The Buying Game (Issue 25)
This week’s pick include a valet, mobile microphone, and smart charger, among other things.
How I’d spend $500: Shure MV88
The iPhone has decent microphones for capturing audio. But if you need an even better mic, the Shure MV88 looks like a great solution. This product was available for Lightning iPhones originally, but has recently been brought back with USB-C—suitable for iPhone or Android owners. The microphone has four polar patterns, a real-time de-noiser, and five presets for things like speech, instruments, and other situations.
Price: $160 (link)
Value Score: Fair
There are plenty of wireless mics available for creators to clip to their lapel while talking to the camera. I like the idea of the MV88, however, because it doesn't need to be charged, and it's a wired connection. It's less likely to have random connectivity issues.
How I’d spend $150: Nimble Valet 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
For people who want a place to charge their phone, Apple Watch, and earbuds as well as drop their wallet and keys, the Nimble Valet is a worthy option. The company’s Valet has been out for a while, but I was reminded of it recently and still dig what it offers. I like that the watch and phone chargers can stand up or lie flat. I also like that the power cable can be positioned to come out in different directions, from underneath.
Price: $150 (link)
Value Score: Fair
It’s hard to argue that $150 is a low price for a 3-in-1 charger, but compared to Courant’s and Twelve South’s valet chargers, Nimble’s undercuts those on price.
How I’d spend $50: Anker Nano Charger
Just launched, the new version of the Anker Nano Charger remains small and compact, but gets a display to show off power delivery and other info. I haven't used the device extensively yet, but I did go hands-on with it at CES. It seems great. I love having a screen on power adapters to be able to actually confirm how fast a device is charging.
Price: $30 [regularly $40] (link)
Value Score: Fair
For its $40 retail price, the Nano Charger is at a premium. For its $30 price, however, it's very tempting. Having 45W power plus some neat features like 180-degree angling prongs and phone recognition might make it worth a little splurge.
The winning pick: Anker Nano Charger
The Anker Nano Charger is great to use anywhere, but it's an especially perfect travel power adapter. The 180-degree folding prongs make it great for awkward hotel or plane outlets. The 45W power capability and compact size mean that it can handle an iPhone or a laptop—whatever you're traveling with. The display is just a fun, helpful bonus. If you’re tempted, I’d jump on this before the price goes back up.
Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.
An expensive pick: Navee Eagle F1X golf push cart
The Eagle F1X golf push cart isn’t actually supposed to be pushed. The cart will automatically follow you for up to 36 holes of golf and do all the heavy lifting, lugging your clubs around. The F1 portion of the name refers to the base that looks like a race car. The cart has a 5.5-inch screen to show a course map and uses AI+GPS for obstacle avoidance. The Eagle F1X isn’t available yet, but it will be pricey when it is.
Price: $4,000 (link)
Media pick: The Night Manager season 2
After 10 years, The Night Manager is back for its second season. Based on the book by John le Carré, the show stars Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston. The first season was a short and succinct spy thriller. I expect the same from the second season. It’s streaming on Amazon Prime Video now. If you like this show, you should also check out The Little Drummer Girl, which came out in 2018 and is also based on a John le Carré book.
This week's other interesting deals and product news
- The Tenways Wayfarer1 TB e-bike is the latest model from the company.
- The Planck Mobile SSD looks like an interesting way to add 1TB of storage to nearly any device.
- The Anker AeroFit 2 Pro can switch between open-ear buds and noise cancellation. They’re launching on sale for $150.
- Peter Gabriel has a new single out called "Been Undone." He's doing the same thing he did for his last album and mixing it twice, one version is darker and moodier, while the other is brighter and lighter.
- The New York Times' best books of 2025. (I meant to post this earlier.)