Whitson Gordon

    Whitson Gordon is a PC-building metalhead in San Diego, California. When he's not writing how-to guides and technology explainers, he can probably be found eating potato chips with chopsticks so he doesn't get grease on his keyboard.

  • How to actually get work done on an iPad

    Apple is touting its updated iPad as an education-focused device, once again pushing the idea that the iPad can replace a laptop (or Chromebook, in the case of classrooms). That's unlikely, but with the right tools, it can be a workable substitute in a pinch. It takes more than a few classroom apps and Apple Pencil support to make this iPad a real work tool, though. Mobile apps are still often lacking in efficiency, Apple's Smart Keyboard is mediocre and reaching up to touch the screen is far less comfortable and efficient than using a mouse. However, with a few tips and accessories, you can get around these annoyances, at least for short bursts of on-the-go productivity. It may not be a true laptop replacement, but I've found that the iPad works great as a "just in case" device. Just make sure you keep a few things in mind.

  • The best Roku features you might not be aware of

    Roku's media streamers have long received strong reviews from Engadget, thanks to their compact designs and high feature-to-price ratio. You probably know you can rearrange your home screen or listen privately with headphones plugged into the remote, but chances are, you aren't taking advantage of some of the platform's most useful features.

  • How to find the best TV antenna for free HD channels

    You can stream a lot of TV online, but for things like the Olympics and breaking news, you'll want a local broadcast station to deliver the goods. Buying an antenna isn't like buying a toaster, though -- there is no objectively "best" antenna that will work for most people. Instead, you'll need to do a bit of research and testing. If you want to get as many free channels as possible, including your local ABC, NBC, FOX and CBS affiliates, you'll need to consider where those broadcast towers are located, how strong of a signal they send to your location and what kind of obstructions might be in the way. Thankfully, there are some tools that can help.

  • The settings you should change immediately after buying a new TV

    Once you bring your new TV home, you may want to take a trip through its settings in order to get the best possible picture.