shadowandy – my life stories

Dreams ∙ Passion ∙ Digital World

Reviews

LifeTech
Andy

My OSCP Experience in 2023

I got my OSCP at my first attempt in June 2023. I started at 10.30am and had the exam portion wrapped up by 11pm. Washed up, caught some winks and submitted the report at 2.30pm the following day.

I started with PEN-200 back in October 2022. Procrastinated and Offensive Security rolled out PEN-200-2023. I did the 2023 challenge labs and with the module exercises from the pre-2023, I’ve 10 bonus points in my pocket.

An email arrived two days after submitting the report, informing me that I passed the exam. I had managed to get proofs on all six machines.

I am grateful to my colleagues who tanked urgent project work during this period. Also to those that shared their methodologies, tips and tricks with me.

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ReviewsTech
Andy

Sony WF-1000XM4 True Wireless Earbuds

The Sony WF-1000XM3 was one of the best purchase I made to reduce ambient noise. I purchased the successor, Sony WF-1000XM4, after I thought I lost the XM3 during one of those on-leave-but-working-outside days. The charging case slimmed down a fair bit and now comes with wireless charging. A new integrated V1 Processor replaced the QN1e chip, taking noise cancellation to a new level while lowering power consumption. It also support LDAC in the WF-1000XM4. Since I “lost” the XM3, why not grab the Sony WF-1000XM4? I got it off Shopee SG for S$242.41.

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LifeReviewsTech
Andy

Amazon Kindle Scribe – Remarkable E-Reader & Digital Notebook

As a Kindle Oasis 3 user myself, I would say the Kindle Scribe is a perfect large Kindle for reading and note-taking. Text and images appear sharp on its 10.2-inch, 300 PPI display with evenly distributed adjustable warm backlight. Writing feels smooth and natural with no noticeable lag. It is definitely heavier than the Oasis 3 but lighter than a similarly sized tablet like the Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab. I bought the Amazon Kindle Scribe 64GB with premium pen, leather folio cover with magnetic attach and 9W power adapter for US$325.97 back in March 2023. Shipping and GST added another S$30 and S$49.70 respectively.

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LifeReviewsTech
Andy

BroadLink RM4 Mini Universal Remote for your Smart Home

The BroadLink RM4 Mini is an affordable means to add IR capabilities to your smart home setup. With more than 50,000 IR codes on Cloud, chances are high that you can find a suitable one to control your IR devices like TV, set-top box, fan, radio, air conditioner, etc. I already had a BroadLink RM4 Mini in my living room for the TV and set-top box and I got another one for the bedroom to make the KDK fan and Mitsubishi Electric air conditioner smarter by allowing me to control them over the Internet. To maintain a consistent bedroom temperature, I got the HTS2 temperature and humidity sensor cable to go along with the RM4 Mini.

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ReviewsTech
Andy

Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard

Owning multiple smart devices is becoming a norm nowadays – smart phone, tablet and Android TV (stick). You would probably invest in a Bluetooth keyboard if you need to type a fair bit on the devices – finishing up a document on smart phone/ tablet, punching in the search string on the Android TV.

Instead of getting a Bluetooth keyboard each or pairing/unpairing each time, the Logitech K380 multi-device Bluetooth keyboard might be the answer. It can pair up to three (3) devices at a go and switch between them seamlessly. To top it off, it is a versatile and portable keyboard that works great at home, in the office and on the move.

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ReviewsTech
Andy

Sensibo Air Smart AC Controller

The Sensibo Air is a smart controller for your air-conditioner (AC). Basically, it enables you to control your air-conditioner via the Internet and/or home assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit. You might be wondering why do people need a smart air-conditioner controller? Do you prefer coming back home to room that is warm or one that is feeling cool? If it is the latter, you can switch on the AC just five to 10 minutes prior. That would give it sufficient time to cool the room.

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The size of the Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) in my hand.
ReviewsTech
Andy

Amazon Fire HD 10 (2021) Review: Great budget tablet

Need a 10-inch Android tablet but don’t wish to break the piggy bank? Need a tablet so that your child can attend online classes? Perhaps the Amazon Fire HD (2021, 11th Generation) would be a good fit as Amazon recently refreshed the Fire HD 10 tablet back in May 2021. It runs Fire OS 7 (Android 9.0) and is decently spec-ed with octa-core 2.0GHz CPU, 3GB RAM and 32GB storage for the base model. At US$149.99, it is definitely a value-for-money tablet that is good enough for many. I got it at S$145 (after applying the shop and platform coupons) during the recent Lazada 9.9 sale.

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