The Onkyo TX-SR805 is an all-around excellent AV receiver with plenty of audiophile appeal, but its less-than-ideal video performance may give HDTV aficionados a reason to hold out for higher-end alternatives.
The Panasonic CQ-C8305U performs the basic functions of a digital-age car stereo well with great audio-tweaking options, intuitive file and folder navigation, and a worthwhile iPod interface. The stereo's full-motion color display adds little to its usability or attractiveness and its Bluetooth is disappointing.
While the iHC5S tabletop clock radio incorporates some nice features that make it an intriguing choice for owners of Bluetooth-enabled cell phones with A2DP support, some usability issues and its overall flimsiness make it feel like more of a work in progress.
The JVC KD-PDR30 looks and sounds good, and its standard iPod connectivity will endear it to those looking to take their iTunes on the road. However, its lack of a decent search mechanism for navigating large iPod lists means that it fails one of its primary usability functions.
Steering clear of many of the pitfalls that sapped past video-on-demand broadband solutions, Vudu delivers the closest thing to "Netflix in a box" that we've seen to date.
While it's not compatible with your cable company's interactive and video-on-demand services, the TiVo HD's excellent onscreen interface and long list of network and Internet features puts it in a class above the generic high-def DVRs offered by most cable providers.
If you're not ready to get a high-def player, the Oppo DV-980H DVD player delivers excellent performance and an unparalleled feature set for the price.
Don't pick up a new, 802.11n-enabled AirPort Express if you're looking for superfast wireless networking performance. You should consider it, however, if you're in the market for a new Wi-Fi router that offers portability, ease of use, and the unique ability to stream iTunes over your network.
We like the Asus WL-500W for its wealth of unique features and its strong signal at long range, but its short-range throughput is substandard and there's no Gigabit Ethernet support. This is a good choice only for advanced users who will take advantage of some of router's USB features and aren't afraid to wade into those waters without help.
The D-Link DNS-323 2-Bay Network Storage Enclosure is a comprehensive solution to extend your network storage and functionality. It offers great performance and, despite its long list of features, remains very easy to use.
For those bemoaning the lack of network support on last year's innovative Drobo drive, DroboShare offers Gigabit Ethernet and as simple and straightforward a setup as we found with the direct-attached Drobo.
With the HP ProCurve 1700-24, small and medium-size businesses seeking a low-end network switch can get the basic features they need—though not much else—at a terrific price.
While the iLuv i399 is still a solid-sounding iPod speaker dock, we wish it had held on to some of the features the made the previous model such an excellent value.
While the Insignia wireless Bluetooth headphones may not excel in the design and performance departments, they offer a reasonable deal at this price point.
The Sony MDR-NC500D Digital Noise Canceling Headphones may lighten the wallet, but they are a great option for frequent fliers and tetchy commuters who need superior noise cancellation.
Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:49:00 PDT
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