Hardware Reviews

The Dell Studio XPS SX8100-1408NBC will satisfy most mainstream consumers with its capability to handle typical computing tasks from photo editing to modest PC gaming. While other PCs in this price range may perform better with apps that target multicore CPUs, this Dell offers everything we expect in a desktop for day-to-day use.

The Sony BDV-E770W is one of the best Blu-ray home theater systems we've tested, with excellent sound quality, tons of streaming-media options, 3D compatibility, and wireless rear speakers. The lack of HDMI inputs is the only big omission.

The Jays A-Jays Three earphones look good and sound impressive for the price, but not all genres of music perform equally, and comfort will no doubt be a problem for some.

Though the DSS has its moments of excellence, most are less than stellar. Factoring in the clutter associated with setting up such a device, we think gamers who are passionate about surround sound are better off buying something that natively supports that feature.

The Just5 J509 is perfect for cell phone beginners.

The Dell Streak is the first Android tablet worth taking seriously, though its size puts it on the fence between tablets and smartphones.

An impressively designed surprise, the Samsung Q430-11 is a feature-packed, fast laptop that looks more expensive than it is.

The Toshiba Satellite A665-S6050 is a smart choice for home use thanks to its outstanding audio output, Intel Wireless Display, and roomy 16-inch display.

The HP Pavilion p6510y midtower desktop is a solid computer that makes quick work in a multitasking environment thanks to its quad-core AMD CPU, and the external connections give video editors the upper hand in terms of speed and versatility. The p6510y deserves our recommendation, but if Photoshop and Dreamweaver aren't part of your daily routine, you can trade the HP's multicore speed for extra hard-drive space and save a couple bucks with a competing Asus system.

The HP Pavilion dv5-2045dx is a respectable mainstream laptop, but it's only a good deal if you need Microsoft Office and antivirus software.

A welcome change of pace from the usual glossy plastic and brushed-metal laptop styles, the bamboo-clad Asus U33Jc-A1 looks great and also packs in some very useful technology.

Apple's Magic Trackpad offers all the functionality of a MacBook clickpad in a standalone Bluetooth device. For most people, however, it's not worth the pricey upgrade over an existing mouse.

If your laptop isn't equipped with an HDMI port, the Warpia Wireless system is worth checking out if you're trying to get audio and video from a laptop to your HDTV.

With Windows 7 Professional and built-in WiMax, the Dell i14R-2265MRB is a retail laptop angling for the professional market, and as such might be a good option for a budget small-business machine.

The Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Desk is the largest single-volume external hard drive on the market and has arguably the best combination of design, performance, and storage capacity.

We'd like the attractive and affordable Dell Inspiron iM501R-1212PBL more if it wasn't so slow and squeaky.

With its decent midrange feature set and eye-catching design, the LG dLite is a wonderfully girly phone that would appeal to the young, or just the young at heart.

The Sharp FX has plenty of multimedia features and additional services to occupy socialites and text-happy users, but mediocre call quality and some usability flaws keep it from fulfilling its complete potential.

The Dell Studio s1558-5691MSL offers a little more for your money than competing laptops, though it's a bit bulky and short on battery life for a day in a backpack.