Must-have gadgets

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CNET has a top products list for each of the categories we cover--they're listed on the left--but this list brings the cream of the crop together in one place. New to the list is the iPad 3, as well as our top picks for affordable headphones and wireless speakers. Rather than trying to compare gadgets across multiple categories, we present them in alphabetical order, because when you get right down to it, we think they're all must-haves.

Looking for the MacBook Air? It's still one of the best laptops you can currently buy, but we've pulled it from the list because we believe that 2012 Airs with new Intel Ivy Bridge processors will be hitting before summer.

Amazon Kindle 2011 (with Special Offers, Wi-Fi)

Best no-frills e-book reader
If you just want to read books--and you don't need a touch-screen--the $79 Kindle is the best superaffordable and ultraportable reader you can buy.
Price: $79.00 (check prices)
4 stars

Very good

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Apple iPad (2012)

Best tablet overall
With a host of improvements--faster graphics, 4G wireless options, a better camera, and a gorgeous high-res screen--the latest iPad cements its position at the head of the tablet pack.
Price: $586.50 - $706.50 (check prices)
4 stars

Excellent

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Apple iPhone 4S

Best smartphone for media
The iPhone 4S isn't the king of cell phones, but it's part of the royal family nonetheless. Even without 4G and a giant screen, this phone's smart(ass) voice assistant, Siri, the benefits of iOS 5, and its spectacular camera make it a top choice for anyone ready to upgrade.
Price: $199.99 - $530.00 (check prices)
4 stars

Excellent

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Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

Best Android tablet
If there's one full-size tablet that does a good job distinguishing itself from the iPad, this is it. Invest in the Asus Transformer Prime's optional keyboard dock, and you've got a full-on laptop replacement.
Price: $499.99 - $745.99 (check prices)
4 stars

Excellent

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HP Folio 13

Best Windows ultrabook
When it comes to Windows ultrabooks, the HP Folio 13 is the best of the bunch in terms of performance, price, and ergonomics, provided you can live with a less-than-razor-thin design. This laptop is targeted at small businesses but it's really for anyone who wants a reliable ultrabook that isn't a MacBook Air.
Price: $899.99 - $1,379.99 (check prices)
4 stars

Excellent

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Klipsch Image S4 In-Ear Headphones (Black)

Best in-ear headphones for under $100
The Klipsch Image S4 earphones offer up sound quality on par with and better than sets that cost many times as much; they are a spectacular choice for anyone looking for new earbuds. Also available in headset versions for iPhone and Android. (Check out CNET's list of best headphones for under $100 for more choices.)
Price: $42.99 - $79.00 (check prices)
4 stars

Outstanding

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Logitech Harmony 650

Best universal remote for under $70
Sick of all those remotes on your coffee table? The PC- and Mac-programmable Harmony 650 will replace five of them, and bring sanity to your living room.
Price: $49.97 - $79.99 (check prices)
4 stars

Very good

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Logitech Wireless Boombox

Best wireless speaker under $150
Logitech wins again with the Wireless Boombox, delivering a Bluetooth speaker that sounds great, has a rechargeable battery, and won't empty your wallet. But if you're looking for smaller or cheaper models, consult our list of best portable Bluetooth speakers for less than $100.
Price: $119.99 - $141.99 (check prices)
4 stars

Excellent

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Motorola Droid Razr Maxx (Verizon Wireless)

Longest-lasting smartphone
The Motorola Droid Razr Maxx proves that a powerful Android superphone can remain thin yet still promise marathon-worthy battery life. If you can live without Ice Cream Sandwich and have big hands, the Maxx is extremely compelling.
Price: $199.99 - $299.99 (check prices)
4 stars

Outstanding

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Panasonic TC-ST50 Series

Best 2012 TV (so far)
With flagship-level picture quality for a midlevel price, the Panasonic ST50 series sets the value standard among videophile-grade TVs.
Price: $1,476.07 - $1,699.97 (check prices)
4 stars

Excellent

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Roku LT

Best media streaming box
The Roku LT is a killer streaming-media box, offering tons of streaming video content, including favorites like Netflix, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, and Pandora, for just $50. (Note: The LT is so popular it's often sold out; consider instead the nearly identical Roku HD for just $10 more.)
Price: $64.50 (check prices)
4 stars

Excellent

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Samsung Galaxy Nexus (Verizon Wireless)

Best Android experience
Expect other phones to get the Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich" operating system later in 2012. In the meantime, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is your only choice--and an excellent one at that.
Price: $79.99 - $299.99 (check prices)
4 stars

Outstanding

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Sonos Play:3

Best wireless audio system
The Sonos Play:3 can stream nearly every online radio station and music service--Spotify, Rhapsody, Slacker, Mog, Pandora, and the like--as well as your PC-based music collection. And it's all controlled by a free remote app on your tablet or smartphone.
Price: $279.00 - $299.91 (check prices)
4 stars

Excellent

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V

Best consumer compact camera
Feature junkies in search of a compact megazoom should get the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V.
Price: $279.99 - $470.98 (check prices)
4 stars

Excellent

Read full review