We’re often asks questions about what to use, how to use it, when to use it and how to do it. We run new media bootcamps to get people going. But we’re also inclined to shoot people emails.

Here are some questions from a New Jersey newspaper that’s trying to start in on providing audio and video on their site.

The basic question is: what should we outfit our reporters with?

It was nice talking with you today. As I mentioned, I am putting together a wish list of tech tools for our paper’s new tech team.

My list will include things like dual monitors and faster PCs. I have ideas about other items, but am especially keen to ask other journalists what gear they find indispensable.

Like everyone else, we have limited resources, so the key is finding the right stuff at reasonable prices.

So true. So let’s get going with some gear.

Can you recommend: A decent portable video recorder, suitable for video blogging, reliable but not too pricey.

We use Focus Enhancements Firestore camera to hard drive recorders. They’re great.

Easy, fast and reliable video editing software

Depends what you’re looking to do so I’d need more information. The standard is Final Cut Pro and once you learn how to use it you wouldn’t want to use anything else.

If you just need to chop clips, iMovie if you’re on a Mac (more on Mac’s below since I think from your email your on a laptop PC). iMovie’s free (with a Mac), Final Cut’s not.

A portable digital audio recorder suitable for podcast interviews.

A few options: Marantz PM660, M-Audio Microtrack 24/96, and the Fostex FR-2 Field Memory Recorder.

I’d go with the Marantz if your reporters are covering events where they need to plug into a soundboard. It’s bigger than the M-Audio, but also more flexible. If you just need to do interviews, the M-Audio is fine.

My brother reviews them all here.

Portable mic (if needed)

Yes, you need a mic. The cheap and easy is a Shure.

It’s used by bands and reporters around the world.

However, you may want to get a directional/shotgun mic, it really depends on the what you’re recording, and the environment you’re recording in. The Shure I recommend above is omnidirectional so it picks up sound from everywhere.

Directional/Shotgun mics “let you “aim to a sound with out all the external ambience filtering in.

The BBC offers a good primer

I keep looking for the digital Swiss Army knife: A small digital camera that produces decent quality video and audio, too. So far, haven’t found the perfect compromise.

Panasonic and Sony both offer good prosumer small camcorders.

A laptop that combines power, light weight and affordability. (I love my old 3-lb Thinkpad T20—light yet rugged. But it lacks horsepower for multimedia apps.)

Get Macs. They now run on Intel chips meaning that you have all the Mac software which is the standard for audio/video editing but you can also install Windows on it if that’s what you need/use in newsroom.

The best system for staying in touch from the road. I have tried BlackBerrys, Treos and the Motorola Q. I’m not keen on the Microsoft system in the Q. BlackBerry’s email handling is the gold standard, and I am a longtime fan of Palm’s ease-of-use… The Sidekick is pretty cool, but TMobile’s service isn’t as good as Verizon’s. Another option might be subscribing to Verizon’s EVDO service, so we could just log on via laptops in our travels. Any preferences here?

I’m not a phone jockey but use the Treo. I have the 650 and have seen the 700 which is better. Better still would be something with larger keys because if you’re trying to write notes on the fly, bigger will better (even if it’s not as sexy).

Have you ever had success using portable keyboards with Palms, or other handhelds, to eliminate lugging laptops on the road?

When I was reporting in Saudi Arabia one of my colleagues used a foldup keyboard with his Palm. Worked like a charm. But, if you’re doing all the audio/video stuff above, you’ll need your computer.

An optimal hi-def system. From time to time we will be testing gaming consoles, HD players, etc. I am wondering if a hi-def projector makes more sense, or whether we should find a bargain LCD or plasma monitor.

I’d go with the hi-def projector but that’s more personal preference. In our studio we have a Samsung 40+” LCD which is great.

I also am pondering how to make an argument for buying the new gaming consoles. Probably a hard sell, but might as well shoot high, right?

Always shoot high. Don’t know what you won’t get unless you ask.

Hope this helps.