This Week The Trend (Issue 50)
This week's picks include a 3D printer, mic, watch, and laptop case.
Welcome to issue number 50! A milestone that will soon be surpassed by issue 52, celebrating a full year. Thanks for reading. If you find this free newsletter at all interesting, then there might be someone else in your life who would enjoy it too. Please share it with them. If you have any comments, suggestions, or other words for me, get in touch.
How I’d spend $500: Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2
I felt burned by 3D printers a few years ago, but after trying the new Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2, I've come back around. The four connected filament spools and ability to change colors automatically have blown me away. But even beyond that, the machine handles most of the fiddly details like auto-leveling, heating, and all the nozzle adjustments.
Value Score: Good
The biggest reason the Centauri Carbon 2 has swayed me with its simplicity is because of its accessible price point. The machine sells for under $500, which makes it one of the most cost-effective ways to get started printing at home.
How I’d spend $150: Insta360 Mic Pro
I think the single biggest improvement anyone can make to their videos is using a dedicated microphone. The Insta360 Mic Pro is a very good choice with its feature set. It has multiple pickup patterns, internal backup recording, and a customizable E Ink display. This price is for a single transmitter, which can connect to a phone or Insta360 camera.
Value Score: Fair
The Mic Pro was on sale for Prime Day and is still 15% off now. This microphone just came out this year and should last you well into the future.
How I’d spend $50: UAG MacBook Neo Scout Case
While I don't think the MacBook Neo needs a hardshell case, the new UAG Scout Case adds some nice protections to the computer while being mostly invisible. It's not just drop protection. The clear case also keeps the computer from being placed on a dirty table. The other benefit to adding a case like this is that you can cover it in stickers without messing up the computer for future resale.
Value Score: Fair
The price is a little high for some plastic, but I've used the Scout Case. It fits nicely and feels well made. It's about as minimal as you can get while adding a cover. Plus, I like that both pieces are connected and one can't get misplaced.
The winning pick: Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2
Not only is the Centauri Carbon 2 easy to use and a good value, but it's just a lot of fun to be able to print different objects whenever the occasion strikes. It's not cheap to get into 3D printing, but this is a good way to start.
Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.
An expensive pick: AV86 1954 Amalfi Mechanical Watch
The AV86 1954 Amalfi mechanical watch is one of the latest and a perfect summer piece. The watch is sleek with a thickness of 10mm and a 36 mm diameter. It's perfect for dressy occasions or casual ones. But above all, it has a simple, sophisticated design that's hard to look away from. There are several color options, and it starts at $399—though most are $425.
Media pick: Silo (season 3)
The latest season of Silo has debuted today. The mystery box show follows a group of people in the future who live underground in a silo. This latest season adds a back-and-forth element that bounces between the past and present. There are twists and turns as you would expect. It remains a compelling show worth watching with one more season before it wraps up.
As a bonus, the Silo season 3 soundtrack has now been released on streaming services as well.
This week's other interesting deals and product news
- Best Buy is having a 4th of July sale with at least a few good deals.
- The Roborock Q10 S5+ robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $280, down from $550.
- XGIMI is making smart glasses with a display in the lenses.
- Mophie's new 3-in-1 travel charger is now available.
- Terramaster's four-bay SSD NAS is on sale for $212, down from $300.
- Traeger Woodridge Pro pellet grill is $150 off, down to $999. (The Pro is a good choice, but if you want to spend less, the regular Woodridge is on sale, down to $799.)
This week's published stories
- Apple should make a smart ring [PCMag]
- Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 review [Yahoo]
- Apple's next HomePod can't come soon enough for one reason [Yahoo]
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