Steve Engelson

· User since June, 2011
Practitioner III (1794 points)  
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Steve Engelson's Answers

What is the best laptop for multimedia uses under $2500?
  Apple MacBook Pro MD311LL/A (Late 2011)
A Macbook Pro is at the top of your price range, but this computer offers a lot when it comes to a multimedia experience.

The possibilities really are endless. You can do anything from creating beats in Garageband to editing a full feature film in iMovie. There are also a lot of multimedia content posibilites that are very easily accessed through iTunes or the App Store.

The 17 inch Display offers a great viewing experience. It has a resolution of 1920x1200 and it is powered by dual processors.

The overall design is what really sets this laptop apart from the rest. Even at 17 inches this laptop is still very mobile and the battery life is way above average. The speakers have sub woofers and it has a high quality built in webcam.
 
posted 137 days ago · 0 people agree · View answer
What is the best laptop for business under $2000?
  Dell XPS X15Z-7502ELS
This seems like a great laptop for business that is well within your budget.

From a presentation standpoint it has a lot to offer. It has an HDMI port which should hook up to most modern TVs. The HDMI connection is nice because you can run audio and video through one cord. It also has a DisplayPort output which is great for projection screens and external LCD monitors.

On top of great connectivity it also has a very powerful processer setup. It has an Intel Core i7 CPU and 6 GB of RAM. There is also a 640GB harddrive. These three things should keep your computer running smoothly and quickly.

As far as design goes it has a 15.6 inch HD display and weighs under 6lbs. It also has a great graphics setup with a NVIDIA GeForce chipset. There is also a built in webcam for any online meetings you might have.

The only draw back I can find is that it doesn't have a dedicated keypad. This can be a problem if you have to do a ton of data entry. You can always get an external number pad, but this can become a hassel if you are doing a lot of traveling. I don't think it is a deal breaker because this laptop has so much going for it, but it is something to consider.
 
posted 140 days ago · 0 people agree · View answer
What's a good "push" present for my wife?
Any type of jewelry is the traditional push present, but one of the best things you can get her is support. Even though this is your second child she will still need a lot of help both physically and emotionally. Just make sure that you are there to help and make these first couple months easier for her. It is actually more difficult the second time around because you have two kids to think about, so don't forget about your first little one.
 
posted 246 days ago · 0 people agree · View answer
what is the best laptop for a college freshman under $500?
  ASUS A53U-EH22
I am a big ASUS fan. They use to just make components now they started making computers. They have good customer service and for the price I don't think you will find anything better. The graphics and speed are really good. Obviously you are going to have limitations in this price range, but for an average user(Powerpoint, Word, Web Browsing, Email, etc) it gets the job done. It works with some lower end games, which is nice if you need a break from stress. Overall this is a good device for a good price. It is worth looking into.
 
posted 247 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best brand of laptop?
From a creative standpoint I think Apple has some of the best products out there. If you are doing any kind of graphic design, music producing, or video editing, then you can't go wrong with a Macbook Pro. I also like sony and Dell although Dell has not put out the best product recently. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the brands out there today. As long as it has what you want from a hardware standpoint than you should be good to go.
 
posted 249 days ago · 0 people agree · View answer
What is the best way to cool my graphics card?
There are multiple fans out there you can install. I am not sure what card you have but there are plenty of after market products out there. I would make sure you get something that is somewhat universal so you can upgrade your card without having to buy a new cooling system. Something like this might work:

http://www.amazon.com/Vantec-SP-FC70-BL-Spectrum-S...
 
posted 275 days ago · 0 people agree · View answer
What is a really nice, not to expensive bass cab?
  Behringer BB410 High-Performance 1,200-Watt Bass Cabinet
I looked around for a while and this is one of the best deals I found. I have to say after 6 months of performances every weekend I am very pleased with its quality. It is very loud even at 30%-40% volume and the sound quality is awesome. I also bought the Behringer Ultrabass bass head and it seems to compliment it very well. I think the thing I like the most is the way it is built. I would rate it very high on its ability to take a beating. The last thing I am going to comment on is the tone. I can say from experience that the tone of this unit is top notch. I really do not think you can do much better in this price range.
 
posted 290 days ago · 17 people agree · View answer
Compter case/housing for my first home built PC under $150?
  Cooler Master HAF 932 Advanced Full Tower Case with SuperSpeed USB ...
I know this is right at the top of your price range, but this is truly worth the price. It has an awesome design and is built so you really go all out with it. It seems very heavy duty and there is a ton of room inside so you can fit anything you can imagine. The only things that it is missing is a better pull out motherboard tray and no dust filters. It might be a little much for a beginner, but if you are looking to really expand your skills than I would defiantly recommend this case.
 
posted 296 days ago · 10 people agree · View answer
Motion sensor video game console?
  Kinect Sensor with Kinect Adventures!
I am going to start with the bad first. It is not perfect. There are times when your motion doesn't register. It stinks that you have to pay for an Xbox 360 and then you have to buy the Kinect. It would be nice if the startup was a little cheaper. Finally the game selection is not as good as the Wiis.

With all of that being said it is important to say that the Kinect has serious potential. The idea is there and the technology is there. All they have to do is put it all together. This is a great thing for kids. There is no controller required(No Broken TVs) and most of the games are at a really simplistic level. I would say that even with a few downsides, it still rivals the Wii. It is fun to play and when you sit back and think about it the technology is amazing. This should defiantly be on your list of things to check out, especially if you already have an Xbox 360.
 
posted 296 days ago · 8 people agree · View answer
Memory upgrade for my PC under $50?
  Crucial Technology CT25664AC800 2GB 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 Me...
This worked great for my Dell Inspiron 1721. I do not have much computer installation experience and this took me under 30 minutes to install. It is a 200-pin SODIMM and the speed is a DDR2-800. Everything went very well. I just popped it in and recognized it with no upgrades required. I could defiantly tell a difference in the speed of my computer. I don't think you find anything that performs better at a lower price.
 
posted 296 days ago · 8 people agree · View answer
Power Supply for my PC under $50?
  Thermaltake W0070RUC TR2 Series 430W Power Supply with 2 Fans
I have installed multiple power supplies in the last couple of years. I somehow got labeled as a PC tech by my friends and family. This is the supply I keep coming back to. I am running one on my computer right now. It supports a 6-pin PCI express connecter which is nice for those newer PCs out there. The fan runs very quietly and I can no longer feel the heat radiating off the tower. I have a pretty standard setup, so I can safely say that this gets the job done for the average user. It was easy to install and so far I have nothing to complain about when it comes to its performance. I am not sure if there is anything better in this price range.
 
posted 296 days ago · 18 people agree · View answer
Macbook Pro keyboard cover?
  GTMax Aluminum Unibody Apple MacBook / Pro / Air Silicone Keyboard ...
I have a newer Macbook Pro("15.4") and this fits it really well. I tried a different one before this one and it did not work. I was glad when I found this one. After about 3 days of using it I didn't even notice it anymore. I don't really feel like I have to type any harder than what feels natural to me. My only complaint is that the letters to do not shine through when you are using your computer at night. I wish they could have made that work, but I guess it is just something that I will have to live with. Overall I am pleased with this purchase it doesn't take much upkeep and it get the job done.
 
posted 296 days ago · 18 people agree · View answer
Best way to clean my guitars fret board?
  GHS Fast-Fret String Cleaner
I really like this cleaner. It is nice because you can clean your strings and your fret board without having to take your strings off. You do not really realize how dirty your fret board is until you clean it. I remember the first time I cleaned mine with this stuff. It felt completely different. I really can't find much to complain about. This is an all around good product.
 
posted 296 days ago · 14 people agree · View answer
Best golf bag under $150?
  Callaway Golf X-22 Stand Bag, Black
Callaway always delivers a good quality product. This bag has a nice comfortable set of shoulder straps and a good stand. It is fairly light weight and there is a ton of storage pockets. There is plenty of room for your shoes and even a piece of rain gear or two. My only complaint is the club holder dividers. I wish they were more individual dividers for my clubs. This is not necessarily a deal breaker, but it is something to consider before you buy. All and all it is worth the money.
 
posted 296 days ago · 10 people agree · View answer
Best BCD for scuba diving under $1000?
  Zeagle Ranger LTD BCD - Black/Gray - Large
This is a top of the line BCD. I really like how easy it is to take apart. If you are travelling and want to put on a smaller bladder, you can. If you want to switch to double tanks you can. This fills the needs of a beginner diver, or it can fill the needs of a professional diver. The only downside is the price. You are going to pay for the quality, but I really have not found a BCD that compares yet. This BCD gives me no reason to upgrade to anything else. I am hoping this will be the last BCD I ever have to buy.
 
posted 296 days ago · 14 people agree · View answer
Best Batting gloves for slow pitch softball under $25?
  Mizuno Techfire G3 Batting Glove, Navy/Red, XX-Large
These are a pretty cool pair of gloves. They fit better than any gloves I have ever had. They are a good price and they keep me from getting blisters. I really can't ask for much more. They get the job done.
 
posted 297 days ago · 4 people agree · View answer
Best Book for learning HTML?
  Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML
I don't think I would consider this the most up to date book, because it has been out for a couple of years, but I think it is a good place to start. I sometimes have a lot of trouble learning languages from books, because they can get so dry. This book does not fit in that category. There are a ton of examples, which in my opinion is one of the most important things when learning a new programming language. I would defiantly recommend this book to anyone who is just starter or has limited computer experience. It is a good for a refresher, but it is even better for a beginner.
 
posted 297 days ago · 8 people agree · View answer
Best Home Theater System for Sports under $1000?
  Sony BDV-E770W Blu-ray Player Home Entertainment System [3D Compati...
I don't think you can beat this system. It is 3D compatible and it has a Blu-ray player. The rear speakers are wireless which is awesome. The sound quality is very good and it is very easy to operate. It is easy to connect to the internet and it look really cool. I really use it for everything. I use it for music during parties, video games, movies, and sports. The simplicity to operate and the sound quality is well worth the money you pay for it. There might be better systems out there, but this one does everything I need. Hopefully this one will last me a couple of years.
 
posted 298 days ago · 14 people agree · View answer
i lost the tip of my middle finger on my fret hand. what product can i use to amend my struggle?
I am sorry to hear that you have to deal with something like this. I am not really sure how much of your finger tip is missing, but I know someone who was in a similar situation and he learned how to play left handed. I know that this is much easier said than done, but it is an option. There are a lot of ways to make great music. I am sure you will find something that works for you. If you are looking for a little motivation check out Django Reinhardt. He composed some fantastic guitar riffs, and he only had two useable fingers on his fret hand. I hope you are back up and playing soon.
 
posted 298 days ago · 0 people agree · View answer
best 32 inch tv?
  Coby TF-TV3225 32-Inch 720p LCD TV
This is the TV I bought. I really couldn't find anything that compared, that was this size and in this price range. It would be nice if it was 1080p, but unless you have a 1080p and a 720p TV right next to each other you won't be able to tell a difference. The picture quality is still above average. The sound was average, but it still get the job done. I bought this TV not having very high expectations and after 6 months of viewing I have to say that I am very pleased. It was easy to set up out of the box. I really can't find much to complain about. I feel it was worth what I paid for it.
 
posted 300 days ago · 0 people agree · View answer
Best Bluetooth adapter for my iPod under $75?
  Sony Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter for iPod (Black)
I think this is exactly what you are looking for. I was a little concerned that this might drain the battery, but for the most part I have not had any problems. I use this in my car as well as in my house during parties. I am a bit particular about the music that is played in my house, so I can keep my ipod in my pocket, which keeps people from messing with it when they get a little tipsy. It is really easy to use and I have had no problem syncing it to any of my other devices. I will be honest. I was shocked by quality of sound. It sounded like it was plugged in with a wire. You need to check this out.
 
posted 301 days ago · 20 people agree · View answer
What is the best ink refill kit? under $50
  Automatic Refill System for HP Black Ink Cartridges
I was a little skeptical when I first bough this. I thought it was one of those to good to be true things, but it turned out to work pretty well. I wish it worked for color ink too, but at least I am saving money on my black ink. The directions are really easy to follow and before you know it you are saving a ton of money on ink. There is almost no mess and it takes about 10 minutes to do. This is one investment that I am really glad I made. Just make sure that it works on the cartridges you are using. It only works on HP 21, 27, 56, 94, 96. Good Luck.
 
posted 302 days ago · 11 people agree · View answer
What is the best computer cleaning and repair kit? under $50
  Belkin F8E060 10-Piece Computer Tool Kit
This is a very very basic set of tools, but I use this kit more than any other one I have. I usually take this on the road with me when I know the repair is going to be simple. This kit is inexpensive and the tools seem to be built with good quality. The only thing I would add is an antistatic wrist band. Simple put this tool kit has everything you need to do most simple repairs. It is cheap and compact which makes it ideal if you are doing house calls.
 
posted 302 days ago · 10 people agree · View answer
What is the best digital camera under $2500?
  Nikon D300s 12MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
I recently upgraded to the D300s. I do a lot of photography on the side. I mostly work concerts and a few weddings here and there. So far I have been very pleased with the performance of this camera. The shutter release is highly responsive. The auto focus is quick and accurate and the burst speed is fast. It is these things that have allowed me to take my hobby to the next level. I might as well just throw all of my all pictures away, because this camera puts them to shame. My only complaint is that it is a little bigger than I expected. My arms tend to get a little heavy after a long night of shooting. Maybe I just need to hit the weight room. It is defiantly worth your consideration.
 
posted 302 days ago · 8 people agree · View answer
What is the best point and shoot digital camera under $500?
  Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V 10.2MP CMOS Digital Camera with 10x Wide A...
This is a good point and shoot camera for the money. It has a good image stabilization feature that seems to work very well. The photo quality is above average and even the video quality is not too bad. The battery life is below average, but bearable. The movies look pretty good in normal light, but there is sometimes noise in low light movie shots. I haven't played with the manual settings much, but the auto settings seem to do the job. I am sure there are more features that I should list, but I haven't got to them yet. So far this camera has not given me a reason to upgrade. A solid camera for a solid price.
 
posted 303 days ago · 4 people agree · View answer
What is the best baby tent for my toddler under $100?
  Sun Stop'r - Kwik Cabana II
This tent is easy to put up and take down, even for a single dad. It seems to be vented well, which was my biggest concern. I had to get a little creative to keep it weighed down during some of the higher wind gust, but a little sand and a few water bottles does the trick. For the most part it seems to be very durable. My son isn't exactly jumping around inside it yet, so I am not sure how it will hold up as he gets older, but so far so good. This is a great idea. I wish I would have had one for my daughter when she was younger. I can't imagine a trip to the beach without it.
 
posted 303 days ago · 22 people agree · View answer
What is the best universal plug adapter fo travel under $50?
  All-in-One Travel Power Plug Adapter for US, UK, EU, AU
I am in a similar situations when I travel for business. This plug has always worked for me. The plugs you are not using fold up, which makes this adapter easy to pack and easy to carry. It works both ways. It not only plugs into any socket in the world it also can be plugged into by any plug in the world.

The only place I have had trouble with it is in the UK. On some outlets the plug does not fit tight into it causing it fall off. I ended up taping it to the wall. This wasn't the most convenient fix, but it did work. I don't think that this is a reason not to buy it though. Part of it could have been the outlet I was trying to use. All and all this thing gets the job done and above all else it is inexpensive.
 
posted 309 days ago · 18 people agree · View answer
What is the best beach volleyball ?
  Mikasa VSO2000 FIVB Replica Volleyball
This is what we use at the beach. It is a good price and it is easy for anyone to use. I feel like it is soft enough for kids and other first time players. The size is good and it seems pretty durable. We go to the beach and play 3-4 times a week and this ball is still playing like it is new. I can't find anything to complain about.
 
posted 309 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best jet ski cover ?
  Classic Accessories Deluxe Personal Watercraft Cover (Black/Grey, U...
This is what I use for my Sea-Doo GTI. It is easy to put on at the dock. It has lasted two years now and I have to store mine outside during the winter(I put a tarp over it too). It has a zipper that allows access to the fuel tank if you need to fill it up with gas while the cover is on. This is nice when you are taking it to the gas station on the trailer. I don't think you will find a better cover for the price.
 
posted 309 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best USB flash drive for a college student ?
  Kingston Digital DataTraveler 101 Generation 2 - 8 GB Flash Drive D...
This is the flash drive I use at work. It works good for the price. There is actually a little less than 8 GB of storage on it, but there is enough for the traditional documents and power points. It works on both PC and mac. My computer has no problem recognizing it quickly. The keychain hole is a little small, but I eventually found a ring that worked. I don't think you will need anything more than this.
 
posted 310 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best gloves for surfing/kite surfing ?
  Aqua Sphere Webbed Swim Gloves (Large)
I use these for body boarding, but I don't know why they wouldn't work just as well for surfing. They are comfortable and they fit well. I wish they were a little thinner, but you get use to it after a while. Overall they keep you hands warm and make dropping in easier because of your ability swim faster. These make my hobby much more enjoyable.
 
posted 310 days ago · 2 people agree · View answer
What is the best sports drink ?
  Gatorade Frost Glacier Freeze Powdered Drink Mix Net Wt. 3lbs 3oz (...
We like to mix up a batch of Gatorade for my sons baseball team for those early afternoon start times. As long as the mix is right our kids really like this as a break from water. This is a good deal because there is plenty for everyone and you don't have to worry about any of the kids getting dehydrated because their parents didn't give them anything to drink during the game. This is perfect for any team sport, any time of year.
 
posted 310 days ago · 8 people agree · View answer
What is the best golf glove ?
  NIKE Tech Xtreme Regular Black/White-Gunmetal-Black Glove (Left Han...
I was a little skeptical of a black golf glove, because I didn't think black would go very well with any of my golf clothes. Putting all that aside I have found that this is an awesome glove. It fits my hand like no other glove I have ever had. It is extremely durable. I usually go through about ten gloves a season and so far this is the only one I have bought. It is lightweight and fairly breathable. All and all this is a top notch glove.
 
posted 311 days ago · 10 people agree · View answer
What is the best tasting chocolates that come in a variety pack?
  Ferrero Collection Diamond Cut Gift Box, 8.8 Oz
Yeah I know I am 30, but my mom gets me a box of these every year for my birthday and I have to say they are awesome. They are not a full on chocolate candy, they are a crisp wafer filled and covered with chocolate(As Well as Other Things), so they are a little crunchy. They are really good. They can be one or two bite depending on how you are feeling that day. I would buy these on a regular basis, but it is a small fun thing to look forward to each year. You should for sure check these out.
 
posted 312 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best tube to pull behind the boat?
  Kwik Tek G-Force Inflatable Towable
This is a good tube for the price. It is a really good size. It can easily fit two adults or three kids. We have a blast with it. It is stable enough that younger kids are safe on it, but it is loose enough that we can flip people off if we want. The quality seems really good. Hopefully this one will last us a couple of summers.
 
posted 314 days ago · 8 people agree · View answer
What is the slow pitch softball bat ?
  EASTON SCN18BH Synergy Tri-Zone Brett Helmer Bat (34-Inch/28-oz)
My friend has this bat and I have to say it is awesome. It has a great feel and the end is weighted so you can really get your bat speed high. I like how a swing on the sweet spot feel like you didn't hit anything, but then the ball goes 300 feet. Overall this is the best bat I have every used. Extremely expensive, but I would hate to have to use anything else.
 
posted 314 days ago · 10 people agree · View answer
What is the best scuba diving mask defogger?
  JAWS Quick Spit Anti-fog Spray (1 oz.)
I wish there was something that could take care of my mask fogging up permanently, but the fact is there isn't. This seems to work about 90% of the time. You don't have to apply a lot to cover your whole mask. I do use it before every dive though. I figure why have it if I am not going to use it. All and all it seems to work good. It is worth a try.
 
posted 314 days ago · 4 people agree · View answer
What is the best Fan or Air Conditioner for a tent?
  O2 Cool Battery or Electric Portable Fan, 10 Inches, 1071
This is a really good fan. It is super quiet and has very good air flow for being a battery powered fan. It is compact and ideal for any situation. The size makes it easy to pack and very mobile. I have even carried this in my pack on day hikes so I could cool off during lunch. The battery life is better than I expected, but just like with all of these gadgets there is room for improvement. I don't see how anyone could be disappointed with this purchase.
 
posted 314 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best blower for the leaves in my yard under $150?
  Hitachi RB24EAP 23.9cc 2 Stroke 170 MPH Gas Powered Handheld Blower...
This is a great gas powered unit. I have a really large driveway to keep clean so buying an electric blower wouldn't have been practical. I like how balanced and light weight this blower is. It doesn't really tire your arms out even after extended use. On occasion it doesn't want to start, but I get that with all my small engine yard tools. Also there is no cruise control on this Hitachi so you have to hold the trigger down the whole time. Other than that though there is very little to complain about. It is very powerful so you get the job done quickly. Another huge plus is the 7 year warranty. You will not find that on any other yard tools. I am really glad I went with this one.
 
posted 314 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best snorkel/mask for snorkeling ?
  U.S. Divers Sideview Mask, Paradise Dry Snorkel, Travel Trek Fins, ...
I am not sure how much you are looking to spend, but this is a great all around set that includes fish food and flippers. We bought two sets of these when we went to the Cayman islands. The mask is awesome because it has side panels so it really increases your field of vison. The flippers and snorkel are average, but they are comfortable and get the job done. This set is worth the price. You should defiantly check them out.
 
posted 315 days ago · 4 people agree · View answer
What is the the best golfball for distance ?
  TaylorMade Penta TP Golf Balls (1 Dozen)
These are a little bit cheaper than some of the other high end golf balls out there. I feel like they can easily be compared to the Pro V1. They feel really good off the longer clubs and just as importabt I can spin them if I need to. I don't feel like you have to be a scratch golfer to utilize the power in this golf ball. Simple put, this ball is a little bit cheaper, but still has the high end qualities you look for in your golf ball.
 
posted 315 days ago · 4 people agree · View answer
What is the best life jacket for fishing ?
  Chinook Fishing Mesh Back PFD Orange L/XL by Northwest River Supplies
I wanted a new life jacket to go with my new boat. I found this one for a reasonable price. I really like it. It doesn't ride up and the straps give you a great range of motion while casting. All the pockets fit basically everything you need. I have it set up so I don't even have to go to my tackle box during the tournament. Overall this is a very slick looking vest that is also very functional. I dont' see how anyone could be disappointed with this vest.
 
posted 315 days ago · 4 people agree · View answer
What is the best kayaking life vest ?
  Stohlquist Brik Personal Floatation Device, Fireball Red, Medium
This vest was a little pricey, but at the end of the day I decided it was worth it. The two straps give you a lot of arm room and your don't feel like you are being strangled. I was a little worried about the straps rubbing, but they are cushioned good so they don't leave any marks. There is a pocket. It isn't the best designed pocket, but it is good for small stuff. Overall the quality seems good and it fits good to my torso with no riding up. I am glad I picked this one.
 
posted 315 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best mobile iPod speakers?
  JBL On Stage IIIP Portable Speaker Dock for iPod and iPhone (Black)
If you don't mind spending a little bit of money this unit it is worth it. We use it for outdoor events mostly, usually when we have friends over or even by myself when I am sitting out on our patio. The sound quality is decent, it can be battery operated, and it charges your iPod while it is playing. My only complaint is the remote control. It is very small and easy to lose. Also it is not that easy to operate in the dark. It would be nice if it had some light up buttons on it. With that being said this is still a good product that has come in handy on multiple occasions. Glad I bought it.
 
posted 315 days ago · 0 people agree · View answer
What is the best outdoor basketball shoe ?
  adidas Men's Pro Model 08 Team Color Basketball Shoe,Black/Black/Si...
I wish these were a little lighter, but for the price they do the job. I have had them for a little over a year now and so far they have not worn out. They have good support and they give great protection to your toes. My feet feel secure and making quick stops is easy. All and all I am happy this purchase. It is a good deal for the price.
 
posted 316 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best Will Ferrell movie?
  Step Brothers (2-Disc Unrated Edition) [Blu-ray]
Someone had to post it. These two guys should have got an academy award for how well they acted like little kids. I think I laughed more at their mannerism than I did their actual lines. This is by far my favorite one of Ferrell's movies. I don't think that there is any way they could have made it better. I can only imagine watching this movie 10 years from now still laughing at the same lines.
 
posted 316 days ago · 8 people agree · View answer
What is the best life jacket for our boat?
  O'Brien "TRADITIONAL" Men's, Neoprene Life Jacket, X-Large
These are a little more expensive, but they are worth it. They zip up and they are made of a foam fabric that forms to your torso. They don't ride up at all and they dry really fast. This is by far one of the vest I have used. On top of everything else they match our boat. I don't see how anyone could be disappointed with this vest.
 
posted 316 days ago · 14 people agree · View answer
What is the best outdoor basketball?
  Spalding TF-1000 ZK Basketball - Full Size
This ball is a little pricey, but it is one of the best basketballs I have played with. The leather makes the ball easy to palm even when your hands are sweaty or there is sweat on the ball. It is more of an inside ball, but I have used it on all surfaces. It just might have a longer life if you keep it inside. The ball holds its shape well and quality is hard to beat. Simply put I haven't seen a better ball on the playground yet this summer.
 
posted 316 days ago · 2 people agree · View answer
What is the best alarm clock to MAKE SURE I don't sleep in?
  Clocky Alarm Clock on Wheels, Almond
This is a new approach to getting us out of bed. When I first saw this online I had to give it a look in real life. I decided to buy it and it turns out it is not only fun but it also gets the job done. Once your alarm goes off you can hit snooze once. After that the alarm clock rolls your night stand and rolls around on the floor beeping. You then have to get out of bed to catch it and shut it off. There are some things that could use improvement(The display, multiple alarms, etc), but overall this is a fun alarm that my kids love.
 
posted 316 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best multi-gaming table?
  Park & Sun GT-411 4-In-1 Rotational Game Table
My kids and I love the finish product, but this was a very difficult thing to piece together. I am not a professional assembler, but I am not an idiot either. This doesn't make it a bad product, but beware that you are going to have to put some time into the assembly. It comes with foosball, billiards, rod hockey, and a dice football combo game. Hockey is probably our favorite. The quality is good and it doesn't take up a lot of space like other multigame tables. Overall I am pleased with the purchase, but could have done without the shady assembly instructions.
 
posted 316 days ago · 3 people agree · View answer
What is the best golf ball to create spin?
  Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls (One Dozen)
The Pro V1 is one of the best all around golf balls. It has a softer shell that makes spinning easier and it gives you much more control around the green. I would only buy this ball if you have a fair amount of confidence in your game. It doesn't do any good to have the best ball if you cannot keep it in play. These are expensive, but I hate to play with anything else. I feel like this ball increases my chances to shoot a good score. Simple put it is the only ball I keep in my bag.
 
posted 316 days ago · 10 people agree · View answer
What is the best, most economical ceiling fan?
  Monte Carlo 5HM52WHD Homeowner Max Plus Energy Star 52-Inch 5-Blade...
My wife wanted a new fan for our bedroom. We found everything we were looking for in this Monte Carlo. It was reasonably priced, energy efficient, and it looked good with the design of our bedroom. So far it has performed well and runs quiet. It is nice have the extra light in our room as well as the air movement. My only compliant came during the installation. This was the first time I had installed a fan, so I am no expert, but I felt like the directions were a little complicated. It might be easier for someone with a little more experience to install. Overall a great purchase once it is installed.
 
posted 316 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best golf driver?
  Cobra 2011 S3 Straightneck Driver 10.5* Regular RH
I used a cobra driver early on in my career, and I was really excited about the S2, but when I went to demo it, it just didn't feel right. I decided to just stick with my old driver. Then, this year the S3 came out. I went to demo it with low expectations. Turns out this is what I was waiting for. It swings very smooth and it has the traditional cobra "ping" whenever you hit the sweet spot. It is very sharp looking at address and the quality is second to none. I wouldn't recommend this club to the beginner, but it is the perfect fit for someone ready to take their game to the next level.
 
posted 317 days ago · 2 people agree · View answer
What is the best book on home buying?
  Nolo's Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home
First the main drawback of this book is that it assumes that you are going to use a realtor when you buy your home. I can see how that might be a good idea when buying your first home, but I was hoping to cut the realtor out when I bought my home(Which I did). With that being said I think that there is a lot in here that can be useful. This is a good book if you are literally starting with zero knowledge. I never really felt like anything they were discussing was over my head. A very simple book, for a fairly complicated problem. It is worth the read.
 
posted 317 days ago · 2 people agree · View answer
What is the best whiteboard (132x60) under $100?
  Quartet TE544LC Quartet Total Erase Marker Board, 48 x 36, White, C...
This is the board I use within my workspace. This is a very good size board for the price. First the bad, I had a little trouble installing it, but my office has brick walls so I had to get a cement drill to put it up permanently. You might be able to use some kind of commercial grade double sided tape, but I use mine a lot so I didn't want to have any risk of it falling down. If you have sheetrock walls in your office then it should be a breeze to put up and take down if you have have to.

Overall this looks good in my office and seems to be built with very good quality. I have had little or no trouble with staining or ghost writing. Oddly enough one of my favorite features is the marker holder. My last board didn't have a marker holder so I had a heck of a time keeping track of my markers. Now they are all right there making my markers/eraser easily accessible. For the price this board get the job done.
 
posted 318 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best Xbox 360 game for my son.?
  Forza Motorsport 3
My son and I are fans of car games. Forza 3 is probably the best of the franchise. We have wheels/pedals and a big screen TV which makes the user experience fantastic. The graphics and game play our out if this world. It took my son(8 years old) a little while to get use to it, but now he basically beats me every time. Fun cars, fun track, fun game play all add up to a good overall game.
 
posted 318 days ago · 2 people agree · View answer
What is the best pull behind sprayer for my lawn mower?
  Precision Products TCT615 6 Series Tow Behind 15 Gallon Sprayer
I pull this behind my ATV and I really like it. I wish the tank was a little larger but a refill here and there isn't that bad. The best part is the spray gun. It has a 15 foot hose so I can spray hard to get to weeds without stopping. It makes my work go much faster. Overall I am very pleased with its quality/functionality, but I have to say that putting it together was kind of a pain. The directions weren't the best, so it took me a little longer than I would have liked. Still you only have to put it together once, the ease of use makes up for the wasted time putting it together.
 
posted 318 days ago · 2 people agree · View answer
What is the best type of acoustic guitar strings?
  D'Addario EJ16-3D Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, 3 Sets, ...
I really like these strings for my acoustic. They have a good full sound when you are strumming, but then they also have a bright sound when you are finger picking. I am by no means a professional anything, but I have been using this for a little over 5 years now. I like to go with the light set. Yeah my e string breaks every now and then, but it is worth not having to push down unbearable hard on the fretboard. Again I am not a professional musician but I try to play about everyday and these strings last without breaking the checkbook. I don't see a need to change anytime soon.
 
posted 318 days ago · 10 people agree · View answer
What is the the best putter in golf?
  Odyssey White Ice 1 Putter (35, Right Hand)
I bought this putter in the middle of last season. I find that it has a perfect balance between feel and control. It works well on long puts as well as short puts. I had very little consistency in my putter before I bought this, and now the distance doesn't matter. I can concentrate on the line rather than how hard I have to swing. Overall a very good putter, but I had to change the grip on it when I first got it. Maybe it was just me, but either way I am pleased with my purchase.
 
posted 318 days ago · 2 people agree · View answer
What is the best baseball glove under $100?
  Easton NE125 12.5- Inch Baseball Glove (Right Hand Throw)
I played baseball most of my life and just recently I started playing in an adult league. My old gloves were pretty beat up so I decided to give this Easton a shot. For the quality/build it was a great price and so far I couldn't be happier. It keeps its shape and was really easy to break in. I felt good with my glove after about 4 hours of practice, which isn't long for a brand new glove. It did take me a little longer to form the pocket I desired, but now that it is formed it takes little or no effort to catch the ball. Great inexpensive purchase.
 
posted 318 days ago · 8 people agree · View answer
What is the best subwoofer for your living room?
  Yamaha YST-SW315 10-Inch Digital Pro Series Subwoofer (Black)
My friend had one of these in our house during school. It was awesome. We used it mostly for music and parties, so I can't really attest to the movie performance of it, but I would expect it to be equal to if not better than the music sound. Overall great sound quality though. We had a diverse music house so I have heard it play everything from rap to indie. All generes sounded good and clean. This is a solid sub.
 
posted 321 days ago · 0 people agree · View answer
What is the most entertaining cartoons for kids under 5?
  Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!: The Complete First and Second Seasons
You can't go wrong with a classic. My two kids(Boy and a Girl) love Scooby Doo. They would watch it for hours if it was on more often. Shaggy and Scooby always have them laughing and attempting to do impressions of them. It is pretty comical.
 
posted 321 days ago · 2 people agree · View answer
What is the the best laptop for gaming?
  ASUS G73JW-3DE Republic of Gamers 17.3-Inch 3D Gaming Laptop (Black)
Be warned the battery life could be better. It is only an 8 cell battery so you essentially have to keep it plugged in all the time if you are doing any regular gaming. With that being said that is the only place I could see that needs improvement. It is a 3D monitor which is really cool, especially if you have never experienced it before. It runs very fast and it is very smooth. It could be a little quieter, but again it is a laptop, somethings are just as good as they are going to get. It has HDMI outputs as well as USB 3.0 capability. The Nvidia GTX performs as good as to be expected. Overall the size is okay. If it was any larger you might as well just have a desktop. It has a high price tag, but for now it is doing the job. It is worth checking out.
 
posted 322 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best portable printer for Mac under $250?
  Canon PIXMA iP100
Overall this printer has performed very well for me, both on the road and in my home. I also use a Mac and this printer is bluetooth capable so no wires = easy printing. I haven't used it to print any photos yet but I am sure it will be fine. Most canon products are. I use it mainly for documents and maps. I guess I am getting a little picky, but it could print a little faster, but the speed is something I can live with. Overall, it does everything I ask of it. It is a little pricey, but it beats having to find somewhere to print while on the road.
 
posted 322 days ago · 22 people agree · View answer
What is the best motherboard for overclocking?
  MSI AM3 NVIDIA nForce ATX AMD Motherboard NF750-G55
I have been using a nForce 3 for a little while now. You will find that the bios update gives you a very good overclocking harness. For the price it also comes with DDR3 support and it is SLI capable. The only drawbacks I have found so far is that there is no support for sata 3 or for USB 3.0. A very good price/product for any midlevel to high level gaming board. It is worth a look.
 
posted 322 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best telescope for beginners under $100?
  Celestron 21036 PowerSeeker 70AZ Telescope (Black)
I got in too star gazing a few years ago. I have a nicer scope that I keep at my house, but I wanted something that was portable. I didn't have much of a budget, so after a couple of weeks I decide to give the PowerSeeker a shot. I can't say that I am disappointed. For the price it seems to be built really well and it went together fairly easy. It is really nice to be able to take this places where there is no/little light pollution. I recommend the beach or if you have a national park near by. When compared to my higher end scope there are many things that could be improved, but when you consider the price it could be one of the best deals out there. As for beginner friendly, my son (8 Years Old) has no problem using this scope. No complaints so far.
 
posted 322 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best cordless drill under $75?
  DEWALT DC725KA 18-Volt Cordless Compact Hammer Drill/Driver
I am not a professional contractor, but I have enough experience to know that Dewalt is the best. The other day I was working on our pool pump when the hose came loose and water dumped all over my drill. I was pretty upset, but after a few hours of drying it worked fine. I am not recommending to dip your drill in water, but I feel that this experience shows what kind of quality you are getting. I think if you try one you won't need to try any other ones. Hope this helps.
 
posted 322 days ago · 0 people agree · View answer
What is the easiest hobby to pick up under $50?
  Innova Disc Golf Starter Set
Disc Golf is a great place to start. Most courses are free of charge and you can spend as little or as much as you want on a disc. It can be fun as a group or by yourself. If you like being outdoors and learning a new skill I would highly recommend something like this. If you don't have a course around where you live you can always make up your own targets. Look online there is a ton of stuff on setting up disc golf courses. It can be played anytime, anywhere, and in any season.
 
posted 323 days ago · 0 people agree · View answer
What is the best way to stream movies onto my new flatscreen?
  Roku 2100X XDS Streaming Player 1080p
There are a few good movie streaming products out there, but after shopping around for a while I decided to go with the Roku. I am not the most technological advance individual, but setup was very easy and even more importantly it is fairly easy to use. It has built in wireless and works in standard definition as well as HD. We use mostly Netflix and Hulu Plus. Both seem to run fairly well. There is some buffering here and there, but that could just as easily be our Internet connection. Overall I think this is a good product for simple streaming. It is worth a look.
 
posted 323 days ago · 8 people agree · View answer
What is the coolest tv?
  Samsung LN46D630
This is an awesome TV. Out of the box the picture is very realistic. I made a few adjustment to the levels just to see the potential of the picture, but I could have easily left it at its factory setting. I researched this TV for a while but I finally decided on it because of its USB port capability. This allows you to hook up external hardrives/thumb drives and play movies off them. This is paired with a thing they call Allshare. This feature allows you to network your TV to your computer so you can play movies and music off your PC. This is great when we have parties. As cool as all this is it, does come with a down side. Make sure that your hard drive is organized because it is not the easiest to navigate once you have connected it. It could take a while if you have a ton of stuff on there. This TV is not the largest on the market, but It might have some of the cool stuff you are looking for. It is worth checking out.
 
posted 324 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best graphics card for video editing under $250?
  EVGA nVidia GeForce 9500GT 1 GB 2DVI PCI-Express Video Card, 01G-P3...
For the price and quality I couldn't be more pleased with the 9500GT. For a mid to low level card it allowed me to upgrade my PC to 1 GB (From 128MB) and my editing software has very little if any lag. Yeah I am sure there are better cards out there if you have the money, but for the amount of editing(Mostly Home Family Videos) I do, I highly recommend something like this.
 
posted 324 days ago · 11 people agree · View answer
What is the best mousepad for gaming under $50?
  SteelSeries QcK Heavy Gaming Mouse Pad (Black)
You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a high quality mouse pad. I have been using this model for a couple of months now and I have no complaints. This is a heavy/flexible pad which is nice because I do not always game in the same place. You do not have to worry about any slippage, whether you are at a desk or on a floor. It is great for LAN events and the design is very sleek and modern. I would recommend this for the first time gammer or the season vet.
 
posted 324 days ago · 21 people agree · View answer
What is the best mountain bike for kids?
  Diamondback Cobra 20 Jr Boys' Mountain Bike (2011 Model, 20-Inch Wh...
I got this bike for my nephew for his birthday(7 Years Old). I was a little worried that it would be too difficult for him to ride, but like always he proved me wrong. I wouldn't recommend this as a first bike, but it has proven to be a good stepping stone so far. It is built very well and I really liked the design(matched his helmet). The biggest challenge was teaching him how to change gears, but after a couple of days he got the hang of it. Don't forget a helmet.
 
posted 325 days ago · 4 people agree · View answer
What is the best home theater system?
  Samsung Electronics HT-D6500W Home Theater System
I finally talked my wife into letting me get a Home Theater system. I found everything I was looking for in the HT-D6500W. It is ready out of the box. And for such a good system it is very easy to install. The sound quality is out of this world. It has built in WiFi(Netflix) and a built in Bluray player as well as 1GB of onboard storage. If you are looking for a good hometheater in a box (HTIAB) system that is reasonable priced for the quality, then I would recommend something like this.
 
posted 325 days ago · 14 people agree · View answer
What is the best nose/ear trimmer?
  MANGROOMER Essential Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer
This trimmer has worked for me for about three months now. It works in wet or dry conditions and unlike my last trimmer it seems to really reduce the amount of ingrown hairs. For the price the quality seems to be very good and the design is sleek. It comes with a cap, so I can leave it out on my bathroom counter without having the fear of being embarrassed. Finally, it is really easy to clean. Just run some water over it with a little bit of pressure. It is very hands free. Hope this helps.
 
posted 325 days ago · 2 people agree · View answer
What is the best garage organizer?
  Holeyrail, Garage Organizer, Garage Organizer, 8 Foot, Industrial Q...
I have a smaller garage, so I had to use something that I could mount on the wall. This Holeyrail was really inexpensive and easy to put up. I had a ton of yard tools and when I first bought this I thought maybe I should buy two because of all the stuff I have. I decided to go with one and I still have plenty of room for tool expansion. If you are looking for a space saving wall unit I would recommend something like this.
 
posted 326 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best lawn mower under $500?
  Honda Self-Propelled Steel Deck Lawn Mower - 21in.W Deck, GCV160 En...
I love my honda. It is so much better than what I had before. It does really well in thick grass and it is self propelled so that makes this choir get done faster with less energy. But above all else it is easy to start and maintain. On the downside it was little tricky to get the blade off to sharpen it. I ended up just leaving it on and using a hand grinder. Maybe I was just over thinking it. Overall I am very pleased with my mower. It makes something I use to despise a little more bearable. I can see this mower lasting me a couple of years.
 
posted 328 days ago · 0 people agree · View answer
What is the best non Mac laptop under $1250?
  Gateway NV55C38u 15.6-Inch Laptop (Satin Black)
I have had this laptop for quite a while now. Overall it performs really well. I keep my computer task fairly simple(iTunes, Internet, Microsoft Office Suite etc.) and it has always handled everything with no problems yet. I wish the battery life was a little longer, but I think I have thought that about every laptop I have ever had.
 
posted 328 days ago · 1 people agree · View answer
What is the best all-in-one printer for home office?
  Canon Pixma MX410
I work from home and have two children that also live at home. One is in college and one is in high school. We were having serious problems with printing term papers, invoices, etc. I was planning on buying multiple printers when I came across this one. The quality and wireless capabilities saved me a fortune. We no longer have to share a computer to print from. My kids can print from their laptops and now all I have to do is keep the ink filled. Great product. I would have saved myself a lot of head ache if I would have bought this sooner.
 
posted 329 days ago · 15 people agree · View answer
What is the best professional camcorder for action sports?
  Canon XL-H1S 3CCD HDV High Definition Professional Camcorder with 2...
I was fortunate enough to get an amazing deal on this camera earlier this year. I shopped for a long time trying to find the best bang for my buck and when this came up I could not say no. I shoot live concerts and some MMA fighting and comparing my new videos to my old videos blows me away every time. It is a professional camera, so expect to take the time to really learn the ins and outs so you can really utilize the power of this camera.
 
posted 329 days ago · 21 people agree · View answer
What is the best car cover for Porsche?
  Covercraft Custom Fit Noah Series Vehicle Cover, Gray
I bought one of these a couple years ago for my Carrera GT. I highly recommend it. They are custom built to your car, which makes them very easy to put on. Because they are custom made they dont drap onto the ground causing them to wear out. I live in the desert and I don't see needed to replace it anytime soon.
 
posted 329 days ago · 14 people agree · View answer
What is the best Blu-ray burner for under $100?
  LG Electronics 10X Blu-ray SATA Writer Drive with Software WH10LS30...
This does the trick. When I was shopping for a blur ay burner I wanted something that did what I wanted and nothing more. I didn't need anything fancy I just wanted it to be simple and do its job. I found all I wanted with this LG. Easy to use and easy to install. Simple as that.
 
posted 329 days ago · 10 people agree · View answer
What is the best tablet / laptop for writing with (using a stylus)?
  Wacom Intuos4 Medium Pen Tablet
I think that if you are looking for something that is functional and cost efficient than you will find it within the Wacom Brand. I use this one when I travel and I have never had any problems with it. I do everything from editing photos to digital art work. I think what I like the most though is the drawing surface. You can easily mistake the drawing surface for a pen on paper. Hope this helps.
 
posted 329 days ago · 14 people agree · View answer
What is the best graphics card for gaming under $200?
  Sapphire Radeon HD 6850
I have tried multiple brands of VGA's but I always come back to Radeon. Their quality is outstanding and you can't beat their warranties. I run three monitors and this card always keeps up. It is very quiet, overclocks well, and is extremely powerful for the price. I don't see myself upgrading any time soon.
 
posted 330 days ago · 21 people agree · View answer

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