Top-rated reviews of the week (photos)
Here are a few of CNET Reviews' favorite gadgets from the past week, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid, and the Apple iMac spring 2011.
Canon PowerShot A1200
Here's our weekly roundup of the new products CNET reviewers liked best.
Canon PowerShot A1200 (silver)
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: The Canon PowerShot A1200 IS is inexpensive while still offering very good features and photo and video quality.
The bad: The camera's shooting performance is slow.
The bottom line: As long as you're not in a hurry and your subject is stationary, the Canon PowerShot A1200 is an excellent little camera for the money.
SuperTooth Disco
SuperTooth Disco
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: The SuperTooth Disco is a versatile Bluetooth speaker with a rechargeable battery and impressive audible range. Its simple design and budget-friendly price tag make this one of our favorite wireless speakers.
The bad: The system doesn't include a remote, and its heavy frame is more suitable at home than on the go.
The bottom line: The SuperTooth Disco is an inexpensive, cordless Bluetooth speaker that earns our recommendation for its modern design, long-distance range, and impressive sound quality that rivals many midrange computer speakers.
Third Rail System
Third Rail System (for iPhone 4)
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: The stylish and compact Third Rail Slim Case for iPhone 4 with Slide-on Smart Battery is the most flexible and innovative juice pack option to date. The pack's detachable batteries can also power other mobile devices and can be stacked together to increase the capacity.
The bad: The Third Rail case's included battery provides only enough power to charge an iPhone 4 up to about 65 percent. Also, it continues to discharge even when the phone's battery is already full. The package is rather bulky when used as a juice pack and the case needs to be removed completely when you want to use the phone with a docking station.
The bottom line: The Third Rail Slim Case for iPhone 4 with Slide-on Smart Battery is arguably the best mobile juice pack on the market. It's especially useful if you also have other mobile devices.
Apple iMac spring 2011
Apple iMac spring 2011 (2.5GHz, 21.5in)
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: As the most affordable iMac, the Apple iMac 21.5-inch offers competitive speed, the unique potential of its Thunderbolt port, and Apple's trademark design leadership.
The bad: The 21.5-inch iMac isn't the best all-in-one for home entertainment, and its performance competitiveness suffers without an option for more video memory.
The bottom line: Apple's $1,199 iMac doesn't offer the same home entertainment features as Windows-based all-in-ones, but its speed, looks, and the future utility of its Thunderbolt port make it a strong choice for performance-sensitive professionals.
Read CNET's full review
Starting at: $1,139.99 from 5 stores
HP Photosmart e-All-in-One Printer
HP Photosmart e-All-in-One Printer - D110a
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The HP Photosmart e-All-in-One D110a's interactive touch screen adds Web connectivity to the standard print, copy, and scan functions, at a lower price than other HP ePrint-connected devices.
The bad: Print speeds are languid and the smaller paper input capacity makes it a hassle to refill for bigger households. You also must have a wireless connection to use the D110 to its fullest potential.
The bottom line: We wouldn't recommend it for high-output households or large offices, but the HP Photosmart D110a provides inexpensive access to HP's clever new ePrint and Web-connected apps.
HP ProBook 6360b
HP ProBook 6360b - Core i5 2410M 2.3GHz - 13.3
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The HP ProBook 6360b has a solid feel, an excellent keyboard, and an up-to-date second-gen Intel Core i5 processor.
The bad: Boring looks, a bulky design, and business-oriented features make this a laptop your IT department may love, but you probably won't be enthusiastic about.
The bottom line: The solid, no-surprises HP ProBook 6360b is a well-priced 13-inch laptop with up-to-date specs, but it's nothing that a consumer couldn't get in a better-looking design somewhere else.
2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid
2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The mix of supercharged engine and electric motor gives the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid respectable power and the best city fuel economy of the Cayenne lineup. Handling comes up to Porsche sports car standards.
The bad: The cabin tech interface is not well integrated with the car, and there is no voice command. Audio sources are minimal.
The bottom line: The 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid offers the performance you would expect from a Porsche, and better fuel economy. But the cabin tech isn't up to the level of a car in this price range.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (32GB)
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: As thin as the iPad 2 and even lighter, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the sexiest Honeycomb tablet we've seen. Also, it has an 8-megapixel back camera and a 2-megapixel front camera, and powerful dual speakers.
The bad: The lack of ports on the tablet will be a problem for some and the plastic back of the limited Google I/O edition is a huge design gaffe.
The bottom line: Sleek, sexy, and light, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 gets as close to the iPad 2 as any Android tablet before it.
Read CNET's full review
Available summer 2011
Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-11
Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-11 (Verizon Wireless)
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-11 is good-looking, compact, features wireless N, and easy to use. The device offers a superfast connection to the Internet and good set of features that can be managed via its well-organized Web interface.
The bad: The Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-11 comes with expensive and limited data plans and runs hot. The router lacks common features such as tethering, Wi-Fi Protected Setup, external antenna support, GPS and doesn't allow Wi-Fi clients to communicate with one another.
The bottom line: Business users who need superfast mobile Internet connection will be happy with Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-11. Others, be aware of its expensive data plans and hot temperature.
Samsung Replenish
Samsung Replenish - onyx black (Sprint)
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The Samsung Replenish has a tactile QWERTY keyboard, a surprisingly decent camera, and a wallet-friendly price. Made from recycled and recyclable material, it's also easier on the planet.
The bad: The lack of Flash support in the browser limits the Replenish, and its build feels a little cheap. Both virtual and physical keyboards can feel cramped, and call quality could be better.
The bottom line: With a price tag of just $50, the Samsung Replenish offers good value as a basic, easy-to-use Android phone, and one that's environmentally conscious to boot.