X

Top-rated reviews of the week (pictures)

It's that time again, cats and kittens -- we've got another weekly roundup of the stuff CNET's editors dug the most. We've got a car that nicely illustrates the "less is more" concept, a revamped gaming laptop from Alienware and a thin laptop from Vizio, and an assortment of handy apps for all kinds of mobile OSes. Enjoy!

CNET Reviews staff
01Alienware_14_35826690.jpg
1 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Alienware 14

Alienware 14

Dell has revamped its gaming line, including the new Alienware 14. The design changes don't go nearly far enough, but we've got no complaints about the performance. Read the review.

Screenshot_2013-08-20-10-31-45.png
2 of 13 Screenshot by Jaymar Cabebe/CNET

YouTube for Android

YouTube for Android

With YouTube for Android's solid performance, beautiful design, and nifty picture-in-picture, it's hard to argue that there's a better way to watch YouTube videos on your mobile device. Read the review.

Vizio_CT15T-B1_Touch_Thin_Light_35650954_05.jpg
3 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Vizio CT15T-B1

Vizio CT15T-B1

The Vizio CT15T-B1 is a thin, nice-looking laptop with plenty of performance and battery life. But for the money, the package should be a little more complete. Read the review.

ViewAndEditCurrentClasses.png
4 of 13 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

iStudies Pro

iStudies Pro

College students who want to get a handle on their busy schedules should download iStudies Pro to make sure they're always on time and know what's coming up. Read the review.

01_Cambridge_SoundWorks_OontZ_XL_35826616.jpg
5 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Cambridge SoundWorks Oontz XL

Cambridge SoundWorks Oontz XL

While it doesn't sound as good as its more expensive rivals, the Cambridge SoundWorks Oontz XL is the best big Bluetooth speaker you can get for under $100. Read the review.

CompleteSillyChores.png
6 of 13 Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET

Carrot Alarm for iOS

Carrot Alarm for iOS

If you battle the urge to keep hitting the snooze button, Carrot Alarm delivers more fun and more features than other alarm apps. Read the review.

Screenshot_2013-08-14-14-36-25.png
7 of 13 Screenshot by Jaymar Cabebe/CNET

Magisto for Android

Magisto for Android

Despite its limitations and problematic interface, Magisto for Android is great for quickly and effortlessly throwing together short, polished video compilations. Read the review.

FordEscape_11.jpg
8 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

2014 Ford Escape SE

2014 Ford Escape SE

The 2014 Ford Escape SE is a fantastic example of "less is more," making acceptable power with a tiny engine and offering exceptional tech in even its base configuration. Read the review.

netflixfullscreensmall.jpg
9 of 13 Screenshot by Sarah Mitroff/CNET

Netflix for Windows Phone

Netflix for Windows Phone

Despite its undesirable design and occasionally slow performance, Netflix for Windows Phone is worth the free download to watch videos on your phone. Read the review.

Motorola_Droid_Ultra_35823388_02.jpg
10 of 13 Sarah Tew/CNET

Motorola Droid Ultra

Motorola Droid Ultra

If you want the thinnest smartphone on the block, the Motorola Droid Ultra is the one for you. If not, well, hey, how about that Ford Escape, huh? That looked pretty neat. Read the review.

foursquareexplore2.png
11 of 13 Screenshot by Sarah Mitroff/CNET

Foursquare for Windows Phone

Foursquare for Windows Phone

Even though Foursquare for Windows Phone's design can be overwhelming at first, it's an essential app for finding local attractions. Read the review.

Casio_GzOne_Commando_4G_LTE_35826156-4595.jpg
12 of 13 Josh Miller/CNET

Casio G'zOne Commando 4G LTE

Casio G'zOne Commando 4G LTE

The Casio G'zOne Commando 4G LTE is an excellent and affordable rugged handset, but skip it if taking great pictures is a priority. Read the review.

BingNews_Sources_Topics.png
13 of 13 Screenshot by Sarah Mitroff/CNET

Bing News (Windows Phone)

Bing News (Windows Phone)

A pleasing design and stable performance make Bing News a must-have free app to effortlessly keep up with the news. Read the review.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos