User Rating:
Good: The 2012 BMW 335i gets excellent efficiency from its 3-liter engine, helped by an eight-speed automatic. Cabin tech includes connected features, a very capable navigation system, and an impressive stereo.
Bad: Bad trim and option choices take much of the life out of the 335i, and interior options make the cabin beyond banal. The idle-stop feature makes the car stall when the engine is cold.
Bottom Line: As optioned, this example of a 2012 BMW 335i makes for an acceptable commuter car with some very advanced cabin tech features and good fuel economy, but a few different choices could turn it back into an ultimate driving machine. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Asus PA248Q offers very good performance, useful OSD features, ample ergonomic options, and an impressive assortment of connections. Its sub-$350 price is icing on an already tasty cake.
Bad: The monitor can't duplicate the high color performance of its predecessor.
Bottom Line: The Asus PA248Q is a low-priced IPS monitor that doesn't skimp on performance or features. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401dw's direct USB port, wireless connectivity, and remote printing features offer a variety of ways to interact with the printer.
Bad: HP Smart Install only works with Windows, and the flimsy touch-screen display impedes usability.
Bottom Line: The $399 HP LaserJet Pro 400 M401dw bundles all of HP's latest technologies into a tight package, but the 3.5-inch touch-screen display doesn't offer enough unique features to warrant the price jump to $400, especially compared with competing devices. Small businesses and home offices shopping for a reliable monochrome laser printer for quick prints should ignore the HP LaserJet M401dw's inflated price tag and look for a better deal. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The 3DS XL increases the 3DS' screens by 90 percent. It's a much more ergonomically friendly device, and the 3D effects seem to be easier to see. The XL also feels much sturdier, and the battery life is definitely better than on the original 3DS.
Bad: The XL still doesn't have a right circle pad. Its larger screens can cause some of the graphics to look a little pixelated and blurry. The 3DS still lacks a blockbuster game library. Transferring data from console to console is a bit tedious. The 3D effect is still very sensitive and easily becomes undone.
Bottom Line: While the 3DS XL is the better of the two, the omission of a right circle pad is really a missed opportunity. ALthough game selection is still relatively scarce, the 3DS is a solid portable gaming device but is probably not worth upgrading to if you own the original. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The 3DS XL increases the 3DS' screens by 90 percent. It's a much more ergonomically friendly device, and the 3D effects seem to be easier to see. The XL also feels much sturdier, and the battery life is definitely better than on the original 3DS.
Bad: The XL still doesn't have a right circle pad. Its larger screens can cause some of the graphics to look a little pixelated and blurry. The 3DS still lacks a blockbuster game library. Transferring data from console to console is a bit tedious. The 3D effect is still very sensitive and easily becomes undone.
Bottom Line: While the 3DS XL is the better of the two, the omission of a right circle pad is really a missed opportunity. ALthough game selection is still relatively scarce, the 3DS is a solid portable gaming device but is probably not worth upgrading to if you own the original. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The lightweight, well-built Think Tank Retrospective 7 is a good-looking midsize camera bag with flexible storage space and a separate padded pocket for an 11-inch laptop or tablet.
Bad: The bottom of the Retrospective 7 isn't very protected from water and wear and the bag has no small, zippered external pockets.
Bottom Line: For iPad-toting photographers looking for a simple compact shoulder bag, definitely put the Think Tank Retrospective 7 on your short list. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The lightweight, well-built Think Tank Retrospective 7 is a good-looking midsize camera bag with flexible storage space and a separate padded pocket for an 11-inch laptop or tablet.
Bad: The bottom of the Retrospective 7 isn't very protected from water and wear and the bag has no small, zippered external pockets.
Bottom Line: For iPad-toting photographers looking for a simple compact shoulder bag, definitely put the Think Tank Retrospective 7 on your short list. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The lightweight, well-built Think Tank Retrospective 7 is a good-looking midsize camera bag with flexible storage space and a separate padded pocket for an 11-inch laptop or tablet.
Bad: The bottom of the Retrospective 7 isn't very protected from water and wear and the bag has no small, zippered external pockets.
Bottom Line: For iPad-toting photographers looking for a simple compact shoulder bag, definitely put the Think Tank Retrospective 7 on your short list. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Gateway SX2870-UR10P offers competent workhorse PC capabilities in a compact, versatile chassis.
Bad: Gateway's online service is in a state of disarray.
Bottom Line: Budget desktops might not be all that exciting, but the Gateway SX2870-UR10P slim tower shows you can still find a worthwhile day-to-day PC for under $500. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: T-Mobile's Samsung Galaxy Note comes with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, the S Note app, and a 5.3-inch HD screen that's ideal for showcasing multimedia. It has 4G, a great 8-megapixel camera, and a souped-up S Pen stylus that brings new ways to interact with your phone.
Bad: The Galaxy Note's S Pen is small, has a delayed response, and requires a little training to use. The phone will be awkwardly large for some, and it doesn't fit easily into pockets.
Bottom Line: With its huge screen and throwback stylus, the Samsung Galaxy Note with Android 4.0 is a polarizing smartphone that winks at tablet territory. Those who like their screens extra-large will find a top-notch device that lets multimedia shine. The S Pen adds some artistic potential, but for some, the phone will simply be too big. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The GoPro Wi-Fi BacPac + Wi-Fi Remote Combo Kit gives a user complete control over a connected GoPro camera. The Wi-Fi BacPac's internal battery helps to conserve the battery life of the main camera. Up to 50 cameras can be controlled with additional BacPac purchases. Upcoming smartphone/tablet apps will further boost functionality.
Bad: This kit adds two more devices that need recharging between sessions.
Bottom Line: The GoPro Wi-Fi Combo Kit includes everything you need to upgrade your GoPro camera for fully wireless operation. [Read more]