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Top-rated reviews of the week (pictures)

This week, CNET's editors reviewed and approved Google's newest Nexus superphone, as well as the latest and legitimately greatest iPad. Plus a gaming laptop with *tasteful* alien heads, a very practical sports car, and the best noise cancellation you can get in an earbud.

CNET Reviews staff
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1 of 11 Josh MIller/CNET

Google Nexus 5

No fewer than two Editors' Choice Awards in this week's collection, and (unrelated) no fewer than three blenders. Plus a gaming laptop with tasteful alien heads, a very practical sports car, and the best noise cancellation you can get in an earbud.

Google Nexus 5

Despite a few drawbacks, the Google Nexus 5 is the best unlocked phone on the market not only for its value-per-dollar, but also because of its strong performance and high-end specs. Read the review.

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2 of 11 Josh Miller/CNET

Apple iPad Air

Apple iPad Air

Functionally, Apple's iPad Air is nearly identical to last year's model, offering only faster performance and better video chatting. But factor in design and aesthetics, and the iPad Air is on another planet. It's the best full-size consumer tablet on the market. Read the review.

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3 of 11 Josh Miller/CNET

Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display (13-inch)

Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display (13-inch)

There are other high-res laptops out there, but this year's more powerful and affordable 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display is one of the best of the bunch, and makes a compelling case for upgrading from the 13-inch MacBook Air. Read the review.

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4 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

Alienware 18

Alienware 18

There's a premium to be paid, but the massive Alienware 18 is a show-off-worthy desktop replacement that takes down even the newest PC games, and is just plain fun to use. Read the review.

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5 of 11 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Vitamix 7500

Vitamix 7500

As tempting as that freakishly powerful motor is, it's difficult to justify choosing the $529 Vitamix 7500 over some of the more affordable competitors available. Read the review.

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6 of 11 Colin West McDonald/CNET

Blendtec Designer Series WildSide Blender

Blendtec Designer Series WildSide Blender

Do you really need a 9-in-1 kitchen appliance like the Blendtec Designer Series WildSide Blender? If you aren't planning to make massive quantities of nut butter (or other relatively obscure things) regularly, you might actually prefer something less intense. Read the review.

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7 of 11 Katie Pilkington/CNET

Ninja Ultima Blender

Ninja Ultima Blender BL810

If you're looking for a blender that can replace a lot of your small appliances without breaking the bank, you can't go wrong with the Ninja Ultima Blender and its reasonable price. Read the review.

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8 of 11 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2014 Lexus IS 350 AWD

2014 Lexus IS 350 AWD

The 2014 Lexus IS 350 AWD isn't without its flaws and quirks, but it is a fantastic sport sedan offered at a fantastic value. Read the review.

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9 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

Roku 1

Roku 1

The Roku 1 has a budget price and adds 1080p video output over the similar Roku LT, but its appeal isn't as obvious as that of Roku's other streamers. Read the review.

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10 of 11 Sarah Tew/CNET

Bose QuietComfort 20

Bose QuietComfort 20

Despite some downsides, including a high price, the Bose QuietComfort 20 earphones offer the best noise-canceling in an in-ear headphone and should tempt frequent travelers looking for a more compact alternative to a full-size model like the Bose QuietComfort 15. Read the review.

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11 of 11 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

Tweetbot 3

Tweetbot 3

Twitter users on iOS who don't like the official client should check out the well-polished and feature-rich Tweetbot 3, which makes browsing your timeline fun. Read the review.

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