Ask Engadget: best Mac gamepad?

Ask Engadget best Mac gamepad

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 inquiry is coming to us from is from Jaime, who’s really just showing off about their new Retina MBP. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I recently bought a Retina MacBook Pro and started playing a bunch of games from Steam. I’m wondering if there’s a gamepad I could use to play Portal or Left4Dead on a Mac, I grew up with a NES, so there’s something about the form that feels natural to me. Thanks!”

Okay, so for those of us who do tire of W-A-S-D, what’s the best solution to game on a Mac? Is there a perfect device on the market, or should we all just hack an Xbox 360 controller to do the same job? It’s a fun week, spread some fun in the comments.

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Ask Engadget: best Mac gamepad? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Jul 2012 22:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best tablet, software and case for a child with a developmental disorder?

Ask Engadget best tablet for a child with a developmental disorder

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 inquiry is coming to us from is from Kim, who wants to help her four-year-old play games and communicate in the home. 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 at getting a tablet for my four-year-old, developmentally delayed daughter. She uses an iPad with her therapist to play games and say what she wants, but I’m not sure if I should get the same for the home. Is there an Android alternative that’s as useful in our special circumstances, and is it compatible with a sturdy, water-proof case for it?”

For our two cents, we’d say that in such circumstances, continuity is probably an important factor to take into account. However, we’re also aware that some of the specialist apps run into the hundreds of dollars, which few can easily afford, so let’s turn the question over to our community. Do you have experience in the area, or perhaps you’ve already been in this situation? Either way, why not share what you know?

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Ask Engadget: best tablet, software and case for a child with a developmental disorder? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Jul 2012 22:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: Best sub-$310 power-efficient HTPC for a caravan?

Ask Engadget: Best sub-$310 power-efficient HTPC for a caravan?

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 inquiry is coming to us from Is from Martin, who is looking for a hyper-efficient media streamer for his retro caravan. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“My partner and I are renovating a small ’70s caravan and would like a power-efficient media center/PC purely to watch our library of movies and TV shows. We’re in Australia, so getting hold of kit like the Raspberry Pi would be difficult, we’re looking for something that’s equally power efficient, even up to $300 AUD (around $310 USD). Cheers!””

That’s this week’s challenge, Engadgeteers — do you feel up for it? Can you help our southern hemisphere friends find a power-efficient HTPC for under $310 that won’t drain a retro-caravan’s batteries? Can we help these people turn the temporary home into a rockin’ media-streamin’ paradise? Hit us up in the comments if you’ve got some expertise to share.

Ask Engadget: Best sub-$310 power-efficient HTPC for a caravan? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Jul 2012 22:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: Are KIRFs worth it?

Ask Engadget Are KIRF's worth it

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 inquiry is from Sabin, who wants a high-spec smartphone and is prepared to venture to the dark side to get it. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I know, I know. I sound like an idiot, but I’d like a full-featured smartphone without the hefty cost. I’m looking for an unlocked phone and came across some of the China Global iPhone KIRFs that run Android. I’m no slouch in loading ROMs, building jtags, etc., but I’d like to know if the hardware is solid, because I can make the software work if that’s the case.”

Putting aside the various ethical and legal quandaries for the moment, it’s a very good question. Are KIRFs usable smartphones for those who know their way around tech? Does the hardware work to such a standard that you can expect useful performance and bluff your way through a crowd of those paying full price? Share your experiences with the group — we’re sure you’ll feel better afterward.

Ask Engadget: Are KIRFs worth it? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 22:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best streaming music solution?

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 inquiry is coming to us from Katie, who is totally down with the stream. The radio stream. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“Rdio, Spotify, Pandora, Rhapsody — there are way too many streaming music services out there begging for my money. Which is the one I should spring for? I live in the US, but would love for whatever I choose to work when I travel internationally, if that’s possible. Trying to keep it up under $10 per month, and looking for a large library and nice mobile compatibility. Thanks!”

So, streamers — what’s your go-to service? Tried a few of ’em? Let us know which you prefer, and why, down in comments below.

Ask Engadget: best streaming music solution? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 22:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best AirPlay speakers for travel?

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 inquiry is coming to us from Christian, who seems to be into the idea of traveling sans wires. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I am looking for some AirPlay-enabled speakers that I can use to travel with. They should support 110 to 240 volt and have WiFi built-in so I don’t have to carry around an AP. Also, it would be cool if this WiFi could connect to the hotel network, if possible. Thanks!”

It’d also be cool if you share any relevant advice down in comments below. Cheers!

Ask Engadget: best AirPlay speakers for travel? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 00:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: what’s the best dual-SIM phone on the market?

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 inquiry is coming to us from Damian, who just ain’t satisfied with only one SIM in his handset. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I’ve looked and given up, so I’m chiming to the oracle. What is the best dual-SIM phone?”

We’re going to need some serious input from our international readers on this one. Dual-SIM handsets just aren’t “a thing” in America, and even finding one is a bit of a chore. But for those elsewhere, what’s your preferred device for toting around SIMs from two nations?

Ask Engadget: what’s the best dual-SIM phone on the market? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best earbuds for outdoor / fitness use?

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 inquiry is coming to us from Henri, who seems understandably tired of his earbuds falling out whilst exercising. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I’m planning to buy a set of earbuds for outdoor use, mainly for sport. There are so many options — I’m curious if anyone has any specific suggestions. It goes without saying that the plugs should be easy to pop in the ear as well as take them off, and the wire to player should be as light as possible. Thanks for the help!”

Got any headphones you love taking to the gym? How’s about a set that doesn’t fall out? Toss your suggestion(s) in comments below!

Ask Engadget: best earbuds for outdoor / fitness use? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 22:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: most compatible motherboard / components for Ubuntu desktop?

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 inquiry is coming to us from Everest, who ain’t skeered to dip his toes in the Linux sea. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“Hey guys! I’m building a new computer with Ubuntu Linux in mind, and was wondering what motherboards (preferably from Intel or ASUS, but any reputable brand will do) you folks would recommend with great compatibility for stuff like WiFi straight out of the box? Compatibility with the first- or second-gen Intel Core i processors would be great, too. Thanks!”

Anyone who has dabbled in Linux knows the pains of incompatibility — it’s the price we pay for being exactly who we want to be — but if you’ve got any trouble-free recommendations, comments are open!

Ask Engadget: most compatible motherboard / components for Ubuntu desktop? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 22:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best ‘real’ 11- to 13-inch laptop, with a focus on thin?

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 inquiry is coming to us from Raymond, who seems to have the ultraportable itch. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“Hey, what’s the best thin 11- to 13-inch laptop for portability? I need to bring it everywhere but it has to be light!”

Light. Light like that question. The world of ultrabooks is about to crack itself wide open, but if you’re not looking to wait, what’s the best non-netbook in the 11- to 13-inch category? Anyone have a particular rig that they’ve fallen for? Chime in below!

Ask Engadget: best ‘real’ 11- to 13-inch laptop, with a focus on thin? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 22:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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