My Travel Accessories – Good and Not So Good

Introduction

Before we even start, a short disclaimer: this is not a sponsored piece, and none of the links in the description are affiliated. I'm not getting paid for anything here. I did receive some of these products for free, and I will note it during the article, but it by no means affected my opinion on those. All right, I hope I made things clear to you. I'm Alex, welcome to the Geek's Table, and let's move on.

So, it's summer now in Germany, and I had a chance to travel a bit and test a few accessories. Some were good, some were bad, and some could have been better. I think it's important for me to share my opinion with you. I've divided them into five groups, and let's start with charging.

Charging

We have lots of charging options these days, with many power bricks featuring multiple ports. While this is handy, some ports have limitations. For example, the 16-inch MacBook Pro has a 140W charger with just one USB-C port. To make the best use of this charger, I bought a fancy cable from Anker that splits into two, allowing me to charge two devices simultaneously. The cable is braided and well-built, though it is only 1.2 meters long.

USBC is great, but some devices like the AirPods Max are still Lightning only. To address this, I bought these fancy adapters. The Lightning one features a screen showing the wattage, which actually comes in handy since the USB-C port can be weak, causing disconnections. I also found an adapter converting USB-C to MagSafe 3, which works similarly to the original but gets quite hot during charging.

Lifestyle

In this category, I have two accessories from MOFT. One is a laptop case that elevates my laptop for a more comfortable viewing angle, perfect for tall people like me. The other is a portable notebook for the back of the phone. It's handy for handwritten notes and includes a foldable pen.

Content Creation

Gone are the days when phone gimbals were necessary due to advancements like DJI's OM6. However, the Hohem iSteady V3 offers some unique features like a built-in tiny tripod and a detachable control module. The gimbal also includes a light with adjustable settings and an AI module for image recognition.

I also reviewed a wireless microphone system that pairs easily with phones, tablets, or laptops. It even has a noise-canceling feature and the capability to record directly to an SD card.

Media Storage

For media storage, I reviewed two USB4 enclosures from IDSONIX. One has a stable connection but gets very hot quickly. The other features a built-in fan but poorly designed cooling, resulting in unreliable performance. Also, I found a MagSafe holder for the Samsung T7 SSD, providing a budget-friendly way to add MagSafe compatibility to existing storage.

Network and Connectivity

I received a Wi-Fi extender called NeuQ FileHub, which saved me in various situations like weak hotel Wi-Fi and Ethernet-only co-working spaces. However, its storage sharing capabilities are outdated and require improvements.

Lastly, I discussed the Netgear M5 5G modem with an external 5G antenna. This device provided excellent connectivity in remote and low-signal areas but is quite pricey unless bought on sale.

Keywords

Charging Options, Anker Cable, USB-C to MagSafe, MOFT Accessories, Hohem iSteady V3, Wireless Microphones, Media Storage, NeuQ FileHub Wi-Fi Extender, Netgear M5 5G Modem

FAQ

1. What are the key benefits of the Anker cable mentioned in the article?

The Anker cable splits into two parts, allowing you to charge two devices simultaneously using a high-wattage charger, without degrading the laptop's battery.

2. What is the unique feature of the Hohem iSteady V3 gimbal?

The gimbal includes a built-in tiny tripod and a detachable control module that allows remote control of the gimbal for self-recording and distance shots.

3. Why is the Netgear M5 5G modem highly recommended?

The Netgear M5 5G modem, especially with its external 5G antenna, provides excellent cellular connectivity in remote or low-signal areas, making it a reliable choice for travelers.

4. What are the limitations of the NeuQ FileHub Wi-Fi extender?

While its Wi-Fi extension functions are very effective, its storage sharing capabilities are outdated with USB 2.0 and UHS-I card reader, lacking the necessary speed and performance.