550

First off, congrats to Rick S. of Wylie, Texas, for winning two LittleBits starter kits in last week's giveaway.

Now, how does a free 40-inch TV sound? Not bad, eh? This week, we're giving away a Samsung LN40D550, an entry-level non-LED TV that CNET reviewers say stands tall among budget TVs for its deep black levels, ample shadow detail, uniform screen, and stylish looks.

Note that this particular set has been lightly used during our review process, which also means you're getting a TV that's been touched by the very hands of CNET's David Katzmaier and/or Ty Pendlebury (never, ever clean it).

Normally, a Samsung LN40D550 flat-panel TV costs approximately $575, but you have the chance to get one gratis. How? Well, there are a few rules, so please put down the remote for a moment and read them carefully. There will be a test. … Read more

Back in December 2011 we reviewed the Vizio Razor M3D550SR, a 3D smart television that offered decent performance and features for the price.

The only thing we didn't really go for was the 3D implementation--it was a little strong, resulting in unnatural images, and couldn't be dialed down. If 3D isn't important to you then Vizio's dedicated 2D set, the 55-inch M550SV, may be of interest to you.… Read more

Typically, sound bars are horizontal speakers that are designed to be placed below your TV.

Samsung's upcoming HW-E550 Surround Sound Bar is just that--but with a twist. Not only can you place it horizontally below your TV (the speaker weighs 4 pounds), but you can split it in two and turn it into a traditional 2.1-channel floor-standing system using the included bases.

Yes, there's also a subwoofer, but the sound bar (or speakers if you split it in two) connects to it wirelessly using Samsung's proprietary dual-band 5.2/5.8GHz wireless technology. Samsung says the … Read more

A Mercedes you drive when you want folks to notice you're driving a Mercedes.

The CLS 550 is a baller, rather practical, and puts itself away nicely. Oh, and fast. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

Also, check out CNET's full review of the CLS 550.

To judge from the LND630 we checked out earlier and the LND550 reviewed here, Samsung's low-end LCDs are pretty dang good.

These non-LED-based models managed deeper black levels than like-priced competitors, and largely avoid the uniformity problems associated with those razor-thin LED-based sets--while costing hundreds less. The LND550 falls short of the color accuracy of its step-up brother, and we still prefer the entry-level Sony BX420's picture by a nose, but the LND550's superior styling, media file support, and input bay make it a compelling alternative in the budget TV space.

Read the full review of the Samsung LND550 series.

… Read more

Cadillac gets a Volt, HP wants WebOS somewhere--how about cars? AAA takes on OnStar. Can you sell your parking spot? And we drive the Mercedes CLS550

• CNET loves the 2012 Mercedes CLS 550

• Cadillac Converj is now the ELR--a hot Chevy Volt

• AAA gets ready to take on OnStar with tech

• Aptera refunds deposits in a complicated reorganization

• Can you really sell your parking spot?

• CNET's LOLCars gallery!

The Samsung PX2370 review is consistently the most popular monitor review on CNET. Not surprisingly, since it's the monitor I recommend the most, on nearly a daily basis, through other monitor reviews and nearly every monitor-related blog post (kind of like this one).

The PX2370's design, price, performance, and features make it one of the best TN displays we've ever reviewed. As with most hit movies, though, living up to the magic of the first film in a sequel is daunting to say the least.

The Samsung SyncMaster S23A550H, Samsung's 2011 follow-up to the PX2370, thanks … Read more

Mercedes-Benz this week released pricing information and specs on the all-new CLS-Class coupe.

This is a major redesign for Mercedes. The four-door coupe is 1.2 inches longer and wider than its predecessor, and with new biturbo direct-injection V8 engines, the three trims offer some surprising features.

The CLS550 features a new 4.6-liter direct-injection twin-turbo V8; delivering 402 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. It is equipped with new electrically assisted power steering, Airmatic air suspension, and a revised seven-speed automatic transmission. The CLS550 will offer an estimated 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The 2012 CLS63 … Read more

Universal Viewer Portable is a free application that can open and display a wide range of files, including text, hex, binary, and Unicode files of unlimited size. It opens nearly all image and graphics formats as well as multimedia files, plug-ins, Internet-compatible files, various encoded files, and even Office files via the associated Navigation Panel shareware. It can also be integrated with Windows' context menus and some popular file managers such as Total Commander.

Universal Viewer has a small, efficient interface with toolbar icons clearly depicting their functions. We quickly browsed to and opened a wide range of files, including … Read more