Top-rated reviews of the week (photos)
Here are a few of CNET Reviews' favorite items from the past week, including the Apple MacBook Pro Spring 2010, Samsung PX2370, and the 2010 Nissan 370Z.
Apple MacBook Pro Spring 2010 (Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz, 4GB RAM, 250GB HDD, 13-inch)
Apple MacBook Pro Spring 2010 (Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz, 4GB RAM, 250GB HDD, 13-inch)
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: Strong battery life; improved Nvidia graphics.
The bad: Still uses a Core 2 Duo processor; no new ports added; expensive compared with Core i3 laptops.
The bottom line: The new 13-inch MacBook Pro uses a faster version of last year's processor, but a graphics chip upgrade and better battery life give it more value for the same price.
Samsung PX2370
Samsung PX2370
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: The Samsung PX2370 performs better than the XL2370 does; it has additional and useful onscreen display options; it is reasonably priced.
The bad: The Samsung PX2370 lacks ergonomic features, has a dimmer maximum brightness level than the XL2370 has, and has a less intuitive onscreen display.
The bottom line: With more features and a better movie performance rating, the Samsung PX2370 improves--in most areas--on one of the best monitors we've reviewed.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W370
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W370
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Simple to operate; 7x zoom lens in a compact body; inexpensive for its general specifications.
The bad: Long shutter lag; mediocre low-light photos; lower-end components.
The bottom line: Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-W370 is an inexpensive compact camera with a long lens; however, its shutter lag and low-light photo quality keep it from earning a higher rating.
HTC Tattoo (unlocked)
HTC Tattoo (unlocked)
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The HTC Tattoo is compact but still offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a 3.2-megapixel camera. The Android 1.6 device is enhanced by HTC Sense.
The bad: It has a small, low-resolution screen. The smartphone also doesn't support North American 3G bands.
The bottom line: The HTC Tattoo is a fair entry-level Android device with a cool customization feature, but there are better options for the North American market.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 (black, with 14-42mm lens)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 (black, with 14-42mm lens)
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Nice touch-screen implementation; articulated LCD; relatively fast; pretty good EVF.
The bad: Images a little noisier at midrange ISO sensitivities than they should be; too easy to accidentally move focus points with touch screen.
The bottom line: Although the photos look a hair noisier and overprocessed compared with many competitors, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 has a lot to recommend about it--including a flip-and-twist touch-screen and speedy performance.
Read CNET's full review
Price range: $799.95
Canon PowerShot SX210
Canon PowerShot SX210
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Nice selection of semimanual and manual controls; flexible lens in a compact body; very good photo quality.
The bad: Slow shooting performance; some awkward design aspects; unimpressive LCD.
The bottom line:If you want a compact megazoom with manual controls and fine photo quality, the Canon PowerShot SX210 IS is a good place to start.
Samsung Reality SCH-u820 - black (Verizon Wireless)
Samsung Reality SCH-u820 - black (Verizon Wireless)
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The Samsung Reality has an intuitive display, three home screens, a 3.5mm headset jack, a nice keyboard, and features that include a 3.2-megapixel camera, GPS, and stereo Bluetooth.
The bad: The Samsung Reality isn't quite as good as the Samsung Rogue, has almost the same design and features, and is also on Verizon Wireless. We also wished the photo quality was better.
The bottom line: On its own, the Samsung Reality is a great midrange multimedia phone, but it doesn't hold a candle to the Rogue, which has a better design and better features.
2010 Nissan 370Z
2010 Nissan 370Z
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The 2010 Nissan 370Z delivers outstanding handling and performance and has a reasonable fuel economy. Its available cabin tech includes hard drive-based navigation and iPod support.
The bad: With an automatic transmission, driving the 370Z feels a little numb and lacks the excitement you get with the manual transmission version.
The bottom line: The 2010 Nissan 370Z is a distinct-looking dedicated sports car that is a joy to drive, especially when it is equipped with a manual transmission.
Samsung HM1000
Samsung HM1000
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The Samsung HM1000 is an affordable headset with good call quality. It has multipoint technology as well.
The bad: The Samsung HM1000 has an uninteresting design and the fit can be uncomfortable after a while.
The bottom line: The Samsung HM1000 is an affordable alternative to higher-end Bluetooth headsets.
Read CNET's full review
Price range: $39.00