The HP Pavilion dv7-3065dx is a low-cost, big-screen laptop that will win you over with its Blu-ray player and pleasing design. It may lose you, however, when you hear its speakers.
Specs: AMD Turion X2 Ultra (2.4 GHz), 4 GB, 500 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 7.7 lbs, 17.3 in TFT active matrix
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We're fond of the Gateway DX4300-11's clever design, but halfhearted performance scores mar its overall worth. The TV tuner and 1TB hard drive may tempt you to stick it in your living room as a media center PC, but your money is better spent on the Asus Essentio CG5270-BP004.
Specs: AMD Phenom II X4 805 (2.5 GHz), 8 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 1 TB Standard, ATI Radeon HD 3200, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Media center
Maingear's Shift is the boutique vendor's new flagship gaming PC. It brings almost everything we expect to find in such a system, from expert craftsmanship to fast overclocking to a case that makes a statement. We found a few minor sticking points, but, on the whole, this PC sits comfortably alongside the top tier of luxury gaming boxes, and we recommend it if you have the means.
Specs: Intel Core i7 960 (3.86 GHz), 6 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 1500 GB Standard, 2x ATI Radeon HD 5870
With Blu-ray playback, a large screen and decent discrete graphics, the Sony Vaio FW560F/T is a very compelling sub-$1,000 multimedia notebook.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.13 GHz), 6 GB DDR II SDRAM, 500 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 6.9 lbs, 16.4 in TFT active matrix
Specs: Teen, Action
The BenQ V2400 Eco is a solid monitor that just can't compare with the best there is in price and performance.
Specs: LCD display / TFT active matrix, 24 in - Widescreen, 1920 x 1080, 0.276 mm, 5 ms
By itself, the Garmin Nuvi 1690 is merely a solidly performing GPS device, but it earns its keep through the free nuLink service, giving users easy access to up-to-the-minute data for safety, convenience, and entertainment.
Specs: Hiking, Automotive, Navigation instructions, Street name announcement, 6.2 oz
The X-Mini Max II Capsule Speaker is an excellent option for anyone looking for an ultraportable speaker that offers great sound quality at a very reasonable price.
As long as you're not looking for extremely long battery life, the HP Pavilion dv4-2045dx is a well-rounded mainstream budget laptop with above average looks and performance.
Specs: Intel Turion II mobile processor (2.2 GHz), 4 GB DDR II SDRAM, 320 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, 5.3 lbs, 14.1 in TFT active matrix
The GoPro HD Hero captures crisp HD video and offers users a great deal of flexibility of resolution and mounting options. However, some users may find it to be too complex for its two-button interface and tiny screen.
Specs: Compact, 5 megapixels
The Sony Vaio VGN-NW270F/S is a low-cost, Blu-ray-equipped laptop that makes a great choice for home use and, should you be willing to tote around a 15-inch machine, a decent choice as your everyday, take-it-with-you laptop.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.2 GHz), 4 GB DDR II SDRAM, 320 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 6.0 lbs, 15.5 in TFT active matrix
Massive case notwithstanding, the affordable Asus Essentio CG5270-BP004 delivers a competitive feature set with the horsepower to back it up. We recommend this system for light media editors and anyone who can make use of its straightforward performance and multipurpose features.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 (2.5 GHz), 8 GB DDR2 SDRAM, 1 TB Standard, Intel GMA X4500, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition, Personal computer
The Toshiba Satellite U505-S2870 is rather tank-like for a 13.3-inch thin-and-light. We'd be more willing to tote it around if its heavy-armor feel extended to the flimsy keyboard.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.13 GHz), 4 GB DDR II SDRAM, 500 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 13.3 in TFT active matrix
You can find a better-designed, longer-running, Blu-ray equipped 15.6-inch for less than the HP Pavilion dv6-1375dx.
Specs: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.13 MHz), 6 GB DDR3 SDRAM, 500 GB, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 6.4 lbs, 15.6 in TFT active matrix
Specs: Everyone 10 and older, Driving
Specs: Everyone 10 and older, Sports
The Nokia 6350 does the job as a phone for voice calls, but it doesn't measure up as a multimedia device.
Specs: WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900, Up to 252 min, With digital camera / digital player, 3.6 oz
