VIZIO 47-inch 1080p 120Hz LED Smart HDTV

The VIZIO 47-inch Class LED Smart HDTV is a high-quality design and picture at an amazing value. Enjoy crystal-clear images in 1080p, full HD with a 120Hz refresh rate. The slim, outer frame lets you enjoy TV with a narrow border around the picture for a more immersive experience. The 2 audio speakers are built into the television's bottom and feature SRS TruSurround HD, SRS TruVolume and SRS StudioSound audio technologies. It comes with a tabletop stand and remote control too. This TV has built-in Wi-Fi and comes with access to VIZIO internet apps that offer streaming movies, TV shows, music, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and more. Enjoy eye-popping images on this 47-inch, sleek, black TV by VIZIO.

Access CinemaNow, Netflix, Skype, Facebook, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Twitter, Picasa and more.
Network file browser

Lets you easily view media stored on your home network. Smart Share lets you enjoy content stored compatible devices via Miracast, NFC Tag On, MHL (Mobile HD Link), Intel® Wireless Display and more.
3D technology

With 3D depth control and 2D-to-3D conversion delivers stunning visuals for a new dimension of entertainment. Four pairs of 3D glasses let you share an immersive viewing experience with family and friends.
120Hz TruMotion refresh rate

Helps prevent blurring and ghosting in fast-moving action scenes, so you can enjoy movies, games, sporting events and more in arresting clarity.
Triple XD Engine and Picture Wizard II technology

Offer high-quality visuals. Resolution upscaler enhances standard-definition content to display clear, detailed images. Six picture modes accommodate a variety of viewing needs.
1080p display

Provides a highly detailed picture and is ideal for 1080p-capable content, including Blu-ray movies.
Virtual surround sound

Along with Clear Voice II technology, a DTS decoder, 3D sound zooming and two 12W speakers create a cinematic soundscape. Six sound modes enhance audio for music, movies, sports, games and more.
Inputs

Include 3 HDMI (side), 1 component video (rear), 1 composite (rear) and 1 RF antenna (rear).
Outputs

Include 1 optical digital audio (rear).
3 HDMI inputs

HDMI cable not included. High-speed HDMI cable is the only connection that can deliver a full HDTV experience with a full 1080p picture and digital surround sound.
Built-in Ethernet port

Lets you connect your TV to your home network. Built-in Wi-Fi allows easy wireless Web connection.
Useful additional features

Include SIMPLINK connectivity, a full Web browser, Voice Mate voice recognition technology and more. Supports optional Magic remote (not included) for simple operation.

The picture quality, high-end design touches, and quality apps more than make up for the lack of QWERTY remote and single HDMI port. If you're looking for a Smart TV for a kitchen, bedroom, or dorm room, this set is a stunner that's easy on the wallet. This is my 4th Vizio TV dating back 6 years and all of them function perfectly and without a single issue, so this is a trustworthy brand. If you're on the fence, go get it. You won't be sorry.

Logitech Harmony 650 Remote Control

The Logitech Harmony 650 makes entertainment simple again for you and everyone in your home. It replaces up to 5 other remotes, supports 5000+ brands, including devices you own today and add tomorrow. It is simple to setup online using your PC, with live customer support available. Bright color screen shows your favorite-channel icons plus commands for easy navigation. One-click activity buttons like "Watch a DVD" automatically switch the right devices to the right settings.

Delivers effortless control of up to 5 A/V components in one easy-to-use remote
Color screen shows you icons for your favorite channels and the commands needed for your devices
With support for 5000+ brands, you can be confident it will control the devices you have
Jump to your favorite channels, switch screen sizes or access video on demand content with one click
Simple online setup using your PC or Mac®
"Watch TV" button allows you to choose which devices to power on/off with the press of a button
Volume controls can stay assigned to whichever of your devices you prefer
Buttons are grouped by use, shaped so you can feel your way around and backlit so you can see them

I tried a universal remote back in the dark ages (it was to control my *VCR* and TV) and, though it worked, it was a real pain to "train" to a new device. The main thing the Logitech people have done with this device (Harmony 650) is to make the setup of devices a great deal simpler, via a USB cable and software on your computer.

The remote itself is very nice: good shape/feel, color display, a reasonable number of buttons (not too many -- more obscure functions may be accessed via navigating through the small color display.) I especially like the feature that it "wakes up" (display and backlight activated) when you pick it up or otherwise move it.

Sony PlayStation 4

The PlayStation®4 system is the best place to play with dynamic, connected gaming, powerful graphics and speed, intelligent personalization, deeply integrated social capabilities, and innovative second-screen features. Combining unparalleled content, immersive gaming experiences, all of your favorite digital entertainment apps, and PlayStation® exclusives, the PS4™ system focuses on the gamers.

The PS4™ system enables the greatest game developers in the world to unlock their creativity and push the boundaries of play through a system that is tuned specifically to their needs. The PS4™ system is centered around a powerful custom chip that contains eight x86-64 cores and a state of the art 1.84 TFLOPS graphics processor with 8 GB of ultra-fast GDDR5 unified system memory, easing game creation and increasing the richness of content achievable on the platform. The end result is new games with rich, high-fidelity graphics and deeply immersive experiences.

The DUALSHOCK®4 controller features new innovations to deliver more immersive gaming experiences, including a highly sensitive six-axis sensor as well as a touch pad located on the top of the controller, which offers completely new ways to play and interact with games. The new SHARE button puts video streaming and sharing a tap away.

Engage in endless personal challenges with your community and share your epic triumphs with the press of a button. Simply hit the SHARE button on the controller, scan through the last few minutes of gameplay, tag it and return to the game—the video uploads as you play. The PS4™ system also enhances social spectating by enabling you to broadcast your gameplay in real-time.

During a press conference on February 20, 2013, it was annouced the PS4 is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Xbox One Console

Microsoft describes the Xbox One as "the ultimate all in one entertainment system - one system for a new generation." It has the second generation of Kinect baked in nice and deep and has powerful specs similar to those of the Sony PS4.

The black console wants to be the one-stop entertainment solution for your living room, integrating live TV, games, movies and web services like Skype, all controlled using Kinect's improved voice recognition features. The official Xbox One release date is November 2013 for the US and UK.

Immerse yourself in cinematic worlds that look like real life, with characters that feel more human. Thanks to advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and the processing power of Xbox One, game worlds come alive. The unique architecture of Xbox One allows creators to build realistic, cinematic experiences in high fidelity.

I think that Microsoft is headed in the right direction. Look at Steam! Steam is doing better than ever with the same exact strategy as Microsoft. Used games are evil and I'm very happy that Microsoft is headed in the right direction. One of these days (probably not for another 10 years or so) physical media will be completely gone. I can't tell you enough just how easy it is to have all of my games available in a list of games on Steam. Same will happen to Xbox One.

ASUS Nexus 7 Tablet

Since the debut of the Nexus 7, we've seen the release of three major small tablets: the Kindle Fire HD, the iPad Mini, and the Nook HD. Each tablet has its own strengths; your choice will eventually come down to which tablet best fits your needs.

However, thanks to its low price, great battery life, sharp screen, and complete and open Android 4.2 environment, overall, the Nexus 7 is still the best small tablet you can buy.

Release date
11/13/12

Display type
7 in
TFT active matrix - LED backlight

OS
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

RAM
1 GB

Processor
1300 MHz
NVIDIA Tegra 3

Wireless connectivity
Bluetooth
NFC
Wi-Fi

Dimensions (WxDxH)
7.8 in x 0.4 in x 4.7 in

Weight
12 oz.

Neither the Nexus or the Fire are perfect. Both tablets, for example, lack memory expansion capabilities and a back camera. However, the Nexus, while selling for the about the same price, beats the Fire in every single category but it's a close call. If you are an Amazon person (like I am) the Nexus gives you the best of both worlds. You can still get your Amazon Appstore and the Kindle reader app but nothing restricts you from using someone else's store. The Fire HD erased the Nexus advantage on Bluetooth, camera and microphone. Amazon's new tablets now match the Nexus 7 for many features and they even beat the Nexus on some (Wi-Fi, internal storage). In my case, I will continue to use the Nexus 7 but the rest of the family prefers the Kindle Fire HD.

Acer C7 Chromebook 11.6"

 Chromebooks come with popular Google products built in. Play and work out of the box with Google's Search, Gmail, Talk and YouTube™. Create documents, spreadsheets, presentations and drawings with apps like Google Docs, Zoho and SlideRocket. Get 100 GB of free storage on Google Drive for two years. Video chat with up to nine friends using Google+ Hangouts.

The Acer C7 Chromebook's 11.6" HD screen energizes your videos, pictures and web content. Crisp resolution brings family closer during video chats, and the HD webcam presents you at your best, too. Images are crystal clear on HD devices like monitors, projectors and TVs via the HMDI® port, and connect as you please with 3 USB ports plus VGA.

Chromebooks require almost no setup, so you can go from unboxing to doing in minutes. Tasks are easy using the extra-large, button-free touchpad. Stay online with the Acer C7 Chromebook's convenient and reliable wireless. With your Chromebook, you can even get online at 10,000 feet with 12 free in-air Internet passes.

The netbook isn't dead, it just got Chrome'd. With the Acer C7 Chromebook (C710-2847), Google has finally cut down the price of the Chromebook to an undeniably affordable $200, using a netbook-esque design, but infusing it with the web-centric Chrome operating system.

Operating System Chrome OS
Processor & Chipset
Processor Manufacturer Intel
Processor Type Celeron
Processor Model 847
Processor Speed 1.10 GHz
Processor Core Dual-core (2 Core)
Memory
Standard Memory 2 GB
Maximum Memory 4 GB
Memory Technology DDR3 SDRAM
Memory Card Reader Yes
Memory Card Supported MultiMediaCard (MMC)
Secure Digital (SD) Card
Storage
Hard Drive Capacity 320 GB
Hard Drive Interface Serial ATA
Optical Drive Type No
Display & Graphics
Screen Size 11.6"
Display Screen Type Active Matrix TFT Color LCD
Display Screen Technology CineCrystal
Screen Mode HD
Screen Resolution 1366 x 768
Backlight Technology LED
Graphics Controller Manufacturer Intel
Graphics Memory Technology DDR3 SDRAM
Graphics Memory Accessibility Shared
Network & Communication
Wi-Fi Standard IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n
Ethernet Technology Fast Ethernet
Built-in Devices
Webcam Yes
Microphone Yes
Finger Print Reader No
Interfaces/Ports
HDMI Yes
Total Number of USB Ports 3
Number of USB 2.0 Ports 3
VGA Yes
Network (RJ-45) Yes
Software
Operating System Chrome OS
Input Devices
Keyboard Yes
Pointing Device Type TouchPad
Battery Information
Number of Cells 4-cell
Battery Chemistry Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2500 mAh
Maximum Battery Run Time 3.50 Hour
Power Description
Maximum Power Supply Wattage 40 W
Physical Characteristics
Height 1.1"
Width 11.2"
Depth 8.0"
Weight (Approximate) 3.04 lb
Miscellaneous
Green Compliance Certificate/Authority ENERGY STAR
RoHS
WEEE

Surface RT Microsoft tablet

Processor
NVIDIA T30

Memory
2GB RAM

Operating system
Windows RT, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview2
Storage

32 GB, 64 GB, System software uses significant storage space.

Display
Screen: 10.6" ClearType HD Display, Resolution: 1366 x768, Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (widescreen), Touch: 5-point multi-touch

Audio
Stereo speakers and microphone

Ports
Full-size USB 2.0, microSDXC card reader, Headphone jack, HD video out port, Cover port

Exterior
Dimensions: 10.81 x 6.77 x 0.37 in, Weight: 1.5 lbs, Casing: VaporMg, Color: Dark Titanium, Physical buttons: Volume, Power

Cameras
Two 720p HD cameras, front and rear-facing

Wireless
Wireless: Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0 technology

Sensors
Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer

Warranty
1-year limited hardware warranty4

Included apps
Mail, Messaging, Word, Power Point, Excel, OneNote, SkyDrive, Internet Explorer 10, Bing, Music, Video, Games, and more.

Battery
Up to 8 hours mixed activity, 7-15 days idle life

I needed a light-weight laptop or tablet for travel, but I also wanted the familiarity of Microsoft applications such as excel and word and powerpoint, rather than just approximations. I also wanted a real keyboard.
The Surface has done the job, fairly painlessly. I really like the new Windows 8 touch interface, although it can take abit of getting used to, and fortunately, there is also convenient desktop mode you can revert to for Windows 7 experienced users.
The keyboard was of course a bit smaller, but good enough for productivity.
I was a little disappointed that the display only props up at a single angle, and I am taller than it seems to be designed for. I was able to cope though.
Setup was fine, and I expect that the Windows Appstore will help as well, but I have not used it as of yet. Start up time is very fast, and battery life seems good so far.