My core hardware and software ecosystem has become quite stable, so there weren’t as many major upgrades this year.
Anker GaN2 65W Charger
In September, I picked up an Anker GaN2 65W three-port charger for 135 RMB. It’s significantly more compact than the stock Apple MacBook charger and its multiple ports make it very convenient for charging my iPhone and iPad simultaneously. I’m a big fan.
Check it out on JD.com: Anker GaN2 65W
Compact power adapters are essential for travel. This Anker model is currently my favorite. For longer trips where hotel outlets might be poorly placed, I pair it with a Bull or Philips power strip.
MUJI Bean Bag Chair
Purchased in February for lounging and reading by the window. It’s incredibly supportive yet flexible.
- Before buying, I considered several brands like Xiaomi and NetEase Yanxuan, but ultimately went with MUJI. It was definitely worth the price.
- MUJI’s original covers are quite expensive; you can save money by buying third-party covers for regular cleaning and variety.
Xbox Series S
I bought a Japanese version in April for 2,100 RMB. It serves as a perfect companion to my Nintendo Switch for playing major AAA titles. Currently, I’m spending most of my time on Halo.
OpenWrt (Phicomm N1 Router)
In October, I bought a Phicomm N1 router for 146 RMB. The seller had already flashed it with OpenWrt, so I just had to configure OpenClash with my proxy nodes.
- I currently use it in gateway mode to handle the proxy needs of specific devices, like my Apple TV and Nintendo Switch. The devices remain connected to my original Wi-Fi, and I only need to manually set the Gateway and DNS on each device.
- The N1 has become somewhat overpriced due to hype, and its hardware specs are modest by today’s standards. I’d generally recommend getting a more modern router or running OpenWrt in Docker on a NAS. I chose the N1 for its simplicity as a pre-built solution.
- Configuring OpenWrt requires some technical DIY ability and basic networking knowledge. It’s best for users who enjoy tinkering with their network.
Spotify
After some deliberation, I moved away from QQ Music and YouTube Music in July and switched to Spotify. The app’s user experience and interface design are top-tier and feel incredibly polished. I’m currently using a family plan, which costs about 7 RMB/month.
For more on setting up and using Spotify, you can refer to my previous summary.
Affinity Photo 2
Purchased in November for 263 RMB. I’ve always liked Photoshop, but the subscription price is too steep. Affinity Photo offers similar features with a perpetual license and a comfortable hotkey experience, meeting all my basic graphic design needs.
Final Thoughts
These are just my personal recommendations. If any of these piqued your interest, they’re certainly worth checking out!
