Top-rated reviews of the week (photos)
Here are a few of CNET Reviews' favorite items from the past week, including the Logitech Mini Boombox, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bluetec, and the Samsung Focus S.
Klipsch Image S4A Headphones
Klipsch Image S4A Headphones
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: The Klipsch S4A Headphones for Android earn our favor with powerful 8.5mm drivers, comfortable ear tips, and an accompanying Android app that smartphone owners can use to remap the in-line remote controls.
The bad: The headphones perform inconsistently on devices running Android 2.1 and lower.
The bottom line: Klipsch's ultracomfortable, noise-isolating ear tips are just one of the reasons we love and recommend the S4-series headphones. If you're an Android user shopping for a new pair of earbuds, the Image S4A headphones are definitely worth the $99.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bluetec
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bluetec
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: The driver assistance features in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bluetec contribute to safe and stress-free driving. The stereo offers as many audio sources as you could ask for, and the ride quality is extremely comfortable.
The bad: The ML350 Bluetec feels wobbly in anything approaching a sharp turn. There is no descent control or differential locking to augment the all-wheel-drive system.
The bottom line: The higher cost of diesel might make the 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bluetec's superior fuel economy a wash when compared with a gasoline version, but this truck's luxury features make it a very comfortable road tripper.
Synology DiskStation DS712+
Synology DiskStation DS712+
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: The Synology DiskStation DS712+ offers a great combination of performance, design, features, and ease of use. The server provides a good all-in-one server and storage package for home or small-business environments.
The bad:The Synology DiskStation DS712+ doesn't support USB 3.0. The server includes only one IP camera license, and its setup utility and backup software could be better.
The bottom line: The DiskStation DS712+ is one of the best dual-bay NAS servers on the market, for both home and office environments. It's also one of the few that offer storage scalability for those who want to start small and add more capacity later.
Seagate Momentus XT
Seagate Momentus XT
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: The Seagate Momentus XT (second generation) offers performance similar to solid-state drives (SSDs) while being much more affordable. The new drive now supports SATA 3 (6Gbps) and provides 750GB of storage space.
The bad: The new Seagate Momentus XT is noticeably more expensive than regular hard drives that offer the same storage space. Its data copy speed is comparatively slower than that of high-end hard drives.
The bottom line: Similar to the original, the Momentus XT (second generation) makes an excellent host drive for any computer, both laptops and desktops. It offers great value in terms of performance and cost, especially when compared with SDDs.
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Samsung Focus S
Samsung Focus S
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: The Samsung Focus S has a gorgeous, large touch screen; a good 8-megapixel camera; a front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera; and HSPA+ speeds.
The bad: Thin and less than 4 ounces in weight, the phone lacks durability.
The bottom line: Bolstered by a brilliant display and strong hardware specs, the Samsung Focus S is arguably the best Windows Phone ever released.
Logitech Mini Boombox
Logitech Mini Boombox
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Designed to augment the sound of tablets and smartphones, the Logitech Mini Boombox is a very compact--and cute--Bluetooth speaker that has a built-in rechargeable battery, speakerphone capabilities, a line input, and touch controls. Its sound is impressive for its tiny size.
The bad: The Mini Boombox can't handle heavy bass at higher volumes, and the glossy finish is prone to showing scratches.
The bottom line: The Logitech Mini Boombox Bluetooth speaker doesn't sound quite as good as the Jawbone Jambox--or look quite as slick--but it can play loud and has identical features for about half the price.
Samsung Illusion SCH-I110
Samsung Illusion SCH-I110
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The Samsung Illusion runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread and has a decent 3-megapixel camera lens.
The bad: Some issues with call quality and the camera app mar the Illusion.
The bottom line: The Samsung Illusion is a wholly decent midrange smartphone that won't wow you but--apart from a few flaws--mostly delivers.
Samsung Transform Ultra
Samsung Transform Ultra
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Like its twin on Boost Mobile, the Samsung Transform Ultra has an uncluttered Android Gingerbread interface, a front-facing camera, and a fair price tag.
The bad: The keyboard on the Samsung Transform Ultra could rise a little higher, and camera quality could be improved.
The bottom line: Folks looking for a phone with a QWERTY keyboard will find in the Samsung Transform Ultra a reliable midtier device, though $20 more could nab you an even better phone.
Dell Multifunction Color Printer 1355cnw
Dell Multifunction Color Printer 1355cnw
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The Dell 1355cnw is set up for businesses success with an economical LED engine, convenient wireless connectivity, and high-quality color prints that you won't be ashamed to pass around the boardroom.
The bad: Its sluggish print engine makes you wait, and no autoduplexer means extra babysitting.
The bottom line: The Dell 1355cnw's wireless connectivity and simple controls lend themselves well to a busy micro-office environment, as long as you don't mind waiting a bit for multipage documents.
Sony Vaio YB Series VPC-YB35KX/B
Sony Vaio YB Series VPC-YB35KX/B
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The Sony Vaio YB35KX/B has a lot of hard-drive space, solid performance from an AMD E-450 processor, and long battery life; this 11-incher has the portability of a Netbook, and it's reasonably affordable.
The bad:The cramped keyboard and touch pad make this Vaio feel more like a Netbook from 2010 than an ultrabook from 2011, and it lacks USB 3.0.
The bottom line: The more affordable and better-performing Sony Vaio YB35KX/B is a modest improvement on the last YB model we reviewed, adding up to a full-featured but cramped 11-inch laptop that'll cost a lot less than an ultrabook.
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