Photos: Top 10 reviews of the week

Apple iPod Touch (second generation, 32GB)

Editors' rating: 4.5

The good: The second-generation Apple iPod Touch has it all: music, videos, photos, podcasts, e-mail, Web browsing, Internet radio, games, Nike+, Wi-Fi music downloads, and an App Store for adding thousands of custom features.

The bad: The second-generation iPod Touch may be overwhelming to users looking for a simple music player; audio quality is average; and iTunes software is required.

The bottom line: The second-generation iPod Touch includes features that are light-years ahead of the competition, its design has improved, and its price has finally come down to earth.

Read ZDNet's full review

Price range: $399.00 - $399.99

2008 BMW M3 Convertible DCT

Editors' rating: 4.5

The good: The 2008 BMW M3 Convertible driving tech has electronic damping control, a double-clutch transmission, and a 4-liter V-8 that produces 414 horsepower. Impressive cabin tech is available including a navigation system with live traffic.

The bad: Fuel economy is not great, although the double-clutch transmission helps a bit, and the car commands a hefty price. When the top is lowered, trunk space is minimal.

The bottom line: The 2008 BMW M3 Convertible delivers an exceptional driving experience. The M3's double-clutch transmission and cabin tech are first rate, but options quickly jack up the base price.

Read ZDNet's full review

Price range: Base price is $66,150; review model cost $72,925

Apple iPod Nano (fourth generation, 16GB, pink)

Editors' rating: 4

The good: The fourth-generation iPod Nano is more attractive and colorful than its predecessor and includes Apple's new Genius playlist tool, a tilt sensor, and accessibility features for the visually impaired.

The bad: To use the new Nano, you must upgrade to Apple's iTunes 8 software with its laundry list of hardware requirements; the rounded screen invites glare; sound quality is only average.

The bottom line: The fourth-generation iPod Nano is easy on the eyes and the wallet, and you can't beat its hardware and user interface design. Just be sure to give iTunes 8 a spin before committing.

Read CNET's full review

Price range: $199.00 - $199.99

BlueAnt V1

Editors' rating: 4

The good: The BlueAnt V1 is the world's first voice-controlled headset. It does not require voice recognition training and is easy to comprehend and use. The built-in capability to call GOOG-411 is a nice bonus. The audio quality is excellent, with top-notch noise canceling and voice-isolation technologies.

The bad: The BlueAnt V1 doesn't feel secure without the ear hook, and the ear tip may fit a little too deep in the ear for some people. Its design is also a little on the boring side.

The bottom line: The BlueAnt V1 may not wow us designwise, but its voice controls and excellent audio quality more than make up for it.

Read ZDNet's full review

Price range: $96.99

Logitech Squeezebox Boom

Editors' rating: 4

The good: Wi-Fi radio with built-in speakers; compact form factor and bright, easy-to-read screen; supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet home networks; compatible with virtually all non-DRM audio file formats; provides access to PC-based music files (on Windows, Mac, and Linux machines) as well as PC-free Internet radio and podcasts; able to access multiple free (Last.fm, Pandora, Slacker) and premium (Rhapsody, Sirius) online music services; excellent online account integration.

The bad: Rubberized controls and reflective plastic finish show smudges and fingerprints; click knob and control layout takes a bit of getting used to; no compatibility with DRM music files, such as those purchased from iTunes or Zune online stores; AC-only operation.

The bottom line: The Logitech Squeezebox Boom is the best all-in-one tabletop Wi-Fi radio we've seen to date.

Read ZDNet's full review

Price range: $272.92 - $299.99

Norton Internet Security 2009

Editors' rating: 4

The good: Internet Security 2009 has a leaner footprint, improved speed, white listing and other technologies to mark clean files as trusted, and free technical support.

The bad: Despite its free telephone support, Norton Internet Security 2009 lacks adequate online technical support and, either intentionally or not, drives users to its paid technical support services.

The bottom line: Norton Internet Security 2009 hits all the right security notes and its superior protection technologies might even win back some jaded anti-Symantec folks, though for some technical support may continue to frustrate.

Read ZDNet's full review

Price range: $69.99

Numark iDJ2 Mixing Console for iPod

Editors' rating: 4

The good: The Numark iDJ2 provides a professional, one-stop solution for DJing with an iPod MP3 player or USB drive. Features such as XLR output, video output, a built-in color screen, and multiple pitch-control modes can't be found in comparable products at this price.

The bad: The Numark iDJ2's plastic construction doesn't inspire confidence, there's no support for protected-AAC files, and there are no built-in effects.

The bottom line: Rockstar DJs may sneer at the Numark iDJ2's simplicity and iPod novelty, but work-a-day event DJs will appreciate the system's efficiency, keyboard search, sound quality, and portability.

Read ZDNet's full review

Price range: $484.00 - $509.00

Samsung LN46A950

Editors' rating: 4

The good: Produces the deepest level of black of any LCD available; extremely accurate color; solid video processing; extensive interactive functionality; scads of picture controls; superb connectivity with four HDMI and one PC input; attractive, understated design.

The bad: Very expensive; picture washes out and discolors from off-angle; some blooming effects in high-contrast scenes; screen reflects ambient light.

The bottom line: Samsung's LED-backlit LN46A950 represents the peak of flat-panel LCD performance and picture quality, with a price to match.

Read ZDNet's full review

Price range: $3,499.98 - $3,499.99

Thecus N3200

Editors' rating: 4

The good: Excellent read and write performance; flexible RAID configurations; capability to mount ISO files; eSATA port; supports up to six USB devices at a time; LCD for quick management; runs cool and quiet.

The bad: Bundled backup software is worthless; inconvenient initial setup; takes a long time to build a RAID 5 setup; requires screwdriver to install hard drives; short one-year warranty.

The bottom line: If you can get by the lackluster bundled software, the empty three-bay Thecus N3200 offers much to like, including lightning-fast throughput (even in RAID 5) and a useful feature set that will appeal to home and small office users alike.

Read ZDNet's full review

Price: About $330