Ask Engadget: best desktop PC speakers?

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, then here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from James, who wants to break into audio mixing, but needs some noisyboxes for his desk. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.I'm no audiophile, but I would like some decent quality sound for my desktop. I've tried 4.1, 2.1, 2.0 setups but none of them made me very happy, which isn't helping my attempts to get into professional audio work. Is there a lower-end line of speakers that the pros use that I'd be able to afford?Fortunately for you, James, we can turn this question over to our podcast producer, who suggested that you could do worse than a pair of KRK RP6G2 Rockit speakers, which come in at $400 for a pair. They're studio monitors rather than purely desktop speakers, but if you want to start working in audio then you're probably better off with these. Of course, it wouldn't be Ask Engadget unless we turned this question over to our clever crew of commenters, so if you know of anything that's better (or cheaper) then fire your answer into the comments below.Filed under: Desktops, Portable Audio/VideoComments

Ask Engadget: What's the best entry-level DSLR?

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 Joyce, who wants us to open the open the camera wars in the interests of helping out a photography newbie. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm very interested in photography and currently have a minor in Communication Design. I really want to get more serious, but I can't spend too much money ($800 limit) on a DSLR. I'm leaning towards a Canon because my sister has one as well so we could share lenses, and any with a video mode would be useful. Any advice regarding a decent DSLR and beginner lenses would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!" It's been three years since we last asked this question, so we're well overdue to gauge your opinions. Tell us what budget shooter and lenses offer the best bang-for-your-buck and ease of use, which unit's the most forgiving and which offers the cheapest lenses for those just dipping their toes into the water?Filed under: Digital CamerasAsk Engadget: What's the best entry-level DSLR? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 22:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: best online rolodex?

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 Ellio, who needs to control his wayward address book with something a little more useful than Gmail. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "Hi there. I love Ask Engadget and I've got a problem I hope you can help with. I run my own business and deal with thousands of contacts on a regular basis. I need a more efficient way of cataloging their contact details than Gmail contacts or my OS X address book -- since I'd like to be able to tag-search for people who work for the same company or in the same industry. Friends have suggested using a spreadsheet, but I'm sure someone's invented a more efficient method than that, so any pointers you can give would be amazing, thanks!" With a small army of contacts we have to marshall on a regular basis, we feel your pain Ellio. We've heard some things about Flexadex, but many of our staffers just muddle on through with Gmail. That's why we'll open the floor to our beautiful and clever commenters to find out what they use on a regular basis.Filed under: InternetAsk Engadget: best online rolodex? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Sep 2012 23:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: best tablet, software and case 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?Filed under: Tablet PCs, SoftwareAsk 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.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: best app building site or service?

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, then here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Jeroen, who wants to use an app-builder to help realize his smartphone software dreams. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I was wondering what online app builders you'd recommend? I only want to make a simple app for an event, but I'm wary of services like AppsBar which offer free development. What should I do? Thanks!" Let's assume you're not a hardcore hand-code it yourself type, but do need to dip your toe into the app-building world. A lot of the more reputable app design services charge a fee to build and submit your app, which can be as small as $5 (Magmito) or as much as $120 (Shoutem) a month*. Which should you go for? Well, it's probably one of the better questions with which to test the knowledge of our Engadgeteers -- so, dear friends, if you've been down this road before, what would you recommend? * Plenty of other services are available.Filed under: Internet, SoftwareComments

Ask Engadget: best sub-$150 mechanical 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 inquiry is coming to us from Andrew, who wants to get a proper keyboard, for doing serious business on. 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 thinking about getting a mechanical keyboard for my desktop. I'm a student so I'll need to do a bunch of word-processing and also moderate FPS gaming in the downtime. I've got a budget of $150 and prefer Cherry MX Blue and Brown switches, do you have any suggestions?" No "thank you?" Man, the kids of today. Anyway, it's a weird coincidence because we've also been pondering swapping out our chiclet daily-driver for something more serious. We played with Matias' One at CES, while Andrew himself has one eye on the Razer Blackwidow or the Das Model S Pro / Stealth. But that's us, what we want to know is what y'all out there are using when it comes to properly made keyboards -- stick your comments below and let's get this doing done.Ask Engadget: best sub-$150 mechanical keyboard? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 23:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: best lens for wedding photography?

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 Van, who needs some help recording his sister's wedding. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm supposed to be shooting my sister's wedding in June, with an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception. I've got a Canon T2i (550D, non-Americans) with the kit 18-55mm lens and a 50mm f.18 prime lens. I'm looking for suggestions for an additional lens I could rent for the day, would a 200mm or a telephoto be worth it? Also, if anyone can suggest a good filter for an afternoon shoot, that'd be very welcome. Thanks!" That's the second wedding-related query we've had this year -- there must be something in the water. We're sure plenty of you want to help Van's sister's big day go perfectly, so any photogs, camera buffs and bridezillas with an opinion, please add them below.Ask Engadget: best lens for wedding photography? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 22:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: best carry-on electronics bag?

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 Ben, who needs a stylish way to carry around his electronics haul. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "Hey Engadget, I'm looking for your help in picking a new travel bag. Ideally, I'd like something that's in a messenger format, but I'm open to other options if you can suggest them. Currently I've got a 13-inch laptop (and charger), iPad, noise cancelling headphones and the various bits and bobs that go with them. Any help you can provide would be great, thanks!" This week, we're revisiting a topic from January 2010, but given how much has changed since then, it's well worth keeping it up to date. We've heard good things about the Timbuk2 Commute Messenger that we gave away as part of our Back to School sweepstake, but your humble narrator is still toting around a cumbersome (and less useful) Lowepro Fastpack 250, which the TSA doesn't take kindly to. Still, that's why we'll open this up the floor and find out what you're all rocking when it comes time for that gadget-laden cross-country jaunt.Filed under: Misc, PeripheralsAsk Engadget: best carry-on electronics bag? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Sep 2012 22:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: should companies include a cable with a new product?

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 is from David, who wants to know if you'd prefer a free cable or a cheaper device when you buy pro audio gear. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I work for a small audio-tech company and we're currently getting close to releasing out first retail product, which does surround sound from stereo inputs -- kinda like Dolby Pro Logic, except good. Internally, we're agonizing over if we should include a stereo RCA cable. Of course, users will need to integrate an additional cable into their set up, but plenty of people will have spares lying around at home. Do you think it's better to: a) Include a cheap cable and let people who care buy a high quality one? b) Include a reasonable quality cable but increase the price? c) Include no cable and make it clear they need to buy one? Many thanks!"What a question! We're decidedly of two minds, since given a bit of haggling, most retailers will chuck in a branded lead, but we'd hate to get our shiny new gear home to find it's missing a key component the one time they don't. Our dithering aside, it's time to turn the question over to our faithful Engadgeteers with this chance to shape the future of the high-end audio business for the better, we'd better not disappoint the man!Filed under: Home Entertainment, HDAsk Engadget: should companies include a cable with a new product? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 22:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Ask Engadget: best NYC wireless carrier?

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 is from Is from MigFig who's relocating to the five boroughs and is worried about his cellphone service. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "Hi guys, I'm moving to NYC next month and wanted to know if I should stick with Sprint or switch carriers. I'm aware Sprint's cheaper to AT&T and Verizon and I like unlimited plans. Thing is, coverage is spotty where I am right now, 3G is a joke (no 4G, either). Will this get better when I'm in the city or should I start shopping around for a new carrier? Thank you, Engadget!"So, New York residing Engadgeteers, let's tear up the cellphone coverage maps and tell us which one you can really trust when you're wandering around mid-town. Chime in with your real-world experience down there in the comments section, where it's nice and warm.Ask Engadget: best NYC wireless carrier? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 22:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments