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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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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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 Max, who seems to be putting his old scattered life behind him in an attempt to get organized. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"I am a student looking for a second portable computer for taking notes in lectures, as I am ridiculously unorganized at the moment. The thing is, I only have a very small budget, and I need a tablet / touchscreen computer. I have at most £150 ($228) to spend."

Max isn't even opposed to buying second-hand, but we just know someone out there has a delightful option on the new market as well. Don't bother putting off your answer in comments below -- that Fall semester is just about the bend, you know?

Ask Engadget: best note-taking tablet / laptop for under $200? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 Chris, who just happened upon some cheddar and can't wait to buy some sort of recording device. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"I've got $500 - $800 to spend for my company. We need a new consumer / prosumer camcorder. Wide open as far as what to expect, any ones that have really wowed you lately?"

Just how we like it, short and sweet. We know a few of you have managed to pick up a camcorder in preparation for summer vacation, so don't be shy with the recommendations in comments below, cool? Cool.

Ask Engadget: best consumer / prosumer camcorder out now? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 James' best bud, who would love to own an EVO 4G... if not for that 8 megapixel camera that's strictly against protocol. 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 friend who's taken a job in a security field and the employer doesn't allow cameras on cellphones. He's currently happy with an iPhone 3GS and would definitely consider an Android device but is having trouble finding a decent phone with no camera. The only caveat is that for whatever reason he doesn't want a BlackBerry. Does anyone else make a decent smartphone sans camera? Thanks!"

This is a fairly common question, actually, and despite the fact that few phones are made any more sans a camera, many organizations refuse to allow them. We'd hate for your friend be stuck with a dumbphone, so here's hoping our readers can drop some knowledge below. Otherwise, we suggest he / she just mail in a two-week notice -- Sent from their iPhone, of course.

Ask Engadget: best smartphone without a camera? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 May 2010 22:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 Garrett, who needs a few sets of fresh eyes on the netbook lineup that's out there today. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"This past week my mom decided she would like to be able to use her computer on the patio. The problem is she only has a desktop, so my question is what would be the best netbook for a not-so-tech-savvy mom? All she really would need is WiFi, access to the internet, and Word. Doesn't have to be too fancy, but she would want it to look nice too. Any suggestions?"

Suggestions? Oh yeah, we're sure these fine folks have plenty of those. We've actually thrown this same question out in 2008 and 2009, but given all the changes since last decade, we figured the time was right to re-visit things. So, help a mother out, won't you?

Ask Engadget: what's the best netbook out there now? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 May 2010 22:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 Anthony, who is looking for an external battery pack to keep his laptop humming through those 21-hour T / TH marathon days. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"I'm going off to college soon. I have a new HP TM2. Obviously the 9 hour battery life isn't realistic, and I would like the fabled "full day computing" experience. I do have a second battery, but it's awkward to charge both batteries, the shape doesn't fit into my bag well, and I have to hibernate to switch (which introduces some wonkiness to some programs). I'm looking into external batteries which provide power to the DC input of my laptop (18.5V, but 19V will work too). It would preferably be approximately 9- to 13-inches diagonally to fit into my bookbag and / or laptop bag, and not ridiculously thick. USB charging would be a definite plus too, but not required."

For Mac owners asking a similar question, we can personally attest to the greatness of the HyperMac, but we'll be looking to the collective brain of our dear readers to help on Anthony. Go on and toss your suggestion down in comments -- you wouldn't want poor Anthony running out of juice during his first Biology lab, now would you?

Ask Engadget: best external laptop battery? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 01:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 deciBels, who is sick and tired of only being able to utilize 4 of the 7 outlets in a conventional power strip. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"I am absolutely dying to know what the best product(s) are to maximize and organize power outlets. I have 9 cables at one outlet (big nest of cables). I ran out of space there and had to go to a completely different wall to find 2 more vacancies. That's without actually plugging in everything I would like to. I'm not a fan of having to compromise but when it comes to outlets, I'm being beat! Help me Engadget!"

You heard the man, help him! Anyone know of any consumer-friendly power strips that allow for larger wall warts? Any tricks the trade to maximizing space down there? Sharing is caring, y'all.

Ask Engadget: best method or product for organizing wall outlets? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 01:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 Caleb, who is asking not what his PMP can do for him, but what he can do for his PMP. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"My brother is about to leave for the Marines, and I (the geeky brother) want to send something with him to keep him busy. What is a very rugged PMP or similar, with WiFi and a nice UI? A camera is definitely a plus."

So, dear readers -- what would fit the bill here? And remember, we're not looking for a PMP with a tough coat of plastic. We're looking for something to last on the battlefield. Oorah! (And Godspeed.)

Ask Engadget: best rugged PMP out there? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 Mitchell, who couldn't care less if you have a problem with his question. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"I just got a new laptop and am looking for a WiFi detector. The catch is that I want one that will tell me if the network it is detecting is open or not. I can't fathom the point of one that doesn't tell you that information. If posted, this will probably generate a lot of snark, but whatever, I just want to be able to find open networks!"

You know, we appreciate the honesty here. And we totally feel you. If anyone out there has found a fantastically useful WiFi detector, throw your recommendation(s) in comments below!

Ask Engadget: Best (useful) WiFi network detector? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 Cam, who don't need no stinkin' app store for his next digital audio player. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"I'm getting quite sick of my Sansa Clip, with it deciding when and when it doesn't want to work. I'm looking for a new PMP. The only requirement is that it has at least 4GB of storage, and supports FLAC files. Expandable memory would be cool too."

We appreciate the brevity, Cam. In your spirit, we'll skip the usual coaxing and just demand that those with lovable gym-certified PMPs drop some knowledge in comments below. And... go!

Ask Engadget: Best no-frills portable media player? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 Corey, who needs a secondary display to run widgets, IM boxes and squashed YouTube clips while the real work goes down on the main screen. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"My laptop's screen is feeling cramped these days, but since I mostly use it at a desk, I'm thinking of getting a USB monitor instead of a whole new rig. I know Mimo has a bunch of options, but has anyone used them? Are there any other companies out there making these USB-connected secondary displays? I know it's a new industry, but hopefully someone has a first-hand perspective to share. Thanks!"

No worries Corey -- we'll point you to our own Mimo impressions, and then we'll ask the readers to contribute from there. Any tips on which USB monitor is best? Any horror stories that we should all be aware of? Chime in below!

Ask Engadget: Best USB / secondary monitor? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 Jonathon, who's currently preparing for a summer of fun with top dropped. 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 Bluetooth headset with the best noise reduction. I've got a convertible and would like to be able to have a conversation with the top down (at least around town, highway would be fantastic but probably unrealistic). So, any thoughts and / or suggestions?"

BT headsets have come a long way since we first posted a similar question in 2005, so we suspect the answers here will be quite a bit different. Do you have a particular earpiece that you enjoy while cruising under the open skies? Don't hold back on us, now.

Ask Engadget: Best noise cancelling Bluetooth headset? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 Moe, who is dead-set on snagging a 13-inch machine just as soon as a model is decided upon. Help a brother out, won't you?

"I'm in the market for a new laptop, and I want a 13-incher. I need something with a great keyboard for typing, as this will mostly be used for note taking in class. I am absolutely smitten with the XPS 13, but I'm afraid that with its age Dell is going to give it an update soon. Any advice for someone in my shoes? Thanks!"

There's no doubt that an update is around the corner, but there's no telling how far that corner is from being reached. USB 3.0 updates are unavoidable, and we wouldn't be surprised to see a few new SSD options creep up, either. That said, there's nothing quite like the here and now, so if any of you ultraportable owners wish to help out, you know where to head.

Ask Engadget: Best 13-inch laptop on the market? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 Todd, who's looking to snap up a solid cheap laptop (for his father-in-law, no less!) before that fateful Friday in December. Have a look below and hand out some Christmas cheer, won't you?

"My father-in-law is heading back to school in the spring and wants a laptop for Christmas. The only catch is their budget is around $400 and he does not want a netbook. He's not very "tech savvy" at all and doesn't need a hoss of a machine (not that $400 could get you one). We would like to get it for him as soon as possible and would love some input. Thanks for any help and Happy Holidays!"

We've already penned our laptop gift guide for 2009, but we understand the desire to get more input for this particular scenario. It's tough to find a sub-$400 machine that's not a netbook (and not a total heap), but we're confident that one or two gems are out there. Spill it if you know it, cool?

Ask Engadget: Best non-netbook laptop for around $400? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 James, who needs more geotagging in his life for reasons that are far too personal to share. That said, we have to confess that we're curious...

"I am looking for the best geotagging camera currently available. The most important feature for me is the accuracy of the GPS module, so any hard specs on satellite receiver would be really useful. Thanks for your time!"

Short and sweet, precisely how we like it. We're also expanding the question to include geotagging accessories, being that it may actually be best to snag a well-respected standalone camera and then add something like the PhotoTrackr Mini -- besides, this will ensure that you can upgrade cameras whenever you darn well please without losing the geotagging abilities. Shout out your recommendations in comments below!

Ask Engadget: Best geotagging camera or solution? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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 Marcus, who's looking to hook himself up with a solid USB headset / microphone for Skype calling, podcasting and just generally having a royally great time.

"I've found myself using my PC for a lot of conversations lately, and I'm also considering recording a podcast to share with anyone who will listen. There are tons of USB headset / microphones out there, and I'm hoping someone has some solid recommendations based on experience. I'll consider both headsets and standalone mics, by the way, but I'd like to keep the bill under $100 if possible. Help!"

To be completely honest, we're still trying to determine for ourselves which device is best for these kinds of activities. If you've found a diamond in the proverbial rough, spill it in comments below, won'tcha?

Ask Engadget: Best headset / microphone for podcasting? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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