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Ask Engadget: how long should I first-charge a battery?
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 Bernard, who wants an answer to the age-old question of ensuring you get the most out of your batteries. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "It's said that you should always leave brand-new electronics plugged in for 'a few hours' after being fully charged, but how do you decide that period of time? Is there a calculation depending on the capacity of the battery, or what? Help me, please!" Nowadays, do you even need to? While memory effect was an issue on NiCad batteries, Lithium Ion units don't suffer from the same issue. It could also be tied to the belief that most chargers only re-juice batteries up to 95 percent, but we can't find any authoritative proof on the matter. Let's turn it over to the electrical engineers and battery experts who read Engadget on a regular basis so we can sort this out, once and for all!
Ask Engadget: best language to develop apps for Android and iOS?
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 Nikunj, who wants to produce his own apps for both sides of the smartphone war. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm a C++ student and I was wondering what's the best language to develop apps in both Android and iOS? Is C++ enough, and if not, could you all suggest some other languages? Thank you." Your humble narrator isn't a developer, but has scratched out the knowledge that neither platform's SDK is that germane to C++. iOS, for one, uses Objective-C or Cocoa, while Android at least does provide a C++ developers kit, it's apparently not as nice to use as the Java equivalent. Beyond that? That's where we'll turn this question over to those developers who proudly call themselves members of the Engadget fraternity.
Ask Engadget: best / most 'open' e-book store?
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 Arthur, who's considering giving this new-fangled electronic book thing a go. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "During a recent move, I dumped a dozen boxes of books at goodwill, and have decided to give e-books a try. But what's the most "open" way to buy them? Me and my wife want to share titles (reasonable enough, given that we wouldn't buy two copies from a bookstore). As such, we'd like to open an account somewhere that will let us read on our various computers, PlayBook, iPad and Nook. Is there a store that you can suggest?" Given your humble narrator's long-held resistance to e-books (and devotion to building a library of their own), this is one we're going to pass straight over to the Engadget community. So, dear friends, what's your opinion?
Ask Engadget: can you rent a tablet?
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 Sarah, who would like a tablet, but only for one week a year. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "One week every summer, I go out of town for a convention that I work with. I don't get a lot of downtime, but when I do, I want to stay connected. A laptop's too bulky and a smartphone just won't have the battery life, so is there a way I could rent a tablet with a 3/4G connection for a week at a time? Thanks" Sarah, you've posed your humble narrator a real head-scratcher here. We've hunted around online, and found some web-based services that at least promise to do what you need. One that we are familiar with is Xcom Global, who will loan you a tablet if you select one of its MiFi plans, but it's a service designed more for international travel than a short hop like yours. We found a few places, including RentOurTablets, RentAComputer and RentFusion -- but we're not qualified to say if any of them are any good. As a consequence, it's time to turn this question over to the Engadget community. If you've got any experience of services that you trust and have used before, chime in and spread a little knowledge this weekend.
A&E network brings free full-length episodes and movies to the iPhone
Good news for Rick and Corey fans. A&E's brought its streaming app across from the iPad to the iPhone. Better still, it has all the full length content from favorites like Storage Wars and Pawn Stars. Both the History and Lifetime have followed suit, and there's even some extra A&E content found within the app, the kind that's typically found on the show's dedicated site -- expect plenty of behind-the-scenes antics. If you're also in possession of an Xfinity Comcast account, the app will open up access to previous seasons of the network's top shows. There's still no AirPlay support, although 9to5Mac reports that it's certainly in the works. Hopefully, that means dozing off in front of A&E content on your Apple TV shouldn't be far away. In Duck Dynasty's Si Robertson's immortal words: work hard, nap hard.
Ask Engadget: best roaming options for a trip to the UK and ROI?
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 Tom, who wants to know what's the best option to get connected during a trip over the pond. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "Hi Engadget, I'm a Verizon subscriber and I've got an upcoming trip to London and Dublin. As I'm on a CDMA network, my Galaxy Nexus isn't going to be much use to me, so what options are available to me? I'm only going for 8 days, so we can't justify a big investment, but I only need calling and GPS (to get around). Thanks!" You're right that there's no CDMA networks in the UK, but you aren't without options. Of course, the easiest and cheapest thing to do is convince a friend to loan you their unlocked GSM smartphone and buy a SIM card when you arrive in the UK, and then Dublin. Alternatively, you could pick up a pay as you go handset from one of the UK's budget carriers. Tesco Mobile offer the Motorola Motosmart, its cheapest with GPS, for £50 ($78), but if you can get by with using a map, then the Nokia 100 is available for just £9 ($14). But, dear commenters, this is where you come in. Got a better suggestion? Throw it into the space below and help Tom stay connected wherever he go.
Ask Engadget: best video baby camera?
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 Berry2Droid, who wants to geek-up monitoring his first-born. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "My wife and I are having a baby soon and need a video monitor. We'd like it to be compatible with our Android phones, rather than having a separate screen in the package. We'd also like some sort of visual aid as my wife is deaf so she would need some sort of other signal. If there was any ability to add additional cameras, that'd also be great. Thanks for your help!" We could certainly point you in the direction of Samsung Techwin's Video Baby Monitor or Y-Cam's offering, both of which are infrared-and-internet capable cameras that pump the picture straight to your mobile device. We came a little unstuck on the visual warning element for your wife, however, but that's why we'll turn this question over to our faithful group of commenters to see if their knowledge stretches further than our own. Dear friends, help out a lovely couple as they embark upon the majestic (albeit fraught) journey of parenthood and provide some wisdom in the comments below.
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.
Ask Engadget: best smartphone car mount?
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 Sam, who needs to find a new way of attaching a Galaxy S III to a windshield. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I've ditched my GPS unit for a Galaxy S III in my car, but I can't find a good windshield mount. Are there any models that don't use suction cups? For some reason they won't stick to my window, and yes, before you ask, yes I do keep it clean. Thanks!" While we wouldn't recommend doing anything unhealthy, we've found a good lick on the suction cup before attaching it sometimes helps. Your mileage, however, may vary. Still, you could always try one of TomTom's generic smartphone dashboard mounts or perhaps even using a Bean Bag mount? As for a window mount that doesn't use suction cups? That's a question we'll leave for our friendly commenters to join in on.
Amazon, A&E deal brings Pawn Stars, Storage Wars and Dance Moms to Prime Instant Video
Those in need of another reason to stare at their computer screen for long stretches of time will be pleased to learn that Amazon has struck a deal with A&E Networks that'll be bringing shows from its titular network, along with History, Bio and Lifetime to the online retailer's Prime Instant Video service. Amongst the arty entertainment offerings are Pawn Stars, Storage Wars and Dance Moms, which users will be able to consume en masse on a number of devices including the iPad, iPhone, Roku, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii U.
Ask Engadget: best barebones workstation chassis?
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 Charles, who's capping off the year with a fine question about DIY PC chassis. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I work in motion graphics and it's upgrade time. I'm a DIY and Windows nut, so I'm looking to build my own tower, but the cases are all so horrible! I don't need a plastic window, or something that looks like it was designed by aliens -- just something that's sharp, solid, good looking and has a respectable airflow. Is that too much to ask?" Well, we trawled our brains (as well as a fair chunk of the internet) looking for some classy chassis, and this is what we found: Corsair's Obsidian 550D may have a plastic window, but otherwise it's a monolithic piece of imposing black metal that won't ugly up your office. Coolermaster's Silencio 650 is hewn from diamond-cut aluminum and drops the plastic window, and given the company's heritage, should have excellent airflow. Finally, there's the Lian-Li PC-A71F, which can only be described as terrifyingly sleek. But what about you all? Let's cap the year off with some stylish PC cases, peace and goodwill to everyone and a very happy New Year to you, the Engadgeteers.
Ask Engadget: best nettop for family use?
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 Robin, who wants to help the older generation get online. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "Hi Engadget, I'm looking for a desktop for my parents, and since they rarely play any 3D games, I think a nettop might be ideal. Anything that has an HDMI output would work, so what do you recommend? Thanks very much" Lenovo's latest Q190 arrives in January, will set you back $350 and comes with Windows 8, while the eco-friendly (but less-powerful) ASUS EeeBox EB1030 is $370, but should do a similarly decent job with your parents early adventures in tweeting. But how about you out there? Can you suggest a nettop that's even more desirable? Now that the world hasn't ended (at least when the Mayans said it would) you can share your knowledge in the comments below.
Ask Engadget: best earbuds for fitness use?
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 Brandon, who needs some earbuds that won't leave his head when he's on the treadmill. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I've been having issues at the gym with my headphones coming out of my ears. As of now, I'm using a basic pair of Sony sport headphones, but is there a pair of moderately priced ear-buds that do the trick of actually staying in your ear while running?" Last time we asked, you were divided between those who prized robustness (and a low price) and audiophiles who couldn't bear to listen to inferior gear. If you're in the former camp: Philips SHH8006/28 over-ears JVC Marshmallows If you're in the latter camp: Sennhesier's range of Adidas-branded sports-headsets got a few mentions But overwhelmingly, people went gaga for Klipsch's S4s. Still, that was then and this is now, so let's turn the question over to you once more to see if we can smash our heads together and get some knowledge to fall out.
A+E Networks launch A&E, History, and Lifetime iPad apps
TV junkies, rejoice. A+E Networks is bringing many of its popular shows to the iPad across networks with A&E for iPad, History channel and Lifetime iPad apps. Customers can watch a few full episodes plus clips from the network's shows on their iPads. The apps are free, and A+E notes that Comcast Xfinity customers will get first access to additional content, like episodes from previous seasons of select shows. You can create a playlist of sorts and pick up where you left off, should you get interrupted.
Ask Engadget: WiFi or wired networking?
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 Jordan, who wants some geeky help with an ambitious home project. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I've just bought a run-down old house (all I could afford) and I want to make it into a geek paradise. Part of that means I want a world-class home network, but what should I pick? The electrics will all need to be re-done, so I could easily wire in Gigabit ethernet along the way, or should I settle for a couple of high-powered WiFi routers at either end of the house? Any help you can offer would be great, thanks!" Well, we've given it some thought and we're wondering if you're not better off doing both. After all, with a beefy ethernet switch, you can wire up your heavy-duty gear, but you'll need at least one WiFi adapter for your smartphone or tablet. The only question is if you really need wired networking in 2012 at all, but that's a question we'll leave open to our commenters.
Ask Engadget: best new smartphone that isn't massive?
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 Diamar, who is eyeing up a new smartphone, but doesn't want one the size of a table tennis bat. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I read your site and I figured I'd give this a shot. I'll be in the market to upgrade my iPhone 4S, but all of the best smartphones now have huge screens. I've wanted a Galaxy SIII, but its 4.8-inch screen is pushing it. Can you recommend any current or future smartphones that don't have massive screens? Thanks!" Were we in the construction trade, we'd be sucking the air over our teeth in a disapproving manner. If you're looking for a flagship model, then it's probably going to be on the sizable side: Sony Xperia T - 4.6-inch Nokia Lumia 920 - 4.5-inch HTC 8X - 4.3-inch HTC One S - 4.3-inch Motorola RAZR i (or M) 4.3-inch Apple iPhone 5 - 4-inch Of course, if size is your only concern, then you could drop down a few levels (and price points) and snag a Galaxy S III Mini, which has a 4-inch display, but far more modest specs. That's our take on the situation, anyway, but what about the community? Share your thoughts, folks.
Ask Engadget: best universal remote?
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 Marc and Jack, who are going ocean-mad with all of their remote controls. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. Marc wrote "My home theater currently has seven remote controls, which I'd like to narrow down. I know there are solutions available which are massively arcane, but is there something simple that the crowd can recommend?" Jack wrote "Can you recommend a universal remote control that works with a PS3 and Apple TV that doesn't suck?" Well friends, Gear 4's Unity remote has earned rave reviews thanks to its ease of use and near universal application (except for the PS3) While Griffin's Beacon offers the same capability, but also works with Android devices If you're serious about including the PS3 in your setup, you could splash out on Logitech's Harmony IR-to-Bluetooth adapter. But perhaps, out there, is something even better. That's where you, the Engadget Faithful come in. Why not share your experience (or your product) in the comments below?
Ask Engadget: how do you secure a laptop without a Kensington slot?
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 Scott, who needs some peace of mind with his new laptop, since it doesn't have a security slot. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I have a Lenovo U410, which doesn't have a Kensington lock slot. Do you have any suggestions as to how to keep it physically secured? Thanks!" Well, Scott, while it's not the greatest situation, there are a few alternatives you might want to try. For example: Griffin's TechSafe connects through the device's hinge, and should do a job to deter casual thieves. There's also Kensington's laptop docking station, which also clips around your device's display -- but does require you to drill some holes through your desk. Of course, that's just our two cents, now it's time for you lot out there to chip in with your own suggestions. If you've learned the secret to securing Kensington-free laptops, share your knowledge in the comments below.
Ask Engadget: what's the best way to arrange a protected AirPlay setup?
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 Wes, who needs to ensure that Delta Tau Chi don't start interfering with his band practice sessions. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm a university band director, and I need a WiFi stereo receiver for our rehearsal space. The problem is, that it would have to join the same network that the students and faculty all share. I want to be able to Airplay music and related apps (like a metronome) through the setup, but I'm worried that any student can connect and mess with it. I can't seem to find a receiver that requires a separate password to connect to it, so I could really use some help! Thanks, Wes" Wes, we'll help you on one condition: the next time you're directing a half-time show, the band has to stand in the shape of the Engadget logo. Deal? Good. It's very easy to set an AirPlay access code onto an Apple TV. That way, if anyone wants to start pushing tunes (or apps) to your sound system, you have to enter a four-digit code of your choosing. You can also control permissions on other AirPlay devices like the Sony STR-DN1030, but there's a limit of 20 devices, and it's a little bit fiddly. Of course, this wouldn't be Ask Engadget without some audience participation, so, dear audience, participate! Share your knowledge, tell us tales and spread some love this weekend -- but only if said love is related to the world of AirPlay passwords.
Ask Engadget: best Skitch replacement?
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 Benjamin, who feels a little let down by the most recent changes to Evernote's image-sharing software. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "Hi guys. I'm a graphic designer who, until recently, used a desktop app called Skitch to quickly share images with clients. I loved being able to just click and drag a portion of my desktop, click "share" and have it uploaded in a seconds. Of course, Evernote has screwed with it, so now it won't default to keeping my pictures private (not so good for the clients, or my reputation) and the new layout hides the sharing feature in a stupid drop-down menu. Frankly, a really useful piece of software has been ruined, so can you suggest a replacement?" We feel your pain Benjamin, even if we did have to slice out your more colorful descriptions of Evernote from your e-mail. A site favorite has been ruined by the changes, and as such we're on the hunt for an alternative. Jing, from TechSmith lets you share screenshots and even record video on your desktop. Slingshot is a Mac exclusive that'll set you back $3, but uses the cloud service of your choice (Dropbox, Imgur etc) Of course, this is the moment where we turn it over to our amazing commenters, who we hope will share the skinny. You never know, maybe some enterprising indie dev has already created the program to replace that hole in our lives -- friends, head down below, grab the candle and bang on.
