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Top-rated reviews of the week (pictures)

A car charger that lets you have it both ways -- Apple and Android, that is. An Editors' Choice Award-winning Sonos wireless speaker, and another try at beating the Energy Take Classic sound system. From a cute little e-reader to a brutally capable SUV, the theme of this week's top-rated CNET reviews is "cooler than you think." For example, just how smart can a smart lock be?

CNET Reviews staff
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1 of 10 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Kwikset Kevo

A car charger that lets you have it both ways -- Apple and Android, that is. An Editors' Choice Award-winning Sonos wireless speaker, and another try at beating the Energy Take Classic sound system. From a cute little e-reader to a brutally capable SUV, these are the products that CNET's reviewers approved this week. And we found out just how smart a smart lock can be, testing the...

Kwikset Kevo Bluetooth Electronic Lock

If you've got a compatible smartphone, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better smart lock than the Kwikset Kevo. Why would you want a smart lock at all, you ask? Sure. Let's talk. Read the review.

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2 of 10 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Anker USB 24W USB Car Charger

Anker USB 24W / 2.4A + 2.4A (4.8A max) Car Charger

If you find it at a discount, the Anker USB 24W / 2.4A + 2.4A (4.8A max) Car Charger is an excellent option for powering multiple smartphones or tablets while on the road. Especially if, say, you've got an iPhone and your partner has a Nexus (or a BlackBerry, or a Windows Phone device), you may want to spring for one of these. Read the review.

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3 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET

Monoprice 10565

Monoprice 10565

The Monoprice 10565 speakers aren't quite as stylish as our longtime favorite Energy Take Classic speakers, but actually top them in sound quality, and at a good price. Read the review.

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4 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sonos Play:1

Sonos Play:1

The Sonos Play:1 finally brings the company's wireless audio magic to the masses, in a fantastically designed compact speaker that's just $199. (Also available in black.) Read the review.

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5 of 10

Ativ Book 9 Plus

Ativ Book 9 Plus

If you're just looking for an all-around excellently made Windows touch ultrabook and don't mind that it's on the expensive side, the improved Ativ Book 9 Plus is worth the investment. Read the review.

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6 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony Vaio Tap 11

Sony Vaio Tap 11

The thin, powerful Sony Vaio Tap 11 tablet shows up the competition in terms of design. It's not ideal for everyone, but only a few tweaks away from being the runaway leader in this smallish category. Read the review.

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7 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony Vaio Flip 15

Sony Vaio Flip 15

Sony's unique attempt at a big-screen hybrid looks great and is reasonably priced, but the Sony Vaio Flip 15 works better as a laptop than a tablet. Read the review.

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8 of 10 Screenshot by Dan Ackerman/CNET

Microsoft Windows 8.1

Microsoft Windows 8.1

If you're a dedicated Windows 8 hater, this update isn't going to change your mind. But for everyone dutifully using the OS, Microsoft Windows 8.1 will be a useful collection of tweaks, fixes, and new features. Read the review.

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9 of 10 Sarah Tew/CNET

Kobo Aura

Kobo Aura

With its more portable design, the Kobo Aura is a worthwhile -- albeit pricier -- Kindle Paperwhite alternative for EPUB fans who don't want to be tied to Amazon's proprietary ecosystem. Read the review.

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10 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Except for the Meridian audio system, cabin tech in the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport remains run-of-the-mill, but this SUV's on- and off-road capabilities are truly extraordinary. Read the review.

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