Brenthaven MetroLite Backpack
Brenthaven MetroLite Backpack
Editors' rating: 4
The good: Fits 15.4-inch laptops, yet keeps a slender profile; red interior makes it easy to find objects inside the bag; thick, breathable padding on back panel; plenty of organizer pockets, including a designated pocket for AC adapter; top handle and wheeled luggage strap; lifetime warranty.
The bad: Slightly expensive; lacks external pockets for a cell phone or water bottle; does not expand to accommodate overstuffing.
The bottom line: With just enough room for a 15.4-inch laptop and a handful of accessories, the slender MetroLite Backpack may be the perfect bag for commuters.
2009 Infiniti FX50S AWD
2009 Infiniti FX50S AWD
Editors' rating: 4
The good: The 2009 Infiniti FX50S is surprisingly fast and nimble for a vehicle of its size. The Around View Camera makes short work of all but the tightest parking spots and rounds out an impressive safety tech package.
The bad: The power steering cuts out completely when the vehicle is stopped, making parallel parking difficult. Aggressive fuel cutoff makes manual shifting imprecise and, at times, scary. Fuel economy is low, even for a vehicle of this size.
The bottom line: The 2009 Infiniti FX50S will surprise you with its level of performance, the luxury of its cabin, and its very advanced cabin and safety tech. What you shouldn't be surprised by is the big SUV fuel economy.
Price range: starts at $56,700; review model cost $65,015
2009 Nissan 370Z
2009 Nissan 370Z
Editors' rating: 4
The good: With responsive steering, a short wheelbase, and its SynchroRev Matching feature on the manual transmission, the 2009 Nissan 370Z is an excellent car for cornering. An impressive hard-drive-based navigation system with traffic and onboard music storage is available.
The bad: Without cabin tech options, the stereo doesn't even play MP3 CDs. The engine sound grates at high rpms, and the fuel economy is weak.
The bottom line: A two-seater, the 2009 Nissan 370Z works best as a weekend sport driver and track day car, or, with the cabin tech package, a grand tourer good for short road trips.
Price range: We don't have full pricing information for the 2009 Nissan 370Z at this point, but the car should base at about $29,000. Expect to add around $2,500 for the navigation and Bose audio system, and probably a similar amount for the Sport package.
Sony Vaio LV180J
Sony Vaio LV180J
Editors' rating: 4
The good: TV-style input swapping lets you switch between Windows and HDMI components; 24-inch LCD; Blu-ray burner; wall-mountable; more connectivity options than other all-in-ones.
The bad: Puny hard drive for the price; not a great multitasker.
The bottom line: Sony's Vaio LV180J updates its digital-media-oriented all-in-one with a larger LCD, more powerful hardware, and an exceedingly smart method for switching between the Windows desktop and other components connected via the unique HDMI input. No other all-in-one can make as strong a claim as this one as a command center for your digital media.
Westone 3 True-Fit Earphones
Westone 3 True-Fit Earphones
Editors' rating: 4
The good: The Westone 3 True-Fit Earphones offer exceptional sound quality, useful accessories, and a durable design.
The bad: The Westone 3 True-Fit Earphones are expensive, and the earpieces are large and may not fit securely.
The bottom line: The Westone 3 True-Fit Earphones feature top-of-the-line sound to go with their top-of-the-line price tag; they should be a top choice for audiophiles who desire ultraportable headphones.
Price: $399
Lenovo ThinkPad USB Secure Hard Drive
Lenovo ThinkPad USB Secure Hard Drive
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: Easy-to-use security keypad; integrated USB cord; includes extra power plug; quick transfer speeds.
The bad: Boring design; no FireWire support; expensive cost per gigabyte.
The bottom line: We're impressed by the Lenovo ThinkPad USB Secure Hard Drive's burly security features and rigorous performance results, but the bloated price tag prevents us from recommending it to anyone other than business consumers. If you're shopping for an external hard drive, competing drives give you a cheaper cost per gigabyte in a fancier package.
Logitech diNovo Keyboard for Notebooks
Logitech diNovo Keyboard for Notebooks
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: Elegant finish; programmable shortcut keys; comfortable typing experience; easy plug-and-play design.
The bad: Expensive; lacks illuminated keys and integrated USB ports; no control over wrist angle.
The bottom line: The Logitech diNovo for Notebooks looks sexy and is comfortable for typing, but it's a pricey upgrade for a keyboard that lacks integrated USB ports and backlit keys.
Made Products Camera Armor Seattle Sling
Made Products Camera Armor Seattle Sling
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: Completely airtight dry bag; no zippers; adjustable padded gear box; comfortable; sturdy construction.
The bad: No closable pockets; strap can be worn on right shoulder only; not very quick or quiet during access; small storage area.
The bottom line: The Camera Armor Seattle Sling from Made Products is a truly waterproof camera bag, but you may find its small size constraining.
Magellan Maestro 4370
Magellan Maestro 4370
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: The Magellan Maestro 4370 provides easy access to favorite destinations via the new OneTouch interface. The GPS also offers a sharp display; text-to-speech directions; advanced lane guidance; integrated Bluetooth; and accurate directions.
The bad: Menu navigation can be a bit sluggish. Voice-guided directions are occasionally choppy, and your phone book's information isn't automatically transferred to the Maestro 4370 when connected via Bluetooth.
The bottom line: Despite a couple of minor performance issues, the Magellan Maestro 4370 offers convenience through its new OneTouch interface and also delivers with features and accurate directions.
Motorola i776
Motorola i776
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: The Motorola i776 offers satisfying call quality and the full slate of Nextel features in a compact, easy-to-use design.
The bad: The Motorola i776's volume level is rather low and its camera is low grade.
The bottom line: Though its volume could be just a bit louder, the Motorola i776 is a decent Nextel phone. Just don't buy it for its camera.
Psyclone TouchCharge Wireless Battery Charging Kit for Nintendo
Psyclone TouchCharge Wireless Battery Charging Kit for Nintendo Wii
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: Wirelessly charges Wii remote batteries with magnetic charge pad; LED light charge indicator; works with other console controllers.
The bad: Changes the overall shape of the Wii remote; a bit expensive.
The bottom line: The TouchCharge Kit is a hassle-free way to charge your Wii remotes and is recommended for anyone who wants to get rid of the wires associated with recharging controllers.
Price: around $50
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 (Silver)
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 (Silver)
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: Nice design; a lot of shooting and playback options; effective optical image stabilization; 28mm wide-angle lens with 5x zoom.
The bad: So-so photo quality.
The bottom line: The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 ranks above average on looks and features, but it doesn't quite match up on photo quality.
2009 Volkswagen CC VR6 Sport
2009 Volkswagen CC VR6 Sport
Editors' rating: 3.5
The good: The 2009 Volkswagen CC VR6 Sport is a really good-looking sedan with a luxurious interior. Its engine delivers power and good fuel economy, and the driving experience is smooth. The navigation system shows live traffic and the audio system is very clear.
The bad: The cabin electronics are beset by odd problems, such as difficulty copying music to the car's hard drive and a navigation system that can be hard to use.
The bottom line: A really beautiful sedan, the 2009 Volkswagen CC VR6 Sport returns decent fuel economy and a comfortable ride, but the cutting-edge cabin tech has a few faults, and the car is pricey.
Price range: base price is $38,300; review model cost $40,940