HardwareZone Forum Tech Shopping Update: Community Insights and Analysis (05 Dec – 02 Jan 2025)

Executive Summary

HardwareZone forum discussions reveal a dynamic landscape of online shopping experiences among Singaporean users, with a strong focus on tech and gadgets. The community actively shares deals, product reviews, and troubleshooting advice, creating a valuable resource for informed purchasing decisions. Recent discussions highlight the ongoing evolution of e-commerce platforms and the emergence of new networking technologies. Key data points include a recurring theme of $192 for the TP-Link HB710 router from Starhub, and user reports of 2.35Gbps speeds on wired connections using the TP-Link BE230. Additionally, there’s significant community engagement with Lazada’s promotional games, despite many complaints of low payouts.

The community is particularly interested in the latest routers, particularly those with Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, and the performance of the new Apple M4 Mac Mini. There is also a strong emphasis on value, with users actively seeking out the best deals and sharing tips to maximize savings. The discussions also reveal a growing awareness of potential issues with online purchases, such as used items being sold as new and varying levels of customer service across platforms.

Key Developments

New Product Launches and Availability

Discussions frequently revolved around the availability of new products. The Asus PG27UCDM 27″ 4k OLED 240Hz monitor was announced, generating significant interest. > It’s finally coming! Asus PG27UCDM 27″ 4k OLED 240Hz – stanlawj (06 Dec 2024). The Apple Mac mini M4 also became available, prompting a comparison with its M1 predecessor. > initial setup with Apple keyboard…. need double press to activate finger print scan. yeah. I got M1 Mac mini and notice M4 Mac mini is warmer. – Tukatuz (09 Dec 2024). Furthermore, the community noted the in-store pickup availability of new Apple products on 7 December 2024. > Now available for in-store pickup today at all 3 Apple Stores if anyone is interested! – i.Singaporean (07 Dec 2024).

Router Firmware Updates and Mesh Networking

Asus released firmware updates for their Wi-Fi 7 routers to address security issues, as noted on 7 December 2024. > Good, now most of the Asus WiFi 7 routers have the updated FW to deal with the security issues. – xiaofan (07 Dec 2024). Users actively discussed the setup and performance of mesh networking, particularly with TP-Link’s EasyMesh. The TP-Link BE230 router, often purchased from Carousell for around $100, was frequently mentioned as a cost-effective option for building a 2.5Gbps backhaul mesh. > Although its list price is $199, many people are offloading their BE230 on Carousell for around $100. – tsammyc (06 Dec 2024). There were reports of successful mesh setups involving TP-Link and Starhub routers. > I’ve gotten the Starhub HB710 (Aginet) to mesh with the BE230 (Tether). – tsammyc (10 Dec 2024).

E-commerce Platform Changes and Promotions

Lazada’s 12.12 sale generated significant discussion, with many users reporting issues with the promotional games and vouchers. > games didn’t redeem $0.30 wth egg can’t reach lvl 5 wth Tap get system error wth Lazada WTH – whatheheck (10 Dec 2024). Users also noted changes to Lazada’s refund process, particularly for ShopeePay top-ups. > If u topup via paynow/bank, u can transfer back to bank if u topup via cc, cannot withdraw. – wongminmin (11 Dec 2024). The community actively shared tips and tricks to maximize LazCash earnings. > Can collect the lazcash reward again, no need to input specials code just chat another 3 times to collect xtra lazcash – Jaee21 (12 Dec 2024). There was also a significant discussion on the pros and cons of using EzBuy, with many users shifting towards direct shipping from Amazon and Taobao. > Still got people use ezbuy? I already direct ship from amazon and taobao. ezbuy cmi liao. – EJB (07 Dec 2024).

Community Insights

User Experiences

One user detailed a positive experience with the Spigen GlasTR screen protector, recommending it as a cost-effective option. > I said many times here, one of the best glass you can put on now is the Spigen GlasTR. You can get for S$2X only with 2 pieces inside. Don’t bother spending more than S$30 for 1 piece of glass. – ragnarok95 (06 Dec 2024). Conversely, another user reported a negative experience with EzBuy, citing slow service and poor customer support. > I find Ezship really drop in service and standard… their collection now is limited days, limited slots, and their speed is really slow and their CSO really CMI. I give up le. – EJB (08 Dec 2024). Several users shared frustrating experiences with Lazada’s promotional games and flash sales. > the new 100% cashback scam sia…… go by lucky draw… not by timing!!! – wongminmin (10 Dec 2024). A user reported receiving a used SSD from Amazon, highlighting the risk of such purchases. > Bought some SSDs and SD cards, all new and sealed except 1 quite obvious it’s used coz the packaging is torn, got scratches on the ssd sticker. Power up use crystal disk info check indeed got data written on it before and powered up 4 times. Immediately returned zzz – eddy0505 (16 Dec 2024).

Tips and Recommendations

Users recommended using the QR code on sealed product boxes to verify warranty activation. > you can scan the QR code on the box if it is sealed and it will indicate if warranty has been activated or not. You can verify the warranty coverage via your google account =>https://support.google.com/store/answer/6160400?hl=en – leon0079 (05 Dec 2024). The community suggested collecting items from lockers to avoid delivery issues. > I changed to collect from locker. – Tukatuz (05 Dec 2024). For router cooling, users recommended using cheap USB fans from AliExpress to reduce operating temperatures. > Yeah, i always get those cheap USB fans from AliExpress. For power, I simply connect them to the USB port of my ASUS router. The temperature drop can be rather significant – as much as 10-15 degress Celsius. – guangzong (07 Dec 2024). Users advised against clicking shortened links due to potential security risks. > tbh i wldnt even click such shorten links – Devilsire (05 Dec 2024). To address Wi-Fi issues, one user suggested switching the 2.4GHz channel to Auto(20/40MHz). > I managed to mitigate the disconnection issue I had earlier on by switching my 2.4GHz Wi-Fi channel from 20MHz to Auto(20/40MHz). – vodcast (09 Dec 2024). For those topping up ShopeePay using a credit card, they are advised that refunds are not directly transferable back to the card, but can be used for purchases or transferred to others. > if u topup via paynow/bank, u can transfer back to bank if u topup via cc, cannot withdraw. – wongminmin (11 Dec 2024).

Important Considerations

Users should be aware that some online sellers may sell used items as new. > I had this issue with the sealed Pixel Watch 3 I bought from a reseller. It says warranty activated in Nov at first but when I check subsequently, it’s correctly stated as the date I booted up the device. – kEvinErd (19 Dec 2024). There are potential compatibility issues between different brands of mesh networking systems. > Cannot mesh them together. Asus AImesh and TP-Link Deco mesh are not compatible. – xiaofan (20 Dec 2024). It was noted that some Starhub routers may not support Wireguard VPN, a feature desired by some users. > I did consider switching the HB710 to the main router, but my main issue currently is that the Starhub Aginet routers HB710 and 810v do not support the Wireguard VPN server, which I need. – tsammyc (11 Dec 2024). Users should verify warranty details upon receiving products, as some warranty periods may have been activated prior to purchase. > You can verify the warranty details with thehelperand check with MM why the warranty has already started – limmk (19 Dec 2024). Some Lazada vouchers may have limited usability and may not be applicable to all products. > My 9.90 egg voucher also tak pakeh. – ChiongAh (11 Dec 2024). There are also discussions about the security risks associated with the chemicals used in electronics. > Beware of intoxication for regular buyers. The 5 toxic substances which go into making electronic goods? TOXIC TECH. – tsteo77 (13 Dec 2024).

Looking Ahead

The community anticipates the launch of new Pixel devices in 2025, including the Pixel 9a and Pixel 10 series, as well as the roll out of Android 16. > Google’s upcoming Pixel releases​First in line will be Google’s annual budget release, thePixel 9awhich is reportedlycoming in March 2025. – limmk (30 Dec 2024). There is also significant interest in Google’s shift to TSMC for its Tensor chips. > One of the most important things coming in 2025 for Google Pixel is a big step forward for Tensor chips. – limmk (30 Dec 2024). Users are keenly following developments in Wi-Fi 7 technology and its adoption in new routers. The community expects DRAM prices to decline in early 2025, potentially impacting the cost of PCs, servers, and GPU VRAM. > DRAM prices expected to decline in early 2025 impacting PC, server, and GPU VRAM markets – xonix (31 Dec 2024). The forum is expected to continue to serve as a valuable resource for Singaporean consumers, providing real-world experiences and practical advice for online shopping.