User Rating:
Good: An upscale 13-inch laptop to give even the MacBook Air a run for its money, Sony's Vaio Z is fast, slim, and light, and includes a docking station with an optical drive and discrete graphics.
Bad: Even though this updated version of the Vaio Z is less expensive than the previous model we reviewed, it's still a premium-priced laptop. We'd almost rather skip the GPU dock and hit a more ultrabook-style price.
Bottom Line: With slim 13-inch SSD laptops now well under $1,000, Sony's expensive, high-end Z series laptop is a tough sell, although the long-life slice battery and unique GPU/optical dock help make its case. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The HP ZR2740w's pixel-packing 2,560x1,440 resolution makes high-end PC games look incredible. The monitor also includes the full gamut of ergo options and plenty of USB ports. At $700, it's the cheapest way to get an extreme-definition (XD) monitor onto your desktop.
Bad: With no included OSD, picture customizations are limited to brightness. Also, a single DVI and one DisplayPort are all the connections you get.
Bottom Line: The HP ZR2740w sacrifices customization to deliver a powerful monitor at a reasonable price. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: A small, capable engine and mild hybrid system give the 2012 Buick LaCrosse excellent fuel economy. The Harman Kardon premium audio system produces very well-balanced, clean sound. A heads-up display shows vehicle speed and turn-by-turn directions.
Bad: Buick forces a choice between its hard-drive-based navigation system and its new IntelliLink voice command and app integration. Cornering is not the LaCrosse's forte.
Bottom Line: With a price around $30,000 and fuel economy around 30 mpg, the 2012 Buick LaCrosse represents luxury at a discount, but it still needs work on its cabin electronics integration. [Read more]