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

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

Velocity Micro Edge Z15

Editors' rating: 4

The good: Fast CPU and 3D-card combo; immaculate build quality; lots of room to upgrade.

The bad: Spare design may bore those looking for a flashy gaming PC; onsite support costs extra.

The bottom line: Velocity Micro's Edge Z15 represents one of the best deal's we've seen this year in midrange gaming PCs. It has all the power necessary to play current games (even Crysis) at smooth frame rates, and its clean, spacious interior gives you plenty of upgrade room. We recommend this system to any PC gamer looking for a sub-$2,000 desktop.

Read ZDNet's full review

Price range: $1,499.00