Ask Engadget: Best first-wave pico projector?

While many pico projectors are still in the oven, quite a few of the early ones have made their way out. We know, 720p versions just have to be around the bend, but since when did you start ditching the first-gen and just waiting around? Check Mark’s question:

“What is the best currently available pico projector? I’m looking for one that supports the greatest number of image / video formats, has the best brightness and contrast ratios, reasonable on-board storage, is good for still and moving images, and has the longest rechargeable battery life. Are there any projectors on the horizon that promise to be sufficiently better than the currently-available models to warrant me waiting for the next wave?”

Go on, early adopters — help this guy out. Do you dig your current pico PJ? Has it lived up to the hype? After sharing your input, feel free to toss us an inquiry of your own at ask at engadget dawt com.

Filed under: ,

Ask Engadget: Best first-wave pico projector? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: Best rugged, waterproof point-and-shoot camera?

In the spirit of winter, we felt that Ben’s recent question about a camera fit for the slopes was just perfect. And if you’d like to toss out a warm and fuzzy question of your own, just send one to ask at engadget dawt com and keep tuning in.

“I’m going skiing over spring break, and I’ve been reading a lot on some of the newer waterproof, rugged cameras. There are just so many out there to choose from, I was wondering what you guys thought about some of the better ones.”

So, what camera should Mr. Ben procure in order to have worry-free shooting days at the slopes? He probably wouldn’t mind one that withstands minor bumps and bangs either, ’cause we all know what inevitably happens the first time down a new double black.

Filed under:

Ask Engadget: Best rugged, waterproof point-and-shoot camera? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Feb 2009 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: Which MID should I get?

Thanks for tuning in for this week’s edition of Ask Engadget — a place for you, the reader, to have your deepest, darkest gadget-related question shot out to the world. If you’d like to get in on the action, just send an inquiry to ask at engadget dawt com; for now, however, why not give Charlie’s question a once over?

“I’m looking for a MID. Preferably one that’s 5- to 7-inches in form, and ideally one that runs Linux. All I want to use it for is some web surfing, maybe a bit of audio / video, and a little RDP / SSD stuff for work and home. I’m not too picky, just need some solid suggestions.”

Well Charles (can we call you Charles?), we’re pretty certain our readers can help out here, and if you don’t mind us saying so, OQO’s Model 2+ was pretty striking at CES.

Filed under: ,

Ask Engadget: Which MID should I get? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 23:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: Best flash / HDD-based camcorder under $400?

With CES over and done with, there’s really just one thing left to do: wait for all those wares that were announced to actually ship. To that end, we reckon this question is particularly timely being that a whole slew of camcorders were introduced in Vegas. Feel free to suggest an oldie-but-goodie, though.

“I am currently in the market for a new digital video camera. I currently have one of those ancient cameras that use tapes, and I haven’t decided between an HDD or flash-based one just yet. I’m looking for something small and compact with USB connectivity, and I’d like to stay under $400 if possible. Any help would be really appreciated.”

Thanks for the question, Patrik. We presume those little pocket camcorders are out of the question due to their awful low-light performance, yeah? Yeah. Oh, and if any other reader has a question they’d like hosted up, send it in to ask at engadget dawt com.

Filed under: ,

Ask Engadget: Best flash / HDD-based camcorder under $400? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: Best totally awesome $500 to $1,000 laptop?

We’ve had ample discussion on laptops catering to this and that, but what about the hordes of individuals who just need a perfectly capable, perfectly average machine to get work done with? We’ll let Karl spell it out:

“I need a new laptop, mainly for browsing, programming, AutoCad, and a bit of low-stress gaming. I’ve been checking out options from HP and ASUS, but everything just starts to run together after awhile. I’m looking to spend between $500 and $1,000, and it just simply needs to work. Any opinions?”

Oh yes Karl, we’re sure there will be opinions. And after you’ve dropped your own, feel free to send over a question that’s been nagging you to ask at engadget dawt com.

Filed under: ,

Ask Engadget: Best totally awesome $500 to $1,000 laptop? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: Best outdoor GPS device?

We’ve had discussions surrounding those petite navigators that stay safely within the confines of your vehicle, but it’s about time we broke it back out for the argonauts in attendance. We’ll let Tyler take it from here:

“I’m an avid hiker, and I’m looking to get a new outdoor-centric navigator that can withstand the elements and last a good while without a charge. I’m particularly interested in getting one with extra features like a trip logger and multimedia player, but obviously I’m trying to spend the least amount while not sacrificing usability. Any other outdoorsy individuals have any advice?”

Once you’re back in from the tent, why not give this some thought and chime in? After that, feel free to send in a question of your own at ask at engadget dawt com.

Filed under:

Ask Engadget: Best outdoor GPS device? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: Best BlackBerry handset right now?

Make no mistake, the hottest thing going in the mobile realm just now is the Palm Pre, but that’s not to say RIM hasn’t gained a lot of attention with its most recent outpouring of smartphones. Max has chimed in with this week’s Ask Engadget question (which was sent in via ask at engadget dawt com), and it’s all about the latest and greatest BlackBerrys.

“I’m considering purchasing the BlackBerry Bold, but the news about the Storm and even the Curve has me intrigued. Which would your readers recommend for a new BlackBerry owner, and why? Pros and cons for each would be excellent.”

We don’t need to reiterate just how high the pedestal is on which the Curve 8900 sits (yes, even today) in the minds of the BB faithful, so we’ve no doubt that it should be included in this conversation. Go on fanboys, defend your dialer below.

Filed under: ,

Ask Engadget: Best BlackBerry handset right now? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: What’s the best netbook out there (redux)?

It’s been just under half a year since we originally asked about the best netbook out there, and a lot has changed in the meanwhile. Thanks to some incessant begging from reader Chad (we kid, we kid), we’re putting this out once more for an updated look at your best option for a minuscule lappie.

“Hey guys. How about we pose the topic of best netbook once more since so many new models have arrived since the original? Much appreciated!”

So, what netbooks have impressed you over the back end of ’08? Are you still insistent that the first-generation Eee is the one to buy? Are closeout models a better option? Spill it all in comments below, then send us a question of your own at ask at engadget dawt com.

Filed under:

Ask Engadget: What’s the best netbook out there (redux)? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: Best current smartphone for under $200?

It’s 2009, folks, so we figured we’d start it off with a bang (and about a gazillion comments in this post). George, a proud member of the USMC, is pondering what to do about a new smartphone, and given that your New Year’s resolution was undoubtedly to ditch your dumbphone in favor of a more sophisticated model, you’ll probably be interested as well.

“I am currently in the market for a new carrier and phone. I have Verizon now, but I am not all that happy with its service in my area. With the release of all the high end phones nowadays, one could get easily lost in the details. I currently have the LG Voyager; I like the phone, but I feel trapped and can’t do much with it unless I pay for every little thing. I would like a mobile with WiFi, camera (with flash if possible), touchscreen, etc. I would like to stay under $200 with a 2-year contract. Any advice would be wonderful.”

It’s tough, ain’t it George? There’s the G1, iPhone 3G, Bold, Storm — the list rolls on. So, let’s spark up a sane, intelligent conversation on the pros and cons of each, all while remembering that our ideal handset sadly didn’t arrive in time for Christmas. Interested in getting your own inquiry up in here? Send one over to ask at engadget dawt com.

Filed under: ,

Ask Engadget: Best current smartphone for under $200? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 01:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: Best consumer-level HDD camcorder?

Seems like the holidays are always good for sparking up a discussion on camcorders — after all, what better time to have one than when everyone in your extended family’s family is gathered together at your house? Take a break from the turkey and gift bags and give Chaz’s question some thought.

“I’ve been looking for a decent HDD-based camcorder. I just want to use it for normal everyday use, and maybe to record some live performances, like dance shows and stuff like that. I’m not looking to spend a fortune, and I’m obviously looking for the biggest bang for my buck. Thanks for any advice!”

Chaz might just be onto something here, as these memories you’re making this week will be lost forevers and evers unless someone pulls out the camcorder and lights up the red light. If you’ve recently purchased a hard drive-based camcorder, why not toss in your advice? As for us, we’ll point to Samsung’s SC-HMX20C and simultaneously ask you to send in a question of your own to ask at engadget dawt com.

Filed under: ,

Ask Engadget: Best consumer-level HDD camcorder? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Dec 2008 22:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments