The Buying Game (Issue 21)
This week's picks include an audio recorder, valet tray, and a Macintosh clock, among other things.
How I’d spend $500: Soundcore Work
I've tried several audio recorders with AI transcription. It's an intriguing category, but personally, I only have an occasional need for something like this. The Soundcore Work is probably the most interesting form factor, with a little magnetic pin that comes out of its square battery case. In use, it's solid. The question really is whether you need to transcribe lots of your interactions.
Price: $160 (link)
Value Score: Poor
Be prepared for a 300-minute transcription limit, unless you pay $16/month for the service, on top of the $160 retail price.
How I’d spend $150: Raico Japandi Edc Tray
If you follow tech, there's no doubt you've seen gadgets displayed in polished, wooden valet trays. The problem is that they're almost impossible to find. I've looked! This one from Raico is the best one I've found. It comes in walnut, black, and white.
Price: $65 (link)
Value Score: Fair
The price is steep compared to any ol' catchall for your nightstand or entryway. However, it's not crazy compared to the high-end options I've seen floating around. Stock may be limited at the moment because of recent sales.
How I’d spend $50: Kokogol Maclock
A retro Mac-styled clock for under $50? The temptation is very strong. It's an alarm clock, a calendar, and generally a fun desk toy. The best part is that it turns on when you push the floppy disk into its slot.
Price: $29 [normally $49] (link)
Value Score: Fair
If you can pick this up for $30, then it's a fun clock. For $50, the price is harder to justify for its limited functionality.
The winning pick: Raico Japandi Edc Tray
If you don't need a valet tray in your life, then it doesn't matter how nice or reasonably priced this one is. But if you do have a spot for one, then it's hard to turn away from the look of the walnut and smooth edges.
Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.
Media pick: Wake Up Deadman: A Knives Out Mystery
The third Knives Out movie is out in theaters now and will hit Netflix on December 12. It follows the previous movies with a stacked cast. The great thing about this Rian Johnson-directed and produced film is that even if it's not the best of the bunch, it should still be a highly entertaining two-plus hours.
This week's other interesting deals and product news
The actual product news is winding down for the year. Expect it to spring to life again at the beginning of 2026 with CES.
- Anker is putting out a new high-capacity, high-powered power bank in a smallish form factor. Full review coming later.
- NPR has a list of its 100 books of the year. (The presentation is hard to sort through on mobile but quite good on a desktop browser.)
- Netflix is buying Warner Bros. and HBO Max (or attempting to)
- Yeti has a new coffee pour-over.
- I was excited about the Boox Palma competitor Durobo Krono, but I was not impressed.