Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by corad

"Home" Battery / UPS

corad — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:09:33 +0800

On the look out for for a UPS or Home Battery to support my home server rack. It's WiFi, CCTV, Smart Home (links to gate control / lights etc).

Currently have a basic Schneider UPS that gives ~5-10 minutes of back up power. Currently using it more like a surge protector.

What's a recommended device if I want at least 8 hours of back up power to this rack ? Read some reviews on Ecoflow River 3 PLUS

Alienware Aurora Desktop (5080)

corad — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 22:00:29 +0800

Saw this article about Alienware Aurora with a nVidia 5080 for USD2400 IGN Link.

On Malaysia Alienware site it cost RM18k ... any idea if this deal will make it to Malaysia ? If not, what other reputable pre-built is recommended in Malaysia ? ROG, HP Omen, Legion ?

Prefer pre-built over shop built for warranty reasons. I live in a ulu area, so getting the parts shipped here cost as much as buying a pre-built anyway, and with warranty it covers return shipping.

Browser for Windows 7 ?

corad — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 11:54:20 +0800

Have a few old PCs at the office that are working fine (mainly for data input , not used for local storage).

Lately more and more websites are showing "Browser version too old" or messages along that line. Is there a browser that is still recieving updates for Windows 7 ? Tried Firefox ESR but still get those messages.

Lazada, Price Difference at Check Out ?

corad — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:35:57 +0800

Trying to buy a laptop, when selecting price shows RM6k, but when paying it's RM6.5k ?

Tried on app and laptop same thing happens. Is there a voucher or link I should be pressing to get the RM6k price ?

Game "TV Box /Emulators"

corad — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 14:13:17 +0800

was looking for emulators (neogeo / metal slug etc) and searched for emulators on Lazada. Surprised to find that there are handhelds are sale for less than RM20 ... and "gaming Tv box" for around RM60 and claims to have 10k+ games.

wondering if anyone has bought before and if any recommended brand or seller ? If budget allows will go for 2 devices to try, handheld and 1 to plug into TV

What Device To Start IT ?

corad — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 12:10:47 +0800

Want my kids to be literate in IT basics, like connecting to WiFi, Googleing error messages or if things don't work etc

Not looking for those "coding" / typing classes which IMHO kids will only pick up if the teacher can show them how to make a "useful to them" app or program.

Just wondering if parents here can share their opinion on what devices you started your kids on ?

My kid just started primary school so I'm thinking of an iPad. Currently they have a basic Samsung (Android) Tablet that we've ONLY been bringing on trips for videos/toddler games so getting both Apple and Android ecosystem to "explore" at an early age. This iPad might be a once a week thing.

PC might be a year or two later ? Would prefer if they can build it including going to the store to "shop" for parts so they get an idea of how these gadgets work.

Anyone care to share their experience ?

Files Sync App for Mac (not iCloud)

corad — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:24:10 +0800

I want to use OneDrive (since I have a Microsoft subscription) to sync files. Problem is OneDrive can only sync files which are in the parent folder /OneDrive ... however most of the default save file location is "My Documents".

I'm thinking of using another app to sync My Documents with OneDrive folder (both on the same machine) so I can continue to use OneDrive. I know it'll duplicate the files but since most of them are just documents it wouldn't be more than 1GB in total, so not a deal breaker.

Any recommended app to do so ? Or a better suggestion to get OneDrive to sync the My Documents folder directly?

Land Cruiser 300 @ RM600k

corad — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:51:03 +0800

Thinking of getting a Land Cruiser 300 (2021 onwards), which has gone from RM900k to RM600k for the ZX/GR versions.

From what I see on mudah a RM600k ZX Petrol comes with HUD, Active Ventilated Seats (2 rows), and Lane Following/Safety System. Mentioning these as the LC200 did not have these features despite being a RM400k+ car at the time.

I can only think of the BMW x7 @ RM650k as the closest competitor. Advantage would be the soft-close doors and air suspension.

Just wondering what others think of the LC300 ? Is it worth while to consider ? Probably will only do 1% off-roading, otherwise mainly on A/B roads (no highway).

Quite surprised that the LC300 no longer has Height Control.

Also some consideration as well on re-sell value. After 5 years the LC300 may still be able to sell for RM250k+ ? but BMW to actually sell may be less than RM100k? I'm also assuming the LC300 is as trouble-free as Toyota used to make them

First IT Device For Child

corad — Mon, 22 May 2023 16:56:18 +0800

So been thinking of what device I should start my 6yo with.

Remembered last time I started with the family desktop on 56k modem. Self taught on how to install programs, set IP, eventually build PC, minor overclocking etc . Basically skills that today make me confident to use new tech or at least have an idea of what to Google.

Was thinking for my kid now, how I should introduce this so it's something that can benefit them in the long run.

Device have option from Desktop, Laptop, Tablet (Android or iPadOS). Which has a learning curve that encourages more exploration and eventual real world use.

Which Car Rental in Johor ?

corad — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 15:09:43 +0800

Asking this a few months early, but will be needing a car for traveling to Malacca from Senai Airport and back.

Visited a few websites & FB and seems Alphard is around RM1k/day ... not clear if this includes mileage. Normally I would rent with a branded place like Sixt but seems they are not active anymore in JB ?

Any reputable car rental places I can refer to ? Worried about getting ripped off ie: damage claims/ fuel top up etc etc

Which TV from Sen Heng

corad — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 21:51:53 +0800

Sorry for the lazy post, but more than a decade since I bought a TV ! Budget below RM6k, regardless of size.

Been living with a 32" since ~2010 ? Moving house so finally thinking of a change, although the Sony 32" will come along

Installing the TV on a wall bracket so in my area only Sen Heng is doing this for free. Their prices are the same or lower as local hardware stores, and comes with an additional year warranty courtesy of wife's membership.

Main usage will be YouTube, News, some music ? Currently leaning towards Samsung Sero because it comes with it's own stand ... but definitely able to get better for RM5k !

EDIT:
Narrowed it down to;

Sony 55 Inch X75K 4K Ultra HD High Dynamic Range (HDR) Smart TV (Google TV) SNY-KD55X75K
RM3.3k

Samsung 55 inch BU8500 4K UHD Smart TV (2022)
RM3.2k

Apps which are no longer on PlayStore

corad — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 20:02:02 +0800

So this might be a grey area (sorry mods!) but I'm looking for UniFi Video from Ubiquiti which has been discontinued.

Used for viewing Ubiquiti CCTV. Long story short, they ditched this product after just a few years and it's no longer on the PlayStore or their own site.

A Google search brings up loads of APKs ... but can anyone share or PM which site they trust ? Especially wary with all kinds of scams nowadays

~RM200k SUV before Sales Tax Exemption Ends

corad — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 20:24:43 +0800

Looking for a SUV-style car for the wife to do school/grocery runs. SUV because of the higher ride and boot able to put in kids bike/stroller without hassle.

Initially thought to wait around for new Honda CRV, but with Sales Tax Exemption likely ending in July, what should I be looking at that makes the most of this "tax break" ?

Not brand conscious, and would have easily gone for Proton X70 except waiting list is too long My budget is not more than RM200k, and the less spent the better.

Would anyone recommend last gen (2018) Toyota Harrier @ RM150k ? Just worried to buy a flooded unit so keener on new car from dealer.

Shower wall extension

corad — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 23:08:19 +0800

Is it advisible to use wood frame as support (instead of brick) to clad with natural stone as shower wall ?

This will be in contact with water whenever the shower is used. My contractor said its not an issue as water would not go through the stone to reach the wood frame.

Should I insist on brick up for peace of mind ?

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Which CCTV / Network Distributor ?

corad — Sat, 04 Dec 2021 16:29:51 +0800

In the market to buy DaHua CCTV / NVR and Engenius network equipment.

All my local shops quote RM50 - RM100 more expensive from Shoppe sellers. I'm looking at 50+ units, how up the chain can I go ?

Or just buy from Alibaba ? Which is even cheaper than Shoppe even with shipping

Parental Control for Maid Phone ?

corad — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 18:02:13 +0800

hi all, my household has a live in maid. currently she's provided with a old "non-smart" nokia to make phone calls / SMS back home.

her contract is coming up for renewal and one of the "demands" is to be provided with a Oppo smart phone. due to borders being closed, we aren't left with much choice.

wondering if there is any app which is able to remotely view the phone if needed ? I've checked out Google Family Link but wondering if there is anything more ?

main concern is the sending of photos.

MacBook Pro Alternative

corad — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 00:58:40 +0800

so with WFH, the company is providing a new laptop (MacBook Pro 16") OR equivalent by claim if we choose our own machine.

Most important to me are :

1. Display
2. Speaker
3. Battery Life
4. Light Weight

Reason I didn't jump on the MBP is due to MacOS which I have never used before. Most of our applications are web-based anyway, but personally I would prefer to continue using Windows. As there's currently no bootcamp for M1, it's a compromise that I'm not willing to make yet.

I was thinking of the Thinkpad X1 Gen 9, but past experience with Thinkpad is the very bloated software package (ThinkVantage etc etc).

Any suggestions ?

Serviced Apartment in KL

corad — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 10:52:18 +0800

Any recommendations on Serviced Apartments in KL which are walk able to, or part of a Mall complex ?

Looking for a place for 2 or 3 months rental. Budget about RM8k/month with kitchen and not more than 2 bedrooms.

Currently eye-ing the Gardens Residences. Any others that I can consider ?

It's a shorterm relocation for work, as it would save on quarantine time.

Can I leave this plugged in ?

corad — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 14:02:06 +0800

Any advice if I can leave this plug-ed in the cigarette lighter ? UGreen Bluetooth Adapter.

Car is mainly driven on weekdays for the school run. Will this cause more battery drain or nothing to worry about ?

Powered USB Hub for Laptop

corad — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 20:28:03 +0800

Looking for a hub to expand the ports on my laptop. Plan to plug in my wireless mouse (G304) and keyboard (G613) into this hub.

I read that there would be no difference when using a Powered USB hub and plugging directly into the PC. Can anyone confirm ?

Currently eyeing ACASIS Hub from Lazada https://www.lazada.com.my/products/free-plu...i992046823.html

I've tried using the USB ports on the monitor for the dongles, not viable due to lag.