Jan 28

Ask Engadget: Best noise cancelling Bluetooth headset?

Posted in: AskEngadget, bluetooth, Features, headset, Today's Chili

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 Jonathon, who’s currently preparing for a summer of fun with top dropped. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I’m looking for a Bluetooth headset with the best noise reduction. I’ve got a convertible and would like to be able to have a conversation with the top down (at least around town, highway would be fantastic but probably unrealistic). So, any thoughts and / or suggestions?”

BT headsets have come a long way since we first posted a similar question in 2005, so we suspect the answers here will be quite a bit different. Do you have a particular earpiece that you enjoy while cruising under the open skies? Don’t hold back on us, now.

Ask Engadget: Best noise cancelling Bluetooth headset? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jan 21

Ask Engadget: Best TSA-approved laptop bag?

Posted in: case, feature, Features, Today's Chili

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 Addison, who now needs a shiny new laptop bag to house that shiny new laptop that arrived for Christmas. The kicker? TSA approval is passionately desired.

“I was lucky enough to receive a new Laptop (ASUS UL80Vt-A1) this Christmahanukwanzaakah. Hurray! The only problem is, my old LL Bean Messenger bag just isn’t going to cut it anymore now that I’ll be carrying around my precious laptop along with school books and a whole gaggle of cables. Perhaps your readers could suggest to me a replacement? I would prefer a messenger / shoulder style bag, but if there is an especially cool backpack out there, I wouldn’t turn my nose up at it. TSA compliance would be an added bonus since I have to fly quite a bit nowadays. What do you think, could you and the hive-mind give me a hand?”

Air travel just gets worse and worse these days, so we’re emphasizing that “TSA-approved” bit for Addison’s own good. We know the bulk of ’em ain’t that pretty, but for the jetsetters out there who have had a chance to weed through and pick the best, we’re hoping they’ll share their secrets down below.

Ask Engadget: Best TSA-approved laptop bag? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dec 31

Ask Engadget: Best Skype phone for Europe?

Posted in: AskEngadget, cellphone, europe, feature, Features, mobile phone, MobilePhone, phone, skype, Today's Chili, VoIP

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 Roland, who can’t wait to get his recently relocated sister some sort of phone with Skype capabilities.

“My sister recently moved to Belgium. She has access to WiFi at home, so I’d like to send her a mobile phone that can run a Skype client. Requirements are WiFi, can work on Belgian / European carriers, runs Skype, and has excellent battery life. Anyone have any suggestions?”

There’s nothing worse than not being able to communicate with someone when you desperately need to, so we’re hoping that our readers across the pond will be able to chime in here with a little advice. If you’ve got something productive to add, drop it down in comments below!

Ask Engadget: Best Skype phone for Europe? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dec 24

Ask Engadget: Best 13-inch laptop on the market?

Posted in: AskEngadget, Features, laptop, Today's Chili, ultraportable

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 Moe, who is dead-set on snagging a 13-inch machine just as soon as a model is decided upon. Help a brother out, won’t you?

“I’m in the market for a new laptop, and I want a 13-incher. I need something with a great keyboard for typing, as this will mostly be used for note taking in class. I am absolutely smitten with the XPS 13, but I’m afraid that with its age Dell is going to give it an update soon. Any advice for someone in my shoes? Thanks!”

There’s no doubt that an update is around the corner, but there’s no telling how far that corner is from being reached. USB 3.0 updates are unavoidable, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see a few new SSD options creep up, either. That said, there’s nothing quite like the here and now, so if any of you ultraportable owners wish to help out, you know where to head.

Ask Engadget: Best 13-inch laptop on the market? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dec 17

Ask Engadget: Best non-netbook laptop for around $400?

Posted in: AskEngadget, feature, Features, laptop, Today's Chili

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 Todd, who’s looking to snap up a solid cheap laptop (for his father-in-law, no less!) before that fateful Friday in December. Have a look below and hand out some Christmas cheer, won’t you?

“My father-in-law is heading back to school in the spring and wants a laptop for Christmas. The only catch is their budget is around $400 and he does not want a netbook. He’s not very “tech savvy” at all and doesn’t need a hoss of a machine (not that $400 could get you one). We would like to get it for him as soon as possible and would love some input. Thanks for any help and Happy Holidays!”

We’ve already penned our laptop gift guide for 2009, but we understand the desire to get more input for this particular scenario. It’s tough to find a sub-$400 machine that’s not a netbook (and not a total heap), but we’re confident that one or two gems are out there. Spill it if you know it, cool?

Ask Engadget: Best non-netbook laptop for around $400? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dec 10

Ask Engadget: Best geotagging camera or solution?

Posted in: AskEngadget, camera, feature, Features, Today's Chili

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 James, who needs more geotagging in his life for reasons that are far too personal to share. That said, we have to confess that we’re curious…

“I am looking for the best geotagging camera currently available. The most important feature for me is the accuracy of the GPS module, so any hard specs on satellite receiver would be really useful. Thanks for your time!”

Short and sweet, precisely how we like it. We’re also expanding the question to include geotagging accessories, being that it may actually be best to snag a well-respected standalone camera and then add something like the PhotoTrackr Mini — besides, this will ensure that you can upgrade cameras whenever you darn well please without losing the geotagging abilities. Shout out your recommendations in comments below!

Ask Engadget: Best geotagging camera or solution? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dec 03

Ask Engadget: Best headset / microphone for podcasting?

Posted in: AskEngadget, Features, headphones, headset, skype, Today's Chili, usb

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 Marcus, who’s looking to hook himself up with a solid USB headset / microphone for Skype calling, podcasting and just generally having a royally great time.

“I’ve found myself using my PC for a lot of conversations lately, and I’m also considering recording a podcast to share with anyone who will listen. There are tons of USB headset / microphones out there, and I’m hoping someone has some solid recommendations based on experience. I’ll consider both headsets and standalone mics, by the way, but I’d like to keep the bill under $100 if possible. Help!”

To be completely honest, we’re still trying to determine for ourselves which device is best for these kinds of activities. If you’ve found a diamond in the proverbial rough, spill it in comments below, won’tcha?

Ask Engadget: Best headset / microphone for podcasting? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nov 26

Ask Engadget: Best SSD under $150?

Posted in: AskEngadget, Features, solid state drive, SolidStateDrive, SSD, storage, Today's Chili

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 David, who’s looking to get himself a boot drive that’s fast, durable, fast, reliable and fast.

“I’m looking for a solid state drive, around 32 to 64GB, for use in my web server. The drive will contain my web sites and the operating system, either Windows Server 2008 R2 or Ubuntu. Large storage is handled by a separate RAID array, so capacity is not an issue. Rather, I am looking for the fastest, longest-lasting, and most reliable drive under $150 that is suitable to my application. Any thoughts? Thanks!”

SSDs still aren’t cheap, but the smaller ones have definitely come down quite aways in price. Anyone got a particular 32GB or 64GB platter that they’re hearting at the moment? Go ahead, let your crush be known.

Ask Engadget: Best SSD under $150? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nov 19

Ask Engadget: Best PMP with GPS and WiFi for in-car use?

Posted in: PMP, Today's Chili

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 John, who’d like to get his paws around a multifaceted portable media player that could serve as the main source of entertainment in his whip.

“I’m looking for a 5-inch touchscreen PMP or MID to effectively replace my car stereo. My ideal setup is to plug this PMP into a dock and run the audio through the aux-in of my car. I want something I can easily take out of the car — preferably with WiFi and GPS. I already have an iPhone, but I want something with a larger screen. I’ve been looking at the Archos 5 with Android, but it seems like a risky option based on its lack of the Android App Market. Thanks!”

C’mon, throw this guy a bone here. He’s clearly looking to revamp his entertainment experience in his car, and even if this really is some master plan to just “pick up more chicks,” we aren’t about to pass judgment. So, any suggestions here?

Ask Engadget: Best PMP with GPS and WiFi for in-car use? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nov 12

Ask Engadget: Best multitouch monitor?

Posted in: AskEngadget, Features, LCD, monitor, multitouch, Today's Chili, windows 7, Windows7

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 Matthew, who just can’t wait to let his fingers do the talking within Windows 7.

“With all the new multitouch capable monitors coming out, which one is the best? With the release of Windows 7 I really want a touchscreen monitor for my desktop. I’m looking to get a Full HD monitor that supports multitouch and can still look great during gaming and movies. Which one has the best specs for the price?”

We know this sector is still in the early stages, but we’re guessing there are a few options out there and on the horizon for those looking to take advantage of one of Win7’s most enticing features. Any tips here, wise ones?

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Ask Engadget: Best multitouch monitor? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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