http://reviews.washingtonpost.comReviews, Articles, Ratings and Comparisonsen-us3014020http://reviews.washingtonpost.comhttp://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/hp/image/wp_web.gifhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Samsung/Instinct.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Samsung/Instinct.htmThu, 17 Jul 2008 15:57:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Alfredo Padilla)The Samsung Instinct is a touch screen device from Sprint that is positioned to compete with the iPhone. The Instinct is a single black block dominated by the 3.1-inch display on the front, which you use to interact with the interface. Larger than the average phone, it's still small enough to fit in most pockets. The Instinct is available exclusively from Sprint for $129.99 with a two-year contract and requires you to sign up for a Sprint "Simply Everything" plans.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/LG/Dare.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/LG/Dare.htmThu, 17 Jul 2008 14:31:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Alfredo Padilla)The LG Dare is Verizon\'s latest touch screen offering, coming hot on the heels of the LG Voyager and Samsung Glyde. The Dare is the best of the bunch so far. A rather squat block, the phone has three-inch touch screen display with three button arranged below it. The Dare also packs in a 3.2-Megapixel auto-focus camera, GPS, and high speed data on Verizon\'s EVDO network. The Dare is available for $199.99 with a two-year contract.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/JVC/GZ-HD40.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/JVC/GZ-HD40.htmTue, 15 Jul 2008 07:45:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (David Kender)The GZ-HD40 ($1299 MSRP) is JVC's latest top-of-the-line high-definition Everio hard disk drive camcorder. It represents a considerable step forward for the company. For the first time, JVC has switched from CCD sensors to CMOS sensors, which significantly improved performance in our testing. Also, after supporting only MPEG-2 TS recording in previous models, the GZ-HD40 now supports both MPEG-2 TS and AVCHD, the compression standard du jour for consumer camcorders. MPEG-2 TS offers superior video quality but isn\'t supported by some editing software, and takes up a lot of hard drive space. Now the user can choose between greater compatibility with AVCHD and higher-quality MPEG-2 TS for serious videoheads, providing useful, if potentially confusing, flexibility. Overall, the GZ-HD40 is a strong contender for power users.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Apple/iPhone-3G.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Apple/iPhone-3G.htmFri, 11 Jul 2008 15:45:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Alfredo Padilla)The iPhone 3G is the second generation of Apple\'s iconic cellular phone. One year ago Apple stormed the wireless industry by introducing their touch screen based device, and just over a year later they have released an updated version that adds support for 3G data, GPS and comes with a significant software upgrade. The iPhone 3G looks much like its predecessor from the front, but turn it around and you see that it has a new plastic back and is a bit thicker. The idea is the same, however, you interact with the interfacing using your finger and the large 3.5 inch display.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Panasonic/SDR-SW20.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Panasonic/SDR-SW20.htmWed, 02 Jul 2008 11:12:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Michael Perlman)Ahoy, maties! The Panasonic SDR-SW20 ($399 MSRP) has set sail. Not only is this camcorder exceptionally light and portable, it can also follow you down to the murky depths of the pool or ocean (or at least down to five feet). The SDR-SW20 is great for beach vacations or summer adventures, but its strictly entry-level performance might not make it the perfect year-round camcorder.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Canon/HF100.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Canon/HF100.htmFri, 27 Jun 2008 16:40:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (David Kender)The Canon HF100 ($899 MSRP) is a high-definition camcorder that records exclusively to SD and SDHC memory cards. It's a step-down from the HF10 ($1,099 MSRP), which is identical but includes 16GB of internal flash memory. Relying only on memory cards is a potentially troublesome venture, but the HF100 rewards you with sharp, vivid video quality, as well as saving a few bucks. It's worth a closer look.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Panasonic/HDC-HS9.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Panasonic/HDC-HS9.htmFri, 27 Jun 2008 16:20:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Michael Perlman)Panasonic deserves credit for its attempt at the HDC-HS9 ($999 MSRP). Featuring a 60GB hard disk drive and a three-chip CCD imaging system, the camcorder's most attractive feature may be its small size. The design suffers for its slim figure, however, and can prove troublesome. Ports are stuffed away in the battery chamber, the joystick is awkwardly placed, and the mic jack, headphone jack, and accessory shoe have all been omitted. The HDC-HS9 has definite consumer appeal, but there are better choices to be found. While Canon and Sony are ruling the roost with camcorders like the HF10 and HDR-SR11, respectively, Panasonic has a hard time making its case.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Nokia/E66.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Nokia/E66.htmFri, 27 Jun 2008 07:59:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Alfredo Padilla)The Nokia E66 is the latest business-focused device from Nokia. A slim slider, the E66 feels well put together and comfortable in the hand. The E66 does a lot to impress, with support for Exchange server, Wi-Fi, ATandT's 3G network and a 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera, but there are some negatives as well. The E66 will be available in the third quarter of 2008 for around $500.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Sony-Ericsson/Z750a.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Sony-Ericsson/Z750a.htmThu, 19 Jun 2008 08:58:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Alfredo Padilla)The Sony-Ericsson Z750a is an entry-level flip phone and represents one of the few Sony-Ericsson devices available from a U.S. carrier. The phone's most obvious feature is a reflective front cover with a small OLED display and camera lens built into it. Opening the phone will reveal the 2.2-inch display, keypad and controls. The Z750a is available exclusively from ATandT for $49.99 with a two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/HP/Photosmart-D7360.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/HP/Photosmart-D7360.htmWed, 18 Jun 2008 10:09:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Binde Rai)The HP PhotoSmart D7460 is an inkjet printer that offers Wi-Fi, HP's recently-launched long-lasting Vivera ink, and touch screen menu navigation. The Wi-Fi capability means any equipped PC or Mac can print to it without wires attaching the two. While the printer's on-unit navigation makes it easy to use, the HP D7460 sometimes sways from moderate to questionable performance on speed and color accuracy. The HP PhotoSmart D7460 retails for $124.99.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Samsung/Glyde.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Samsung/Glyde.htmMon, 16 Jun 2008 14:08:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Alfredo Padilla)The Samsung Glyde is a high-end touch-screen cell phone available exclusively from Verizon Wireless. The device features a large 2.8-inch display and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. The interface is designed to be used with your fingers, however, we found that in practice it is unresponsive and difficult to use. The Glyde is available for $199.99 with a two-year contract agreement.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Canon/XSi.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Canon/XSi.htmFri, 13 Jun 2008 08:47:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Jennifer Nelson)The Canon Digital EOS Rebel XSi is the successor to last year's popular XTi, delivering improved performance with increased resolution, Live View, a larger LCD screen, speedier autofocus, and optical image stabilization in the kit lens. Aimed at the entry-level DSLR user, the XSi is currently available in silver or black, priced at $780 for the body alone and $830 with the 35-70mm kit lens.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Canon/Pixma-IP2600.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Canon/Pixma-IP2600.htmWed, 04 Jun 2008 11:19:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Binde Rai)The $49.99 Canon iP2600 inkjet printer can print both photos and documents at fast speeds, but the quality of the output is somewhat disappointing. It uses only two ink cartridges: one black and the other a tri-color cartridge containing cyan, magenta, and yellow. This means you have to change the entire cartridge if one color runs out, even if the other colors aren't empty. Other printers have the color in individual cartridges, so you can swap one at a time. Replacement black cartridges for the iP2600 cost $15.99, while color ones cost $19.99.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/LG/enV2.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/LG/enV2.htmWed, 14 May 2008 09:47:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Alfredo Padilla)The LG enV2 is the successor to Verizon's popular QWERTY-packing messaging phone. The enV2 adds some new styling and GPS to what was already a solid package, producing one of the better cell phones we've seen this year. Throw in a reasonable price of $129.99 with a two-year contract and there's a lot to like about the LG enV2.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Samsung/Ace.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Samsung/Ace.htmWed, 14 May 2008 09:26:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Alfredo Padilla)The Samsung Ace from Sprint is a Windows Mobile smart phone that resembles the Samsung Blackjack devices from ATandT. Like those handsets, the Ace features a full QWERTY keyboard for the e-mail and texting crowds. It's also a slim handset, for a smart phone, measuring only 0.47 inches in width. Probably the most interesting feature of the Ace is its support for both Sprint's CDMA network and international GSM networks, making it a good choice for globe trotters. We do have some concerns about the price; at $199.99 with a two-year contract it's twice what you'll pay for the Samsung Blackjack II.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Samsung/M520.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Samsung/M520.htmThu, 17 Apr 2008 08:48:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Alfredo Padilla)The Samsung M520 is a slim slider phone from Sprint. The device sports professional good looks, GPS functionality, and a very comfortable keypad. Its slim design is slightly belied by the width and height of the device, but it should still fit comfortably into most pants pockets. The M520 is available for $49.99 with a two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Canon/Pixma-MX850.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Canon/Pixma-MX850.htmTue, 08 Apr 2008 16:26:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Binde Rai)The Canon MX850 inkjet printer is an all-in-one device, capable of copying, printing from memory card and PC, faxing and scanning. This hefty (at 30.7 lbs) multifunction device is aimed at the home office user who wants it all, but in one device. As well as offering access to all of these features from a computer (software is supplied for both Windows and MacOSX), it can also work as a stand-alone device using the 2.5 inch TFT screen and control panel keys. It did a creditable job of performing all of the tasks that all-in-one devices are expected to do: the print quality was good and the operations were generally speedy. The big addition to the MX850 from the MX830 resets in its accrual of fax features one-touch speed dialing and remote reception. But it\'s a bit on the expensive side; the Canon MX850 retails for $279.99, when there are devices with similar features for significantly less.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Sony/HDR-SR12.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/Sony/HDR-SR12.htmThu, 15 May 2008 15:15:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (David Kender)The HDR-SR12 ($1,399 MSRP) is Sony's top-of-the-line consumer camcorder for 2008, and the manufacturer\'s third-generation camcorder to use the AVCHD format. There's a lot to love about the SR12: a big 120GB hard disk drive (HDD), a solid feel, a clever design, and most importantly, an impressive video performance. This may not be the perfect camcorder for everyone, but it's worth exploring.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/JVC/Everio-GZ-HD6.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/JVC/Everio-GZ-HD6.htmThu, 03 Apr 2008 09:42:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Michael Perlman)The Everio GZ-HD6 ($1,399 MSRP) is JVC's third attempt at a hard drive-based high definition camcorder after last year's debut of the monstrous GZ-HD7 and smaller GZ-HD3. This stealthy black camcorder records video to a massive 120GB HDD (Hard Disc Drive), which allows for nearly 10 hours of continuous recording in the highest quality. One of the major marketing points is that HD6 outputs 1080/60P video, but beware the details! There are several caveats that might make it less appealing. Not without its graces, the GZ-HD6 has an overhauled Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system, which performs better than any consumer camcorder to date. All in all, this is hardly the revolutionary product we wanted to see from JVC.http://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/HTC/SMT5800.htmhttp://reviews.washingtonpost.com/product/HTC/SMT5800.htmTue, 25 Mar 2008 11:47:00 ESTinfo@reviewed.com (Alfredo Padilla)The SMT5800 is a Windows Mobile Standard smart phone that has a nifty feature, a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Unlike many phones with such slide-out keyboards, however, the SMT5800 retains a standard keypad for easy dialing. The phone is well built, small for a smart phone, and has professional good looks. The SMT5800 is available exclusively from Verizon for $199.99 with a two-year contract and after mail-in rebates.