User Rating:
Good: The Verykool Vortex comes unlocked, is affordable, and it's tough enough to stand up to dust and water.
Bad: Accessing the battery, SIM, and SD card through the waterproof seal takes a lot of effort. The phone's Android 4.0 operating system is outdated.
Bottom Line: At $280, the Vortex is a good deal for a rugged phone, but those looking for a high-end Android phone should look elsewhere. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: With an attractive $400 (or less) price, the Sony Alpha A3000 delivers excellent photo quality for the money.
Bad: It's slow, with a poor LCD and only slightly better EVF. Plus Sony doesn't include a charger, which may be an issue for some folks.
Bottom Line: If you're just looking for better photo quality than a point-and-shoot on a really tight budget, but not better performance, the Sony Alpha A3000 meets that criterion. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR has hobbyist-targeted features like manual controls, direct access to settings, and raw capture. Shooting performance and picture quality are excellent.
Bad: For those uninitiated with Fujifilm's EXR sensors, getting the best results can require a little extra effort. Similarly, its menus and controls can take some adjustment.
Bottom Line: If you crave a compact megazoom that gives you a lot of control over your results, look no further than the Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR has hobbyist-targeted features like manual controls, direct access to settings, and raw capture. Shooting performance and picture quality are excellent.
Bad: For those uninitiated with Fujifilm's EXR sensors, getting the best results can require a little extra effort. Similarly, its menus and controls can take some adjustment.
Bottom Line: If you crave a compact megazoom that gives you a lot of control over your results, look no further than the Fujifilm FinePix F900EXR. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Sharp Convection Grill Microwave R-820JS' convection function grills a good burger, and its lower wattage ensures that reheated leftovers won't get scorched.
Bad: Only about half of the presets work as expected.
Bottom Line: For $289, we expect all presets to function well and as only half of them do, the Sharp isn't a good value. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Panasonic NN-SD997S's impressive internal capacity will feed a large family and the sensor functions generally deliver. Also, its high wattage yields quick results.
Bad: The inverter technology claims to make "delicate foods" like eggs and fish better than its non-inverter competition. It didn't.
Bottom Line: If you're interested in the inverter tech angle, you may be disappointed. But if you don't expect to get artisanal omelets from a microwave, it's still a solid choice for a large, midprice countertop model. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: With 1,200 watts, the Amana AMC2166AS is a powerful countertop microwave capable of cooking foods a bit faster and more evenly than lower-wattage models. It's also the perfect microwave for popcorn lovers, as its 90-second preset will pop a bag to perfection.
Bad: Without convection fans, inverter tech, or any other real showcase features, the Amana lacks the bells and whistles you might expect from a $200+ microwave. It isn't the most exciting appliance to look at, either.
Bottom Line: This Amana is a perfectly fine appliance, but at this price, we expect a little more than just "fine." [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Samsung Galaxy Discover has Muve Music downloads, a removable battery, and an SD card slot.
Bad: The Discover suffers from slow processor and data speeds, short battery life, and poor call quality.
Bottom Line: The Samsung Galaxy Discover is an affordable prepaid Android choice, but weak call quality and short battery life make the Kyocera Hydro a better Cricket option. [Read more]