Ask Engadget: best 30-inch LCD monitor out there?

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 Edward, who isn’t afraid of making us all envious by asking for tips on a monstrous monitor. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

Hey, I run a small graphic design business in South Yorkshire, UK. Currently we use HP’s LP2475w as our workstation monitors, and are looking for something newer. Since I hate to downgrade electrical stuff, the only logical step would be to 30-inch monitors. They need to have an HDMI input as well as DVI since we’ve a VAIO Z in the office whose only output is HDMI. The other important factors are accurate color (so I guess an IPS panel) without ridiculous pricing. I’m looking at £1,500 ($2,400) as the absolute maximum. Currently I’m looking at the HP ZR30W and the Dell 3008WFP, what would your readers recommend?

The 30-inch monitor space has become increasingly competitive over the past couple of years, and your options now are more numerous than ever. So, what 30-incher are you reading this right now on? Let ’em know in comments below!

Ask Engadget: best 30-inch LCD monitor out there? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 23:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best gaming graphics card for under $150?

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 Dylan, who needs a serious frame rate boost at a serious bargain. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I was wondering what the best video card would be that I could buy on the market for cheap (the highest I would be willing to go is $150, and that is if I absolutely need to). I’m trying to make Dead Rising 2 (and similar) look good. By the way, my computer is running a Biostar T-series TA785G3 motherboard with a AMD Phenom II processor on Windows 7, for what it’s worth. Thanks!”

Look, not everyone can just go blow $400 on the latest and greatest overclocked slab of silicon, and the lower-end market has definitely been heating up of late. Got any solid recommendations for this fellow? Recommended places to buy? Drop a note in comments below — we’re sure your next deathmatch can wait ten seconds.

Ask Engadget: best gaming graphics card for under $150? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 01:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best travel-friendly / portable DSLR tripod?

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 Deepanshu, who is already beginning to understand why the term “money pit” follows” DSLR.” If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I went out and got a Canon T2i, and now I am looking for a decent tripod, preferably one that travels well. I need one which is lightweight, with a price range of $75 to $125 or so. The main purpose of the tripod will be for HDR photography, night shots, etc. when I’m on-the-go. Thanks!”

We’re guessing Joby’s Gorillapod Focus will get a nod somewhere down in comments, but how’s about any suggestions in the more conventional line of tripods? Got any that extend out nicely without killing your back (or forcing you to check it on an airplane)? Let us (and him) know!

Ask Engadget: best travel-friendly / portable DSLR tripod? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: what’s the ultimate network media streamer?

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 Brett, who seems just marginally overwhelmed by the recent flood of network media streamers. 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 network media player that can play a variety of videos from my NAS as well as connect to media services like Netflix, Pandora, Hulu, etc. I thought I found the perfect match with the new Sony SMP-N100, but the DLNA sharing system was awful compared to an old Apple TV with XBMC installed. Any suggestions on the ultimate Network Media Player? Bonus points for being able to remotely queue videos or control it from a smart phone.”

We’ve been to this rodeo before, but the situation (and consumer demands, too) has changed quite dramatically from just a year ago. Given that there are more players connecting to more portals than ever before, we’d curious to know what box you’d recommend for Brett. Don’t hold back, cool?

Ask Engadget: what’s the ultimate network media streamer? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best ergonomic Bluetooth keyboard?

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 Austin, who would love nothing more than to sidestep Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I’m starting to feel the effects of years of typing on crummy keyboards, so I want to spare myself further hand and wrist pain. I like the Microsoft Natural keyboards, but I’m working with my iPad most of the time, so those aren’t really an option. What (if any) is the best Bluetooth keyboard as far as ergonomics is concerned?”

We personally adore Microsoft’s Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000, which is about as curved / ergonomic as Bluetooth keyboards seem to get these days. But if anyone in the crowd knows of a legitimately “split” keyboard with a BT radio in… well, give the world a shout in comments below!

Ask Engadget: best ergonomic Bluetooth keyboard? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 23:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: simplest, cheapest way to stream movies from PC to TV?

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 Willem, who may actually land the love of his life if you’ll lend a hand here. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I have a computer that houses an entire collection of digital movies. In another room I have a TV. I want to stream a selection of MKV and AVI videos to the TV. I can also put all the movies on an external hard drive if that makes it easier. What would be the cheapest way to display the movies on my TV? Solving this problem would let me finally watch a nice movie in my apartment with this cute girl I like!”

If we’ve ever seen an important Ask question, this is it. Stop whatever you’re doing and help Bro Montana here. You don’t overlook this kind of thing… at least not if you believe in karma.

Ask Engadget: simplest, cheapest way to stream movies from PC to TV? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: Best e-reader for school use / PDF viewing?

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 Noah, who needs a bit of assistance in making the transition from textbook to e-book. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I have a class that has gone paperless. All of our readings are posted online as PDF scans of books. I have become quite annoyed with having to read these on my computer. So I have thought about purchasing an e-reader. The best choice seems to be a Kindle, but would you recommend a Sony, Nook, or something else instead? My primary interest is great PDF support / viewing. Thanks.”

We know, you’re “too busy” with “classes” to really answer here, but everyone deserves a study break or three. Take a breather and help your fellow student out — it’s just the right thing to do.

Ask Engadget: Best e-reader for school use / PDF viewing? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 23:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best screwdriver kit for DIY computer work?

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 Calvin, who needs a replacement for his recently broken Switztool 6-piece screwdriver kit. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I’ve always used a Switztool 6-piece screwdriver for my computer work. I love how it retracts all the bits into the screwdriver. But it just bit the dust after a very heavy fall. Just want to know from other fellow readers: what’s the best screwdriver (or kit) out there for DIY computer work and electronics hacking?”

Quite an interesting question, indeed. We’d probably recommend a kit with a 00-sized Philips screwdriver for getting those laptop bolts out from the casing, but desktop-specific ones are certainly allowed. And… go!

Ask Engadget: best screwdriver kit for DIY computer work? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best multitouch / touchscreen-enabled laptop?

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 Sid, who ain’t buying a laptop if it’s LCD doesn’t react to his digits, you understand? If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“What is the best multitouch entertainment laptop? The only one I’m aware of is the HP DV6Tse with a multitouch display. I’m just wondering if there’s a better value multitouch laptop out there?”

Well, we know for sure that you have a few options, but that whole “value proposition” thing is anyone’s call. Any readers out there care to chime in on what their favorite / least favorite touchscreen laptop is? You know where to go.

Ask Engadget: best multitouch / touchscreen-enabled laptop? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best messaging phone that doesn’t need a data plan?

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 Josh, who simply ain’t interested in spending the loot necessary to get a full-on smartphone. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I’m a student right now on a tight budget. That said, I can’t afford a data plan. What is the best messaging phone that doesn’t require data? Also, I am a medical student, and for our third- and fourth-year rotations, we have to purchase something with Windows Mobile in order to communicate to our school’s software for submitting patient data. They recommend the iPAQ handhelds, but what will happen since Microsoft has come out with Windows Phone 7 and HP has acquired Palm?”

Hate to hear about your Windows Mobile dilemma, but hopefully that OS will be pushed aside as far more capable ones hit the market. It’s tough to say at this point whether webOS or Windows Phone 7 will be your answer (probably not for some time, though), but we’re pretty sure our commenters would be more than happy to assist with your need for a messaging phone. Right, guys / gals?

Ask Engadget: best messaging phone that doesn’t need a data plan? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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