Ask Engadget: WiFi or wired networking?

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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.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/01/ae-wifi-wired/

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The Daily Roundup for 12.01.2012

DNP The Daily RoundUp

You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.

Continue reading The Daily Roundup for 12.01.2012

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/01/the-daily-roundup-for-12-01-2012/

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Netgear's NeoTV Prime (GTV100) is the latest Google TV box outed by FCC filings (update: pictures!)

FCC filings out another new Google TV box, Netgear's NeoTV Prime GTV100

Just like the suddenly inescapable 4K, it appears Google TV will be a buzzword for multiple new devices at CES like this Netgear NeoTV Prime (model # GTV100) which GTV Hacker discovered via a pair of curious FCC testing documents. It actually snuck through the FCC before the just-leaked ASUS Qube (more on that in a moment), revealed via a documents for both its Bluetooth-connected remote control and a wireless component, although the box itself remains under wraps. The remote packs a QWERTY keyboard, while up front there's a touchpad plus the usual assortment of control buttons augmented with several app shortcuts for Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, Vudu, HBO Go and Crackle. It may be wishful thinking, but here's hoping the inclusion of Amazon and HBO Go buttons mean dedicated apps are on the way, instead of the current website shortcuts. The wireless module is less revealing, only confirming the name, 802.11n, Bluetooth 3.0 and a lack of ad-hoc wireless network support. Check after the break for a couple of more pics, and info on where Google TV may be headed.

Update: We've heard a bit more about the box which is apparently in beta testing. At least at the moment, those button shortcuts are still tied to the webapps and some testers are complaining about overheating. We also have pictures of the box itself next to its remote, although it's possible the design could change before launch.

[Thanks, anonymous]

Continue reading Netgear's NeoTV Prime (GTV100) is the latest Google TV box outed by FCC filings (update: pictures!)

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Source: GTV Hacker, NeoTV Prime remote (FCC), NeoTV wireless (FCC)


Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/YeJUtHFaACw/

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Apple’s iBook App is Brilliant

By far one of the best features of Apple’s iPad is it’s ability to access thousands of apps. It does have a great multi-orientation interface too but the fact that these apps have been designed for the iPad only means there is very little chance of finding them on any other device other than the iPhone and iPod Touch.

 

The applications cover a wide range of categories from entertainment to business with games, education and sports in between. Apple have thought of just about everything imaginable to be run on the iPad which means whatever a user needs, Apple’s engineers have developed an app for it.

 

One of the nice features is it’s iBook app which is an e-book reader. The screen size is perfect making it easy to read wherever the user happens to be at the time. Readers can adjust the background light to suit them. They can also change text size and fonts which is great because people do have their own personal preferences when it comes to fonts and text size when they are reading.

One of the best features of the iBook app is it’s graphics, the crisp clear screen with it’s high speed memory means that images appear instantly as text is being read. Reading illustrated books and graphic novels on the device is a very nice experience.

 

Marvel Comics even has its own e-book reader app on the device so these are easily accessible by a downloading them when you want to. Users can enlarge or minimize images by just pinching the multi-touch screen and it is very easy to navigate through the pages of Marvel comic books by simply tapping the thumbnails.

 

There are so many apps available on the device that users are spoilt for choice and this includes things like the Wall Street Journal as well as the New York Times, both of which created an app that is exclusive to the iPad.

 

Users can get apps from Apple’s App Store and again there is a special app on the iPad for users to do this easily and quickly. The iBook app comes pre-installed in the device whereas other apps like the Marvel Comic’s app have to be purchased from the App Store. Users can go to Amazon to buy the apps they need too and a. Amazon holds the record for offering the best titles around and have a greater selection than anyone else, this is one place where you’ll find everything you’ll ever need. Users have the option of previewing any books or comics before they commit to buying them which is a great advantage. Ipad owners also have one other advantage and this is to order Marvel Comics in print if they want to.

Source: http://tabletbuzzblog.com/apples-ibook-app-is-brilliant/

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Gigantic Monsters With Atomic Hearts

Foot-power might be enough to get you across the house, and gas packs enough punch to get you across the country by car, bus, or plane. Coal had its time to reign as the king of the rails, and electricity is poised to take the world by storm. But when you've got a real job to do, when you've got to move mountains and make the sky shake, there's only one place to turn: that basic force of universal power that man has bent to his whim. We're talking atomic power, baby. And nothing beats it. Here are some monsters that use it to its fullest. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/xUlSFRrrEjI/gigantic-monsters-with-atomic-hearts

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Refresh Roundup: week of November 26th, 2012

Refresh Roundup week of November 26th, 2012

Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Continue reading Refresh Roundup: week of November 26th, 2012

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/OYF5Mk9CtqQ/

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Foldable.Me review

Several weeks ago Ian told us about Foldable.Me when he posted a news item about the unique service that lets you create a 3D replica of yourself (or someone else) in foldable card stock.  After we posted that news item, the folks that run Foldable.Me offered us a code to try it out ourselves. Ian was generous enough to let me use the code so I could create a Foldable Gadgeteer. His only stipulation was that I had to send him a picture of the final product. I’m going to go one better and show you all…

Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.

Creating your Foldable is simple via their easy to use web app.

All you do is choose the gender and then you can customize by choosing hair style, nose, eyes, lips, eyebrows, face shape, and clothes. It’s interesting that the female settings include facial hair ;) What you see above is how I set up my Foldable.

A few days after placing the order, the Foldable arrived as a large envelope with a large card stock sheet inside.

Each Foldable is comprised of 5 pieces that detach easily from the sheet. No scissors or Xacto knives required.

After popping out the parts, the next step is to fold the parts along the pre-scored lines.

Once each individual piece has been folded together (no glue or tape needed), you are ready for the final step.

They suggest to to start from the bottom up. So the feet fit into the body, the arms into the body and then the head on top.

My head isn’t this big in real life – is it?

What do you think? It’s the spitting image of me right down to the Green zippered jacket that I wear everyday at work ;)  I am a little taller in real life though. The Foldable only stands about 3.5 inches tall.

You can even create holiday themed Foldables by dressing them as Santa.

Foldables are cute kits that are fun to create and build. They don’t do anything special except bring a smile to your face.

Product Information

Price:$11.99
Manufacturer:Foldable.Me
Pros:
  • Easy to create
  • Easy to build
  • Doesn't require any tools
Cons:
  • Need more clothing options

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, Reviews

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Foldable.Me review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 30, 2012 at 4:33 pm.

How would you change Sony's Xperia P?

How would you change Sonys Xperia P

Sony's problem (or at least, one of 'em), is its slavish devotion to Gingerbread that goes above and beyond that of its smartphone rivals. As a consequence, its Xperia P came out humbled with an aged OS and a promise of a future upgrade. It's a shame, because we found it to have real charm, good build quality (one of Sony's strengths) and a display that can hold its own against the light. If you bought one, you've had a good five or six months to get to know and love it, so how do you feel? Is it the phone for you, or do you wish you'd gone elsewhere? This week, How Would You Change lets you play amateur smartphone designer, so head into the comments and let your imagination run riot.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/02/hwyc-xperia-p/

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