Top-rated reviews of the week (photos)

Here's our weekly roundup of the new products CNET reviewers liked best.

RIM BlackBerry Torch 9800 (AT&T)

Editors' rating: 4 out of 5

The good: The RIM BlackBerry Torch combines both a touch screen and full QWERTY keyboard. BlackBerry OS 6 brings such improvements as a better user interface, universal search, and an improved browser and multimedia experience.

The bad: The smartphone can be sluggish. The Torch has a lower-resolution screen. Applications can be saved only to the phone's main memory. Camera shoots only VGA video.

The bottom line: Though performance could be better and it could stand for some hardware upgrades, the RIM BlackBerry Torch 9800 and BlackBerry OS 6 offer much-needed improvements to stay in step with the competition, and keep BlackBerry enthusiasts happy.

Read CNET's full review
Price: $199.99 with a two-year contract

Logitech S715i portable speaker

Editors' rating: 4 out of 5

The good: The Logitech S715i portable speaker for iPhone and iPod uses eight drivers to deliver audio performance that is far beyond its price range.

The bad: Lacks common extras such as FM radio, clock, and EQ.

The bottom line: In the sea of affordable, forgettable iPod speakers, the Logitech S715i is a beacon for those who prefer their music to sound great.

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Price: $149

Sony VAIO VPCF12AFM/H

Editors' rating: 4 out of 5

The good: Sharp design and sturdy construction; includes Blu-ray and basic discrete graphics; backlit keyboard.

The bad: For the price, should move up to an Intel Core i5 processor.

The bottom line: At a hair less than $1,000, the Sony Vaio F12A is an attractive desktop replacement laptop that provides Blu-ray and basic gaming performance and it includes some bonus free software.

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Price: $999.99

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

Editors' rating: 4 out of 5

The good: The BMW Z4 sDrive35is' adaptive suspension responds well whether cruising through the city or carving the canyons, and the dual-clutch transmission makes fast shifts. Available cabin tech includes an excellent navigation system.

The bad: The retractable top folds into the trunk, which limits cargo capacity and messes with the weight distribution. The transmission's sport setting could be more aggressive.

The bottom line: Although not as hard-edged as some sports cars, the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is provides plenty of driving fun and, except for the lack of cargo capacity, makes a fine daily driver.

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Price: $61,050

Neoya Wii2HDMI (converter for Wii console)

Editors' rating: 4 out of 5

The good: Successfully outputs Wii audio and video over a single HDMI connection; additional 1/8-inch audio-out jack; no extra power required; simple setup.

The bad: Adds 3 inches to the back of Wii console.

The bottom line: Though it won't improve the picture quality had on a current Wii component connection, the Wii2HDMI adapter successfully carries audio and video over a single HDMI signal.

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Price: $39.95

Verbatim Acclaim USB Portable Hard Drive (1TB)

Editors' rating: 4 out of 5

The good: Top-tier transfer speeds; unrivaled cost per gigabyte; seven-year warranty; Nero BackItUp and Norton Online Backup software included; classy design in a small footprint.

The bad: Backup software doesn't support Mac OS.

The bottom line: The 1TB Verbatim Acclaim portable hard drive may appear boring compared with flashier drives, but its sleek size, rapid transfer speeds, and generous seven-year warranty more than make up for its lack of fashion sense. The Acclaim's executive look will likely attract corporate professionals, but we highly recommend its versatility to anyone in need of a storage upgrade.

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Price range: $153.33 - $154.36

Dell Inspiron M101z

Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5

The good: Dual-core processor in an 11-inch laptop; good keyboard and touch pad; much faster than similar-size Netbooks.

The bad: Upgraded components aren't cheap; limited graphics; merely average battery life.

The bottom line: Dell's latest take on the Mini line is a dual-core AMD-powered 11-inch system that leaves Netbooks in the dust in terms of both power and price.

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Price range: base price is $449; review model cost $579

Amazon Kindle DX (graphite, global 3G wireless, latest generation)

Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5

The good: Large-screen e-book reader with improved, higher contrast e-ink screen; large library of hundreds of thousands of e-books, newspapers, and blogs via Amazon's familiar online store; free 3G wireless access; can store up to 3,500 books; 8 fonts available, including two new extra-large sizes; decent battery life; displays image files, PDFs, and plays MP3 and AAC audio.

The bad: While it's more affordable than the previous DX model, the price is still within spitting distance of the more versatile iPad; heavier weight (than smaller Kindle) could make long reading sessions tiresome; doesn't support ePub files; no protective carrying case included; battery is sealed into the device and isn't removable; no Wi-Fi option.

The bottom line: While it has a hard time competing with Apple's iPad in terms of functionality, the less expensive 2010 Kindle DX will appeal to those looking for a large, dedicated e-reader with an e-ink display.

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Price: $379

Samsung SyncMaster BX2350 LCD TV

Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5

The good: The Samsung SyncMaster BX2350 has accurate color reproduction for a TN-based panel, includes many useful viewing-angle features, and continues the exceptionally stylish look established by Samsung's previous LED monitors.

The bad: Samsung SyncMaster BX2350 has very noticeable backlight clouding, low vibrancy in games, and its OSD array touch sensors work inconsistently.

The bottom line: The Samsung SyncMaster BX2350 is a great monitor, hampered by an overzealous backlight.

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Price: $309.99

Vizio VHT210 sound bar with wireless subwoofer

Editors' rating: 3.5 out of 5

The good: Sound bar home theater system; compact design, especially the wireless subwoofer; no AV receiver required; better-than-average sound on two-channel music; excellent remote control design; useful "SRS True Volume" control.

The bad: No HDMI connectivity; only two inputs (one optical digital, one analog stereo); may not get loud enough for some; no DTS decoding.

The bottom line: The Vizio VHT210 sound bar sports an uncommonly compact design and sounds better playing music than the average in its class, but its input options are limited.

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Price: $270