CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: David Carnoy, John P. Falcone, and David Rudden
Edited by: David Katzmaier

Review date: 11/18/05
Update date: 1/27/06

Console and PC gamers have long been divided into two camps. Sure, there are those of us who play on multiple platforms, but hard-core PC gamers tend to be, well, hard-core PC gamers and eschew "mainstream" console games, while committed console gamers can sometimes be heard bashing PC gamers as elitist nerds. While there's nothing wrong with drawing your own distinction, what's clear--at least for the moment, anyway--is that Microsoft's Xbox 360 makes the line between PC and console gaming a lot fuzzier. Yes, this is a console, with game controllers and A/V cables that are designed to interface with your TV--preferably of the HD variety--but Microsoft has essentially packed a high-end PC gaming rig into a relatively small box that fits into any A/V rack or cabinet. That the Xbox 360 also has a user interface that rivals TiVo's in terms of slick presentation and ease of use, plus a host of digital media and networking features, helps elevate the already-good Xbox experience to a whole new level. Naturally, the 360 is not without its flaws, and since many of the launch titles are simply rehashes of their PC or console counterparts, we'll have to wait another year or so before we get to see what game developers can truly accomplish. By then, Sony should be ready to counter with its next-gen powerhouse, the PlayStation 3. Whether it will be better is anybody's guess. But all we can say is that Sony better hurry because the Xbox 360 will be a hard temptation for gamers to resist for too long, even priced at $399.

Editors' note: We will continue to update this review as we spend more time with the Xbox 360. For complete coverage, check out CNET's "Xbox 360 central," where you'll find in-depth looks at all the current games, hot games coming soon, the best Xbox 360 accessories, a full FAQ section, and even a complete list of compatible Xbox1 titles that will play on the Xbox 360.

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: Michael Shapiro
Edited by: Aimee Baldridge

Review date: 5/4/05

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: Tim Gideon
Edited by: Rich Brown

Review date: 11/22/04

A lot of the core specs remain the same between generations. The Z-2300 retains the Z-2200's THX certification and speaker-frequency response (35Hz to 20KHz) and the subwoofer's 120 watts of floor-rattling power. The remote still offers headphone access and the standard sub and volume controls. Design changes abound, however, and they're more than just cosmetic.

Redesigned for a sleeker look, the speakers still utilize the same phase plug-style drivers (designed to even out frequency response). At 2.5 inches, the drivers are smaller than the old, mammoth 3-inch version yet offer the same amount of power (80 watts, or 40 watts per channel). We also found the outer casing visually appealing, with a chrome-and-black color scheme and removable black dust covers. The extra 0.75 inch shaved off their width is a helpful update for the cluttered-desk crowd--though it's too bad you can't adjust their upward-firing angle. This time around, Logitech has also included a video game adapter for all you console owners.

Our first test on the Z-2300 was musical. We checked out the Arcade Fire's MP3 "Wake Up" and loved the results. The opening guitar riff sounded crunchy and clear, with the subwoofer offering subtle and smooth low-end accompaniment. When the drums kicked in and the bass guitar followed, the bass never detracted from the speakers' excellent clarity in the mid-to-high frequencies, even at maximum volume. All the while, the set provided the kind of thump and low-end resonance most would associate with a great PA system at a live show. Unlike those on many 2.1 setups, the Z-2300's subwoofer seemed capable of providing stellar sound at both moderate and extreme bass levels.

The results for gaming were similar. The explosions and the spaceship rumbles of Escape Velocity: Nova showcased the Z-2300's subwoofer. For some ridiculous thunder, we turned the sub's volume to its max and blew up some enemy ships. The walls, the desk, and the floor shook with an intensity that quiet neighbors and coworkers will quickly learn to hate, yet even at this high volume, we experienced clarity in the middle and high frequencies with no distortion.

Watching chapter 34 of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers DVD delivered an equal amount of pure joy. In this battle scene, every collision benefited from a tremendous thud, and the fall of every horse hoof came through with pristine clarity and a low-end bass from the sub that made us shudder. Amid all this low-frequency glory, the score and the dialogue were never obscured or overpowered. The Z-2300 may not be a proper 5.1 surround-sound kit, but its output sure sounds like movie-theater quality.

At $150, the Logitech Z-2300 speakers are an excellent investment. Our minor gripes about the wiring and the nonadjustable angle of the speakers are truly minimal when weighed against the audio's superb power and accuracy. Simply put, they sound magnificent.

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: Denny Atkin
Edited by: Lori Grunin

Review date: 7/15/05

The Sony Handycam DCR-DVD403 leaves its underachieving predecessors in the dust, offering superior video quality, improved performance, above-average photos, and a no-compromise feature set. With its 1/3-inch 3-megapixel CCD (2 megapixels used for video) and Dolby 5.1 surround recording, the DVD403 is a healthy competitor to MiniDV cameras in its price range, and it tosses in straight-to-player convenience to boot.

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: Carey Russ
Edited by: Wayne Cunningham

Review date: 8/31/05

The 2006 Infiniti M35x has a base price of $43,140. Our test car was equipped conservatively with only the Journey Package, which includes a Bose two-channel, eight-speaker audio-system upgrade, climate-controlled front seats, the HomeLink universal transmitter, the RearView monitor, automatic-leveling Xenon HID headlamps, front precrash seat belts, and a compass in the inside rearview mirror for $2,750. Add a $610 destination charge for a total of $46,500. Much more is available: We recommend the Technology Package, which adds the nav system; a Bose surround-sound 5.1 audio system; intelligent cruise-control and lane-departure systems; and your choice of XM or Sirius satellite radio for an additional $4,200. But even without the extras, the M35x is a pleasant, sporty, and roomy luxury sedan with all-weather ability.