User Rating:
Good: The LG Spectrum 2 has NFC and wireless charging capabilities, fast 4G LTE speeds, and a camera packed with features.
Bad: The Spectrum 2 comes preloaded with too much bloatware, has a thick profile, and a poor audio speaker.
Bottom Line: With its winning combination of a reasonable price tag, wireless features, and solid performance, the Spectrum 2 is an excellent Verizon handset in its price range. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The ATH-WS55 Solid Bass over-ear headphones offer impress sound for less than $100, with tight, punchy bass and very good detail. They also seem well built, and are fairly compact and lightweight for an over-ear model.
Bad: No inline remote/mic for making cell pone calls, and the headphones' comfort level doesn't match their performance level.
Bottom Line: While they may not offer the perfect fit for everyone, the ATH-WS55 Solid Bass headphones offer impressive sound for the money. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Barnes & Noble Nook HD+ starts at only $269, has a sharp screen, good performance, and a microSD slot. It's also lightweight, comfortable, and implements magazines and catalogs better than any other tablet.
Bad: The Nook store still lacks some popular TV shows and movies, there's no native music feature, and apps support pales in comparison to the competition. Screen quality is susceptible to fingerprints.
Bottom Line: Though lacking in media options, the Nook HD+ is a low-priced, quality entry point into the world of tablets. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The 2013 Volvo S60 is quick, with good acceleration from its turbocharged engine, and confident handling. A wide range of safety and driver aid technology is available at all trim levels. Standard cabin tech offers the full gamut of audio sources.
Bad: The 2013 Volvo S60 lacks the most advanced infotainment features of its competitors. Observed fuel economy was reasonable, but unimpressive.
Bottom Line: The 2013 Volvo S60 is an excellent alternative for BMW and Audi shoppers looking for a sporty, stylish sedan at a very reasonable price. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Acer Aspire S7 is a premium-looking ultrabook, with great performance, strong battery life, and a high-res touch screen.
Bad: The expensive S7 is priced well beyond most other touch-screen Windows 8 laptops. The touch pad is not as responsive as it should be.
Bottom Line: One of the few standout products from the first wave of Windows 8 laptops, the Acer Aspire S7 proves that Apple does not have a monopoly on great design. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Bose Solo is among the best-looking sound bars available, with a clutter-free pedestal design. The included remote is excellent and dead simple to use. Its sound quality is unambiguously better than a TV's built-in speakers, especially for movies and TV shows. And while it's a little more expensive than some competitors, it's still reasonably priced, especially for Bose.
Bad: The Solo falls short of the sound quality of both other pedestal sound bars and traditional sound bars that include a wireless subwoofer. It lacks a front-panel display, so you won't know if its volume level is maxed out or not. And the Solo's small size only supports smaller TVs up to 40 pounds.
Bottom Line: Although its sonic talents are comparatively modest, the Bose Solo is an exceedingly handsome and easy-to-use sound bar. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: The Jawbone Up is comfortable, durable, and effortless to wear. Its iPhone app is also intuitive and presents data well.
Bad: The Jawbone Up lacks a screen. It only syncs with iPhones so there's no other way to view your fitness data.
Bottom Line: The new Jawbone Up is comfortable and durable, but iOS-only support means this gadget only makes sense for iPhone users. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: Pixlr Express offers more than 600 effects that all work well and are easy to use. Its Auto Fix and Focal Blur (tilt-shift) tools are particularly effective.
Bad: App doesn't warn you before backing out, which can result in lost work. A Recent Files picker upon launch would be nice.
Bottom Line: With over 600 effects on board, Pixlr Express is one of the most powerful Android apps in its category. Despite its minor flaws, it should be your go-to mobile photo editor. [Read more]

User Rating:
Good: Rdio for iOS lets you browse, listen to, and sync music to your device from a library of over 18 million songs. There are tons of ways to discover new music.
Bad: For its great features, the subscription price still feels too high.
Bottom Line: If you don't mind paying a monthly fee, Rdio is a great way to listen to and discover new music, set up playlists, and share with friends and other members. [Read more]