The Buying Game (Issue 17)
This week's picks include a watch band, phone hub, and solar keyboard.
How I’d spend $500: Sharge Disk Pro
The Sharge Disk Pro is a small device, just bigger than a few credit cards stacked on top of each other. But within that size, there's a four-port hub, a fan for cooling, 1, 2, or 4 TBs of storage, HDMI, and USB. This can be used with an iPhone or laptop to connect a bunch of different devices together and create a whole production setup anywhere.
Price: $199 (link)
Value Score: Good
The price isn't at an impulse-buy level, but considering its miniature size and built-in storage, the Disk Pro is still a compelling deal.
How I’d spend $150: Logitech Solar+ Keyboard for Mac
My Apple Magic Keyboard seems to last about two months before it needs to be recharged. That’s not bad, but this Solar+ keyboard can supposedly keep going forever, using its solar panel strip along the top of the device. Even better, it doesn’t need direct, natural sunlight. It can use indoor, artificial lighting to get its power.
Price: $100 (link)
Value Score: Fair
Keyboards run the gamut of prices and sizes, so on raw price, this one is pretty good. The concern is whether you want to spend $100 on this specific one, which is larger with a number pad.
How I’d spend $50: Moft Snap Duo Watch Band
Last week was Moft's new Snap Wallet. This week, it's the company's new Snap Duo Watch Band. The feel is incredible. But it's the colors that put it over the edge for me. You actually get two colors in one. You can use both sides with the same color or flip one side around to mix and match.
Price: $40 (link)
Value Score: Good
Apple's watch bands are priced at a premium, but I tend to think they're worth it. This is one of the few bands that I think undercuts Apple's product in price while still offering something just as compelling.
The winning pick: Sharge Disk Pro
I saw this product in person at IFA. It's crazy how much tech is packed into its small space. Most people probably won't need all of the functionality that the Disk Pro provides, but just its storage capacity makes it intriguing for any professional on the go.
Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.
An expensive pick: Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2
Why are the PX8 S2 worth their $800 price? Bowers & Wilkins says it’s because of their “reference sound quality, crystal clear calls, and more immersive noise cancellation.” Those are decent reasons, but it doesn’t hurt that they’re coated in leather and look great. I’ve tried the PX8, and they do sound good, so I suspect the S2 variant is great as well.
Price: $800 (link)
Media pick: The Mandalorian and Grogu
If you’re still digging The Mandalorian TV show, then you’re probably going to love the full movie coming in 2026.
This week's other interesting deals and product news
- Dyson’s OnTrac headphones are half off, on sale for $250 right now.
- Target’s Circle Week starts Oct. 5.
- The Paper is coming to NBC this fall if you don't want to subscribe to Peacock.
- Apple's TechWoven case is already $7 off, down to $53.
