Photos: Top-rated reviews of the week
Here are a few of CNET Reviews' favorite items from the past week, including a Fujifilm FinePix, the Alienware M17x Gaming Laptop, and the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO.
Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 (with 18-55mm and 55-200mm lenses)
Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 (with 18-55mm and 55-200mm lenses)
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: The Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 has fast autofocus; high magnification viewfinder for its class; dual card slots; relatively simple, straightforward operation; built-in wireless flash and image stabilization; helpful SteadyShot indicator.
The bad: Smallish grip; default settings produce suboptimal photos.
The bottom line: The Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 is a solid entry-level dSLR that will surely have its fans, and it's a better deal than its slightly higher-end sibling, the A330.
Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR (with 8GB SDHC card)
Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR (with 8GB SDHC card)
Editors' rating: 4
The good: Excellent photo quality; lots of useful features; very good dynamic range and high ISO performance in EXR modes; takes SDHC and xD cards.
The bad: Basic Movie mode for its price; limited aperture settings; menu systems take some getting used to.
The bottom line: Don't let its new sensor technology scare you off: the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR is an excellent compact camera with shooting features for just about every type of user.
Alienware M17x Gaming Laptop Computer (Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9300, 500GB HDD, 8GB)
Alienware M17x Gaming Laptop Computer (Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9300, 500GB HDD, 8GB)
Editors' rating: 4
The good: Subtle improvements to Alienware's dorm-room-chic design; amazingly fast and powerful; highly configurable.
The bad: Good configs can get very expensive; no 16:9 display; garish lights don't scream "high end."
The bottom line: Alienware's new version of the M17x makes some welcome design tweaks and offers the best laptop gaming hardware you can get. Just be warned: it ain't cheap.
Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot C905
Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot C905
Editors' rating: 4
The good: The Sony Ericsson C905a has a good 8.1-megapixel camera, 3G/HSDPA speeds, quad-band support, a music player that supports audiobooks and podcasts, and it has good call quality, too.
The bad: The Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot C905a doesn't have a 3.5-millimeter headset jack.
The bottom line:If you want a high-quality camera phone from AT&T, you can't go wrong with the Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot C905a.
Wise and Blue WB120 Bluetooth headset
Wise and Blue WB120 Bluetooth headset
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: The Wise and Blue WB120 Bluetooth headset is simple to use and has advanced features like A2DP compatibility, multipoint connectivity, and a unique self-tuner feature.
The bad: The WB120 has a somewhat uncomfortable ear loop attachment and the sound quality could be improved.
The bottom line: Despite a few quirks, the Wise and Blue WB120 Bluetooth headset is decent and boasts plenty of features.
Haier America Trainer (2GB, blue)
Haier America Trainer (2GB, blue)
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: The Haier America Ibiza Trainer is ultracompact and light and includes a built-in clip. The player features an FM tuner as well as several handy fitness-friendly extras such as a heart rate monitor, a pedometer, and a stop watch. It comes with useful fitness-tracking software. The player can be used with Mac or Windows.
The bad: The Ibiza Trainer doesn't support playlists and the pedometer is not always accurate. The fitness software is Windows only.
The bottom line: The Haier America Ibiza Trainer is a suitable option for fitness fanatics who want to kill multiple birds with one stone, as it's an MP3 player, a pedometer, a heart rate monitor, and has fitness-tracking software in one handy package.
RIM BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 - silver (Verizon Wireless)
RIM BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 - silver (Verizon Wireless)
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: The RIM BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230 offers 3G, GPS, good call quality, and BlackBerry's strong e-mail capabilities. The clamshell smartphone also has a 2-megapixel camera and supports BlackBerry App World.
The bad: The smartphone lacks Wi-Fi, and the SureType keyboard takes some acclimation and isn't ideal for heavy e-mail users.
The bottom line: While not the flashiest or the most feature-rich device, the RIM BlackBerry Pearl Flip for Verizon Wireless is a decent and affordable choice for first-time smartphone buyers.
Pioneer AVIC-U310BT
Pioneer AVIC-U310BT
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: The Pioneer AVIC-U310BT supports digital audio playback from USB storage devices, MP3 players, and iPods. The hands-free calling feature automatically imports contacts form a paired phone. The touch screen is detachable and powered, for destination entry and trip planning outside of the vehicle.
The bad: The preloaded point of interest library severely limited. Multiple menu sources make it hard to find the parameter you want to change. No video playback options.
The bottom line: The Pioneer AVIC-U310BT isn't perfect, but it meets most users' needs for navigation, hands-free calling, and digital audio playback at a very affordable price.
Asus Eee PC T91 (black)
Asus Eee PC T91 (black)
Editors' rating: 4
The good: Small and light; well-done custom touch-screen interface; good battery life.
The bad: Uses less powerful version of the Intel Atom CPU; not much space on the tiny SSD hard drive.
The bottom line: Asus does a good job combining a Netbook and a touch screen in the Eee PC T91, even if the system hits a couple of first-generation snags.
Samsung Highlight SGH-T749 - fire (T-Mobile)
Samsung Highlight SGH-T749 - fire (T-Mobile)
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: The Samsung Highlight has an easy-to-use design with satisfying call quality. It supports T-Mobile's 3G network and a functional feature set with a camera and music player.
The bad: The Samsung Highlight's call volume is low and speakerphone quality is unimpressive. Its memory card slot is located behind the battery.
The bottom line: The Samsung Highlight doesn't offer anything you haven't seen before, but it works quite well as an entry-level touch-screen phone.
2010 Ford Taurus SHO
2010 Ford Taurus SHO
Editors' rating: 4
The good:The EcoBoost engine in the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO turns in blistering acceleration while sport suspension elements and standard all-wheel-drive keep the car steady in the corners. Sync delivers excellent phone and MP3 player support while Sirius Travel Link makes traffic reports and gas prices available.
The bad: With its high sides, judging the size of the Taurus SHO from the driver's seat can be difficult. Its bulk makes it less-than-nimble in turns.
The bottom line: The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO combines an impressively fast, cutting edge engine with cabin tech that is still ahead of the competition--even after appearing in Ford cars for a year already.
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