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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Ask Engadget: best FM transmitter 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 Wes, who is actually brave enough to even consider an FM transmitter. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I’m in the market for a new car, and that has me thinking towards multimedia connectivity. I don’t want to rule out direct iPhone integration, but since the car is almost certainly going to be used, I’d like to think more along the lines of AUX-in and FM transmitter capability. I’ve also read that many of the new products can enable hands-free cellphone use, so this would be great to include. Any recommendations for a good in-car charging unit with these features?”

We’ll go ahead and be straight with you — if you’re in the city or the suburbs, be prepared for long, frustrating fights to find a clear channel. We’ve never had much luck with ’em outside of the middle of nowhere, but maybe our dear readership will chime in with a few pointers below. Godspeed.

Ask Engadget: best FM transmitter out there? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best all-in-one PC for dorm room life?

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 Wayne, who quite obviously needs a recommendation on a new all-in-one PC before hitting the books for the fall semester. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“Hi. I’m about to be crammed into a dorm room for a few years, and I need a decent all-in-one PC for my desk. Space is an issue, but anything from 20- to 23-inches would work. Mac or PC is fine for the stuff I’ll be doing, but I’d like to keep it all under $1,500 if possible. Any strong recommendations from other students who were / are in a similar situation?”

So, froshies — what’s it gonna be? He didn’t mention the need for a touch panel, so you can obviously whittle down your choices somewhat. Anyone have a particular AIO that has treated them to straight As? Let us (and Wayne) know in comments below.

Ask Engadget: best all-in-one PC for dorm room life? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best robot platform for under $400?

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 Ryan, who reckons it’s about time he stopped playing with Lego blocks and began playing with a real man’s robot platform. Just kidding about the Lego bit. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I am an aspiring roboticist who has been using Lego Mindstorms NXT for a few years and I am looking for the next step up. I have a budget of about $400. I am looking for something that has more motors, more sensors, and a way to have it live feed video back to a computer. I would also like a platform that has a large amount of building that can be done on top of it, such as adding an arm or another array of sensors, or a different drive base. I’m new to the world of robotics outside of the NXT, so any tips would be appreciated as well. Thanks!”

Come on over, robot lovers. Toss those gloves and goggles aside for a moment and throw this guy some advice. What platform keeps you up in the garage at night?

Ask Engadget: best robot platform for under $400? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best desktop replacement 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 Cameron, who’d rather buy the most powerful laptop the world has to offer than subject himself to a “desktop PC.” 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 desktop replacement laptop. It needs to have at least a Core i3 processor, 3GB of memory and a 320GB hard drive. Of course, more is always better, but I’m not looking to spend a fortune. Recommendations?”

We’re going to suggest looking Clevo’s way if you’d rather not pay the Alienware label premium, but we’ve got a feeling some folks in comments may know a few more underground avenues for securing a well-built beast-of-a-laptop. Help a brother out, won’t you?

Ask Engadget: best desktop replacement laptop? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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