buying guide

Cell phones have become the most crucial personal technology purchase you can make. Not only are these devices full-fledged miniature computers in their own right, they're getting smarter with each product generation. If you're looking for a new handset right now, start with the Samsung Galaxy S4 or the HTC One. The Galaxy S4 offers all the power you'd expect from a high-end Android device in an ultraslim package. The HTC One, meanwhile, is the most gorgeous smartphone we've ever held, yet also manages to match the S4 in terms of speed and performance. Of course … Read more

The computing world runs on information, and handling it is crucial. So it's important that you select the best storage device to not only keep your data, but also distribute it. In this guide, I'll explain the basics of storage and list the features that you should consider when shopping. But first, if you're ready to leave for the store right now, here are my top picks.

Hard-core users hoping to get the most out of a home storage system should consider a network-attached storage (NAS) server such as the Synology DiskStation DS1513+ or DS412+, or the … Read more

I get it. Portable navigation devices (PNDs) are a bit archaic at this point. In a world where every smartphone and tablet has some sort of GPS receiver built into it and most cars offer some sort of navigation option, buying a standalone GPS navigator seems both superfluous and archaic.

Yet, the PND market is far from dead. There are still a number of good reasons to choose a standalone GPS device. So if you're interested, here are our top picks.

The Garmin Nuvi 3490 is the flagship of Garmin's line of GPS navigators, … Read more

If you own a desktop computer, you'll need a monitor. The best overall monitor right now is the Dell UltraSharp U2713HM. It delivers fantastic performance on an extreme definition (2,560x1,440-pixel), 27-inch screen, with great ergonomic options, and a useful assortment of connections at $800. If that number sounds too rich for your blood, the Asus PA248Q sells for as low as $310, with a 24-inch 1,920x1,200-pixel screen, ergonomic options, each major video connection, and unique and useful customization settings. Finally, if money is no object and owning the absolute best performer is a priority, the … Read more

Looking to build your home network? If money is not an issue, check out the cutting-edge, noncompromising Netgear R6300, the Asus RT-AC66U, or the D-Link DIR-868L. They offer the latest, superfast 802.11ac (aka 5G Wi-Fi) support, long range, two USB ports, and a boatload of features. If you want the biggest bang for your buck, however, the Asus-RT56U is definitely one to consider; this little true dual-band N600 router packs way more punch than its physical size would indicate, both in terms of range and performance. On a tight budget? Something like the D-Link DIR-605L will serve you right; … Read more

In the market for a tablet? Your first choice should be the iPad (fourth generation). It has the best performance, the deepest software catalog, and a fantastic ecosystem supporting access to an incredible number of apps, games, music, and video. However, if you like the idea of a high-performing tablet, but you're not one for adding more cash to Apple's already substantial coffers, the Google Nexus 10 might be up your alley. With its incredibly high-resolution screen, fast Cortex A-15 CPU, Micro-HDMI, and the promise of always having the very latest version of Android, it succeeds in offering … Read more

Great-sounding headphones have never been more affordable. Even the least expensive headphone model on this list, the Panasonic RP HJE 355 in-ear, has oodles of detail and decent bass punch. For me the most important thing when evaluating headphones is sound balance; no frequency range should call attention to itself, so I don't like overly bassy headphones, or ones that overemphasize treble. Headphones should sound clear, not muffled or fuzzy. I prefer spacious stereo imaging over sound that's stuck inside my head. Headphones that allow music's soft-to-loud dynamics to bloom are better than ones that constrict dynamics. … Read more

Desktop starter kit Want to skip all the details and research and just buy a great desktop? Dell's high-end XPS One 27 has the largest screen resolution of any Windows 8 all-in-one PC. For gamers, check out the small-yet-powerful Origin Chronos. I can also recommend Apple's new Mac Mini to those looking to spend under $1,000.

See CNET's full list of best desktop PCs

Who still wants a desktop PC? Despite the recent shift to mobile computing, many PC old-schoolers, gamers, and professionals remain loyal to the desktop platform due to familiarity, performance and/or feature … Read more

Shopping for a new television can be an overwhelming experience. Confusion plagues even the most careful shoppers, and TV manufacturers, retailers, salespeople and numerous Internet sources can create more uncertainty as they push extra features, new technologies, and add-ons in the incessant pursuit of profit.

I hope that this guide, which I created in 2002 and have updated every year since, will help you cut through the confusion with unbiased information so that you can select a new television. It won't answer every question, and when you read it, it won't tell you "the perfect TV for … Read more