CNET editors' picks for Target

Nikon D3100

The good: The Nikon D3100 is a fun camera to shoot with, overflowing with photo and movie features, and backed by very fast shooting performance and excellent low-ISO photo quality.

The bad: The 3100 has trouble focusing at the telephoto end and its low-light/high-ISO photo quality has room for improvement. Also, the camera feels cheaply constructed.

The bottom line: The Nikon D3100 is easy to recommend for its features, photos and performance.

Nikon Coolpix S30

The good: With big buttons, an easy-to-understand interface, and limited shooting options, the Nikon Coolpix S30 is a family-friendly waterproof and shockproof point-and-shoot.

The bad: The S30 is not a camera you want to use indoors or in low-light conditions.

The bottom line: The rugged Nikon Coolpix S30 is a simple, inexpensive point-and-shoot to keep poolside, and doesn't try to be anything more.

Fujifilm FinePix S4200

The good: The Fujifilm FinePix S4200 offers a 24x zoom lens, AA batteries for power, an electronic viewfinder, and manual and semi-manual shooting modes all at a bargain price.

The bad: The S4200 feels and performs like a low-end point-and-shoot. Requires a lot of light to get good photos and videos in auto.

The bottom line: A nice feature set and a long lens make the Fujifilm FinePix S4200 one of the better megazoom cameras available for those on a budget.

Canon Elph 110

The good: Canon's PowerShot Elph 110 HS is small and lightweight with a bright, ultrawide-angle lens and lots of fun shooting options, and can produce some very nice photos and movie clips.

The bad: The 110 HS has a relatively short battery life and mixed shooting performance, and low-light/high-ISO photos can look very soft.

The bottom line: Filled with some of Canon's latest technology and shooting modes, the PowerShot Elph 110 HS is a solid ultracompact camera.

Sharp LC-LE640U series

The good: The relatively inexpensive Sharp LC-LE640U series delivers accurate color thanks to ample picture controls, as well as a matte screen that works well in bright rooms. Its feature set hits all of the right notes for the price, including excellent help and support options, built-in Wi-Fi, and a remote with three programmable keys to easily access favorite apps. I appreciated its understated styling, especially with such a large screen.

The bad: I noted somewhat lighter black levels and uneven lighting across the screen, both especially obvious in dark scenes under home theater lighting. The Sharp also failed to properly handle film-based (1080p/24) sources, causing slight stutter in certain scenes.

The bottom line: With good picture quality and great pricing, the Sharp LC-LE640U series makes a strong case for mainstream TV shoppers who want to go bigger.

Vizio E2VLE series

The good: The Vizio E2VLE delivers plenty of features for the price, including a 120Hz refresh rate, Smart TV and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Its streaming video and audio selection is excellent. It evinced accurate colors and its matte screen helps picture fidelity in bright rooms.

The bad: Compared with other budget TVs the E2VLE showed even lighter black levels, and it failed to properly handle 1080p/24 sources. Its Smart TV interface can seem dated, as can its styling, even for a non-LED-based LCD TV.

The bottom line: The Vizio E2VLE series may appeal to budget shoppers who just want Smart TV, but subpar picture quality hurts its chances against the tough competition.

Samsung UN32EH4003

The good: The Samsung UN32EH4003 is one of the best 32-inch televisions, with decent picture quality for the money. Black levels are deeper than the competition's, and shadow detail is class-leading. The TV comes with some advanced picture controls and includes a 60Hz dejudder mode. Styling is way above average for a TV at this level.

The bad: The TV has very few features and won't connect to online services. The stand doesn't swivel, and the remote has too many buttons.

The bottom line: The Samsung UN32EH4003 is one of the best TVs available at the size and price, with above-average picture quality and a svelte design.

Apple TV

The good: The Apple TV lets you stream all of the movies and TV shows available in the iTunes Store to your HDTV on a rental or purchase basis, with purchases stored in the cloud. Netflix, MLB.TV, Hulu Plus, and a handful of other online media services are available, plus music, videos, and photos can be streamed from iOS devices using AirPlay. AirPlay Mirroring lets you stream any Web video to the Apple TV, including free Hulu, if you have a newer Mac running Mountain Lion. And Apple TV's user interface remains best-in-class.

The bad: The Apple TV is a less useful box if you don't own other Apple devices. Roku's competing boxes are less expensive and offer more streaming services, including Amazon Instant, HBO Go, and Pandora. And the Apple TV doesn't work with non-HDMI TVs.

The bottom line: Those who've already invested in iTunes content and Apple hardware will find the Apple TV to be an indispensable living-room companion, and it's an excellent streaming-video box for non-Apple folks as well.

Roku HD streaming player

The good: The Roku HD is an extremely small Wi-Fi streaming-media box that costs only $60. It offers dozens of streaming video and audio services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, Pandora, Mog, Rdio, and MLB.TV. PC- and Mac-based media can be streamed via the Plex app. The Roku HD can be connected to HDTVs or older analog TVs.

The bad: The Roku HD currently lacks Vudu and YouTube channels, which are found on most competing products. There's also no Ethernet port, so you'll need a solid Wi-Fi signal in your home theater.

The bottom line: With its ability to stream hundreds of audio and video channels (including Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu Plus), the $60 Roku HD would be our top pick for those seeking an ultra-affordable Internet media box—if not for the fact that it's nearly identical to the slightly cheaper Roku LT.

Apple iPad with Retina Display

The good: The newest iPad's faster A6X processor adds extra system speed and graphics power. Improved worldwide cellular compatibility makes the LTE model a more appealing proposition. And the iOS App Store remains best in class, with the widest selection.

The bad: The fourth-gen iPad is otherwise identical to its recent predecessor—same size, weight, and Retina screen. It's heavy to hold in one hand, and most older accessories won't work without investing in a pricey Lightning adapter.

The bottom line: The latest iPad adds several tweaks and improvements to secure its position at the top of the tablet heap. It's better all around, but third-gen owners need not apply.

Bose AE2 headphone

The good: Lightweight and comfortable design; sealed earcups isolate wearer from ambient noise; headphones fold flat; detachable cord; detailed sound with well-defined bass.

The bad: Sound can be a tad brash.

The bottom line: If you can't afford Bose's noise-canceling models, the Bose AE2s—and their improved design and sound quality—make for a good alternative at half the price.

Soundfreaq Soundkick

The good: The Soundfreaq Sound Kick SFQ-04 is a compact, attractively designed portable Bluetooth speaker that sounds decent and plays loud for its size. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that delivers 7 hours of play time, and a USB port for charging smartphones and portable devices.

The bad: The speaker's sound is a little thin, and there isn't a speakerphone capability. Its retractable Xkick bass chamber converts into a stand that's nifty but a little wobbly. While portable, the Sound Kick is bigger than some other small Bluetooth speakers in the same price range.

The bottom line: The Soundfreaq Sound Kick portable Bluetooth speaker is a good value, with an attractive design and good performance for its size.

PlayStation 3

The good: More affordable $299 price; slimmer, more compact design with quieter operation; all games in high-definition; easy-to-use interface; doubles as a Blu-ray and upscaling DVD player; built-in Wi-Fi; spacious hard drive; HDMI output with 1080p support; no external power supply; built-in Web browser; free online gaming service.

The bad: Lacks backward support for PS2 games; no infrared port means non-Bluetooth universal remotes aren't compatible; online gaming, media, and commerce options still aren't as fully developed as Xbox Live, though they're getting better.

The bottom line: With a smaller design, more energy-efficient operation, lower price tag, and built-in Blu-ray and multimedia capabilities, the PS3 Slim delivers a compelling package for an affordable price.

Nintendo 3DS

The good: The Nintendo 3DS provides an impressive 3D gaming experience without the need for special glasses. There's a 3D effect slider, it shoots and displays 3D photographs with its dual back-facing cameras, and it has a single front-facing camera. The 3DS comes preinstalled with a bevy of software and StreetPass and SpotPass services, and it comes with a drop-and-charge dock. Internet connectivity includes the eShop, Virtual Console, video marketplace, Internet browsing functionality, DSiWare transferring, and Netflix support.

The bad: The launch lineup is and remains lackluster, and the disappointing low-resolution lenses provide grainy photos. The 3D effect can cause headaches for some, and it can "snap out" because of sensitive viewing angles and games that encourage movement. The 3DS has a very short battery life, and most Internet functionality wasn't activated at launch.

The bottom line: The Nintendo 3DS successfully offers a glasses-free 3D experience that needs to be seen to be believed. A weaker-than-usual launch lineup and some previously inactivated online features dampened its launch, but a recent price drop and a promising holiday lineup shine a light at the end of tunnel.

Nintendo Dsi

The good: Adds two larger screens; two 0.3-megapixel cameras; a bit thinner than the DS Lite; exclusive access to the DSi Shop for downloadable games and applications.

The bad: No longer supports Game Boy Advance games; lower battery life than its predecessor; Internet security settings are buried and confusing.

The bottom line: While not all previous DS owners should upgrade, the DSi is an ambitious and solidly designed portable gaming system.

Samsung WB150F

The good: The Samsung WB150F has built-in Wi-Fi that's easily set up for wireless sharing and backup. It has an abundant set of shooting and editing options.

The bad: Samsung's smartphone apps are only guaranteed to work with Samsung Galaxy devices and its autobackup software is Windows-only. The camera's photo quality is barely better than a smartphone's and its shooting performance is somewhat slow.

The bottom line: If you're happy with the photos from your smartphone, but wish you had an actual camera with a long zoom lens and wireless sharing and backup, check out the Samsung WB150F.

Barnes & Noble NOOK Simple Touch

The good: The 2011 Nook is a compact and lightweight e-book reader with a responsive high-contrast Pearl e-ink touch screen that offers quick page turns. It's got built-in Wi-Fi for direct access to the online Barnes & Noble store, an expansion slot for additional memory, and long battery life (up to two months). The Nook supports e-book lending and EPUB loans from libraries, and it offers some enhanced social networking features.

The bad: The 2011 Nook has no support for audio, no 3G option, and no Web browser. The rubberized finish on the back of device attracts fingerprints.

The bottom line: The new touch-screen Nook is a major advancement over its predecessor and offers some real advantages over the 2010 Kindle.

Bose IE2 Headphone

The good: Improved sound; earphones fit securely and comfortably; protective carrying case included; "open" design has its appeal; pleasantly full bass.

The bad: Fit may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer noise-isolating earphones; treble is a little on the harsh side.

The bottom line: While we've heard earphones that sound better for the money, Bose has improved its in-ear headphones so they fit—and sound better—than its previous in-ear model.

SONOS PLAY:3

The good: You can control the SONOS PLAY:3 single-speaker streaming-audio system from any iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, or Android smartphone using a free app. It offers good sound, its compact, elegant design cuts down on cord clutter, and it can stream Internet-based radio and audio services, plus your own digital music collection, from any Mac, PC, or NAS drive. Also, it's simple to set up, particularly if you already own a Sonos system, and linked Sonos players (purchased separately) can cover up to 31 additional rooms.

The bad: The Play:3 has almost no stereo separation and doesn't offer the detail and clarity of the step-up Play:5. Also, while it can wirelessly interact with other Sonos products, you'll need a hard-wired connection or the $49 wireless Sonos Bridge accessory if it's your only Sonos component.

The bottom line: While it doesn't sound quite as good as the larger Play:5, the SONOS PLAY:3 delivers a superior streaming-audio experience that you can control from any iOS device or Android smartphone.

Jawbone Jambox

The good: The Jawbone Jambox is a rechargeable Bluetooth speaker with advanced features, a stunning design, and a balanced sound that defies its small, convenient size.

The bad: The Jambox isn't cheap and the money could buy a larger, wired speaker with superior sound.

The bottom line: The Jambox is the most stylish portable speaker we've seen, with features and sound quality you won't find in comparable compact designs.

Xbox 360

The good: Sleeker design; 17 percent smaller; much quieter operation; better cooling; touch-sensitive power and disc tray; 250GB hard drive; built-in Wi-Fi; five USB ports; dedicated Kinect port; onboard optical digital audio.

The bad: The hard drive is still proprietary; controller on D-pad remains unchanged; cumbersome power block; renders existing faceplates useless; no cables for HD gaming out of the box.

The bottom line: Though the new Xbox 360 certainly addresses most of the concerns we've had with the versions before it, we don't think it warrants a purchase if you already own an Xbox 360 in working order with an HDMI-out port and a hard drive.

Nintendo Wii

The good: Clean, accessible design; great library of family-friendly games; still-iconic controller design can be used for motion games or more traditional button-based games; Virtual Console library and WiiWare games offer a unique and affordable collection of classic titles; Wii Sports Resort and Wii Sports included with system; Wii Remote Plus controller updated to include MotionPlus built-in; Netflix streaming.

The bad: Online connectivity hampered by closed-garden design; graphics and video playback cap at 480p; other than Netflix, no other video-streaming or entertainment offerings; can't play CDs or DVDs; graphics continue to look ever more outdated compared with rival consoles; the unique qualities that motion gaming offered are now available in accessories from rival consoles.

The bottom line: For families and lovers of casual games, the still-affordable Wii represents the best console bundle value of the holiday season in terms of dollars spent; however, the Wii's getting long in the tooth, and other game consoles offer more entertainment options and functionality for their higher price tags.

Samsung UNEH6000 series

The good: The Samsung UNEH6000 series costs less than some other TVs that use LED backlights. Its color accuracy, video processing, and bright-room picture are very good, and it has better screen uniformity than many edge-lit LED models. I liked the thin frame around the screen, and didn't mind the cabinet's extra thickness.

The bad: Lighter black levels hamper the EH6000's picture quality compared with many TVs, including less expensive models. Its connectivity suite is anemic with just two HDMI inputs, and at this price numerous TVs offer apps and Smart TV functions that this Samsung doesn't.

The bottom line: Although it's cheaper than Samsung's ultrathin edge-lit models, the EH6000 series's value proposition is hurt by mediocre picture quality.

Apple iPod touch

The good: The 2012 fifth-generation iPod Touch has an excellent set of features: better front and back cameras, 1080p video recording, iOS 6, and a 4-inch Retina Display just like on the iPhone 5, in a design even thinner than the iPhone.

The bad: The iPhone 5 still beats it on performance. The Touch lacks any phone functions, and there are tablet competitors that beat the $299 Touch on price and screen size.

The bottom line: The latest iPod Touch is the best iPod ever, and as close to a phoneless iPhone 5 as you can get—but its high price makes it a tough call versus cheaper tablets with larger screens.

Apple iPod nano

The good: The iPod Nano's new home button and longer screen offer a familiar smartphone-style interface, and the added Bluetooth compatibility opens the device up to a number of wireless audio accessories.

The bad: The screen resolution is mediocre, there's no integrated headphone remote, and it still lacks the camcorder, microphone, speaker, games, calendar, contacts, notes, and alarm clock that Apple cut from the Nano last year. And let's not forget that Lightning port, which breaks compatibility with your existing iPod speakers and accessories.

The bottom line: The seventh-generation iPod Nano is an incredibly compact portable media player with gym-friendly features, but it's overshadowed by the superior value of Apple's iPod Shuffle and fourth-generation iPod Touch.

PlayStation Vita

The good: The PlayStation Vita delivers amazing visuals on its 5-inch OLED touch screen that look almost as good as PS3 graphics. The system's launch lineup is very impressive and allows for downloading of some games (including all first-party titles) over the PlayStation Network. The Vita's operating system is smartly designed, easy to use, and ultraresponsive. The unit feels great to hold and has excellent standby battery life.

The bad: The Vita uses proprietary media and connections across the board, and even requires the purchase of a separate memory card to play most games and use most apps, which results in a hidden cost. Battery life could be better, and there's no way it can be replaced by the user. There's also no video out. Also, some antipiracy implementations are a bit cumbersome to deal with (for example, mounting the Vita to a PC/Mac for file transfer). It's also unclear how much storage the Vita has onboard, and it'll cost you more money for larger Vita Memory Cards.

The bottom line: Overall, the PlayStation Vita is the most advanced portable gaming system ever made. While the price is deceiving because of a hidden cost, gamers are getting an impressively complete package right out of the gate. A healthy launch lineup is sure to provide something for every kind of gamer, and a large selection of digital downloads is available right now.

Barnes & Noble NOOK HD

The good: The Barnes & Noble Nook HD has a light, comfortable design with a sharp screen and a well-implemented user profiles feature. Books, videos, and magazines look great and the microSD slot takes some of the sting out of the lack of internal storage.

The bad: App, movie, TV show, and game options are thin and there's no native music service. It's missing some typical tablet features and 8GB is low for $199. Fingerprints easily sully the screen.

The bottom line: The Barnes & Noble Nook HD can't match competing tablets in media library breadth, but as long as you're not looking for bells and whistles, its sharp screen and comfortable body make it an ideal tablet choice for reading books and magazines.

Barnes & Noble NOOK HD+

Nintendo Wii U

Barnes & Noble NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight

The good: The integrated light in the Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch GlowLight displays uniformly across the high-contrast Pearl e-ink touch screen and is a killer feature for nighttime reading for couples who share a bed. The touch screen is ever so slightly more responsive, there's built-in Wi-Fi for direct access to the online Barnes & Noble store, an expansion slot for additional memory, and long battery life. The Nook supports e-book lending and EPUB loans from libraries, has no ads, and it offers some enhanced social networking features.

The bad: Like the Nook Simple Touch, this model has no support for audio, no 3G option, and no Web browser. The rubberized finish on the back of the device attracts fingerprints.

The bottom line: The Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight sets the standard for e-ink e-readers going forward and is well worth the extra money if you do a lot of nighttime reading.