Top-rated reviews of the week (photos)
Here are a few of CNET Reviews' favorite items from the past week, including the Gateway NV7915u laptop, Sony BDP-S570 Blu-ray player, and the Motorola MotoNav TN765t GPS.
Gateway NV7915u
Here's our weekly roundup of the new products CNET reviewers liked best.
Gateway NV7915u
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: Core i3 processing at great price; robust audio output; includes HDMI port; roomy and comfortable keyboard; touch pad supports multitouch gestures; little to no bloatware.
The bad: Poor battery life, even for a desktop replacement; awkward mouse-button bar.
The bottom line: The Gateway NV7915u is a well-rounded, well-designed desktop replacement that delivers mainstream performance at a budget price.
Lexmark Interact S605
Lexmark Interact S605
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: Rapid print output; easy wireless setup; user-friendly touch-screen LCD with convenient "SmartSolution" shortcuts; includes auto-duplexer.
The bad: Photo quality needs image quality improvement.
The bottom line: The Lexmark Interact S605 multifunction device prints, scans, copies, and connects wirelessly with a streamlined user experience facilitated by an easy-to-use touch screen and customizable widgets called "SmartSolutions." Built for small businesses and home usage, the Interact S605 stands out in its price range and is well-deserving of our recommendation.
Motorola MotoNav TN765t
Motorola MotoNav TN765t
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: The MotoNav TN765t features updated hardware and an innovative new interface that combines the map and the menus. Bluetooth hands-free calling (with address book sync and voice dial), text-to-speech, and free FM-traffic reception are welcome additions to the MotoNav feature set. The MotoExtras service is a clever way to add data connectivity by using a Bluetooth-paired phone's antenna to transmit.
The bad: The MotoExtras data service isn't always on, so it must be manually refreshed for the latest info. GPS tracking in skyscraper-dense urban areas is a bit sketchy.
The bottom line: The MotoNav TN765t has a robust feature set that is on par with that of more-established brands and a beautiful interface that is, in many ways, superior.
Samsung R580
Samsung R580
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: Excellent specs for the money, including Blu-ray, Core i5 processor, and Nvidia graphics for under $900.
The bad: Middling battery life; uncomfortable touch pad.
The bottom line: The Samsung NP-R580-JSB1US is the best bang for the buck we've seen in a current mainstream laptop, with great processing, graphics, and Blu-ray to boot.
Sony BDP-S570
Sony BDP-S570
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: Very good Blu-ray image quality; 3D Blu-ray compatibility coming this summer; Netflix, Amazon VOD, YouTube and Slacker media streaming; built-in Wi-Fi; fastest operational speed we've tested; SACD playback; 1GB onboard storage.
The bad: Subpar streaming Netflix video quality; too many features (Pandora, DLNA, Picasa, 3D) are "coming soon"; some very minor image quality nitpicks.
The bottom line: The Sony BDP-S570 has all the features of other midrange Blu-ray players, plus future 3D support and best-in-class operational speed, but you'll have to wait to unlock all of its functionality.
Canon PowerShot A495
Canon PowerShot A495
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Excellent photos for its price; reliable Auto mode.
The bad: Short battery life; low-resolution LCD; slow shooting performance.
The bottom line: The Canon PowerShot A495 is a bargain for anyone concerned more with photo quality than features.
Dell Adamo XPS
Dell Adamo XPS
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Superslim chassis; inventive design.
The bad: Weak battery life; large footprint; no SD card slot.
The bottom line: Dell's high-concept Adamo XPS deserves credit for taking some serious design risks. It's a cool conversation piece, but poor battery life keeps it from being terribly useful.
2010 Jaguar XFR
2010 Jaguar XFR
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: With 510 horsepower and advanced road-holding tech, the 2010 Jaguar XFR is suitable for the track. It has a Bowers & Wilkins audio system that delivers well-defined sound and adaptive cruise control that handles boring roads.
The bad: The XFR's cabin tech interface is tedious to use and slow, and its navigation system is average at best.
The bottom line: Despite an annoying cabin tech interface, the 2010 Jaguar XFR works well as an everyday driver and a weekend racer, pampering drivers with a luxurious cabin.
Nintendo DSi XL (bronze)
Nintendo DSi XL (bronze)
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Adds two supersized screens; improved viewing angle; fantastic battery life; great new pen-shaped stylus; preinstalled games and software.
The bad: A bit bulky and heavy; size makes device less portable; no improvements over DSi's cameras and internal storage; networking hiccups found in DSi remain; text-based games may look slightly blurry.
The bottom line: At the end of the day, the DSi XL is exactly the same as the DSi, so unless you're desperate for more touch-screen real estate, or your vision is impaired, we can't recommend a purchase over the original DSi.
Panasonic SDR-S50
Panasonic SDR-S50
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Very good image stabilization; well-designed; manual controls.
The bad: Low-resolution LCD; dated user interface; poor low-light video; no external mic, headphone jacks.
The bottom line: The Panasonic SDR-S50 standard-definition camcorder is worth considering for its manual controls and powerful zoom lens in a very compact body--not video quality.