This Week The Trend (Issue 64)
This week's picks include a digital camera, keychain instrument, and outdoor power bank.
How I’d spend $500: FUJIFILM X Half
Fujifilm's X Half camera might not be as technically sophisticated as it appears, or the company's other gear, but it brings a lot of style and photography fun in a compact size. There are 26 analog-inspired film and filter options that are selectable right on the camera. There's also a 2-in-1 mode for combining exposures.
The X Half only weighs 240 grams and is portable enough to carry in a pocket. It has a one-inch sensor and a fixed, wide-angle lens. So, this isn't meant to replace the company's X100VI or other higher-end models. Instead, think of it as a much cheaper creative tool to stretch your skills.
Value Score: Fair
The X Half debuted at $650. At that price, most people agreed it was overpriced. But now at $450, the price is much more in line with its capabilities.
How I’d spend $150: INIU Outdoor Rugged Charger
If it wasn't clear from the name, the Iniu Outdoor Rugged 10K charger is made for the great outdoors. It's IP67 rated, meaning it's dustproof and waterproof. It's also shockproof to protect against drops.
Beyond the obvious things, like two USB-C ports, 10K battery capacity, and 45W power, the Rugged Charger also has a built-in flashlight—with white and red lights. There's even a 1/4-inch thread so it can be connected to various mounts. This is a perfect device for camping or keeping in the car.
Value Score: Fair
There are plenty of 10K power banks out there around the $50 price point. But the flashlight and IP67 rating really set it apart from the batteries you need to baby.
How I’d spend $50: Stylophone MINI
There are plenty of portable instruments, but the Stylophone MINI, an electronic synthesizer, might be the most fun. It has a touch-stylus keyboard and can be used for playing songs or just experimenting with different melodies.
Frankly, you don't need to have any musical bone in your body. But if you do, then you can find music notation to learn to play various songs.
Value Score: Fair
The MINI is palm-sized and comes on a keychain. It comes with the AA batteries it needs. If this one is too small, there's a larger $40 version or other variants available.
The winning pick: Iniu Outdoor Rugged Charger
The Stylophone MINI is the funnest product, but the Iniu Outdoor Rugged Charger might be the most practical. Even if you're not the outdoor type, having a rugged charger that's TSA-approved could still be helpful around the house.
Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.
An expensive pick: Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro Matte
I don't think most people were expecting Amazon to get its act together and put out competitive iPad competitors. I wasn't, but the company's wide range of new Alexa tablets seems to indicate that it has.
The biggest and beefiest option is this 12-inch Pro model. It has 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a 12-inch 2.8K nanomatte display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 16 hours of video playback, and proper Android apps using the Google Play Store. Even at $550, this model is very competitive on price. If you want a smaller screen, the 11-inch model starts at $329.
This week's other interesting deals and product news
- Apple is having a "Welcome Home" event on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
- Amazon has brand new tablets for kids too.
- A new Ring smart lock includes a dial to add power if the lock ever dies.
- It looks like Apple will partner with LG for upcoming smart home accessories.
- Skullcandy has 4 new Snoopy designs for its Dime earbuds.
- Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are down to $198, which 50% off.
This week's published stories
- The Paper season 2 review [Yahoo]
You can follow This Week The Trend directly on Yahoo by clicking the "follow" button on that landing page. You can also follow videos on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.