Staff Favourites: 6 Things We Loved This Week (October 25, 2026)

Man of Many’s Staff Favourites is back to brighten up your weekend, as we celebrate the products, services, entertainment, and experiences that have caught our eye over the week.

We get to try so much of the cool, novel, and curious on a daily basis, but these encounters don’t always result in full write-ups or reviews. So we collect them here in the hope you’ll find something new and exciting to give your week a lift.

This week (and this whole month) is full of personal and professional milestones and moments we can’t help but want to share with you, but we’ve also got the latest Microsoft release and a brand new Star Wars meme in there for good measure.

1. BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station

Frank Arthur – Co-Founder

I recently took my kids camping for the very first time, four days completely off-grid in the bush. While disconnected time in nature is great, taking a young family into the wild quickly proves that a reliable power source isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Our phones double as our cameras, and given the core memories being made, keeping them charged to capture the trip was non-negotiable. Then there was the practical gear: powering a small electric air compressor to top up our air mattresses (because a decent night’s sleep is essential for family survival), and keeping USB-C lanterns and torches juiced up so the kids weren’t left in the dark.

The BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 handled all of it effortlessly. For a power station with this much output, it’s remarkably compact and sleek. The built-in screen keeps stats clear and accessible, and while I didn’t end up needing the smartphone app this time around, I’m keen to mess around with it on the next run. A clean, reliable, and solid bit of tech that genuinely kept our first family camping trip smooth.

Favourite Article: iPhone Duo Review: Living With Apple’s Most Transformational Product in Years

2. Microsoft Surface Ultra

Rob Edwards – Branded Content Editor

I suspect my MacBook Pro is on its last legs. Multiple times a day, it decides to stop working, and I have time to go and make a coffee while the spinning rainbow pinwheel does its thing. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

This week, I had a glimpse at a potentially better life. One free of the beach ball of death, and one in which my machine doesn’t lag behind my typing (which isn’t actually that fast). This revelation came during a briefing for the new Microsoft Surface Ultra. In an increasingly AI-centric work landscape, this might just be the machine that those Microsoft describes as “world makers” (creators, developers, and AI builders) are looking for. 

It’s powered by the NVIDIA RTX Spark superchip, which combines NVIDIA AI, Blackwell RTX graphics, up to 20-core NVIDIA Grace CPU, and up to 128 GB of unified memory. If that sounds like a bunch of indecipherable technobabble, it basically means this is an extremely powerful (and yet, portable) machine designed to meet the demands of an evolving work environment.

Unlike other contemporary laptops, it also comes laden with ports, so connectivity is never going to be an issue, and you won’t need to carry around a bag full of adaptors in addition to your laptop. Plus, its 15-inch touchscreen display features the brightest peak HDR of any laptop, and the same power that makes it such an impressive workhorse also makes it a gaming beast capable of bringing ray-traced worlds to life with stunning visuals, silky-smooth gameplay, and hyper-responsive performance.

Favourite Article: The Wind Up: Two Distinct Flavours of Mido’s Multifort TV Big Date

3. BIDDY BLAS! (and Star Wars: Galactic Racer)

Jackson Langford – Digital Editor

I think we can all agree that, as it stands in 2026, the internet can be a pretty nasty place. If you’ve somehow managed to curate an algorithm that is free of hatred, misinformation or AI slop, please teach me your ways.

But, last week, a real gem managed to crack through the horrid junkspace that is all my social media feeds and remind me of what a silly, laugh-filled, light-hearted place it once was: BIDDY BLAS!

Yes, who would have thought that an unsuspecting antagonist in the just-released video game Star Wars: Galactic Racer would restore some hope in my heart. The latest ‘glup shitto’ in a galaxy far, far away, Biddy Blas is a little pest of an alien that’s set out to rile up players of Star Wars: Galactic Racer. He’s a brat, he’s a sore winner and a sore loser, and wastes no time to mock you. But… that voice. Once you hear it, you cannot escape it.

Safe to say that I’m not the only one that thinks it, as the internet has taken Biddy Blas and turned him into an incredible wholesome meme (and very joyful vocal stim).

It also really helps that Star Wars: Galactic Racer, which I’ve started playing on PS5 specifically because of Biddy Blas, is a really enjoyable game. It’s low stakes, nostalgic, and takes a pretty niche part of the Star Wars universe and magnifies in it a way that just lets you feel like a kid again.

Ding dong, pookies, ding dong.

4. GKU Plymodel and ULTRARM Moodular Monitor Stands

Elliot Nash – Staff Writer

There’s nothing quite like spending weeks measuring your desk only to buy a monitor stand that makes everything feel cramped. Well, that’s where I found myself after buying the 95cm GKU Plymodel desk riser shelf for my 120cm IKEA Bekant standing desk. Sure, it technically fit, but with my speakers mounted on either side, an Xbox controller hanging on the left, and my iPad mounted beneath the speakers on the right, it took up a little more room than I’d like. Instead of returning it, I repurposed it for the Man of Many offices, where it has significantly improved my setup. For home, I picked up the smaller 85cm ULTRARM Moodular desk riser shelf, and it’s the perfect fit.

At work, the GKU has been a fabulous upgrade from the basic Samdi riser I’d been using. You’ve probably seen them in plenty of offices; IKEA even sells a similar one they call the SIGFINN. At 12cm tall versus the Samdi’s 9cm, it raises my monitor to an ideal height while still leaving ample room for my MacBook riser on the right, plus enough space in between for my ALOGIC Thunderbolt/USB-C dock. In the middle, I attached a MagSafe charger mount to the underside of the riser, keeping my phone in sight and charged throughout the day. I also added the small storage compartment that mainly holds my notebook. Still useful.

Back home, the ULTRARM sits in the Goldilocks sweet spot between everything else on my desk. My 32-inch LG UltraFine Ergo is already mounted on its dedicated monitor arm, so the shelf is primarily here to organise the space below. I’ve added a similarly sized storage tray to match my work setup, plus a MagSafe holder in the middle. Though this one is far chunkier than the GKU’s. With my iPhone 15 Pro Max docked, everything looks spick and span, but without it, the holder’s a bit distracting. Oh well. At least it’s more elegant than the silicone mount I had before.

What I find most interesting is how differently they handle modular accessories. The ULTRARM has sliding rails that let you adjust their positions, but adding new mounts can mean dismantling what’s already there. The GKU uses fixed mounting points, which aren’t quite as versatile but can be easier to work with when adding accessories.

If you’re considering one for your own desk setup, keep in mind neither option is particularly cheap once you factor in the additional attachments. Especially compared with the basic wooden risers littered across corporate desks. Thankfully, they’re not nearly as expensive as what Grovemade is offering. That said, I wouldn’t mind trying the LED lights on the Nanoleaf Monitor Stand. Either way, I’ve ended up with two much better-organised workspaces, even if that wasn’t quite the plan when I bought the first one. Just remember to measure the space around your monitor stand, not just underneath it.

5. What We’re Building Behind the Scenes

Scott Purcell – Co-Founder

Last Thursday night I was in Bang & Olufsen’s brand new Martin Place showroom, Old Fashioned in hand, in front of a speaker only nine other people on the planet can own. More on that in a sec. This week my pick isn’t a product, it’s what the team here has been building.

If you follow us on Instagram, you might have spotted our new daily series, Flagship. Every morning we round up the coolest products dropping that day, from watches and sneakers to cars and tech, with the official price and a line on why each one matters. Comment “FLAGSHIP” on any post and we’ll send it to your inbox.

We’re also redesigning every Man of Many newsletter, starting with The Rev Up, our Wednesday car email. It now opens with a letter from Deputy Editor Ben McKimm, followed by the feature review, our latest road test videos, the week’s auto news and an “Ask Ben” section for your car questions. The rest of our newsletters are moving into the same format next, with less press release and more of what actually happens behind the scenes. Feel free to sign up and tick the ones you want, and if there’s something you’d love to see in your inbox, get in touch here.

Back to Thursday. We hosted a small night with Bang & Olufsen and The Dalmore to celebrate B&O’s new Sydney flagship at 14 Martin Place. Highballs on arrival, Old Fashioneds later, and private demos on the couch three or four people at a time. The star was the Beolab 90 Titan Edition, one of only 10 in the world. I wouldn’t know a tweeter from a woofer, so I’ll take their word on the engineering, but standing in front of that pair was something else.

We want to do more nights like this, and not just for the industry. If you’d like an invite to the next one, whether that’s a whisky tasting, a watch night or a day at the track, get in touch below.

Disclosure: Man of Many hosted the Bang & Olufsen x The Dalmore evening in partnership with both brands at B&O’s Martin Place showroom. Drinks were supplied by The Dalmore. Flagship and our newsletters are Man of Many’s own products.

Favourite Article: iPhone Duo Review: Living With Apple’s Most Transformational Product in Years
Favourite Video: Pushing Ferrari’s 1,036HP 849 Testarossa Flat Out in the Australian Outback | THE REV UP

6. Lindelli Custom Engagement Ring

Harry Parsons – Head of Branded Content

Making sure we save the best til last…

So I have some news. I recently got engaged in Tuscany!

Buying an engagement ring is one of those purchases where you have no idea what you’re doing until you’re in the thick of it, so having a team that genuinely guides you through it makes all the difference. I walked in to Lindelli knowing I wanted an emerald cut and had a reference image (okay, maybe a few) but not much else. Lindelli talked me through everything, from stone quality and carat size through to the band design. They only work with diamonds graded D to F in colour and VVS1 to VS2 in clarity (also a big learning curve understanding what that meant), so there was no chance of ending up with a dud, and every option came with an IGI certificate and a video so I could compare them secretly from my phone. 

The real standout was the service. Melanie looked after me from the first enquiry to collection day as well as all the aformention diamond gradings. I was working to a tight deadline before flying out, and the team sped up the process so I could collect the ring the day before I left. Quick replies, no pressure and every question answered, with a complimentary first resize thrown in for good measure.

All in all, I couldn’t be happier with the experience or the ring itself, and of course the YES. If you’re about to start the search, check out their site and get yourself booked in for a consultation. 

Congrats Harry!

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Other Things We’re Checking Out This Week

A few more things that landed on our desks this week, from the brands we’re currently working with. Worth a look if any of them are your kind of thing.

• Panasonic Australia: The shaver tech doing the heavy lifting behind a genuinely effortless morning shave.
• Fig & Bloom: The design-led florist worth bookmarking before the next occasion sneaks up on you.
• Temple & Grace: The high-end jewellery route that saves couples thousands on the ring.
• WHOOP: A new member benefit landing WHOOP in the hands of Robinhood cardholders.
• BikesOnline Australia: Gear up for your next weekend ride and browse the best value deals on premium bikes and parts in this online hub.
• WHOOP: Level up your training and recovery insights with this performance-tracking wearable on your wrist.
• Panasonic Australia: Upgrade your home cinema with crisp 4K clarity and immersive sound in this sleek new TV setup.
• Wellaroo: Thoughtfully designed Aussie grooming essentials that simplify your everyday routine.
• Transparent Labs: Clean, clinically dosed formulas that take the guesswork out of your daily stack.
• Spelab: Upgrade your rig’s power and sound with these high-performance diesel parts.
• Furi: Sharpen your prep game with sleek, pro-grade knives that make every chop feel effortless.
• Sportscraft: Level up your smart-casual rotation with tailored layers and relaxed polos that actually fit your week.
• Moments: Capture your next big adventure with beautifully curated photo books and thoughtful keepsakes.
• Above The Collar: Stock up on cult-favourite grooming gear and upgrade your daily routine with a sharper, cleaner look.
• WHOOP: Level up your training with a wearable that turns every heartbeat into smarter performance insights.
• Goldfield & Banks: Explore a modern Australian fragrance house inspired by native botanicals in this refined olfactory journey.
• Moments: Chase spontaneous summer fun with this sleek waterproof camera for every adventure.
• Quad Lock: Level up your ride with a rock-solid mount that locks your phone in for every commute and weekend blast.
• Kingpin: Level up your next night out with bowling, arcade battles and drinks under one neon roof.
• Pop! Photography: Elevate your next shoot with these smart, simple tips for sharper, more creative photo setups.
• Tommy Hilfiger: Classic prep gets a crisp seasonal refresh in this new collection of tailored staples.
• Cloud9 peak health: New science-backed recovery plans to help you hit your peak with every workout.
• InvestorKit: Smart, plain-language research to help you spot your next winning property move before the crowd.
• Taylors Wines: Raise a glass to new-season reds and discover your next favourite drop with these refined Australian vintages.
• Hay Street Market : Scope out Sydney’s newest foodie playground with a quick lap of the buzzing Haymarket laneways.
• Fig & Bloom: Send fresh-cut joy with lush seasonal bouquets that make the perfect last-minute gift.
• Men’s Wearhouse: Custom suiting goes next level with precise fits, sharp fabrics and easy ways to upgrade your entire wardrobe.
• Ford Accessories: Dial in your ute for every job with rugged, road-ready gear in this tough new accessories lineup.
• Kenneth Cole: Suit up in sharp, city-ready style with these polished pieces for your next night out.
• 2XU: Level up your run with compression gear built to survive tougher sessions and longer miles.
• ECOVACS: Upgrade your cleaning routine with a robot vacuum that actually keeps up with your weekly mess.
• Zaffi Sydney: Level up your commute with tailored shirts and crisp trousers from this sharp Sydney label.
• Quiksilver: Chase early summer swells in fresh boardshorts and classic surf staples for your next beach run.
• Chapman Yachting: Set your sights on [luxury yacht escapes] this summer and see Sydney Harbour from a whole new angle.
• Giovanni Eco Chic Beauty: Hydrate and smooth your hair routine with these eco-conscious styling essentials for everyday shine.
• Teremana Tequila: Sipping slow on small-batch tequila has us planning our next round of backyard margaritas.
• Connor: Fresh layers, clean fits and easygoing staples to sharpen your weekend wardrobe with this season’s best looks.
• Remington: Tidy up your grooming routine with a slick new tool that makes everyday trims feel like a pro job.
• Melrose FutureLab: Dive into tomorrow’s wellness tech with this slick new biohacking-inspired range.
• Happy Nuts: Level up your grooming routine with this clever ball-care upgrade for everyday confidence.
• Happy Nuts: Tidy up your grooming routine with this fresh take on everyday ball care.

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