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Top-rated reviews of the week

Want to set up your iPad like a desktop monitor? Want to use your home power lines for an Internet connection? We're all about flexibility this week, as CNET reviewers approve a gadget that brings Bluetooth to older cars, a big-screened ultrabook, and a fitness tracker you can throw in a pocket. Also, in the "surprisingly budget" category, a great TV, audiophile earphones, and a luxury Kia (really).

CNET Reviews staff
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1 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Panasonic S60 plasma TV

Panasonic S60

The Panasonic S60 plasma TV's low price, high-end picture quality, and bare-bones Smarts make it one of the best values we've ever seen. Read the review.

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2 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Ergotech VersaStand for iPad

Ergotech VersaStand

Portable, flexible, and very useful all describe the Ergotech VersaStand for iPad. Read the review.

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3 of 13 Dong Ngo/CNET

Trendnet Powerline 500 AV Nano Adapter

Trendnet Powerline 500 AV Nano Adapter

The Trendnet Powerline 500 AV Nano Adapter is a fast way to extend your home network, while saving both time and money. Read the review.

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4 of 13 Dong Ngo/CNET

ZyXel PLA4205 500 Mbps Powerline Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

ZyXel PLA4205 500 Mbps Powerline Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

The ZyXel PLA4205 power line adapter is an excellent alternative to using regular Ethernet or Wi-Fi to connect more devices to a home network. Read the review.

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5 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Toshiba Satellite U845T

Toshiba Satellite U845T

While it's not going to dazzle anyone, the touch-screen Toshiba Satellite U845T is a great example of exactly how much laptop $799 should buy in 2013. Read the review.

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6 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Nikon Coolpix P520

Nikon Coolpix P520

More point-and-shoot than dSLR in terms of features and performance than some competing high-end megazooms, the Nikon Coolpix P520 is a very good camera for those after a big zoom range, better control over results, and fine picture quality. Read the review.

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7 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

HiFiMan RE-400 earphones

HiFiMan RE-400

While they're light on extras, the well-priced HiFiMan RE-400s offer excellent, accurate sound that's aimed at audiophiles on a budget. Read the review.

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8 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Asus VivoBook S500CA

Asus VivoBook S500CA

The Asus VivoBook S500CA offers a big-screened touch-screen Windows 8 laptop for a bargain price, though without many extras. Read the review.

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9 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

2014 Kia Cadenza

2014 Kia Cadenza

The large, premium 2014 Kia Cadenza might seem pricey by Kia standards but compares well feature-by-feature with other premium makes. Read the review.

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10 of 13 Wayne Cunningham/CNET

GoGroove SmartMini Aux

GoGroove SmartMini Aux

For cars with an auxiliary input but no native Bluetooth, the GoGroove SmartMini Aux is an effective means of adding both hands-free call capability and audio streaming from a smartphone. Read the review.

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11 of 13 Brian Bennett/CNET

Fitbit Zip

Fitbit Zip

The Fitbit Zip is the best fitness tracker you can buy for under $60. Read the review.

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12 of 13 Screenshot by Jaymar Cabebe/CNET

Facebook Messenger for Android

Facebook Messenger

It may not perfectly integrate SMS just yet, but Facebook Messenger is still the best way to chat with Facebook friends from your Android device. Now with Chat Heads! Read the review.

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13 of 13 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

WhatsApp Messenger for iOS

WhatsApp Messenger for iOS

Though you get only a few extra useful features, WhatsApp Messenger is an excellent choice for sending free texts across platforms, even internationally. Read the review.

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