Rand McNally GPS Navigator

Product summary

The good: The Rand McNally GPS Navigator comes with maps preloaded on an SD card and includes preprogrammed trips with staff-recommended attractions. The unit also provides accurate directions and has a built-in MP3 player.

The bad: The 3D map screen and interface can be a bit confusing. The POI database is also slightly outdated.

The bottom line: The Rand McNally GPS Navigator is a nice portable navigation system for those who love road tripping, but its maps and interface could use refinement.

Specs: Product type: GPS receiver; GPS receiver: 20 channel; Destination: Automotive See full specs >>

Price range: $249.99 - $359.99

Philips HTS6500

Product summary

The good: The Philips HTS6500 is a high-style virtual-surround home-theater system that offers upscaling DVD playback via its HDMI output. In addition to DVDs and CDs, it plays a wide variety of file formats including DivX; MPEG-1, -2, and -4; MP3; WMA; and JPEG files. Front-panel USB and mini-jack inputs offer easy hook-ups for portable music players.

The bad: The HTS6500's passive subwoofer lacks precision and punch, and you can't independently control the subwoofer's volume. Sound customization options are very limited. The virtual-surround effect doesn't match the surround-sound capabilities of a true 5.1-channel setup. The remote control can't be programmed to control other devices such as your TV.

The bottom line: The unremarkable sound quality of the Philips HTS6500 is outweighed by its winning combination of slick aesthetics, impressive features, and affordable pricing.

Specs: Product type: Home theater system; Components: DVD player,; Speaker system; DVD type: DVD player See full specs >>

Price range: $249.88 - $345.99

JVC TH-L1 - home theater speaker system

Product summary

The good: Tiny bookshelf-size home theater in a box; numerous connectivity options including two HDMI inputs that support up to 1080p; USB port for digital media; iPod audio and video playback; attractive price point.

The bad: No built-in DVD player; small speakers and relatively low wattage limit power and sound quality; supports only three concurrent AV sources; no HDMI up-conversion for analog video sources; USB mode requires you to select the type of media before you play it; new iPods will only be able to play audio through the unit.

The bottom line: While the sound isn't overpowering, the wealth of connectivity options and features bundled into the JVC TH-L1 home theater in a box makes it well worth the inexpensive price tag.

Specs: Product type: Speakers; Speaker system output power: 40 Watt,; 100 Watt; Remote control type: Remote control (Infrared) See full specs >>

Price range: $269.95 - $299.99

TiVo HD (20 HD hours)

Product summary

The good: Includes nearly all the features of previous Series3 model at a lower price; can record two HD programs simultaneously while playing back a third, previously recorded one; accepts cable TV and over-the-air signals; 30-second commercial skip; excellent user-friendly interface and remote; impressive Internet and home-networking features, including downloadable Amazon Unbox and TiVoCast videos, Rhapsody subscription music service, online scheduling, photo and music streaming; recent firmware update adds cool TiVo To Go and Multi-Room Viewing features; TiVo To Go transfers recordings to PCs and portable devices; able to download and view most standard digital video file formats from networked PCs (with premium Desktop Plus PC software).

The bad: Requires monthly fee in addition to cable bill; sluggish transitions between menu screens; does not work with video-on-demand and switched digital video services; must program 30-second skip; no picture-in-picture; TiVo To Go requires long, slow transfer and transcoding times; some premium features (Unbox, Rhapsody, Desktop Plus, Wi-Fi adapter, expandable storage) require additional one-time expenses or subscription fees.

The bottom line: 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.

Specs: Remote control type: Remote control; See full specs >>

Price range: $249.99 - $299.99

Apple TV (40GB)

Product summary

The good: Sleek external design and elegant user interface; simple, streamlined setup; streams music and video files purchased from the iTunes Store and free videos from YouTube; capable of HD video output; includes state-of-the-art 802.11n wireless networking while maintaining backwards compatibility with older Wi-Fi and wired networks; smooth, hiccup-free streaming.

The bad: Only streams iTunes and YouTube content; current crop of iTunes movies and TV shows look much worse on a big-screen TV; no HD content on iTunes Store; no support for surround sound audio tracks; can't connect to older non-wide-screen TVs; oversimplified remote can't control other devices; no ability to purchase iTunes Store content directly through Apple TV; no A/V cables included; no Internet radio support.

The bottom line: Although the current lack of high-quality video at the iTunes Store is a major shortcoming, the Apple TV delivers a simple and elegant streaming media solution.

Specs: Remote control type: Remote control (Infrared); Weight: 2.3 lbs; See full specs >>

Price range: $229.00 - $409.99

Samsung HT-X70

Product summary

The good: Home theater in a box with integrated AV receiver/five-disc DVD changer; HDMI output with upscaling to up to 1080i; single HDMI input to connect a high-def source; stylish design with small speakers; XM-ready.

The bad: Sounds better with movies than with music; no automatic speaker calibration; can't browse iPod with onscreen menus; no analog video inputs

The bottom line: The Samsung HT-X70 is stylish and has a great feature set for the price, but it sounds better on movies than with music.

Specs: Product type: Home theater system; Components: Speaker system,; DVD changer / AV receiver; DVD type: DVD changer See full specs >>

Price range: $319.99 - $399.99

Parrot BOOMBOX speaker

Product summary

The good: Attractively designed wireless speaker is Bluetooth compatible, which allows you to stream stereo music from any A2DP-enabled Bluetooth audio source; built-in amplifier; decent sound; stereo line input provides compatibility with non-Bluetooth devices; upgradeable firmware.

The bad: Streaming wirelessly from an iPod requires an optional dongle; Bluetooth pairing can be a finicky process; single cabinet design limits stereo separation.

The bottom line: The Parrot Boombox wireless Bluetooth speaker system ably combines elegant design, minimalist aesthetics, and better-than-average sound quality at an affordable price.

Specs: Type of speaker: speaker; Dimensions (WxDxH): 16.9 in x 8.9 in x 5.9 in; Color: Black See full specs >>

Price range: $279.99

Sony DVP-FX810

Product summary

The good: The affordable and sleekly designed Sony DVP-FX810 has an 8-inch swivel screen and strong battery life. It also offers dual headphone jacks, an A/V input/output, and MP3/photo CD compatibility.

The bad: The screen coating causes a noticeable glare, and the picture quality is merely average.

The bottom line: The Sony DVP-FX810 may not offer a great picture, but its sleek design, above-average battery life, and affordable price make it an attractive value in the portable DVD category.

Specs: DVD type: DVD player; Form factor: Portable; Remote control type: Remote control See full specs >>

Price range: $168.99 - $189.99

Roku SoundBridge M1000/M1001

Product summary

The good: The Roku SoundBridge M1000 is a network audio receiver that offers a sleek attractive design, bright front-panel display, and excellent compatibility with digital music files, including DRM WMA files purchased from online music stores and premium subscription services such as Rhapsody and Yahoo. Digital and analog outputs provide connectivity to any stereo or speaker system, and it will work with any wireless or Ethernet home network. Setup and navigation are simple and straightforward, and it can stream music from Windows or Mac systems.

The bad: While it seamlessly interfaces with iTunes software running on a networked PC, the Roku SoundBridge can't stream secure AAC files purchased from iTunes store. It can connect to WEP-encrypted wireless networks but not those running WPA. Also, its screen can be hard to read at a distance.

The bottom line: Striking looks, easy setup, excellent compatibility, and an improved design put the Roku SoundBridge at the forefront of the digital audio receiver category.

Specs: Product type: Network audio player; Sound output mode: Stereo; Network player: Network audio player - AAC, MP3, WAV, WMA, AIFF, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis See full specs >>

Price range: $132.99 - $179.99

Logitech Harmony 550

Product summary

The good: Better shape than previous Harmony remotes; strong backlight; choice between device or activity usage; intuitive, Web-based programming.

The bad: No rechargeable battery option; numeric keypad buttons are too small and grouped too closely together; Web interface might intimidate nontechie users.

The bottom line: The PC-programmable Logitech Harmony 550 universal remote control offers a sleek design, an impressive feature set, and a manageable price tag.

Specs: Remote control technology: Infrared; Supported devices: TV,; DVR,; VCR,; DVD player,; Audio system; Remote control features: Learning, LCD display, Back-lit buttons See full specs >>

Price range: $87.99 - $149.99

Belkin TuneStage II

Product summary

The good: Wirelessly transmits iPod music to your home stereo; lets you use an iPod interface to navigate your music; Bluetooth 2.0 digital audio transmission is free of distortion and interference; ultrasimple setup and operation; compatible with other Bluetooth audio devices; passthrough USB port allows for iPod recharging without interrupting playback.

The bad: Transmitter contributes to iPod battery drain; no digital output.

The bottom line: The Belkin TuneStage 2 transforms your iPod into a wireless music jukebox that works with any home stereo system.

Specs: Color: Black; See full specs >>

Price range: $79.97 - $164.97

Boston Acoustics Recepter radio (charcoal)

Product summary

The good: High-end tabletop clock radio; excellent AM and FM reception; 20 station presets; dual alarms; auxiliary line-in (doubles as an iPod speaker).

The bad: Mono-only sound; no battery back-up.

The bottom line: With its deep and detailed sound, the Boston Acoustics Recepter may well be the world's best tabletop clock radio.

Specs: Device type: Clock radio; Tuner bands: AM/FM; Weight: 4 lbs See full specs >>

Price range: $99.99 - $149.00

Sling Media Slingbox A/V

Product summary

The good: Streams home A/V sources to any broadband-connected Mac, Windows PC, Windows Mobile, or Palm Treo 700p device in the world; no host PC or monthly charges required; simple, straightforward setup; excellent, easy-to-use software; controls almost all cable and satellite boxes and DVRs; excellent video quality over LAN, decent video quality over the Internet.

The bad: Cellphone/PDA viewing software costs extra; no built-in wireless networking support; monopolizes the attached device during viewing; lack of pass-through outputs may require cable splitters or dual-output A/V sources; Palm viewing software works only on Treo 700p.

The bottom line: The Slingbox A/V is the best way to stream your home TV programming to an increasingly wide variety of broadband-connected computers and smart phones.

Price range: $99.99 - $149.00

Cowon D2 (4GB, red)

Product summary

The good: The Cowon D2 MP3 player offers a sleek and compact design dominated by a lovely, touch-sensitive screen. The device is packed with almost every feature in the book, including video playback, voice recording, and an FM tuner. The D2 comes with a handy stylus/kickstand, and the sound quality is great.

The bad: The Cowon D2 is pricier than similarly featured MP3 players, and it's a bit heavy. The touch interface won't appeal to all users, specifically active ones.

The bottom line: If you can get on board with the Cowon D2's PDA-like touch screen interface, the reward is great-sounding audio, a smorgasbord of features, and a fantastic battery life.

Specs: Device type: Digital player / radio; See full specs >>

Price range: $159.99 - $164.95

Shure SE310 Sound Isolating Earphones (white)

Product summary

The good: The Shure SE310 earphones sound fantastic, and the durable cable features a modular design that accommodates two lengths for wear. The variety of eartips ensures that you can create an effective seal within the ear, letting you block out ambient noise and listen to your music at a lower volume (which protects your hearing).

The bad: The Shure SE310s are expensive, and some users may find the earplug-like fit uncomfortable.

The bottom line: If you're looking for a premium listening experience, check out the Shure SE310 Sound Isolating Earphones. They sound fantastic and will probably outlast your MP3 player.

Specs: Product type: Headphones; Design: In-ear ear-bud; Color: Black See full specs >>

Price range: $249.00 - $299.99

Archos 605 WiFi (160GB)

Product summary

The good: With top-notch video resolution, incredible viewing angles, and integrated support for wireless movie downloads, the Archos 605 WiFi is the best of its breed.

The bad: Battery life is only average. Many users will need to shell out extra for software and hardware accessories they'll wish were included.

The bottom line: The Archos 605 WiFi portable video player is one of the best mobile distractions money can buy.

Specs: Device type: Digital AV player; Dimensions (WxDxH): 4.8 in x 0.8 in x 3.2 in; Display type: TFT 4.3 in - Color See full specs >>

Price range: $399.99

Apple iPod Nano (third generation, 8GB, red)

Product summary

The good: The third-generation iPod Nano offers crisp, bright video playback, an exceptionally thin all-metal body, above-average battery life, built-in games, and an advanced user interface.

The bad: We're not crazy about the wider body, the smaller scroll wheel, the lack of video output, and the average-sounding audio quality.

The bottom line: The shape may have changed, but Apple's relentless attention to detail remains. The third generation of the iPod Nano provides loads of entertainment for a down-to-earth price.

Specs: Device type: Portable media center; Dimensions (WxDxH): 2 in x 0.3 in x 2.8 in; Display type: LCD 2.0 in See full specs >>

Price range: $199.00

Apple iPod Classic (160GB, black)

Product summary

The good: The iPod Classic is just like the fifth-generation iPod with video, only slimmer, tougher, and injected with a more visually rich graphical user interface.

The bad: Video output now requires a proprietary cable; audio quality has not improved; some older iPod video accessories may not be compatible; users are required to use the latest version of iTunes, which may not work on some older computer systems.

The bottom line: The iPod Classic is a refinement of the formula that put the iPod on the map. Few can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and advanced user interface.

Specs: Device type: Portable media center; Dimensions (WxDxH): 2.4 in x 0.6 in x 4.1 in; Display type: LCD 2.5 in See full specs >>

Price range: $330.49 - $411.99

Mio DigiWalker C230

Product summary

The good: The Mio DigiWalker C230 portable navigation system offers text-to-speech functionality and an affordable price tag. Its screen is much improved over its predecessor's.

The bad: The onscreen keyboard is a bit cramped, and we wish there was an easier way to adjust the volume.

The bottom line: With an improved display and the addition of text-to-speech functionality, the Mio DigiWalker C230 is a solid and affordable entry-level portable navigation system for GPS newbies.

Specs: Product type: GPS receiver; GPS receiver: 20 channel; Destination: Automotive See full specs >>

Price range: $164.99 - $224.99

Magellan Maestro 4040

Product summary

The good: The Magellan Maestro series of in-car GPS devices features an updated and sleeker design and interface with a spacious 4.3-inch touch screen. All models offer useful information on points of interest from the American Automobile Association. In addition, the Maestro 4040 has integrated Bluetooth and text-to-speech functionality, while the Maestro 4050 adds real-time traffic alerts and voice commands.

The bad: During our road tests, the Maestro 4040 was a little slow to recalculate routes. The Bluetooth pairing process was also a bit difficult,and you can't transfer contacts from your phone to the Maestro 4040.

The bottom line: Sporting a sleeker design and interface, the affordable Magellan Maestro series offers drivers an accurate in-car GPS device with useful trip information, thanks to its partnership with AAA.

Specs: Product type: GPS receiver; GPS receiver: 20 channel; Destination: Automotive See full specs >>

Price range: $298.06 - $499.98