Q1 2025 Purchases: My Honest Review of What I Bought
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26 Items Purchased in Q1 2025
In the first quarter of 2025, I made a total of 28 purchases on Amazon. Here’s a look at my past trends:
- 2023: 144 items
- First Half of 2024: 78 items
- Second Half of 2024: 62 items
- Q1 2025: 26 items ← this post
After moving in 2024, I decluttered a lot, which explains the increase in items. However, I’ve consistently bought gadgets. In fact, buying things is part of my job. I’m grateful for these opportunities and will continue to shop diligently! And a big thank you to all the delivery drivers who bring these items to my door.
[Ambiguous] Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)
Once the best surveillance camera, the introduction of subscription fees for recording and security monitoring in December 2024 makes it hard to give a high rating.
In my setup, continuing to use the five surveillance cameras I’ve purchased would cost $49.95 per month. Therefore, I’m currently looking into alternatives without monthly fees. However, the cloud storage feature has the advantage of allowing me to view past footage even if the network goes down and the camera is offline. So, I plan to continue using it in two key locations where security is paramount. I’ve decided to accept the $19.98 monthly cost for those.
[Ambiguous] Kindle (newest model), 6-inch Display
I bought this with the intention of reading more, but I haven’t used it yet. The Kindle app on my smartphone seems sufficient. I got it on sale, so I probably won’t lose money if I sell it later. I keep thinking I’ll use it someday, but I installed the Kindle app on my phone last week and started reading there. It might have been better to just read on my phone from the start.
[Ambiguous] ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser
Having moved to a stylish city, I wanted to pay attention to the scent of my room, so I bought this diffuser.
The fragrance definitely makes the room smell nice. But is that it? That’s the feeling I get. So, I probably won’t repurchase. And if you’re particular about scents, buy them in person, not on Amazon. Anyway, it’s not a must-buy product on Amazon.
[Good] Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator
I heard that a circulator can improve air conditioner efficiency in both summer and winter, so I bought this basic one.
It’s just right for me as I wanted something affordable and compact with minimal features. I believe that a circulator, being just an auxiliary to the air conditioner, doesn’t need excessive functions. As long as it works, it’s OK. However, I also wonder if a humidifier with air purification would have been sufficient for just circulating air.
[Good] MXBatt Rechargeable AA Batteries
These rechargeable batteries solved the keyboard chattering issue (where a single key press is unintentionally registered multiple times). I hypothesized that the chattering problem with my battery-powered keyboard might be due to the battery voltage, so I bought these lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.
The result was a great success, as expected! The keyboard chattering issue is resolved, leading to a happy ending.
[Good] EarFun Air Pro 4
These are cost-effective earphones packed with features for around $60. Nothing groundbreaking, but highly recommended for the price.
[Best] LG 4.5 cu. ft. Ultra Large Capacity Washer
Last year, my washing machine, which I’d used for four years, broke down. I initially thought I could fix it, but I ended up replacing it. I decided it was better to replace it preemptively rather than keep fixing it and wasting time.
Luckily, I had space for a 7.4 cu. ft. washing machine, so I bought a high-end LG model with a hot water cleaning function. It cost $1,886.87. This one will probably break down in about 10 years too, but I think $1,886.87 every decade is a worthwhile investment to save time on washing and drying.
[Ambiguous] BAMBOO COOL Men’s Underwear Breathable Boxer Briefs
I was running low on underwear, and delivery from Uniqlo is slow. So, I urgently bought some unknown brand from Amazon.
I don’t know why I chose such unique colors. I should have just gone with plain black. Also, the M size is too small for me.
I keep kicking myself for not shopping at Uniqlo while stuck wearing these random briefs.
[Ambiguous] Metamucil Fiber Gummies for Adults
A supplement for gut health. You have to take 10 at a time, and the smell isn’t great, so I’m not taking them.
[Good] GoPro HERO13 Black
Somehow, the best GoPro ever. The image quality is the best, it’s quite resistant to heat, stable, has a small data capacity, and finally supports magnetic mounting.
However, the user experience is completely overshadowed by the later entrant, DJI OSMO Action 5 Pro. Still, the image quality is excellent. Daytime video is the best. If it weren’t for its weakness in night scenes, it would be perfect. So, I still think it’s the best action camera for now. I hope the 14th version shows significant evolution.
[Ambiguous] DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
Finally, an action camera that surpasses GoPro. So, I considered switching to the OSMO Action 5 Pro, but somehow I ended up sticking with GoPro.
First of all, the image quality is too blurry. The recorded video makes me not want to use it. Moreover, GoPro still excels in image stabilization, white balance, and exposure. Ultimately, image quality is crucial for a camera, and I don’t think the OSMO Action 5 Pro is significantly superior to overturn GoPro’s image quality reliability.
[Good] Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt
I decided to once again focus on mattresses under the theme of “How you sleep has the biggest impact on fixing your posture.” Since I sleep for 8 hours a day, proper sleeping posture is important. Based on my personal theory that I should sleep in an ideal standing posture, and assuming that a mattress that doesn’t sink is crucial, I repurchased Tempur-Pedic, known for its firmness.
However, after sleeping on Tempur-Pedic, I’ve noticed that I have trouble falling asleep on softer mattresses, so I think it was a decent choice.
[Good] Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
My current main earphones. They are good, but expensive. However, I’ve already bought them, and the noise-canceling performance is great at reducing subway and children’s noise, so I’m using them. I do think they are pricey.
[Good] IRIS USA Plastic 3-Drawer Storage
I’ve consistently recommended these color boxes with doors because they hide the contents and look neat. I had a 2-tier one, but my child could reach the coffee machine on top, so I bought a new 3-tier one. However, my child can already reach that too, which is problematic. Kids grow fast.
[Worst] Anker Nebula Capsule 3
This is the IT device version of “remarriage is due to memory loss.” How foolish of me to buy another projector after criticizing them so much. I’ve only used it twice, so I’m probably dumbfounded myself. Despite realizing how useless projectors are, spending 80,000 KRW (approximately $60 USD) on this was incredibly foolish.
If all it takes is turning it on and connecting it to my smartphone, I might as well just watch on my phone. It’s nothing more or less, so it’ll probably end up on Mercari or eBay (a secondhand marketplace).
[Good] SONGMICS 43 Inches Folding Storage Ottoman Bench
Just a regular sofa-cum-storage box. It’s quite well-made and sturdy for the cheap price.
I use it as a toy box for my young child and to hide power strips, and it’s very practical!
[Ambiguous] Insta360 Ace Pro 2
Haven’t received it yet due to shipping delays. Will compare with GoPro.
[Good] JBL TOUR PRO 2
These are fully independent earphones being sold at a discount because they are an older model. The original price was $299.95, but I bought them for $199.95. If you can get $299.95 sound quality for that price, it’s a huge bargain, but I’m not very sensitive to sound quality, so I continue to use the Liberty 4 Pro.
They definitely make listening to music more enjoyable. Highly recommended for those who are particular about sound quality.
[Good] Nature’s Bounty Biotin
I started taking these supplements after learning that collagen needs iron and vitamin C to work properly in your body. I don’t know if they’re working yet, but I believe there will be a difference in 10 years. Maintaining good skin is important for making a good impression on people.
[Good] Trideer Yoga Ball (Balance Ball)
Another purchase due to memory loss – a balance ball. My younger sibling recommended it when I visited my hometown, which prompted me to buy it again.
Honestly, my body is still a mess, and my back hurts when I sit in a chair. I was desperate, but thanks to recent efforts to strengthen my back muscles, I’m surprisingly using it well. Unlike the projector, this seems like a proper product. However, using a balance ball as a chair is very challenging.
You first need strong back muscles. On top of that, if you understand proper posture and can maintain it for a long time, it might be worth it. So far, I think I made a good purchase, and if things continue this way, I might get rid of my Aeron chair.
[Good] Omron Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
Purchased as a precaution against pregnancy-induced hypertension. Buying peace of mind.
[Good] Anker Eufy Smart Scale A1 / Eufy Smart Scale P1
An Anker body composition analyzer. I bought this additionally because the smartphone connectivity of my usual OMRON body composition analyzer was too cumbersome.
The OMRON body composition analyzer was inconvenient to use due to frequent updates and the need for resetting. In contrast, Anker’s app connection is very simple and excellent. However, the readings are significantly different compared to OMRON. The body fat percentage comes out surprisingly low, almost suspiciously so. But since body composition analyzer readings are mainly for tracking trends, I probably don’t need to worry too much about the exact numbers.
[Best] Anker USB C Charger (Nano 65W)
I bought these 65W chargers along with my new 65W laptop.
They are much thinner than I expected. The portability is a real game-changer, and I especially like that they don’t come unplugged from the outlet when the cord is pulled. These chargers feel like they belong to a new era and are highly recommended.
[Good] Vivora Luno Premium Ergonomic Sitting Ball Chair Cover, Standard Size
I bought this cover for my balance ball because it looked unsightly just sitting in the room.
I think it’s as extravagant as dog grooming, but it’s slightly more convenient that the balance ball doesn’t roll around and has a handle for one-handed carrying. Still, I think it’s a very bourgeois product.
[Best] Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum
My Dyson knock-off cordless vacuum, which I used for five years, finally stopped charging, so I replaced it.
It comes with a dedicated charging stand, so you just place it on to charge. It also stands on its own, and the charging stand doesn’t take up much space. I think it’s a genius and perfect vacuum cleaner. At $290.19, it’s too cheap. Everyone should buy one.
[Good] Lenovo Slim 7i Aura Copilot+ Laptop
My newly purchased 65W laptop. I’m writing this post on it, and it runs on just 65W.
First of all, the CPU’s power efficiency is incredible. But the processing performance is also excellent, and the price of $1,189.03 is no joke. However, it’s also a dream device that shows the future of Windows laptops. I wouldn’t recommend it to the average person, but it’s perfect for those who really need it.
Read a review about the Lenovo Slim 7i Aura
2025: A Year to Leap Forward as the Protagonist of My Own Life
Although I decluttered after moving, the number of new items has surged. I plan to review them and reintroduce the ones I need. I’m getting older, but I’m resisting the changing of the guard. I’m afraid that the number of gadgets will decrease, but I’m trying to positively embrace change. Let’s all make this year one where we reach our goals. The first quarter is just over!
※ The price listed above was updated as of May 14, 2025. Please note that the price on the purchase website may differ from this post, so kindly verify the price information before making a purchase.