Top-rated reviews of the week (photos)
Here are a few of CNET Reviews' favorite items from the past week, including the Panasonic TC-P54Z1, Nokia E72, and Sony Vaio Eco VPC-W212AX.
Panasonic TC-P54Z1
Panasonic TC-P54Z1
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: Superb black-level performance with excellent shadow detail; relatively accurate color in Custom mode after adjustment; solid color saturation; properly handles 1080p/24 sources without flicker; improved bright-room picture quality; very slim panel design; wireless connection between components and TV works well; VieraCast provides access to select Internet services; plenty of connectivity with four HDMI and one PC input.
The bad: Extremely expensive; less accurate primary and secondary colors in non-THX modes; minor video processing issues; somewhat limited picture controls; uses more power than comparable TVs.
The bottom line: Panasonic's flagship TC-P54Z1 plasma sails far beyond most buyers' price range, but the yacht enthusiasts who can afford it will enjoy superb picture quality and style in a wireless package.
Nokia E72 - black (Unlocked)
Nokia E72 - black (Unlocked)
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: The Nokia E72 brings upgrades such as a faster processor, more memory, and a better camera. The phone's design is both sleek and sturdy. It offers excellent messaging capabilities, 3G support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
The bad: The optical trackpad doesn't work very well. Speakerphone volume is a bit low. It has a lower-resolution screen compared with some of its competitors. Without carrier backing, the E72 carries an expensive price tag.
The bottom line: Though the price might be off-putting to many, the Nokia E72 is a well-designed and full-featured messaging smartphone for business users.
Sony Vaio Eco VPC-W212AX
Sony Vaio Eco VPC-W212AX
Editors' rating: 4 out of 5
The good: Use of recycled materials doesn't affect cost or attractiveness of the Vaio W; comes with its own bag; next-gen Atom offers long battery life; HD display.
The bad: Cramped keyboard; mediocre video playback; more expensive than similar Netbooks.
The bottom line: With a chassis made from recycled materials, the Sony Vaio W Eco Series Netbook offers a great example to manufacturers looking to make their laptops greener--as a Netbook, however, its features are pretty much industry standard with the exception of a high-res 10-inch screen.
Read CNET's full review
Price: $480
Epson WorkForce 310
Epson WorkForce 310
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Best in class print speeds; inexpensive; all-inclusive control panel; five separate ink cartridges.
The bad: No Wi-Fi or autoduplexer; underwhelming photo quality.
The bottom line: The Epson WorkForce 310 is a cost-efficient all-in-one printer that gives you five separate ink cartridges with an automatic document feeder and a detailed control panel. Combine those features with its lightning-fast print speeds, and the WorkForce 310 is a worthwhile addition to your office arsenal.
HP Pavilion All-in-One MS225
HP Pavilion All-in-One MS225
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: Strong performance among low-cost all-in-ones; classy, understated design; 802.11n Wi-Fi comes standard.
The bad: HP could have made this the perfect kitchen PC with a mouse-driven version of its TouchSmart Recipe Box software; audio output a bit soft.
The bottom line: Don't expect the world from HP's low-cost Pavilion All-in-One MS2255, but as a basic day-to-day PC for light-duty productivity or Web and media accessibility in the kitchen, it's a very good deal. You'd be wise to look here before considering an Atom-based Nettop.
Jabra Extreme
Jabra Extreme
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The Jabra Extreme's features include multipoint technology and A2DP compatibility. It has a dedicated power switch, and the call quality is excellent.
The bad: The Jabra Extreme has small volume controls, and it didn't feel very comfortable in the ear.
The bottom line: Despite our fit issues, the Jabra Extreme's advanced features, excellent noise-cancellation, and affordable price tag make it a great Bluetooth headset.
Motorola Brute i680 (Sprint)
Motorola Brute i680 (Sprint)
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The Motorola Brute i680 has a rugged, durable design, well-designed controls, and a functional feature set. Call quality is top-notch.
The bad: The Motorola Brute i680 is missing a dedicated Back button and an exterior camera shutter. The headset jack is 2.5mm, and photo quality is forgettable.
The bottom line: The Motorola Brute i680 isn't pretty or flashy, but it delivers on call quality and its design should withstand the elements.
Trendnet TEW-639GR Wireless N Gigabit Router
Trendnet TEW-639GR Wireless N Gigabit Router
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The Trendnet TEW-639GR Wireless N Gigabit Router has good throughput performance, an easy-to-use Web interface, support for Gigabit Ethernet, and a comprehensive set of home networking features.
The bad: The Trendnet TEW-639GR Wireless N Gigabit Router lacks high-end features, such as support for a USB device, dual-band wireless networking, and guest networking. Also, its range and wireless connection stability could be better.
The bottom line: The Trendnet TEW-639GR Wireless N Gigabit Router is a decent investment for Wireless-N home networking, offering a decent package at an affordable price.
Yamaha EPH-30 Inner Ear Headphones (black)
Yamaha EPH-30 Inner Ear Headphones (black)
Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5
The good: The Yamaha EPH-30 Inner Ear Headphones offer surprisingly good sound quality for the money. They're comfortable and provide some passive noise isolation. Plus, they're very energy efficient.
The bad: The Yamaha EPH-30 headphones seem pretty fragile; there's no carrying pouch; and the white version gets dirty fast.
The bottom line: The Yamaha EPH-30 Inner Ear Headphones are a fantastic option for anyone on a budget, offering sound quality on par with the sound of sets that cost at least twice as much.