Must Have Gadgets Of 2011

Apple iPhone 4S

Best smartphone for media
The iPhone 4S isn't the king of cell phones, but it's part of the royal family nonetheless. Even without 4G and a giant screen, this phone's smart(ass) voice assistant, Siri, the benefits of iOS 5, and its spectacular camera make it a top choice for anyone ready to upgrade.
Price: $199.99 - $593.00 
4 star

 Excellent

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apple MacBook Air (11-inch, Summer 2011)

Best 11-inch laptop
While the rest of the PC industry plays catch-up with "Ultrabooks," the current 11-inch MacBook Air remains the fastest and best-looking ultraportable laptop you're likely to find. But if you can wait, do it: we expect a newer, better model to hit later in 2012.
Price: $938.99 - $999.00 
4 stars

Excellent

 

Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

Best Android tablet
If there's one full-size tablet that does a good job distinguishing itself from the iPad, this is it. Invest in the Asus Transformer Prime's optional keyboard dock, and you've got a full-on laptop replacement.
Price: $499.99 - $629.99 
4 stars

Excellent

 

HP Folio 13

Best Windows ultrabook
When it comes to Windows ultrabooks, the HP Folio 13 is the best of the bunch in terms of performance, price, and ergonomics, provided you can live with a less-than-razor-thin design. This laptop is targeted at small businesses but it's really for anyone who wants a reliable ultrabook that isn't a MacBook Air.
Price: $899.99 - $1,349.99 
4 stars

Excellent

 

Logitech Harmony 650

Best universal remote for under $70
Sick of all those remotes on your coffee table? The PC- and Mac-programmable Harmony 650 will replace five of them, and bring sanity to your living room.
Price: $49.99 - $99.99 
4 stars

Very good

 

Motorola Droid Razr Maxx (Verizon Wireless)

Longest-lasting smartphone
The Motorola Droid Razr Maxx proves that a powerful Android superphone can remain thin yet still promise marathon-worthy battery life. If you can live without Ice Cream Sandwich and have big hands, the Maxx is extremely compelling.
Price: $199.99 - $299.99 
4 stars

Outstanding

 

Roku LT

Best media streaming box
The Roku LT is a killer streaming-media box, offering tons of streaming video content, including favorites like Netflix, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, and Pandora, for just $50.
Price: $64.95
4 stars

Excellent

 

Samsung Galaxy Nexus (Verizon Wireless)

Best Android experience
Expect other phones to get the Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich" operating system later in 2012. In the meantime, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is your only choice--and an excellent one at that.
Price: $99.99 - $299.99 
4 stars

Outstanding

 

Samsung PND7000 Series

Best 2011 TV overall
The 2012 TVs haven't hit yet. If you need a new set in the meantime, the Samsung PND7000 plasma represents an excellent value for videophiles who don't demand to own the top of the line. Its picture quality is on par with the best TVs we've ever tested.
Price: $1,497.00 - $1,709.99 
4 stars

Excellent

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Sonos Play:3

Best wireless audio system
The Sonos Play:3 can stream nearly every online radio station and music service--Spotify, Rhapsody, Slacker, Mog, Pandora, and the like--as well as your PC-based music collection. And it's all controlled by a free remote app on your tablet or smartphone.
Price: $229.99 - $299.00 
4 stars

Excellent

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V

Best consumer compact camera
Feature junkies in search of a compact megazoom should get the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V.
Price: $278.00 - $329.00 
4 stars

Excellent