The Buying Game (Issue 22)
This week’s picks include an iPad stand, NAS, and E Ink Frame, among others.
How I’d spend $500: Ugreen NASync DH2300
After reviewing Ugreen's newest network-attached storage device recently, my biggest takeaway was that it's not quite "beginner-friendly" like the company advertises. Short of that, however, it's really good. If you don't have a problem picking a RAID level, then this entry-priced NAS may be a good option.
Price: $188 (link)
Value Score: Good
The DH2300 has two bays, an HDMI port, multiple USB-C ports for additional storage, and access to a dozen or so Ugreen apps for versatile use.
How I’d spend $150: SwitchBot AI Art Frame
In terms of image quality, I like the Aura Ink digital photo frame a little better than SwitchBot's AI Art Frame. But I like that this one comes in a small 7.3-inch size because it's lower cost and can fit nearly anywhere, including hanging wire-free on a wall.
Price: $120 (link)
Value Score: Fair
SwitchBot has three sizes of AI Art Frames. The 7-inch one is available for pre-order and is $30 cheaper than its normal $150 retail price. It won't be ideal for showing family photos, but it is fun for pop art.
How I’d spend $50: Twelve South Curve Mini
Since iPads don’t have a built-in kickstand, you’re left to buy a case or stand to prop it up. Twelve South’s new Curve Mini is a sturdy, minimal option in the style of the company’s other larger Curve stands. I like the height that this one offers, while also being able to fold down small.
Price: $50 (link)
Value Score: Poor
The benefits of the Curve Mini will really depend on how you want to prop up your tablet. It’s not cheap, so its value comes from being able to work with all e-readers, tablets, and still fit in nearly every travel bag.
The winning pick: Ugreen NASync DH2300
The thing I like the most about the Ugreen DH2300 is how powerful it can be for its low cost. The NAS market has constricted a lot on the entry level, and this model makes it more affordable for casual users to run a remote backup server. I still don’t think it’s for novices, but it opens the door for more people to back up data.
Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.
An expensive pick: Harber London Leather Messenger Bag for iPad
I’m constantly wishing more bag companies made a crossbody sling sized for an 11-inch iPad. Surprisingly, there just aren’t that many. This Leather Messenger Bag for iPad is ideal for that use. It’s well-made, looks great, and is completely functional. The biggest problem is that it costs $380. If that doesn’t bother you, then its size is great for people who have adopted an iPad as their portable computer.
Harber London
Media pick: iTunes TV and movie sale
Apple is having an 18-day sale on movies and TV series in its digital store. It's on day 12, as of Friday, but there should still be some fantastic deals to be had. Each day usually offers a piece of content at an all-time low price. For example, the complete TV box sets for House, Psych, and Monk have already been on sale for $14.99 each.
This week's other interesting deals and product news
- Spotify is rolling out music videos to all Premium users.
- The CMF Buds 2a are on sale for $30.
- The CMF Headphone Pro are on sale for $80.
- Nintendo’s Virtual Boy accessory for Switch and Switch 2 is now available to preorder for $100.
- The music of Lord of the Rings, performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, is available on vinyl for $20.
This week's published stories
- What you need to know about E Ink photo frames [Yahoo]
- Are AI stuffed toys safe for kids? I tried one to see what it was like [Yahoo]
- Review: Mount to Coast R1 running shoes [Yahoo]
- Review: Ugreen DH2300 NAS [How-To Geek]
- Review: Boox Palma 2 Pro e-reader [Yahoo]
- Review: Nex Playground motion-controlled video game system [Yahoo]