Sunday, December 29, 2013

100 gadgets to consider, Cnet, 29 December 2013



Welcome to the CNET 100. This first-of-its-kind leaderboard tracks tech's hottest products using CNET's exclusive algorithm. Learn more about it here.
DECEMBER 2013
  1. Winner: An awesome unlocked phone
    GOOGLE NEXUS 5
    1
    1
    1

    Winner: An awesome unlocked phone

    Strong performance, high-end specs, and an ultra-affordable price make the Google Nexus 5 not just the best unlocked phone on the market, but the best Nexus phone by far.
  2. Thinner, faster iPad Air
    2
    5
    2
    3

    Thinner, faster iPad Air

    With faster performance and sleeker design, the new iPad Air is quite simply the best full-size consumer tablet on the market.
  3. Everyman's smartphone
    3
    0
    3
    6

    Everyman's smartphone

    Samsung's Galaxy S4 delivers the goods, with a clear 5-inch screen, zippy quad-core processor, and sharp 13-megapixel camera.
  4. Affordable TV, amazing picture
    4
    2
    4
    4

    Affordable TV, amazing picture

    The midlevel price and outstanding quality of the Panasonic TC-PST60 series make it our strongest TV recommendation ever. But it won't be around for long.
  5. Best Android tablet gets better
    5
    0
    5
    7

    Best Android tablet gets better

    There are three main reasons the Nexus 7 is tops: its gorgeous screen, regular Android OS updates, and its bang-for-your-buck value, making it the best Android tablet you can buy.
  6. Sony PlayStation 4
    6
    6
    2

    Sony PlayStation 4

    The PlayStation 4's beautiful graphics, blazing interface, and near-perfect controller make it a worthy successor to the PS3, but it might be wise to wait.
  7. Superb blend of phone, tablet in one
    7
    -6
    1
    10

    Superb blend of phone, tablet in one

    Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 is the best super-size phablet device we've ever wrapped our hands around.
  8. iPad Mini with Retina
    8
    8
    9

    iPad Mini with Retina

    The new iPad Mini shrinks the iPad Air into an even more compact package, sacrificing nearly nothing, making it the perfect smaller tablet.
  9. Apple iPhone 5S
    9
    -7
    2
    16

    Apple iPhone 5S

    The iPhone 5S is not a required upgrade, but it's easily the fastest and most advanced Apple smartphone to date.
  10. LG's top-notch Android powerhouse
    10
    -6
    4
    29

    LG's top-notch Android powerhouse

    Equipped with a sizable screen, a 13-megapixel camera packed with editing features, and a lightning-fast processor, the unique-looking G2 doesn't shy away from high-powered specs.
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CNET 100 (2013)
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About the new CNET 100

We built a one-of-its-kind leaderboard that tracks tech's hottest products. Each month, we'll tell you which gadget stars are rising, which are falling, and which dominate the tech universe.
  1. Apple TV
    11
    4
    11
    28

    Apple TV

    While it's still a step behind the Roku 3, the Apple TV is an excellent streaming box, especially for those invested in the Apple ecosystem.
  2. IdeaPad Yoga 2 Pro
    12
    12
    8

    IdeaPad Yoga 2 Pro

    The Yoga 2 Pro is a better laptop than tablet, but it adds a future-proof, better-than-HD display to what was already our favorite Windows 8 hybrid.
  3. Roku 3
    13
    4
    13
    31

    Roku 3

    The Roku 3 is the best streaming-video box yet, with tons of content sources, lightning-fast performance, and an innovative remote with built-in headphone jack.
  4. Microsoft Surface Pro 2
    14
    0
    14
    19

    Microsoft Surface Pro 2

    Improved battery life and better accessories make the Surface Pro 2 a worthwhile (albeit pricey) laptop replacement, but it's still not an iPad-level category killer.
  5. HTC One
    15
    -3
    12
    14

    HTC One

    A few quibbles notwithstanding, the powerhouse HTC One is a beautifully crafted, near-ideal smartphone.
  6. GoPro Hero3
    16
    10
    16
    63

    GoPro Hero3

    The faster, more powerful Black Edition of the GoPro Hero3 series is easily the best sports camera on the market today.
  7. Kindle Fire HDX 8.9
    17
    17
    15

    Kindle Fire HDX 8.9

    Improving on everything we liked about the HDX 7, the 8.9 version isn't just a great value, it sets the standard for consumer tablets.
  8. Microsoft Xbox One
    18
    18
    5

    Microsoft Xbox One

    Xbox One goes beyond gaming with its ambitious live TV integration, but its higher price and shaky voice control hold it back.
  9. Fitbit Force
    19
    -10
    9
    40

    Fitbit Force

    The Fitbit Force leaps to the top of the fitness tracker heap, with a bright screen, comfortable fit, and a bevy of slick features.
  10. Asus RT-AC68U router
    20
    -1
    19
    26

    Asus RT-AC68U router

    This spendy router is worth every penny thanks to its stellar performance, solid build, and bounty of useful features.
  1. Apple MacBook Pro with Retina
    21
    -11
    10
    35

    Apple MacBook Pro with Retina

    This revamp adds modest upgrades for modest improvements, but price cuts to both size models sweeten the deal.
  2. Google Chromecast
    22
    9
    22
    20

    Google Chromecast

    The Chromecast stick is a cheap and easy way to add streaming video and music to your TV, but Roku boxes still do more.
  3. Samsung Galaxy S3
    23
    -3
    20
    64

    Samsung Galaxy S3

    Pumped with high-performing hardware and creative software features, the Galaxy S3 is an excellent, top-end phone that's neck and neck with the HTC One X.
  4. Apple iPad Mini
    24
    6
    24
    43

    Apple iPad Mini

    If you want the full, polished Apple tablet experience in a smaller package, the iPad Mini is worth the premium price. Otherwise, good alternatives are available for less money.
  5. Panasonic TC-P42S60
    25
    8
    25
    13

    Panasonic TC-P42S60

    The Panasonic TC-PS60 plasma TV's low price, high-end picture quality, and bare-bones Smarts make it one of the best values we've ever seen.
  6. Motorola Droid Maxx
    26
    -10
    16
    12

    Motorola Droid Maxx

    If you can get past its steep price, the massive-screened Motorola Droid Maxx is currently Verizon’s best Android smartphone.
  7. Kindle Fire HDX 7
    27
    -19
    8
    25

    Kindle Fire HDX 7

    Armed with a powerful processor and Amazon's exhaustive content library, the Kindle Fire HDX delivers incredible value for its price.
  8. Bose SoundLink Mini
    28
    6
    28
    41

    Bose SoundLink Mini

    The Bose SoundLink Mini is one of few standout products in the ultracompact wireless speaker category, featuring top-notch design and great sound for its size.
  9. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
    29
    -16
    13
    58

    Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

    While the "all-new" Paperwhite may seem like an unspectacular upgrade on the surface, it's a clear improvement over the original Paperwhite and arguably the best e-reader currently available.
  10. Samsung UN46F8000
    30
    6
    30
    18

    Samsung UN46F8000

    The excellent yet expensive Samsung UNF8000 is a tour de force of LED LCD TV design, features, and picture quality.
  1. Google Nexus 10
    31
    -6
    25
    11

    Google Nexus 10

    The Nexus 10's superior design and swift performance make it one of the best Android tablets to date.
  2. Motorola Moto X
    32
    -10
    22
    39

    Motorola Moto X

    The Moto X's screen quality and storage capacity lag behind rival phones, but its superb design, voice controls, and long battery life make it a ...
  3. Apple MacBook Air
    33
    -10
    23
    21

    Apple MacBook Air

    Apple keeps the latest updates on the inside, but greatly improved battery life and a lower price make up for a lack of flashy design changes.
  4. Sony STR-DN840
    34
    5
    34
    37

    Sony STR-DN840

    The Sony STR-DN840 is by far the best AV receiver value of the year, offering tons of wireless connectivity and six HDMI inputs for well under $500.
  5. Jawbone Up24
    35
    35
    42

    Jawbone Up24

    If having a screen or Android support isn't a priority, the Jawbone Up24's superb app, clever advice, and comfy fit are hard to resist.
  6. Microsoft Surface 2
    36
    1
    36
    30

    Microsoft Surface 2

    The Surface 2 is great for getting work done, but those looking for extensive app support (beyond Office) will prefer top Apple, Android, and Amazon tablets.
  7. Apple iPhone 5
    37
    -9
    28
    72

    Apple iPhone 5

    The iPhone 5 completely rebuilds the iPhone on a framework of new features and design, addressing its major previous shortcomings. It's absolutely the best iPhone ...
  8. Ativ Book 9 Plus
    38
    5
    38
    23

    Ativ Book 9 Plus

    The Samsung Ativ Book 9 is an all-around excellently made Windows touch ultrabook, though it's on the expensive side and doesn't convert to a ...
  9. Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
    39
    -28
    11
    24

    Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1

    The improved S Pen goes a long way to making this high-end tablet worth the extra cost, but if you're not sold on the stylus, it's easy to find a better deal.
  10. Samsung UN50F6300
    40
    55
    40
    17

    Samsung UN50F6300

    Although its picture quality falls short of the competition, the Samsung UNF6300's high-end features and design for a midrange price will win plenty of converts.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013
SEE THE GUIDE
  1. http://i.i.cbsi.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim2/2013/10/30/Bose_Bluetooth_Speaker_35781779_08_620x433_300x214.jpg
    Editors' top holiday picks
    Our experts rounded up a sweet list of gadgets you can't possibly go wrong with.Read more
  2. http://i.i.cbsi.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim2/2013/05/14/03Panasonic_TC-PZT60_35564328_35567247_300x214.jpg
    Best-looking TVs
    When price is no object and you want the best picture you can get, these TVs are just what the doctor ordered. Read more
  3. http://i.i.cbsi.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim2/2013/11/06/Amazon-Kindle-Fire-HDX_8point9-35828168-6501_300x214.jpg
    Top holiday tablet picks
    This is it. The very best tablets you can buy this holiday season. Read more
  1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones
    41
    4
    41
    54

    Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones

    These headphones are among the best available for less than $200, offering excellent sound and build quality.
  2. Samsung Galaxy Tab 3
    42
    4
    42
    46

    Samsung Galaxy Tab 3

    It costs a bit more than we'd like, but the Galaxy Tab 3 is Samsung’s best non-Note tablet yet.
  3. Panasonic TC-P55VT60
    43
    5
    43
    34

    Panasonic TC-P55VT60

    The Panasonic VT60 has one of the best pictures of any TV we've ever reviewed, and matches the best-ever in dark rooms.
  4. Canon PowerShot SX280 HS
    44
    6
    44
    48

    Canon PowerShot SX280 HS

    Wi-Fi connectivity and a new processor help make Canon's PowerShot SX280 HS one of the top compact megazooms available. But you'd better load up on batteries.
  5. Vizio E550i-A0
    45
    42
    45
    22

    Vizio E550i-A0

    The Vizio E series offers picture quality nearing the more expensive M series and is a very good choice if you value its Smarts and styling.
  6. Canon EOS Rebel T3i
    46
    14
    46
    57

    Canon EOS Rebel T3i

    For the money, the Canon EOS Rebel T3i is a great choice for dSLR videographers--though the cheaper T2i can still suffice if you don't need ...
  7. Microsoft Xbox 360 E
    47
    18
    47
    73

    Microsoft Xbox 360 E

    The Xbox 360 remains a great video and gaming console, but fans will be better served by older 360 bundles or the Xbox One.
  8. Vizio M551d-A2R
    48
    28
    48
    27

    Vizio M551d-A2R

    The Vizio M-Series offers a potent combination of excellent design, decent picture quality, and a pocket-friendly price.
  9. Vizio E701i-A3
    49
    49
    52

    Vizio E701i-A3

    The Vizio E701i-A3 is an outstanding value as the least expensive LED TV of its size that also offers Smart TV.
  10. Asus Transformer Book T100
    50
    50
    47

    Asus Transformer Book T100

    The Asus Transformer Book T100 revives the Netbook value proposition (and Netbook usability issues) in a budget-price 10-inch laptop that doubles as a tablet.
  1. Bose SoundLink Bluetooth speaker
    51
    7
    51
    62

    Bose SoundLink Bluetooth speaker

    While the SoundLink Bluetooth Mobile Speaker II may no longer be in a group by itself, it's still near the top of the class.
  2. Officejet Pro 8600 Plus
    52
    -11
    41
    61

    Officejet Pro 8600 Plus

    If you can find a desk to accommodate its large size, this HP all-in-one printer serves up top-shelf output quality at rapid print speeds.
  3. Nikon D5200
    53
    10
    53
    32

    Nikon D5200

    The Nikon D5200 makes a great choice for family and vacation photographers.
  4. Nokia Lumia 1520
    54
    54
    56

    Nokia Lumia 1520

    Though it lacks some features found in its big phone rivals, the Nokia Lumia 1520 is a great buy for Windows Phone fans seeking a supersize smartphone with premium hardware.
  5. Samsung Galaxy Note 2
    55
    -23
    32
    89

    Samsung Galaxy Note 2

    Samsung delivers a powerful, boundary-pushing device that gets a lot right. Yet its complicated features and high price raise questions about its purpose.
  6. Sonos Play:1
    56
    -35
    21
    83

    Sonos Play:1

    The Sonos Play:1 finally brings the company's wireless audio magic to the masses, in a fantastically designed compact speaker that's just $199.
  7. Apple iPhone 5C
    57
    -39
    18
    70

    Apple iPhone 5C

    The iPhone 5C is a great $99 phone that basically replicates the well-reviewed iPhone 5 in a more colorful case.
  8. Nokia Lumia 1020
    58
    -23
    35
    66

    Nokia Lumia 1020

    Avid mobile photographers will love the Nokia Lumia 1020's exact controls, but casual users should stick to cheaper camera phones.
  9. Sony HT-CT260
    59
    59
    50

    Sony HT-CT260

    The Sony HT-CT260 is our go-to budget sound bar pick, with excellent sound quality, built-in Bluetooth, an adaptable design, and no major missteps.
  10. Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13
    60
    -16
    44
    80

    Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13

    The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 is a convertible touch-screen laptop/tablet that most importantly doesn't compromise the traditional laptop experience.
EDITORS' PICKS
  1. http://i.i.cbsi.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim2/2013/07/11/004Nokia_Lumia_1020_35822762_300x214.jpg
    Best cell phones
    Anyone looking for a new smartphone today has a shockingly good selection to choose from. Each one of these stellar smartphones is worth considering. Read more
  2. http://i.i.cbsi.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim2/2013/08/21/02Alienware_14_35826690_300x214.jpg
    Top laptops of all types
    These laptops are our favorites, thanks to their style, power, value, or overall features and performance. Read more
  3. http://i.i.cbsi.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2012/11/08/V-Moda_Crossfade_M-100__White_Silver_35512458_03_300x214.jpg
    The best headphones
    We've picked our five favorite sets of headphones across every style and category. Read more
  1. Nest Learning Thermostat
    61
    -21
    40
    100

    Nest Learning Thermostat

    The second generation of the energy-saving Nest Learning Thermostat puts this device even further ahead of the competition.
  2. Vizio E601i-A3
    62
    62
    53

    Vizio E601i-A3

    The Vizio E601i-A3 is the best value yet among big-screen LED TVs.
  3. Galaxy S4 Mini
    63
    63
    59

    Galaxy S4 Mini

    Its reliable specs and availability on four carriers make the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini an easy-to-find midtier buy, but you should also compare the S4 Mini ...
  4. Asus VivoBook X202E DH31T
    64
    -7
    57
    33

    Asus VivoBook X202E DH31T

    It's great to see more touch-screen Windows 8 laptops under $600, but note that the Asus X202E requires some compromises in performance and battery life.
  5. Canon EOS 70D
    65
    -27
    38
    90

    Canon EOS 70D

    An overall excellent camera, but one that fails to capture the best-in-class prize for image quality.
  6. Panasonic TC-L42E60
    66
    3
    66
    38

    Panasonic TC-L42E60

    Charging the right price for a very good picture, Panasonic's E60 LED LCD is one of the best values available among midrange TVs.
  7. Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat
    67
    -16
    51
    91

    Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat

    It can compete directly with the Nest Learning Thermostat on features, but it doesn't match the Nest's intuitive design.
  8. Sony KDL-55W900A
    68
    12
    68
    55

    Sony KDL-55W900A

    The Sony W900A is a fine high-end LED LCD television, with excellent color performance and deep black levels.
  9. Sony Vaio Tap 11
    69
    -27
    42
    65

    Sony Vaio Tap 11

    Sony's thin, powerful Tap 11 tablet shows up the competition in terms of design. It's not ideal for everyone, but only a few tweaks away from being the runaway leader in this smallish category.
  10. Panasonic TC-P60ZT60
    70
    -4
    66
    45

    Panasonic TC-P60ZT60

    For those who can afford it, the Panasonic TC-PZT60 comes closer than any TV yet to picture-quality perfection.
  1. Apple iMac 2013
    71
    -44
    27
    93

    Apple iMac 2013

    Anyone who bought last year's redesigned iMac doesn't need to upgrade, but for owners of older models or anyone looking to switch, the latest ...
  2. Bose Solo TV sound system
    72
    72
    79

    Bose Solo TV sound system

    Although its sonic talents are comparatively modest, the Bose Solo is an exceedingly handsome and easy-to-use sound bar.
  3. Vizio S4251w-B4
    73
    73
    71

    Vizio S4251w-B4

    Vizio's S4251w-B4 sports rear speakers for unparalleled home theater sonics from a sound bar, although it has some quirks.
  4. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II
    74
    -27
    47
    69

    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II

    The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II's combination of looks, speed, flexibility, and photo quality makes it a great choice for enthusiasts who can afford the price tag.
  5. Bose QuietComfort 20
    75
    75
    85

    Bose QuietComfort 20

    The Bose QuietComfort 20 offers the best noise-canceling in an in-ear headphone and should tempt frequent travelers looking for a more compact alternative to a full-size NC headphone, such as the Bose QuietComfort 15.
  6. WD My Cloud
    76
    -47
    29
    76

    WD My Cloud

    For a low-cost entry-level network storage device, the WD My Cloud is very impressive both in performance and features, making it one of the best deals ...
  7. Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station
    77
    -24
    53
    88

    Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station

    Home users will love the new AirPort Extreme for its all-new elegant design, ease of use, and great performance.
  8. Asus RT-AC66U
    78
    -22
    56
    74

    Asus RT-AC66U

    The Asus RT-AC66U is an excellent router and is currently one of the best options among those that support the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard.
  9. Canon EOS Rebel T3
    79
    79
    68

    Canon EOS Rebel T3

    Though it's a perfectly fine entry-level camera, there are better options for the money than the Canon EOS Rebel T3.
  10. Samsung Galaxy S4 Active
    80
    -31
    49
    97

    Samsung Galaxy S4 Active

    Choose the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active for its sporty style, fast internals, and underwater camera fun, but pass if you're an image snob or seek a truly rugged phone.

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