18

C O N S U M E R

R E P O R T S

B U Y I N G

G U I D E 2 0 1 3

Quick Guide

COMPUTERS, DESKTOP

Desktop computers are setting a new performance standard, especiaiiy in models that use Intel's newest third-generation Core processors.

Shopping tip
Save money on your computer purchase by using coupon and forum sites such as Techbargains, FatWailet.com, and Ebates.

What to iook for

For browsing the Web and checking e-mail, a low-end, dual-core processor such as the Intel Pentium Dual-Core or AMD Athlon/Turion X2 A faster processor such as the Intel third-generation Core i3, i5, and i7, or AMD's A4, A6, A8, or AlO for watching videos or playing games 4GB of memory, enough for anything other than heavy multitasking or video editing
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/computers
Pnce Overall score

What to skip

3D capability, because the technology remains costly

What you'ii pay

Scan this or see how, page 11

Some full-sized desktops that are excellent performers could cost as little as $650 to $700. Once you add features, of course, prices rise.

I Brand S modei

Test results

Versatiii eilorman Ergonomi Displ Speake

a*

eu > rx3 a

100 p 1 f 1 G IVGl E

a.

A ALL-IN-ONE
1 2
3 4

Deii Inspiran One 2330 $1,100 SonyVAlO SVL24116FXB

HPOmni22O-1185qd HP ToucliSmart put

e e e o

23 24 21.5 23 27 27

1,700
1,000 1,160

5 6

Dell XPS One XPS027-1176BK Lenovo IdeaCentre A720 (25645CU)

1,400 1,850

e o e e e o e e e e

Core 7-377O5 Core I7-3610QM Core 7-377OS Core 5-3450S Core 5-3450S Core 7-361OOM

8 8 8 6 6 8

2000 1000 2000 1000 1000 1000

C O M P U T E R S ,

D E S K T O P

19

Brand Smodei

Pnce

Overaii score

Testresuits
re c: o .

^ i g
o A ALL-IN-ONE continued 7] 7 HP TouciiSmart $1.250 7] 8 7] 9 7] 10 7] 11 7] 1 2
520-1070pc Apple iMac 27-inc!i MC813a/A HP ToucliSmart 610-1250xt HP Omni 27-1054 ASUSET270H0 HP ToucliSmart 52O-lO5Opc DP7OOA3B-A02US HP ToucliSmart 520-1140t Apple iMac 2L5-inch MC309LL/A 17nn 1,/UU 1 r\r\
1,UUU

100

P I F I G IVGl E

Core I7-26OOS Core 5 2.7GHZ Core

2000 1000 1500 1000

1,150 1,000
QCfl VDU

7] 1 Samsung 3 g 14 7] 1 5

1000
Qnn oUU

5-2400 Core 5-2400C 27 Corei5-3450 Core 5-2400S Core 23 5-2390T Core 5

2.5GHZ Core

8 1000 , 1000 1000 "

1000 500

23 Core 3-2100 6

1200 1,350 "7nn

21.5
27

16 VZOCA27-A2 17 HP TouchSmart
420-llOOt

7-3610QM
750

18 AcerAZ5771-UR31P 19 ASUS ET2410IUTS-05 20 HPTouchSmart

320-1050pc

/uu 825

23 Corei3-21OO 4

23 Corei3-2120 4 1000 20 A6-3600 Core 5-2400S 23 Corei3-212O 4

880
7nn /UU

O 23.6 Core 3-21OO 4 1000

1000 500 500

21 AcerVeritonVZ2620G 22 Lenovo IdeaCentre

B52O(31111MU)

740
T)r\ /U
MO

23 Gateway One
ZX4951-33e

21.5 Corei3-55O 4 1000 Q 21.5 Pentium

G630

24

HP Omni 220-1125 320-1030

600
rn

^ 1000
1000

25 HP TouctiSmart

obU

20

A4-3400

Ratings Key Excellent Very good OGood Fair Poor B E CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recomnnended. Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

20

C O N S U M E R

R E P O R T S

B U Y I N G

G U I D E

2 0 1 3

Brand & modei .s

Price

Overall score

Test results
m c o

Features
.i2 "ra cu

" i
o
P I F I G IVGl E

"^ S a

S. .^

A ALL-IN-ONE continued 26 HP TouctiSmart 52O-1O2OPC 27 Gateway ZX6971-UB20P 28 29 B [] [7] 1 2 3 4 AcerAZ1620-UR31P VZOCA24-A0 COMPACT HP Pavilion Slimline S5-I260 Gateway 5X2370-UR10P LenovoH320-0411JU Acer Aspire AX1470-UR11P FULL-SIZE Dell XPS 8500 7

O O O 23 O 0 O 23 O 0 O O 0 O 0 O 0 20 24

4 4 2 4

1000 500 500 500

NA NA NA Corei3-212O 4 1000 O NA NA NA 550 A8-3820 6 1000 4 1000 4 500

O NA NA NA Corei3-55O O 0 O NA NA NA A4-3420

C 0 1 2 3

Oeil XPS 8500 5 HP Pavilion HPE Phoenix h9-ll50 4 Gateway FX6860 URIOP S ASUSCM6870-US-3AB 6 Gateway FX6860-UR20P 7 AcerAM3970-UR14P 8 Gateway DX4860-UR14P 9 Gateway DX4860-UR11P 10 ASUSCM6870-US-2AA U HP Pavilion h8-1210 12 HP Pavilion P7-1210 13 Lenovo IdeaCentre K410-11681HU

NA NA NA Core 17-3770 8 1000 NA NA NA Core 5-3450 8 1000 NA NA NA Core 5-3S50 10 2000 NA NA NA Core 7-3770 12 2000 NA NA NA Core 7-3770 16 2000
Core 8 1500 7-2600 N NA NA Core 5-3450 8 2000 A A N NA NA

NA NA NA Core 5-3450 6 1000

Core 8 2000 7-2600 N N N Corei5-3450 12 2000 A A A

NA NA NA O NA NA NA O NA NA NA

FX-6100 A6-3620

10 1500 6 1000

O NA NA NA Core 3-2120 6 1000

COMPUTERS,

DESKTOP

21

Brand & model

o ez TO ex:

Price

Overall score

Test results

g- a
100 F I G IVGl t

C FULL-SIZE continued
14 15 16 17 AcerAM3450-llR30P Dell Inspiron I560-2133NBK Asus Essentio CM1630-05 Lenovo ThinkCentre M58(7244-A35) o a NA NA NA FX-4100
Rnntii im

6 1000 500

O a NA NA NA "^^^ 4
455 250
^

a O a
^

NA NA NA N O A
M A

750
Pentium

.=. Il ^

N A

jgggg

500

.-nr.

Ratings Key Excellent averygood OGood Fair P o o r Q CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. bd Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score reflects all the Ratings factors. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise score out of a total of 100. Scores are comparable between the full-sized and compact categories. Scores for the mini and all-in-one categories are not comparable with any other category. Versatility includes hardware, such as memory-card slots and A/V connections; software, such as security programs and productivity applications; and tech support and warranty provisions. Performance reflects speed whiie running productivity applications, multimedia applications, and 3D games. Ergonomics represents the quality of the keyboard and pointing device, and accessibility of features. For all-in-ones, display is our judgment of clarity, color, brightness, and viewing angle. Speakers covers fidelity, bass response, and loudness. Price is approximate retail.

Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

22

C O N S U M E R

R E P O R T S

B U Y I N G

G U I D E

2 0 1 3

OUR READERS RATE TECHNICAL SUPPORT

W
Manufacturer

hile Apple stood out among manufacturers, in general, tech support is among the lov^est-rated services in Consumer Reports National Research Center surveys. The survey is based on our readers' personal experiences with more than 8,650 desktop, laptop, and netbook computers. Apple owners are far more likely to have a positive tech-support experience than those with Windows computers. Apple solved Mac problems 73 percent of the time, according to those surveyed who

used its support. But its overall score of 78 is eight points lower than last year, so even Apple has slipped somewhat in user satisfaction with its support offerings. According to those surveyed, problems were solved for only 60 percent of those who had to contact tech support, on average. And many computer makers' free technical-support policies end after a year or less. One notable exception is, again, Apple, which offers unlimited free support (after the 90-day free phone support runs out) when you go to a Genius Bar in one of its stores.

Tech support
In order of reader score. Reader score

> Worse

e
Survey results

Apple Dell Lenovo HP/Compaq Asus Toshiba Acer/Gateway/eMachines

73% 61 53 51 45 45 42

Base on responses from 7.470 owners of 8.652 desktop, laptop, and netbook computers who contacted tech support between January 2011 and January 012.

Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

C O M P U T E R S ,

LAPTOP

23

Quick Guide

COMPUTERS, LAPTOP

Some laptops offer features and capabilities that rival those of traditionai desl<tops. You'ii find more thin-andllght iaptops than ever, while 750GB and larger hard drives are becoming more common. What to look for

An 11- to 13-inch model if you plan to carry the laptop around with you frequently A 14- to 16-inch screen for the ideal balance of performance, portability, and price A 17- to 18-inch model for an entertainment-oriented desktop replacement
What to skip

you're doing is run-of-themill like e-mail and word processing. Save a few dollars and stick with the dual-core choice
What you'ii pay

Shopping tip
If you want to customize a rTiodel, order la carte from the manufacturer's website.

A well-equipped, 15-inch laptop in the middle price range might cost about $600 and include one of the newer processors.
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports. org/computers lOverali score Test resuits
i/l

A high-powered quad-core processor if most of the work

Brand 8 modei Price

Scan this or see how. page 11

Features
>- ^ >_re

>, - ^

Oj
i_j

1i 1 i 1
0 100 P I F I G IVGl E [] pi A 1 2 3 4 B p] p] 1 2 11 iNCH iUIODELS Appie MacBook Air 11-inch MD223LL/A Appie MacBook Air 11-inch MC968LL/A ASUS Zenbook UX21E-DH52 Uitrahook HP Pavilion dml-4l70us 13-INCH MODELS Appie MacBook Air 13-inch MC965LL/A ASUS Zenbook Prime UX31A-DB51 1.300 1,100 O 9 2.9 Core 5 1.7GHZ

$1,000

6.5 2.4

6.25 2.5 O O O 4.75 2.5 5.^^^^,^ O O 8.25 3.3

Core

24

C O N S U M E R Brand S modei

R E P O R T S Price

B U Y I N G

G U I D E Testresuits

2 0 1 3 Features o S

Overall score

11
P I F I G IVGl E B 13-iNCH MODELS continued Apple MacBook Air $1,200 13-incb MO23ILL/A Samsung 900 NP900X3A-B01UB Asus ZenBook 900 UX31-RSL8 Uitrabook Sony VAIO SVT1311CGXS 1,200 Uitrabook Sony VAIO SVS13I12FXB 8 900 *^ ^ ^-^ ^

\i/\

1.8GHZ

O e 8.25 2.9 5.^^^^% O '-'^ 3-' 5-2557M _ 7.75 3.3 Core O O , , . ,., 5.^3^,,
O 8 3.8 5.^3;^o

Toshiba Portege 900 Z935-ST2NO1 9 Apple MacBook Pro 1,200 13-inc!l MDIOILL/A 10 Apple MacBook Pro 1,200 13-incll MD313LL/A 11 Toshiba Portege 750 U!trabookZ835-P330 12 Dell !nspiron 700 I13Z-6591SLV 13 Acer Aspire S3-951-6646 700 Uitrabook 14 LenovD ideaPad U310 720 U!trabook - 43752WU 15 C 1 HP ENVY 13-1O3ONR 14-iNCH MODELS HP Pavion dm4-3090se Dell XPS14 Ultrabook HP ENVY 14-3010NR Spectre tl!trabook Toshiba Satellite Uitrabook U845W-S400 Samsung Ultrabook NP530U4B-A01US Toshiba Sateite R845-S95 Lenovo ideaPad U400-09932MU 8 Sony VA!O SVE14112FXB 900

OO

8 2.4 3.^3^^ ^

e e O 7.5 4.5

e O 8 4.5 ^ i l
o o o 8.25 2.4 .^^^^^^

e O O 6.5 3.8 5.^3/;,,

e e O O 5.75 3.7 3.^3^,^

O O O 4 38 '^''re2Du

900 1.100 1.150 1.000 850 750 800 600

5-2450M

Core

Core

C O M P U T E R S ,

L A P T O P

25

Brand & model ffi

Pnce

Overall score

Test results
' ^ ^ re

Features
1-^

F I G IVGl E

i 1 i 11 i I
O O 10.25 4.5 O O 5.5 4.7 Core 3-235OM Core 3-235OM

C 14-INCH MODELS continued

9 10 U 12 13 14 15 16 Acer Aspire TimelineX AS4830T-6443 Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E430 3254-ACU Dell Inspiron I14Z-0256BK HP Pavilion dv4t-5100 Dell Inspiron 14z Dell Inspiron I14RN-1228BK Toshiba Satellite L745-S4126 Acer lconia-6120 Touchbook

O O 8.25 4.5 O O 6.75 4.8 O O 9.25 4.5 O O 6.25 5.2 O O 0 O O 0 5.5 4.6 3 6

Core 3-235OM
Core 3-231OM

Core 3-233OM Core

3-2350M Penum

B960
Core 5-480M

D 15-TO 16INCH MODELS

1 2 SonyVAI0SVS1511HGXB 1.800 Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch with Retina display MC975LL/A HP Pavilion dv6-7014nr Samsung NP900X 4C-A01US Acer Aspire Timelinell Ultrabook M5-581T-6490 Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch MD318LL/A Dell XPS 15
Core 7 2.3GHZ Core 5-3317U Core 7-3610QM Core 5-321OM

Core 7-3612QM Core i7 2.3GH2

2,200

3 4 5 6 7

Core 5-3317U
Core 5-3317U Core i7 2.2GHZ

Q Q [71 FI

Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch MD103LL/A 9 HP ENVY Ultrabook 6t-1000 10 Toshiba Satellite P855-S52OO

HP Pavilion m6-lO45dx

12 Dell Inspiron I15RSE-2833BK 13 MSIGE60 0NC-006US

LOfc

26

C O N S U M E R

R E P O R T S

B U Y I N G

G U I D E 2 0 1 3

Brand & model

S H a:

Price

Overall score

Test results
S ra

Features

100 P I F G IVGl E

D J 14

15- TO 16-INCH MODELS continued Tosnma satellite

S855-S5254 Acer Aspire V3-571G-9435 Dell Inspiron 15R-2nd Genis Sony VAIO VPCF234FX/B Sony VAIO SVE15115FXS HP Pavilion m6-1035dx I15R-21O8SLV Lenovo IdeaPad V570-1066AWU ASUS N53SM-DS71 Dell XPS 15z Toshiba Satellite 58550-S5253 Toshiba Satellite L755-S511O Dell Inspiron I15RM-3529BK HP Pavilion g6-ld70us Toshiba Satellite L8550-S5242 HP Pavilion dv6z-7000 ASUSK53E-DS31 HPENVYSieekhook 6-lOlOus Acer Aspire AS5560-8480 Toshiba Satellite C855O-S5237 Gateway NV55S22U Acer Aspire AS5349-2899
(t "inn

3
1

IS

850
oUU 1.125

1 16 E] 17 Z] 18 E] 19
7| ] 21

700
650
uUU

Core 7-3610QM Core 7-3610QM Core 5-2430M Core 7-2670QM Core 5-321OM Core 5-3210M Core 5-2450M Core 7-26700M Core 5-2450M

" , , , , " , , g " ,

A10-4600M 6

20 Dell Inspiron
4oU

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

850 900 600

4JU
cnn
JUU

AIO-4600M 6 Core 3-2350M Core 3-2350M Core 3-2350M A8-4500M A6-4400M Core 3-235OM A6-4455M A8-3520M A6-4400M A8-352OM Celeron

A'iD

530
j-Qn

DoU

550 550
Ann DUU

500
JUU

600
Tcn
JJU

B815

COMPUTERS, Brand & model Pnce Overall score Test results

LAPTOP Features

27

ili
0 p I F I G IVGl E

.s? g f

D 15-TO 16-INCH MODELS continued

36 37 38 39 Toshiba Satellite 1755D-SS109 Acer Aspire AS5733Z-4816 ASUSX54C-BBK15 Asus K52F-BBR5 o 5.25 5.3 A4-3305M 4 . ^ Pentium . P6200 Pentium B960 Pentium O O 3.5 5.9 P6100 O 5.25 5.1 E-450 O O 6 5 El-1200

4 0 Lenovo G575 43834WU 41 Toshiba Satellite C8550-S5230

E 17-TO 18-INCH MODELS

HP Pavilion dv7-70l2nr Samsung NP700Z7C-S01US Apple MacBook Pro 17-incb MD311LL/A HP Pavilion dv7-'6c95dx HP Pavilion dv7-7O2Ous Toshiba Satellite P875-S7200 Dell Inspiron I17R-2368SLV HP Pavilion dv7-7010us ASUSG75VW-BBK5 10 U 12 13 14 15 16 Dell Inspiron 17R-2nd Gen i5 Dell Inspiron I17RN-2944BK Toshiba Satellite L775-S71 Dell Inspiron 17R-2n(i Gen 3 HP Pavilion dv7-6l65us Toshiba Satellite L775D-S7112 Toshiba Satellite C875D-S7220 7-3610QM Core 7-3615QM Core 7 2.4GHZ Core I7-26700M Core 5-3210M Core 5-321OM Core 5-321OM 7 A10-4600M 7-36100M Core 5-2410M 3-235OM Core 3-235OM 71 '' '^'^ 3-2310M

7.1 A8-35OOM 6 5.6 A4-3305M EI-1200

28

C O N S U M E R

R E P O R T S

B U Y I N G

G U I D E

2 0 1 3

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score reflects all the Ratings factors. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise score, out of a total of 100. Ergonomics represents the quality of the keyboard and pointing device, and accessibility of features. Portability score is based on battery life and weight. Performance is based on performance while running productivity applications, multimedia applications, and 3D games. Versatility includes hardware such as memory-card slots and A/V connections, software such as security programs and productivity applications, and tech support and warranty provisions. Display covers display size, clarity, color, contrast, brightness, and glare. Battery life (hr.) is estimated in hours while running productivity applications. Weight (lb.) is the weight of the laptop as you would carry it around, including the battery but without the power adapter. Price is approximate retail.

iviost & Least Reiiabie DESKTOPS LAPTOPS

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

Apple was among the least repair-prone brands of desktop computers. That's what we found when we asked readers who bought 8,007 desktops from 2009 through the first half of 2012 about their experiences. The graph shows the percentage of models from each brand that were repaired or had a serious problem. Differences of fewer than 4 points were not meaningful, and data are adjusted to eliminate differences due to the age of the desktop. Models within a brand may yary, and design and manufacturing changes may affect future reliabiiity. Still, choosing a brand with a good repair history can improve your odds of getting a reliable brand.

5%

10%

Source; Annual Product Reliability Survey,. Consumer Reports National Research Center.

No one laptop computer brand stood out as the most or least reliable in 2012. Although we lacked sufficient historical data for all years to include Compaq in the graph, our data indicate that it has been as reliable as the brands that appear in the graph. That's what we found when we asked more than 23,500 readers who bought a full-size laptop between 2009 and 2012 about their experiences. The graph shows the percentage of models from each brand that were repaired or had a serious problem. Differences of less than 4 points aren't meaningful, ahd we'ye adjusted the data to eliminate differences linked to the age and use of the laptops. Models within a brand may yary, and design or manufacture changes may affect future reliability. Stili, choosing a brand with a good repair history can improye your odds of getting a reliable model.

Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

COMPUTERS,

NETBOOK

29

Quick Guide

COMPUTERS, NETBOOK

If you're in the market for a netbooi<, models with duaicore Atom processors are setting the performance standard for that category. Netbooks are suitable as secondary computers for performing routine tasks.

What to look for 2GB of memory, which will improve performance on a netbook Intel's beefed-up, dual-core Atom processor if you plan to watch videos An external optical drive, if you want to install software from a disc or play CDs or DVDs
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/computers

What to skip

Skip the netbook altogether and invest in a tablet if you want a device not only for e-mailing and web browsing, but also for a variety of entertainment options
What you'ii pay

Shopping tip
Shop in January, Juiy, and October, when older inventory is cieared out to make room tor new models.

You should be able to find a netbook with very long battery life and light weightits two most important specs for $200 to $250.
Scan this or see how. page 11

Brand & model

Price Overall score

Testresuits

Features

f
Of

'S E ra
a.

P I F I G IVGI E 10- TO 11-INCH MODELS

Acer Aspire One AO722-OO22 Asus Eee PC

1O25C-MU17-BK HP Mini 1104 A7K66UT Acer Aspire One A0D270-1410 HP Mini 210-4150NR lenovD IdeaPad Net370

O O

C-60

O O O O 10.75 2.5 AtomN2600 1 O O O O 9.75 2.9 AtomN2600 1 O O O O 8.5 2.5 AtoniN2600 1 O O O O 9.75 3 AtomN26OO. 1 O O O 4 2.9 AtomN455 1

240
300 n,,,

bopkjabiet_O65}7HlL _ _ _

30

CONSUfVlER

R E P O R T S

B U Y I N G

G U I D E

2 0 1 3

R a t i n g s Key Excellent Very good OGood 0 F a i r Q E

Poor

CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. Ail are recommended, Recommended These are high-performing modeis that stand out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score reflects all the Ratings factors. Displayed scores are rounded; models are listed in order of precise score, out of a total of 100. Portability reflects battery life and weight. Ergonomics represents the quality of the keyboard and pointing device, and accessibility of features. Performance is assessed while running productivity applications: Display covers display size, clarity, color, contrast, brightness, and glare. Versatility includes hardware such as memorycard slots and A/V connections, software such as security programs and productivity applications, and tech support and warranty provisions. Battery life (hr.) is estimated iniours while running productivity applications. Weight (lb.) includes the battery but not the power adapter. Price is approximate retail.

Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

C O M P U T E R S ,

T A B L E T

31

Quick Guide

COMPUTERS, TABLET

Lightweight and highly portable, tablets are made to be carried wherever you go. Most have 7- to 10-inch screens. What to look for A 10-inch screen for better Web surfing, video, and gaming; a 7-inch screen for better portability A display with a wide viewing angle An operating system that can be upgraded Ability to access a rich variety of apps authorized by the OS manufacturer What to skip . A 3G or 4G model, unless you need "everywhere access" and are willing to pay extra for it What you'll pay You'll spend about $400 for a good, 10-inch Android tablet with 16GB of memory that's Wi-Fi-only. An equivalent iPad costs $500. Smaller Android tablets that we recommend start as low as $200.
For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/computers

Shopping tip
Tablets can double as e-readers and movie viewers, and a vtfide variety of inexpensive apps is available.

Scan this or see how, page 11

Brand & model Price Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model.

Overall score

Test results
l/l

Features
^
.-ti

!r. P S S " =

.SP

IOO p I F I G IVGl E

[71 [] [] [71 p]

B 0

A 7-TO8-rNCHSCREEN,3G/4G+WI-FI 1 Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 (Wi-Fi, 4G,16G8) 2 Pantech Element (Wi-Fi, 4G, 16GB) 3 Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus (Wi-Fi, 4G, 16GB) 4 T-Mobile 5pringBoard (Wi-Fi, 4G, 16GB) S Motorola Droid Xyboard 8.2 (Wi-Fi, 4G, 32GB) Droid Xyboard 8.2 (Wi-Fi, 4G, 16GB) 6 ZTE Optik (Wi-Fi, 3G, 16GB) 7 Sony Tablet P (Wi-Fi, 4G, 4GB) 8 ViewSonic ViewPad 7 WLFJJGJGB)

0.9 And. 3.2 0.8 And. 3.2 0.8 And. 2.2

32

C O N S U M E R Brand S model

R E P O R T S Price

B U Y I N G Overall score

G U I D E

2 0 1 3 Features

Test results

Similar models, n small type, are comparable to tested model.

S111 i i
O 100 P I F I G IVGl E

t S. f
o
0.7 And. 4 4.1 4

B
0 Q Q M 1 2 3 4

7-TO 8-INCH SCREEN, WI-FI-ONLY

Toshiba Excite 7.7 (Wi-Fi, 16GB) Google Nexus 7 (Wi-Fi, 16GB) Nexus 7 (Wi-Fi, 8GB) Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) (Wi-Fi, 8GB) Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus (Wi-Fi, 16GB) Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus (Wi-Fi, 32GB) BlackBerry PlayBook (Wi-Fi, 16GB) PlayBook (Wi-Fi, 32GB), PlayBook (Wl-Fi, 64GB) Toshiba Tbrive 7" (Wi-Fi, 16GB) Tbrive 7" (Wl-Fi, 32GB) Amazon Kindle Pire (Wi-Fi, 8GB) Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet (Wi-Fi, 16GB) Nook Tablet (Wi-Fi, 8GB) Acer Iconia Tab AlOO (Wi-Fi, 8GB) Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet Al (Wi-Fi, 16GB) Archos 70b Internet Tablet (Wi-Fi, 8GB) Archos 80 G9 (Wi-Fi, 16GB) 80 G9 (Wi-Fi, 8GB) Pandigital 5uperNova (Wi-Fi, 4GB) ViewSonic ViewPad7e (Wi-Fi, 4GB) CobyKyrosMI07035 (Wi-Fi, 4GB) ViewSonic ViewBook VB730 (Wi-Fi, 8GB) {500 -,..

9.3 e O 9.5

0.7 And. 0.8 And.

250 350

8.3
6.5

0.8 And.

3.2

380 200

O O

7.6 5 6.3 6.2

RIM
0NX2-

[71 Q [7]

6 7 8

0.8 And. 3.2 0.9 And. 0.9 And. 0.9 And. 2.3 2.3 4

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

O O 4.7 O O O O O O O 6.5 5.4 5.7 6.1 5.2

200
200 300

0.9 And. 2.3 0.7 And. 3.2 1.1 U 1 0.7 1 And. And. 4 2.3

170 110 210

O O O

And. 2.3 And. 4

O 4.3 O O 6.6

And. 2.2

Ratings Key Excellent Verygood OGood Fair P o o r D CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. All are recommended. Ld Recommended These are high-performing models that stand out.

COMPUTERS,

TABLET

33

Brand & modei g 'ffi - Simiiar modeis, in small type, S are comparabie to tested model.

Pnce

Overaii score

Test resuits

Features

I I i
100
P I F I G IVGl E

.E

9-TO 12-INCH SCREEN, 3G/4G+W-FI

Appie iPad (Wi-Fi, 4G, 16GB)
(3ra gen) ipati (W-F, 4G, 64GB) (3rti gen). iPad (Wi-Fi. 4G, 32GB) (3rii gen)

11.6 1.5 iOS5 8.9 1 And. 3.2

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 (Wi-Fi, 4G, 16GB) Appie iPad 2 (Wi-Fi, 3G, 16GB) iPad 2 (Wi-Fi, 3G. 32GB), iPad 2 (Wi-Fi. 3G, 64GB)

11.6 1.3 iO55 8.9 1.3 And. 3.1

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (Wi-Fi, 4G, 16GB) Motoroia Droid Xyboard 10.1 (Wi-Fi, 4G, 16GB) Acer iconia Tab A501 (Wi-Fi, 4G. 16GB) D
p] [] p] p] [71 p] p] M [^ 0 [7] IT] Q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 U

8.9 1.3 And. 3.2 8.1 1.7 And. 3.2

9-TO12-iNCHSCREEN,Wi-Fi-ONLY
Appie iPad (Wi-Fi, 16GB) (3rd gen) Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 (Wi-Fi, 32GB) Samsung (Sataxy Tab 2 (10.1) (Wi-Fi, 16G) Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 (Wi-Fi, 16GB) Acer Iconia Tab A700 (Wi-Fi, 32GB) Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (Wi-Fi, 32GB) ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T (Wi-Fi, 16GB) Lenovo ideaTab S2109 (Wi-Fi, 16GB) Appie iPad 2 (Wi-Fi, 16GB) Toshiba Excite 10 (Wi-Fi, 16GB) Toshiba Excite lOLE (Wi-Fi, 16GB) Acer Iconia Tab A510 (Wi-Fi, 32GB) Sony Tabiets (Wi-Fi, 16GB)

11 i
500

11.5 8.5 12.4 8.4 9.5 9.3 8.9 10 11.6 8.8 8.1 10 9.1

15 .
1.3 1.3

ios 5
And. 4 And. 4 And. 3.1 And. 4

11 i^ 11 i5 i 1 5 i5 11 i5 11 i^ 11 ^ 11 11

!
1.5

1.2 And. 3.1 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.1 1.5 1.3
And. 4 And. 4 OS 5 And. 4 And. 4 And. 4 And. 4

0 i1 i^ 11 i^

11

i^ 5 ^1

34

C O N S U M E R
Brands model

R E P O R T S
Price

B U Y I N G
Overall score

G U I D E

2 0 1 3
Features
*^
,-ti

Testresuits
i/>

Similar models, in small type, are comparable to tested model.

ro

u^

1-^

100 F I G IVGl E

D
14
IS 16

9- TO 12-INCH SCREEN, WI-FI-ONLY continued

Asus Eee Pad Transformer

(Wi-Fi,16GB)
Motorola Xoom(Wi-Fi, 32GB) Acer Iconia Tab A200

17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25

(Wi-Fi, 16GB)
Acer Iconia Tab A500

(Wi-Fi, 16GB)
Asus Eee Pad Slider SLlOl

(Wi-Fi, 16GB)
LenovD ThinkPad Tablet 1838

, (Wi-Fi, 16GB)
Toshiba Thrive (Wi-Fi, 16GB) Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet T5I0 (Wi-Fi. 8GB) ArchOS 101G9 (Wi-Fi, 16GB) ViewSonic ViewPad lOe (Wi-Fi, 4GB) ArchOS 101G9 (Wi-Fi, 250GB) ViewSonic ViewPad lOpi JWi:Fi,64GB) 390 250

Ratings Key Excellent Very good OGood Fair P o o r D 0 CR Best Buy These models offer the best combination of performance and price. Ali are recommended. Recommended These are high-performing modeis that stand out.

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based on ease of use, display, touch response, versatility, battery life, and weight. We judge ease of use reading books, playing media, and using e-maii and the Web. Display score reflects color, viewing angle, brightness, and amount of glare. Touch response indicates responsiveness of the touch screen when selecting and moving objects or typing. Versatility reflects the presence of useful features. Portability score is based on size, weight, and battery iife. Battery iife (hr) indicates the time it takes to depiete a fuily charged battery while the tablet loads a sequence of Web pages over Wi-Fi. Weight (ib.) is without a case or cover. The operating system is the program that runs the user interface and apps. Price is approximate retail.

Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

66

C O N S U M E R

R E P O R T S

B U Y I N G

G U I D E

2 0 1 3

Quick Guide

E-BOOK READERS

Light weight, long battery life, and crisp type make e-book readers the best device for reading e-books. What to iooi( for A 6-inch screen, for the best balance of screen size and portability for most people Touch capability to help you easily select content and turn the pages What to si<ip 3G access to the Internet; while that offers the most flexibility for obtaining new content, models with Wi-FiBrand & model only access suit most users and generally cost less Color capability. For the most part, you're better off buying a tablet to get this What you'ii pay Prices typically range from $140 to $400, though some models cost $100 or so. For more buying advice, go to ConsumerReports.org/ebooks
Scan this or see how. paqe 11

Shopping tip
Some e-readers allow you to borrow e-books from public libraries.

Price Overali score

Testresults = s ffl

100 P I F I G IVGl E

A 1 2 3 B 1 2 3 4 5

5-iNCH OR SMALLER DISPLAY Sony Reader Pocket Edition PRS-3505C Aiuratei( LIBRE eBook Reader Pro EctacojetBookmini 120 6-TO 7-INCH DISPLAY Barnes &Nobie Nook Simpie Touch with GlowLight Barnes & Noble Nook Simpie Touch Reader Amazon Kindle Keyboard 3G 190 Amazon Kindie Keyboard 3G with Special Offers Barnes SNobie Nook Color 170 Amazon Kindle Keyboard

9Oe
9 9 O 9

2 weeks

continuous/ e o e 24 hrs.days standby 30 90 hours

60 days/30 with GlowLight 60 days 60 days e 60 days Up to 8 hours 60 days

E-BOOK Brand & model Price Overall score Test results

READERS

67

S.

S S I
0 p 1 F I G IVGl E

B
n Q 7 8

6- TO 7-INCH DISPLAY continued

Amazon Kindle With $70 Special Offers Amazon Kindle WIthouf Special Offers Kobo eReader Touch Edition 100 Amazon Kindle Touch 3G With Special Offers Amazon Kindle Touch 3G Without Special Offers 13 Amazon Kindle Touch With Special Offers EI Amazon Kindle Touch Without Special Offers El 30 days 30 days 30 days 60 days 60 days 60 days 60 days 7 hours > 30 days a a a 4,000 pg. furns 21 days 8-10 hours 6hrs 6hrs 6 hours 10 days

B 9 [ ] 10 '' [ ] 11 Q 12

[ 7 | 13 0 0

14 Kobo Vox eReader El 15 Sony Reader Wi-Fi (PRS-Tl) 16 17 18 BeBook Neo Bookeen Cybook Orizon Aluratek LIBRE Touch (AEBK08FB) 19 Pandigital Novel (PR007T10WWH7) 20 Pandigital Novel (PRD07T20WBL1) 21 Aluratek LIBRE Color eBook Reader(AEBK07FS) 22 Kobo Wireless eReader

C 8-INCH OR LARGER DISPLAY

1 2 Amazon Kindle OX (3rd Gen) 380 EctacojetBook Color El Discontinued 500

O a O a 2-3 weeks O O a O a 10,000 pg. turns

Guide to the Ratings

Overall score is based mostly on test results. Readabillty reflects text in various ligfiting conditions. Versatility signifies convenience. Responsiveness reflects speed to turn on, resume from sleep, open an e-book, and transfer an e-book from a computer via USB. Page turn measures how guickly an e-reader can turn to the next page of an e-book. Navigation includes the ability to rotate the screen, bookmark a page, and search for an e-book through an online bookstore. File support scores compatibility with typical e-book and file formats. Claimed battery life is as stated by the manufacturer. Touch screen displays respond to light contact with a stylus, finger, or either. Price Is approximate retail.

Copyright of Consumer Reports Buying Guide is the property of Consumers Union and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.