Photos: Top 10 reviews of the week
Mobile Edge Milano
1. Mobile Edge Milano
Editors' rating: 8.5
The good: Extremely stylish design; cell phone and organizer pockets; removable accessory bag.
The bad: Expensive; shoulder straps limit the size of laptop you can carry.
The bottom line: The fashionable Mobile Edge Milano provides a sophisticated way for professional women to carry their ultraportable laptops.
Onkyo TX-SR674
2. Onkyo TX-SR674 (black)
Editors' rating: 8.4
The good: This 7.1-channel A/V receiver offers HDMI video and multichannel audio switching for two HDMI sources and converts analog video sources to the HDMI output. The Audyssey 2EQ automatic calibration is the most advanced autosetup ever offered by Onkyo. Extras include XM Satellite Radio capability with XM HD Surround, as well as an optional iPod dock.
The bad: No phono input.
The bottom line: The Onkyo TX-SR674's stellar feature set and first-rate sound quality put it the top tier of midprice HDMI A/V receivers.
Monster Cable Home Theater and Lighting Controller 300
3. Monster Cable Home Theater and Lighting Controller 300
Editors' rating: 8.3
The good: Powered by a modified version of Logitech's highly regarded Harmony software; incorporates both IR (infrared) and RF (radio frequency); has a well-designed button layout, plus backlit keys; does well integrating lighting control into the setup procedure and the remote; remote features a dedicated hard button at the top for lighting control; fairly easy to control A/V systems in multiple rooms.
The bad: Overpriced; even though the remote is user-friendly, if you have a multiroom system with several lighting controls, setup can be a challenge and frustrating at times as you continually have to test and refine your settings.
The bottom line: While the RF-capable Logitech Harmony 890 does much of what the Monster Home Theater and Lighting Controller 300 does for significantly less money, the Monster is the superior remote.
Archos 504 (40GB)
4. Archos 504 (40GB)
Editors' rating: 8.3
The good: The Archos 504 is available in 40GB, 80GB, and 160GB capacities; gorgeous 4.3-inch wide screen; a decent choice of accessory options; can record audio and video with the optional kit; has a removable battery; nice tactile controls and sophisticated interface; lets you view photos and listen to music simultaneously; compatible with subscription services and a variety of video formats; excellent photo viewer; decent rated battery life.
The bad: The Archos 504 is bulky; must purchase separate kit to record audio/video; must purchase separate kit to get a power adapter; weak bundled accessories; proprietary USB cable; no kickstand; not easy to operate blindly.
The bottom line: Measurable bulk and pricey 160GB version aside, the do-it-all Archos 504 is an awesome A/V performer.
2007 Audi Q7
5. 2007 Audi Q7
Editors' rating: 8.3
The good: The 2007 Audi Q7 offers innovative safety tech with its Side Assist feature, and quattro all-wheel drive aids performance. The Bluetooth cell phone integration works very well and includes voice commands.
The bad: This big SUV is less than nimble in the city and sucks down the gas. The CD changer doesn't read MP3 discs, and the navigation system doesn't include retail stores or the ability to select a destination from the map.
The bottom line: The 2007 Audi Q7 works well from a luxury perspective, although its cabin tech isn't exactly cutting edge. Although features such as quattro and the adaptive air suspension indicate off-road aspirations, people who can afford this car are likely to stay on the pavement.
DirecTV HR20 (DirecTV Plus HD DVR)
6. DirecTV HR20 (DirecTV Plus HD DVR)
Editors' rating: 8.1
The good: Receives and records new MPEG-4 AVC programming, including local and other HD channels not available on older receivers; can record two HD shows simultaneously while playing back a third; excellently designed interface includes contextual menu; easy one-touch recording from EPG or live TV; search function includes history; great range of EPG sort criteria; can bookmark scenes within recordings for easy access; RF-capable remote; impressive image quality.
The bad: Lacks true 30-second skip function; no picture-in-picture; ATSC tuner is currently disabled; generally lighter selection of local HD sports channels than cable; no aspect-ratio control with HD sources; cannot currently narrow EPG or searches to only subscribed-to channels; somewhat noisy when running.
The bottom line: While it currently lags in futuristic features and we wish its skip wasn't so commercial-friendly, DirecTV's HR20 high-definition DVR will satisfy all but the most ardent TiVo fans.
Monster Home Theater Controller 100
7. Monster Home Theater Controller 100
Editors' rating: 8.0
The good: Monster's Home Theater Controller 100 universal remote is powered by a modified version of Logitech's highly regarded Harmony software that makes programming it relatively easy. It features a well-designed button layout and a rechargeable battery with a docking station. The remote also supports multiroom setups.
The bad: First, the Monster Controller 100 is overpriced. Second, even though the remote is generally user-friendly, if you do have a multiroom system, setup can be a challenge and frustrating at times as you must continually test and refine your settings. And at this price, we'd like to see RF functionality included.
The bottom line: The Monster Home Theater Controller 100 universal remote arguably offers a superior design to competing models from Logitech and Harman Kardon, but it's comparatively pricey.
V-Moda Bass Freq earphones
8. V-Moda Bass Freq earphones
Editors' rating: 8.0
The good: The V-Moda Bass Freq earphones are available in several stylish colors and are competitively priced at $50; they're louder than other earbuds and offer great sound quality.
The bad: Music coming from the V-Moda Bass Freq earphones may be too bass-heavy for audio purists; thin cable tangles easily and may not hold up in the long run.
The bottom line: V-Moda's Bass Freq earphones are the perfect accessory for bass-loving Creative Zen Micro owners who are on a budget. If you prefer less low end, look elsewhere.
Note: This product is part of the V-Moda Bass Freq series. See all products in the V-Moda Bass Freq series.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6
9. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6
Editors' rating: 8.0
The good: Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6 offers superior antivirus protection; has free and paid versions; supports Windows 98 through Windows XP.
The bad: Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6 rescue-disc process is a bit complicated.
The bottom line: Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6 is light and fast and consistently wins detection awards against the competition; it's worthy of our Editors' Choice designation.
Canon PowerShot SD800 IS
10. Canon PowerShot SD800 IS
Editors' rating: 7.8
The good: Good focal range for lens; quick performance; optical image stabilization; attractive design.
The bad: Few manual controls; extremely noisy photos at ISO 1,600.
The bottom line: A slim, stylish body, a wide-angle lens, very good photo quality, and snappy performance make the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS a great point-and-shoot.