids if they do like to just build from the ground up whatever that comes across their mind. Don't forget to get the LEGO Blue Building Plate (10" x 10")
or the Green color version. It looks like the Green color version is no longer available from Amazon.
are mostly eligible though. These are good for your kids if they do like to just build from the ground up whatever that comes across their mind. Don't forget to get the LEGO Blue Building Plate (10" x 10") or the Green color version. It looks like the Green color version is no longer available from Amazon.
Just be careful that the bigger sets are not eligible for free shipping, even though they can be shipped to Singapore. Lastly, the LEGO Creationary Game (3844)
is half price over at Amazon.
is half price over at Amazon.
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