Q: I saw your column about the Vimifuso six-port USB charger. and I’d like to purchase one. Amazon does not know when it will be in stock. Can you update your readers please?
Sound Advice: USB charger is smaller but more versatile
New model has eight ports instead of six.
The Minnesota Star Tribune
July 5, 2024 at 4:00PM
A: I have an alternative recommendation, the Intoval 140W USB-C Charger Block with eight ports. It has four USB-C and four USB-A (the flat rectangular port that has been ubiquitous for years) ports and is slimmer in size. That makes for a better profile for carrying in a backpack or bag.
The Intoval shares and improves upon all the other features I appreciated so much, such as the long, removable AC power cord that won’t drop from the wall and enough ports and power to charge all of your devices quickly.
This includes the power to run and recharge a USB-C laptop. I used one Intoval to replace an extension cord with two Apple USB-C chargers and a USB-A to micro USB charger. It is a much more elegant and simple solution with fewer connection points, and hence less to go wrong.
It sells on Amazon for $43.99, and I found an Amazon coupon code CHARGERS10 that lowers the price to under $40. That is an outstanding value for a charger with this much power and capability. I have seen two-port USB-C chargers for almost that much.
A TV trio
Q: I have finally decided to press forward with finishing my basement. My plan is to have one large TV dead center on the wall with a smaller one on each side for a total of three TVs. It will be the ultimate setup for sports viewing. I am considering a Samsung 98-inch Crystal UHD DU9000 for the center and the 55-inch Samsung QN85D for the two smaller TVs. (I have owned Samsungs TV and have been pleased with them.)
What do you think of this configuration? I am unsure if the 98-inch will be too big and will consider an 85-inch set for the center, as well.
A: The most important advice I have for you is to use the same model for all three TVs, even if they are in different sizes. The Samsung QN Series Neo QLED televisions are some of the best you can buy, and though the Samsung Crystal UHD TVs are very good, if you put one right next to a QN Series, the difference in picture quality will be obvious even if you are displaying different programming. For consistency you should have three same-model TVs with the exact same picture settings so everything looks the same as you scan across the different games you are watching.
If you think the 98-inch might be too big for your space, take the opportunity to get an 85-inch QN85 for your center TV and two 55-inch QN85 TVs for the sides. The DU9000 is $3,499, and the 85-inch QN85 is $2,999, so it also will be a bit less expensive to get the QN85.
Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.
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