Double 11 Shopping Haul

It's that time of the year again - Double 11! Apart from buying various virtual items like software and VPS, as an IT person, I also enjoy buying electronic products. This time, I splurged on some electronic gadgets (which means I'll be eating cheap for the next month). Let me share a few of them with you.

iPhone 13

I bought this for my wife. I've never used such an expensive phone before, and I still haven't used it. I'm sticking with my Xiaomi 10s for now.

Purchase link: https://u.jd.com/yMlqLFv

Monitor: SANC N50Pro 2

SANC was founded in 1998, although it may not be a well-known brand compared to top brands like Samsung, LG, and AOC, as it only started making monitors in recent years. However, it offers competitive prices and can be considered a niche brand.

Purchase link: https://u.jd.com/yMJoAPM

Apart from the packaging it came in, which was a bit crude, the monitor itself is well-built. It comes with a DP cable, so make sure your device has a DP interface, otherwise, you may need to purchase an HDMI cable separately.

The top half of the panel is very thin and has a glass back, which feels nice to touch. The logo on the back also lights up, although it doesn't seem to serve much purpose as you won't be staring at the back of the screen all the time.

Cons:

• Non-ergonomic stand, not adjustable in terms of height and tilt.
• Quality control and after-sales service may not be as good as top-tier manufacturers (although it comes with a three-year warranty).

Pros:

• Affordable price, supports 144Hz high refresh rate, suitable for gaming.
• Rich connectivity options: VGA x 1/HDMI x 2/DP x 1, with an audio output port as well.
• Only one button for quickly switching between different display modes, which is convenient.

Summary:

IPS panels are prone to backlight bleeding, and while the N50Pro 2 claims to use a glass module to address this issue, there is still some minor backlight bleeding when I tested it. However, it is much better than another monitor I own from Skyworth. Overall, the N50Pro 2 handles backlight bleeding quite well. The standout feature of this monitor is its affordable price and support for a 144Hz high refresh rate.

By the way, buying a monitor can feel like a lottery, as even top brands can have issues like backlight bleeding or dead pixels. Make sure to check for these issues upon receiving the monitor and contact customer support if necessary.

Brateck Arc Series (K1-WM) Electric Standing Desk

Last July, I purchased a standing desk from the Arc Series and found it difficult to go back to sitting after getting used to standing while coding and playing games. So, this Double 11, I bought another standing desk from the series to further enhance my experience. I highly recommend it for those who sit for long periods.

The K1-WM weighs a hefty 28.45kg, which I couldn't move by myself. It took two people and a small trolley to transport it. Since I was at work when it was delivered, I don't know if I can request home delivery (my cat can't wait to help me install it).

Installation requires some effort, and it's better to have someone assist you. However, following the instructions, it's not too difficult. The K1-WM is well-designed and has a slight wobble when raised to around 1.1m, but it's more stable than my previous standing desk. Here's a picture of my messy desk.

Summary:

The K1-WM is priced at around 900 yuan during the Double 11 sale, which offers great value compared to other brands. The K1-WM has a single motor, and I chose the 28mm/s lifting speed (you can opt for 38mm/s if you have higher requirements). The speed is within an acceptable range. If you want to try standing while working, the K1-WM is a good entry-level choice.

Purchase link: https://u.jd.com/ytJ4uWE

Philips SPA33 Bluetooth + Wired Dual-mode Speakers (Disaster)

They say you get what you pay for, and I've been using a pair of small speakers from Manwah for the past 5 years. It was time for an upgrade, so I chose the Philips SPA33 Bluetooth + Wired Dual-mode Speakers. Here are a couple of pictures.

After using them for a few days, these speakers turned out to be a disaster. When connected via USB, there was a crackling sound, and it was the same with a replacement unit. I ended up returning them, so I do not recommend them.

Purchase link: https://u.jd.com/ytlzdd6

Deli USB Vertical Power Strip

You've probably heard of "Gongniu" (public bull), but you might not have heard of "Deli". However, Deli is also a well-established Chinese brand, founded in 1984, so it should be reliable. Vertical power strips are not very common, but I think the vertical design is quite good as it saves space and looks good.

Initially, I thought this power strip only had sockets on three sides, but it turned out that all four sides have sockets (I think eight sockets would be sufficient). It also has three USB ports. However, it was quite expensive, nearing 100 yuan, making it the most expensive power strip I've ever bought.

Conclusion

Prices on JD.com have been fluctuating recently, and the Double 11 sale runs from October 31st to November 11th, with prices changing every day. If you're interested in a particular product, it's best to keep an eye on it and buy it when the price is right.

I also bought some miscellaneous items, but I won't list them all here. Feel free to leave a comment below to discuss what good deals you've found or if you have any questions.