I recently gathered a collection of consumer electronics, ranging from repurposed legacy hardware to a new Anker projector, to evaluate their utility and performance. Check out the full list here (compensated affiliate link – all others below are too).
Check it out in my latest video!
The first item, the RePod, functions as a chassis designed to repurpose an older Apple Watch into a standalone music player resembling an iPod. The device features a physical scroll wheel that mechanically engages the watch’s digital crown, allowing for list navigation, though the center button is non-functional, requiring users to touch the screen for selection.
It accommodates 44-millimeter watch models and permits charging via the standard Apple magnetic charger through an exposed rear port. While it removes fitness tracking capabilities due to the lack of wrist contact, the metal enclosure offers a viable use case for retired hardware, provided the user disables the watch’s locking mechanism to avoid repetitive passcode entry.
For power management, I tested the Anker Prime 3-in-1 wireless charging station, a foldable unit sent by the manufacturer that supports the Qi2 charging standard. The fold-up portable charging station includes a magnetic pad for phones, a pop-out Apple Watch charger, and a base for airpods or other Qi compatible devices. The main wireless charger is capable of delivering up to 25 watts to compatible devices. To manage thermal output during high-speed charging, the unit incorporates an active cooling fan, which is super quiet but can be toggled off via a capacitive button. The package includes a power adapter and features a weighted base with rubber footing to maintain stability during use.
Addressing connectivity over longer distances, I evaluated a 5-meter fiber optic USB-C cable. Unlike standard copper cables which often suffer signal degradation at this length, this bidirectional optical cable supports 10 gigabit per second data transfer and 60 watts of power delivery. In my testing with a fast external drive and Blackmagic disk speed software, the cable maintained read and write speeds comparable to shorter interconnects, hovering around one gigabyte per second. However, potential users should note that the optical design does not support DisplayPort alt-mode, rendering it unsuitable for video transmission to monitors.
Moving to visual media, I examined the Soundcore Nebula P1i smart projector, an entry-level LED unit with a brightness rating of 380 ANSI lumens, necessitating a dark environment for optimal viewing. A distinguishing feature is its pair of rotatable 10-watt speakers, which can be oriented to project sound forward, backward or upward. The device runs a certified version of Google TV, ensuring native support for streaming applications like Netflix, though the interface demonstrated some sluggishness during navigation. Regarding gaming latency, high-speed camera tests revealed an input lag of approximately 20 to 22 frames at 240 frames per second; while not comparable to a dedicated monitor, this result indicates very good performance for casual gaming within the projector category.
Finally, the haul included the AYANEO Pocket Air Mini, an Android-based handheld gaming device featuring a 4:3 aspect ratio IPS display which is well suited for retro titles. The hardware utilizes Hall effect joysticks and triggers, providing precise control without drift. Performance is driven by a MediaTek Helio G90T processor, which I found sufficient for emulating consoles up to the Sega Dreamcast era. Attempts to run PlayStation 2 or GameCube titles resulted in inconsistent frame rates, and the internal fan became intrusive when high-performance modes were engaged. The device supports memory expansion via microSD and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, with the 3-gigabyte RAM model offering slightly better headroom for operations than the base model.
As I continue to acquire these types of items, the compilation format appears to offer a more efficient method for covering the steady influx of consumer technology accessories and niche devices. I will continue to separate individual segments for my Gadget Picks channel, but for now, this consolidated approach allows for a broader survey of the current gadget landscape.
Disclosure: The projector and charging station came in free of charge from Anker. The cable came in free of charge through the Amazon Vine program. No other compensation was received and no one reviewed or approved this content prior to uploading. I paid for the gaming handheld and the RePod with my own funds.