Two new wireless headsets aim to correct problems seen in previous products, filtering out background noise in cellphone conversations and bringing great sound quality for iPod use. The devices work well, but each one has drawbacks.
Walt Mossberg offers a quick glossary of techno terms shoppers may encounter when looking for a computer, television, digital camera or cellphone this holiday season. (Video)
Microsoft will challenge Apple with the launch of a digital-music player called the Zune, complete with an online music store and software to go with it. (Video)
Sony is taking a whack at the elusive electronic book reader with a new $350 device. Walt says the sleek gadget is a good start, but warns of significant flaws that mark it as a work in progress.
The Sansa Rhapsody is a portable music player designed to work with RealNetworks’ Rhapsody music-subscription service. The preloaded music included with the player is hassle, and the device is inferior to the iPod Nano.
A new system gives you access to 2.5 million digital tunes — without even turning on your computer. But at $999, Walt Mossberg says it requires a roomy budget.
Verizon’s new Chocolate cellphone is designed as a music player first and was crafted to look like an Apple iPod. But it’s burdened by a ham-handed user interface and other failings, Walt Mossberg says.
Two new services aim to provide advance notice of bad or offensive sites, letting you know if sites in Web search results are harboring things like malicious software or pornography.
In early battles for dominance of the PC market, Microsoft’s component-based platform crushed Apple’s end-to-end model. But in today’s post-PC era, where the focus is on music players, game consoles and cellphones, the end-to-end model is the early winner.
As well-designed as the iPod is, users are consistently frustrated by its inability to copy music to multiple computers or have multiple music libraries. Luckily, there are solutions to both problems.
Walt tests his theory that it’s possible to leave a laptop home on some types of trips and rely on a combination of a high-end cellphone and an iPod. To his surprise, the no-laptop vacation worked really well.
Edited by Walt and written by Katie Boehret, this is a guide to gadgets, web services and other consumer technologies.
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