Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1

Aside from its 8-megapixel resolution, the compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 camera justifies its premium price with a tasty array of too-cool-for-school features.

Editors’ rating: 7.6 out of 10, very good

The good: 16:9 native aspect-ratio CCD; wide-angle lens; image stabilization; decent photo quality; versatile burst mode; TIFF and raw formats; 2.5-inch LCD.

The bad: No optical viewfinder; LCD difficult to view in dim light; no white-balance presets for fluorescent light; some image artifacts.

What’s it for? Shooting photos to print larger than 8-by-10; capturing 30fps movies.

Who’s it for? Aspiring photographers who want the portability of a snapshot camera but a robust manual feature set.

Essential extras: Fast, high-capacity SD card.

The bottom line: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 has a broad set of manual controls, image stabilization, and a wide lens and sensor crammed into a compact package.

Check prices: https://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic _Lumix_DMC-LX1/4014-6501_7- 31456442.html

Full review: https://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic _Lumix_DMC-LX1/4505-6501_7- 31456442.html

– David D. Busch and Lori Grunin

Sony Ericsson W800i

The Sony Ericsson W800i is the best-of-breed MP3 cell phone to date.

Editors’ rating: 7.6, very good

The good: Admirable call quality; simple design; user-friendly interface; high-quality mp3 player with FM radio; Bluetooth and infrared port; speakerphone; 2-megapixel camera; world phone.

The bad: Slippery, small keypad buttons; small phone book; poorly located headset jack; users can’t listen to music through Bluetooth headphones; accepts Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick only.

What’s it for? Making calls; listening to music; taking pictures; e-mailing and messaging; performing basic PIM functions; playing games.

Who’s it for? Cell phone addicts; early adopters; multimedia fans.

Business use: The work crowd will appreciate the W800i’s Bluetooth, messaging and multimedia capabilities.

Essential extras: Wired headset; Bluetooth headset; USB cable; stereo cable; Bluetooth media viewer; game controller; dashboard holder; Bluetooth car kit; car charger; desktop charger.

The bottom line: Its design may not be particularly flashy, but the Sony Ericsson W800i Walkman phone elegantly combines its calling and multimedia features into a powerful device.

Check prices: https://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_ Ericsson_W800i/4014-6454_7- 31313352.html

Full review: https://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_ Ericsson_W800i/4505-6454_7- 31313352.html

– Kent German and Bonnie Cha