Best Electronic Products For 2014
Top Ranked Electronic Products
I recently wrote to inform you of ConsumerReports Magazine top rated home appliances for 2014 http://a-bomb.hubpages.com/hub/Best-Products-of-2014. Keeping with that same theme, I've gathered information from ConsumerReports first ever "Hot List" on a few high scoring electronic products, some of which may actually surprise you.
You'll notice that some of your favorites haven't made the cut while some underdogs have managed to impress the evaluators. Nonetheless, after reading this article, you may think twice about the little gadget you've had your eye on or possibly receive evaluative reinforcement on that desktop computer you've been craving.
A professional and reliable source, ConsumerReports buys all of the products they test. They test in their own independent state-of-the-art facilities. They do not take ads or accept free samples and they claim to be truthful on their reviews.
Top Television
LG 60LA8600
Overall Score: 76
Price: $2200
Smart everything's are the latest craze and according to ConsumerReports the LG 60LA8600 delivers in a huge way! This television features LG's smart-TV platform, buit-in Wi-fi, and a full web browser. The top rating was based on the television's excellent HD picture quality and a special feature called Near Field Communicaton (NFC).
NFC lets you tap your smart phone against a sticker on the TV to use it as a remote and share content between the two. This is pretty cool - to interface your TV with your phone? Here's something else you might like. You can also duplicate the display of your tablet or smart phone right on the TV screen with one simple connection.
I'd say that TV's have come a very long way. Remember that big old wooden box that doubled as a piece of furniture in your momma's house?
Top Headphones
HiFiMan HE-400
Overall Score: 86
Price: $400
Don't be so quick to run out and buy that very popular brand of headphones without reading this review first. Rated tops for incredible sound is the HiFiMan HE-400. You'll need to have a pretty descent budget to purchase these but according to ConsumerReports they are worth the investment. In fact CR states, "these are among the best-sounding models we've ever tested. They use planar-magnetic drivers rather than traditional voice-coil drivers." On the downside, these headphones are not intended to block out sound and some sound can escape.
Tip: If your budget is restricted, and you do not prefer the bulky design of the HiFiMan HE-400 one great alternative would be the Grado Prestige SR80i for only $100. They have an old-school design and excellent overall sound quality. Plus, they are more suitable for everyday street use.
Top Laptop
Dell XPS 12 Convertible Touch Ultrabook
(4th Generation i5)
Overall Score: 81
Price: $1200
Whether you're looking for a laptop or tablet you can find it in the Dell XPS 12 Convertible Touch Ultrabook. With a twist of the 12.5-inch screen this laptop will convert into a tablet. ConsumerReports attributes the high score of this Dell to the large touch display screen, speedy performance, hefty storage space, and light 3.3 pound weight.
Two-way Top Tablet Tie
Folks, we have a tie for for the best tablet. ComsumerReports scored the following two tablets an overall score of 83:
1. Apple iPad mini (Wifi, 4G, 16GB), Price: $460
It's a smaller, light-weight version (7.9 inches) of the iPad but has the same fantastic resolution. You can snag the Wi-Fi-only version for just $330.
2. Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 (16G), Price: $380
This 8-inch tablet is fun and stands out. It comes with a stylus, recognizes handwriting, and can show multiple app windows. On the downside, it's a little expensive for what it offers and you'll have to search for a while to find your favorite Samsung apps.
Top All-In-One Desktop
Dell XPS 27 Touch
Overall Score: 83
Price: $1600
ConsumerReports rated the Dell XPS 27 Touch on top due to its performance in everyday tasks and gaming. It has a large 27-inch screen and super sound. ConsumerReports also stated that this desktop computer has one of the best display screens that they've ever tested.
How about viruses? The report does not mention adequate protection against viruses (which, as we know, can cause huge problems)for this Dell model without purchasing your own computer security software. Just saying.
Top Smart Phone
**Let me just say sorry to the iPhone lovers in advance. Don't shoot the messenger.
Samsung Galaxy S 4 (16GB)
Overall Score: 81
Price: $0-$200
With the iPhone 5s coming in with an impressive overall score of 78, it doesn't quite measure up to the Samsung Galaxy S 4 (16GB). According to ConsumerReports this smart phone is the leading performer. The top score was awarded because of, "its features and capabilities...intuitive help menus...thoughtful design, which should attract those who seek a simpler smart-phone experience."
ComsumerReports did, however, state that the iPhone 5s was the best iPhone to date adding compliments to the new fingerprint sensors as a compelling security measure.
Top Camera
Canon EOS Rebel SL1
Overall Score: 71
Price: $700
Credited by ConsumerReports for being the smallest and lightest cameras they've tested, they also complimented the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 for being versatile with very good performance and image quality. Standout features included the through-the-lense viewfinder and its price is considered very attractive for a camera like this one.
Final Thoughts
I have to say that Dell and Samsung have some pretty impressive electronics that are expected to dominate the market over the next year or so. Apple isn't going down without a fight though as they continue to pump out iPhones like the 5s and 5c. So it should be pretty interesting to track the sales trends over the next year or so on these major players.
Chime in. Comment me on any electronics that you believe should be at the top of this list.
As always, if you need information of a particular electronic let me know and I'll do the research for you.
