Reviews at CNET.co.uk

Panasonic SC-BTX70 review

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:58:02 +0000

The 2.1-channel Panasonic SC-BTX70 home-cinema system with built-in Blu-ray player is a curious-looking specimen, and its virtual 7.1-channel surround-sound processing isn't entirely convincing. But its picture quality is fantastic and its super-slim main component will suit those who like to mount their equipment on the wall

Seagate Replica review

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:19:02 +0000

Available in 250GB and 500GB versions, the Replica external USB hard drive is the very definition of bother-free back-up. It doesn't offer enough flexibility or storage capacity to satisfy everyone, but, for those of a non-technical bent who don't have a huge collection of data, it's well worth a look

Vita Audio R2i review

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:53:02 +0000

With an FM tuner, iPhone-compatible iPod dock and great speakers, the R2i desktop DAB radio is more than capable of functioning as your home's primary music device. The buttons on its remote could be better, but it's a beautiful machine that will repay your investment

Sony BDP-S760 review

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:58:02 +0000

At last, Sony has delivered the awesome stand-alone Blu-ray player that we always knew it was capable of making. Aesthetically, the BDP-S760 is about as original as cake, and a few other recent players may have more features, but it delivers the best Blu-ray pictures we've seen this side of �500

LG BD390 review

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:26:02 +0000

LG has done a sterling job of creating an affordable Blu-ray player that packs in the features, including Wi-Fi connectivity, without compromising on performance. Those who love movies and want to break down the barrier between their PC and TV should check it out

Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR review

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:55:02 +0000

The 12-megapixel FinePix S200EXR offers the features, controls and handling of a digital SLR at a much lower price, and its EXR sensor technology means it outguns its superzoom rivals. We'd like to see the clever EXR features better integrated with the rest of the camera's controls, though

Nokia N97 mini review

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:53:02 +0000

Nokia has put the fat old N97 on a diet, and the result is the N97 mini. It's a very similar handset to its larger sibling when it comes to features and functionality, but its sleeker design is a definite improvement, and, despite having a slightly smaller screen and less memory, it's a more desirable smart phone overall

Sony HTP-BD3IS review

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:37:02 +0000

We chortled as we prised the HTP-BD3IS from its box, titillated by the ridiculously tiny speakers of this 5.1-channel, Blu-ray home-cinema system. But the smirks were soon wiped off our faces by its physics-defying audio and outstanding picture quality. The HTP-BD3IS succeeds in offering both style and substance

Sony Bravia EX1 (KDL-52EX1) review

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:25:02 +0000

Sony seems to have let its mad scientists loose on the 52-inch, 1080p Bravia KDL-52EX1 LCD TV, judging by its bold, picture-frame design. Its appearance won't appeal to everyone, but the 1080i wireless connectivity is handy and the set's pictures aren't bad either

Philips Cinema 21:9 (56PFL9954H/12) review

ian.morris@cnet.co.uk (Ian Morris) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:42:02 +0000

If you're a movie lover with deep pockets, the Philips Cinema 21:9 is unlikely to disappoint, offering a truly immersive way to enjoy films shot in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio in the comfort of your couch. Its great picture quality and fantastic audio are also complemented by a lovely design and plenty of features

Samsung R520 review

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:19:02 +0000

The 15.6-inch R520 desktop-replacement laptop is well worth a look if you're seeking a budget machine primarily intended for handling productivity tasks at home. Its graphics capability could be better, but it offers decent overall performance, a great keyboard and good battery life

LG LU7000 (22LU7000) review

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:46:02 +0000

The 22-inch, HD Ready 22LU7000 LCD TV isn't perfect, but it still outclasses the majority of other combination TVs, and its front-mounted, built-in DVD player is unusually practical. Such is the TV's convenience, in fact, that we think many people seeking a secondary set may be happy to overlook a couple of picture flaws

BlackBerry Storm 2 review

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:32:01 +0000

Anyone who finds normal touchscreens too fiddly will appreciate the BlackBerry Storm 2's clicking version, which makes it easy to tap accurately. The usual range of BlackBerry features is also included, making this handset well worth a look for email fiends with a hankering for a touch-sensitive interface

INQ Mini 3G review

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:07:01 +0000

Those seeking a cheap social-networking fix for when out and about will find much to like in the INQ Mini 3G. It can be sluggish at times and its menu system could be more straightforward, but its Facebook, Twitter, Windows Live Messenger and Skype apps make it easy to stay in touch with friends, and it's as cheap as chips

Panasonic DMP-B15 review

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:22:02 +0000

Watching Blu-ray movies on an 8.9-inch screen is a seemingly ridiculous proposition, but the DMP-B15 won us over in the end. As well as delivering the best pictures we've ever seen on a portable device, it also functions as an excellent living-room player when connected to a TV via its HDMI port

HP Pavilion dv3-2230ea preview

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:14:02 +0000

The 13.3-inch Pavilion dv3-2230ea entertainment laptop could probably do with a more powerful GPU, but it compensates for this with a feature that, for the moment, makes it unique: its multi-touch display. It's also relatively portable and should prove a solid performer, offering decent value for money overall

Sony Handycam DCR-SX30E review

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:20:01 +0000

The Handycam DCR-SX30E camcorder is a good buy for those reluctant to make the leap to HD just yet. It offers a good feature set and decent standard-definition video quality for a reasonable outlay, while being far more configurable than similarly priced HD models

Pioneer BDP-LX91 review

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:53:02 +0000

The BDP-LX91 Blu-ray player is an eye-wateringly expensive piece of kit, no matter which way you look at it. But, for the AV cognoscenti seeking the very best Blu-ray performance that money can buy, it's certain to appeal. Made out of solid aluminium, its build quality is phenomenal too

Acer Aspire One Pro 531 review

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:30:02 +0000

It may be specifically aimed at business users, but the 10.1-inch Aspire One Pro 531 runs with the netbook pack when it comes to its specification. Its extra-long battery life is a definite plus point though, and its no-nonsense design will undoubtedly appeal to some

Toshiba Satellite A500 review

rory.reid@cnet.co.uk (Rory Reid) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:38:02 +0000

The 16-inch Satellite A500 caters well to those who have a limited budget but still want a machine that will let them watch movies, listen to music and play the odd game. Its screen could do with a higher resolution, but it feels bomb-proof, it's pretty speedy and it looks fairly attractive

JVC Xiview LT-42WX70 review

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:38:02 +0000

The 42-inch, 1080p LT-42WX70 LCD screen is a brave attempt by JVC to bring something new to the TV table. It's eye-wateringly expensive, but it offers awesome colour reproduction, excellent contrast and exceptionally sharp pictures, as well as a stunning design

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 review

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:57:01 +0000

Although its photos are fairly ordinary, the 10.2-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 is a very impressive fusion of style and technology. Among the clever features up its super-slim sleeve are its full-resolution high-speed shooting, excellent low-light mode and touchscreen interface

BlackBerry Bold 9700 review

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:08:01 +0000

The Bold 9700 is the best of the BlackBerry bunch, offering all the features that made previous models great and improving on everything else. It may not be as innovative as its smart-phone rivals, but its zippy performance, vivid screen and reliable email service are very appealing

Archos 5 Internet Tablet review

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:29:02 +0000

Running on the Android operating system, the Archos 5 Internet Tablet offers both ease of use and highly impressive performance. You can't access the Android Market, but videos look stunning on its huge touchscreen, and its audio quality is better than that of any previous Archos device

Olympus mju Tough-6010 review

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:02:02 +0000

Ernest Shackleton would probably have been mightily taken with the shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof mju Tough-6010. Its picture quality isn't going to blow anybody's mind, but it looks smart, offers good value for money, and can withstand a fair degree of punishment