Hasta La Gadget!

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Brian, who just can’t help but think about the dreaded back-to-school season already. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“Hello Engadget. I’m currently scouting a calculator for school. What’s the best calculator to buy for around $200 dollars?”

We’re going to guess this guy’s majoring in poetry, but those blasted math courses that “they” make everyone take is driving this need. It’s funny to think how slowly graphing calculators have evolved (and how prices have fallen at an even more lethargic pace), but there’s just got to be something better out in 2010 than the tried-and-true TI-83. Right? Let the man know in comments below.

Ask Engadget: what’s the best graphing calculator for under $200? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Jon, who just needs something to give him loads of glanceable information moments before he drifts off into the land of fairies, unicorns and deep-friend cotton candy. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I’ve been trying to buy a new alarm clock lately and am completely appalled at the selection available online or elsewhere. Most are basically docks for your iPod / PMP and have a pre-turn of the century LCD digital clock display and some shoddy speakers. They also range in price from $40 to $200. After seeing things like the Sony Dash and the new Insignia Infocast, I could see those as viable alarm clock solutions (with weather, music, maybe an RSS feed). Are there other items out there that have a great display that you can dim and would be able to serve this purpose? Or or either of those the one to get?”

So, sweet-dreamers, what’ll it be? Do you have a Chumby-infused widget display on your own night stand? Go on, don’t be shy — help a brother out in comments below.

Ask Engadget: best media display / internet viewer for bedside? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Eric, who is just about ready to ship off to the “best years of his life.” If he can find a backpack, that is. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I am going to be attending college in the fall and am l looking for a good backpack that not only provides protection for my 15-inch laptop but also has space for accessories and books. I don’t care about brand; I want something that will last and I don’t have to replace for a while. Thanks for your suggestions!”

Look, this guy doesn’t need yet another thing on his plate when it comes time to get ready for college. The least you can do is provide him a name and model of a solid backpack for carrying around his LAN party rig and [Insert Course Here] 101 books. Bone throwing is encouraged in comments below.

Ask Engadget: best backpack for holding a laptop and textbooks? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 May 2010 22:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Dan Murphy [great name!], who needs to know which ultraportable on the market today is best equipped to roll both ways… if you know what we’re sayin’. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“Real simple: what’s the best Core i5 or Core i7 13-inch laptop (with discrete graphics) for running both Windows 7 and Mac OS X? I’m a video and photo guy who does marketing work for a university, and while I’ve been using a Dell M1330 to operate on both sides of the fence, I’m in dire need of a hardware upgrade. I’m not fussed by the Windows vs. Mac debate and use both on a daily basis, but I need as much power as possible in an ultraportable form factor in order to handle both of these operating systems (sorry, 13-inch MacBook Pro, but you aren’t cutting it). Here’s hoping your readers can help out!”

We’d sure the master Hackintoshers out there would love to help out, and we’re sure Apple will weep when realizing they’d have a sale if they would’ve crammed a Core i5 into their 13-inch MBP while refreshing the other guys last month. Go on, folks — let this guy in on your secrets in comments below.

Ask Engadget: what’s the best 13-inch Core i5 / i7 Wintel ultraportable for running OS X? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 May 2010 23:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Anthony, who is looking for an external battery pack to keep his laptop humming through those 21-hour T / TH marathon days. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I’m going off to college soon. I have a new HP TM2. Obviously the 9 hour battery life isn’t realistic, and I would like the fabled “full day computing” experience. I do have a second battery, but it’s awkward to charge both batteries, the shape doesn’t fit into my bag well, and I have to hibernate to switch (which introduces some wonkiness to some programs). I’m looking into external batteries which provide power to the DC input of my laptop (18.5V, but 19V will work too). It would preferably be approximately 9- to 13-inches diagonally to fit into my bookbag and / or laptop bag, and not ridiculously thick. USB charging would be a definite plus too, but not required.”

For Mac owners asking a similar question, we can personally attest to the greatness of the HyperMac, but we’ll be looking to the collective brain of our dear readers to help on Anthony. Go on and toss your suggestion down in comments — you wouldn’t want poor Anthony running out of juice during his first Biology lab, now would you?

Ask Engadget: best external laptop battery? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 01:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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