Photography-satisficing-filter: I would like to take family snapshots approximately as nice as this. Can it be done with my higher-end point-and-shoot (currently taking shots like this)? And if not, what's the minimum I'd need to spend on equipment to get there? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph on Oct 21, 2009 - 27 answers

What uses have you found for your food scale? I'm writing a cooking blog post, and looking for ideas.
posted by markcmyers on Oct 13, 2009 - 40 answers

I am looking for recommendations for a recording interface and self-powered monitors. [more inside]
posted by Zenabi on Oct 8, 2009 - 2 answers

In high school, you (a dude) were an athlete, and in great shape. Then came college, and then graduate school, and then all of the busyness of career, marriage and two small children. Four years ago, you had a brief flare-up of athleticism (ran a 10k, two half-marathons, and a very slow full marathon). Now, things are worse then ever. You are heaver than you've ever been, have no energy, and are not looking so great. You know you need to work out, and watch what you eat, that this needs to be a way of life, no more excuses, there are no shortcuts, and all that. You also just found yourself in posession of a $100 gift card to Amazon.com. How do you spend it? [more inside]
posted by 4ster on Sep 13, 2009 - 37 answers

What's new in tennis racquet technology? [more inside]
posted by corpse on Jul 8, 2009 - 2 answers

I am thinking about buying a used one of these, and I need to get an air compressor for it. Where can I find used air compressors? What do I need to know about air compressors before buying? [more inside]
posted by Jsn7821 on Jun 10, 2009 - 19 answers

Help me find good quality sound recording equipment (radio-ish), on a budget. [more inside]
posted by mmmleaf on Jun 9, 2009 - 15 answers

surfer-filter: First timer looking for noob advice and tips. My complete surfing history: Two years ago, a friend took me surfing and on the first try I rode a wave until it ended. Then I got out of the water. [more inside]
posted by brenton on May 14, 2009 - 5 answers

Due to a strange series of auction-related events, I am now the proud owner of a IEC clinical centrifuge (this model). [more inside]
posted by Chrischris on May 6, 2009 - 12 answers

Help me learn more about video conferencing and the equipment I'll need. [more inside]
posted by simplethings on Mar 30, 2009 - 1 answer

When our pool equipment runs, it triggers the sound of a leaky pipe in a wall adjacent to our hot water heater. By triggering the valve on the hot water heater when the water to the house is off, I can stop the noise. How can I fix this? [more inside]
posted by pokeedog on Feb 15, 2009 - 5 answers

What's the best digital camera and equipment to use for high-quality photography during geophysics fieldwork? [more inside]
posted by fermion on Jan 5, 2009 - 9 answers

I am giving my wife a video camera for Xmas. I was wondering if there exists an oscillating tripod or small pedestal that would pan 180 degrees and then reverse itself. This would be similar to an oscillating fan. So far I have only found small electric pedestals that rotate 360 degrees. Thanks in advance.
posted by Mckoan1 on Dec 21, 2008 - 2 answers

I am throwing a party for New Years in a large space that fits about 200 people comfortably (maybe 1000 sq ft). However, this place that I've rented has no sound system, so I'm in need of advice of what kind of equipment to rent. [more inside]
posted by senterstyle on Dec 20, 2008 - 4 answers

Where can I find a TV stand for a Sharp 37inch LCD TV? Model# LC-37D6U. [more inside]
posted by philad on Dec 15, 2008 - 2 answers

Calling all East Coast video production pros! Price check. [more inside]
posted by Mister_A on Dec 5, 2008 - 1 answer

I need a pull up bar for home use. Which one should I get? [more inside]
posted by nat on Nov 13, 2008 - 17 answers

Reliable wireless networking gear? [more inside]
posted by tkolar on Nov 10, 2008 - 13 answers

Where to list my video equipment for rental? [more inside]
posted by JMB1138 on Nov 6, 2008 - 4 answers

I have a few large items that i would like to sell on eBay however the shipping charges are way to high, this is not due to weight but due to dimensional size. ie. 30" x 30" x 26" high or another item is a pair of speakers which are approx 50 lbs each and 20" x 24" x 34". The cost of shipping these items makes it impossible to sell them on eBay and get what they are worth. I hope some of you savvy sellers and shippers can help me out with this problem, i have many vintage items that are large and too expensive to ship via UPS, FedEx or Dhl. Thanks
posted by Audio Lover on Oct 14, 2008 - 13 answers

I have two energetic one-year-old cats who love to knock over their water dish. I've tried several different types (at first they had a standard ceramic dish, into which they'd drop their stuffed toys until the toys absorbed all of the water (and got extremely gross), so I switched to a water-cooler-style dish, with a jug on top that fills to a dish in the bottom. That worked for a few weeks, but now the just play with it until it tips over, leaving my rug wet and them thirsty. What can I do to keep them from doing this? Is there a better (but still inexpensive) cat-watering system?
posted by odayoday on Oct 9, 2008 - 25 answers

Podcasting questions [more inside]
posted by mpls2 on Sep 29, 2008 - 8 answers

My buddy and I are trying to figure out what we need so we can have amplification and recording capabilities when we jam in the basement. I've played acoustic guitar and drums for years but am an absolute n00b when it comes to next steps. Meaning, I don't know the difference between a PA or an amp (is a PA an amp?). [more inside]
posted by pencroft on Aug 27, 2008 - 4 answers

I'm interested in sampling with hardware. What are some good entry-level samplers with decent sequencers? What are some low-end options for a limited budget? What older models might be worth it for the price? [more inside]
posted by Picklegnome on Aug 7, 2008 - 3 answers

I am looking for vendor sources to purchase used optical network transport equipment (OC-12/OC-48 generation) and spare parts. [more inside]
posted by thewalrus on Jun 13, 2008 - 1 answer

How do I sell a piece of medical equipment to the chiropractic/wellness market? [more inside]
posted by Slacktastic on May 13, 2008 - 5 answers

Children's backyard play structure filter: recommendations wanted. [more inside]
posted by spitbull on May 3, 2008 - 7 answers

Where can I shop for racquetball racquets in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area? [more inside]
posted by rachelpapers on Apr 19, 2008 - 1 answer

I'm an electrical engineering student/hobbyist looking to buy an oscilloscope. I'd like to spend around $200 ($300 max, probes/shipping included). What should I look for, and where? [more inside]
posted by phrontist on Apr 16, 2008 - 10 answers

What is the name of that antique metal disc that doctors used to wear on their foreheads? AnitanitaBoyfriend just shared that doctors used to use it to hear heartbeats by pressing the disc against the chest. But he doesn't know the name. My googlefu is not strong enough, so I turn to the collective wisdom of the group..... Thanks Guys!
posted by anitanita on Apr 9, 2008 - 7 answers

What can I do with a bunch of cool fibre-opticy Illumina Sentrix Array Matrixes? [more inside]
posted by greatgefilte on Feb 21, 2008 - 3 answers

A friend of mine is trying to sell a piece of scientific equipment online (a UVB sensor and radiometer that is brand new but not returnable; over $2000 retail). Other than eBay, craigslist, or some random Google result, can anyone vouch for a website people use to buy and sell stuff like this?
posted by pwb503 on Jan 9, 2008 - 7 answers

BackpackingFilter: What items are must-takes for South East Asia (or generally)? [more inside]
posted by UbuRoivas on Nov 28, 2007 - 40 answers

Does a crockpot really improve the flavor of the food or make your life easier? [more inside]
posted by davar on Nov 11, 2007 - 37 answers

I just bought a Brother P-Touch automatic labeler. How do I get it to stop printing a a long margin before the text begins? The "margin" setting seems to only control the right margin (i.e. after the text), not the left margin.
posted by Malad on Nov 6, 2007 - 10 answers

NFLter: Is there a science to face masks? [more inside]
posted by pdb on Oct 15, 2007 - 11 answers

Help needed, designing an AV facility for the future. [more inside]
posted by matholio on Oct 7, 2007 - 6 answers

What can an extremely novice, woman rugby player do during the off season to improve her skills? [more inside]
posted by chase on Oct 5, 2007 - 5 answers

Simple (free?) system/software for equipment reservations and checking out? [more inside]
posted by hapticactionnetwork on Oct 2, 2007 - 4 answers

Am I going to have any trouble carrying my bike helmet on an airplane? [more inside]
posted by iguanapolitico on Sep 13, 2007 - 7 answers

What's going on in these strange circular regions (pictured here) in Christmas Valley, OR? My guess: Some kind of circular crop field, with a big rotating arm that does tilling/harvesting. If my guess is right, what kind of farm equipment is that and where can I learn more about it? If my guess is wrong, what is it?
posted by DrSkrud on Sep 12, 2007 - 11 answers

indiefilmfilter: recommend a good place to rent film equipment next week in toronto? [more inside]
posted by twistofrhyme on Aug 31, 2007 - 1 answer

What's minimal but sufficient equipment for a home gym? [more inside]
posted by unSane on Mar 16, 2007 - 24 answers

Recommendations for a digital multitrack recorder? [more inside]
posted by anticlock on Mar 14, 2007 - 11 answers

I want to sell my old 35mm camera equipment. Where's the best place to sell it online? (not ebay!). I'm based in London. [more inside]
posted by kenchie on Feb 15, 2007 - 18 answers

Help me choose between two similarly priced home elliptical machines (1, 2). [more inside]
posted by Saucy Intruder on Feb 2, 2007 - 7 answers

I need new snowboard, boots, and bindings, but I'm not sure what to look for or how much I should be spending. [more inside]
posted by ibfrog on Nov 14, 2006 - 4 answers

Londonfilter: Just landed with a chef's knife and need to locate goods. [more inside]
posted by jadepearl on Oct 16, 2006 - 18 answers

I'm looking for a website that has an excellent technical understanding of the technology in outdoor gear and technical fabrics. Like a dpreview.com or dansdata.com but for mountaineering etc. [more inside]
posted by dantodd on Oct 14, 2006 - 6 answers

How can I try out a Filco Majestouch keyboard? Inspired by an earlier question today, I looked it up on the web, but most of what I could find was Japan-centered. Any ideas about how I could find one to try, or even to order? I'm in the US (Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina).
posted by amtho on Sep 16, 2006 - 4 answers