Photos: Top 10 reviews of the week
1. 2008 Audi A8 L W12
1. 2008 Audi A8 L W12
Editors' rating: 9.0
The good: The Bang & Olufsen audio system delivers exceptional audio quality in the 2008 Audi A8 L, and Bluetooth phone integration is excellent. The car handles superbly for its size, while pampering occupants with a very smooth ride. Innovative driving tech includes lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The refrigerator just hits it over the top.
The bad: Fuel economy is predictably poor, especially in city driving. The navigation system doesn't offer much beyond basic route guidance. A trunk-mounted DVD changer uses an awkward cartridge system.
The bottom line: The big 2008 Audi A8 L W12 combines high luxury and surprisingly sporty performance. Its tech credentials are anchored by a stellar Bang & Olufsen audio system, and include some innovative driving tech. While quite nice to drive, a chauffeur makes a fine accessory.
2. Pioneer Kuro PDP-5020FD
2. Pioneer Kuro PDP-5020FD
Editors' rating: 8.4
The good: Produces the deepest shade of black of any big-screen display we've tested; accurate color decoding; dejudder processing option; 72Hz mode for 1080p/24 sources works well; superb antireflective screen; streams photo, music, and video files over home network; fine connectivity with four HDMI and one PC input.
The bad: Expensive; inaccurate primary colors; lacks advanced picture controls; frame causes minor reflections.
The bottom line: Best-in-class black levels and excellent all-around performance places the Pioneer PDP-5020FD near the top of the picture quality heap, but it will cost you.
3. Samsung HL61A750
3. Samsung HL61A750
Editors' rating: 8.0
The good: Excellent screen size-to-price ratio; solid black-level performance; very accurate color, with minor tweaking; plenty of connectivity options.
The bad: No dot-by-dot aspect ratio mode; no 2:3 pulldown for standard-def sources; as with all rear-projection sets, off-angle performance is poor.
The bottom line: Samsung's HL61A750 61-inch rear-projection HDTV delivers excellent overall picture quality, and, compared to flat-panel options, it's a real bargain.
3. Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10 earphones
3. Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10 earphones
Editors' rating: 8.0
The good: The Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10 earphones have a high-quality build and stylish earbud housing; offer excellent audio quality thanks to the three individual speakers in each ear piece; come with a two-year warranty, a nice case, and plenty of other accessories.
The bad: The Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10 earphones are expensive and the ear pieces are huge, which will cause comfort and fit issues for some.
The bottom line: If you're searching for stellar-sounding in-ear headphones that won't lighten your wallet quite as much as the Shure SE530, the Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10 earphones fit the bill--just make sure the gigantic earbuds fit in your ears.
5. Nikon AF-S DX VR 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G IF-ED
5. Nikon AF-S DX VR 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G IF-ED
Editors' rating: 7.8
The good: Compact; broad focal-length range; Vibration Reduction for better handheld photos, especially at telephoto.
The bad: Suffers from lens creep.
The bottom line: Though you pay for the convenience, the Nikon AF-S DX VR 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 G IF ED covers a range that would normally take two lenses, yet remains compact with a solid build.
5. Polk PSW111 Compact Powered Subwoofer
6. Polk PSW111 Compact Powered Subwoofer - Black
Editors' rating: 7.8
The good: 8-inch powered subwoofer; built-in 150-watt power amplifier; medium-density fiberboard cabinet with smoothly rounded corners; excellent connectivity.
The bad: The larger, more powerful 10-inch version costs $50 less.
The bottom line: The able Polk Audio PSW111 subwoofer delivers seamless bass despite its compact size.
7. Definitive Technology ProSub 800
7. Definitive Technology ProSub 800 (black)
Editors' rating: 7.7
The good: The Definitive Technology ProSub 800 has an 8-inch powered subwoofer with separate 8-inch passive radiator; built-in 300-watt power amplifier; high-density cabinet; above average connectivity; side-mounted volume control.
The bad: Somewhat pedestrian design.
The bottom line: If you don't mind its uninspired aesthetics, the Definitive Technology ProSub 800 is a mighty little subwoofer and a fine match for its SSA soundbars and ProCinema satellite speakers.
8. D-Link Xtreme N Duo Media Router DIR-855
8. D-Link Xtreme N Duo Media Router DIR-855
Editors' rating: 7.6
The good: True dual-band; great throughput performance; intuitive and responsive browser interface; gigabit LAN and WAN; easy to set up; supports separate wireless networks for guests; network activity display offers quick access to a variety of network information; convenient preset settings.
The bad: Middling range; confusing network activity display; expensive; bulky design; no print-serving or NAS functionality.
The bottom line: The D-Link Xtreme N Duo Media Router DIR-855 is a stable performer with excellent Web interface. But because it comes in a bulky, old-school design, has a relatively short range, and carries a hefty price tag, consider waiting for the price to drop before investing in this router.
9. Nokia 6205
9. Nokia 6205 - blue (Verizon Wireless)
Editors' rating: 7.0
The good: The Nokia 6205 is a simple phone with a music player, a megapixel camera, and EV-DO. It's quite affordable, and has excellent call quality.
The bad: The Nokia 6205 lacks stereo Bluetooth support, has a nonintegrated music player, and has a flat keypad.
The bottom line: The Nokia 6205 barely lives up to its multimedia phone promise, but it's a decent choice if you want an affordable 3G phone with good call quality.
Price : $69.99 with a $50 discount and a two-year service agreement
9. Virgin Mobile Arc
10. Virgin Mobile Arc
Editors' rating: 7.0
The good: The Virgin Mobile Arc is a basic yet stylish camera phone, with decent call quality and an affordable price point. It also has Bluetooth and voice dialing.
The bad: The Virgin Mobile Arc has a slightly crowded keypad and bad photo quality.
The bottom line: If you want an attractive yet affordable basic camera phone, the Virgin Mobile Arc is one of the better options in Virgin Mobile's lineup.