Audioengine 5+ multimedia speakers

The good: The Audioengine 5+ powered speakers deliver phenomenal sound and offer simple, attractive styling. They feature two audio inputs and an integrated USB port for charging source devices (phones, iPods). The two speakers can be placed as far apart as needed to optimize stereo separation. A remote for controlling volume is included.

The bad: The speakers aren't cheap, and many will find them to be too large and bulky compared with standard PC speakers. The AC power port found in the earlier model is no longer present, and you can't switch between the two inputs--both are always active.

The bottom line: The Audioengine 5+ powered speakers deliver excellent sound quality and provide a clutter-free way to listen to smartphones, iPods, or any other audio source.

The good: Extracomfortable design; improved sound; highly effective noise-canceling circuitry; device folds for compact storage in included carrying case; 30-day home trial.

The bad: Expensive; when the battery dies, so does the music.

The bottom line: While they're no bargain, the Bose QuietComfort 15s currently offer the best sound and silencing capabilities in a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

The good: Single-speaker streaming audio system; controlled from any iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, or Android smartphone using a free app; impressive sound from a compact, single housing; elegant design; cuts down on cord clutter; streams Internet-based radio and audio services, plus your own digital music collection from any Mac, PC, or NAS drive; simple setup, particularly if you already own a Sonos system; expandable to up to 31 additional rooms (with the purchase of additional Sonos players).

The bad: While the Play:5 can wirelessly interact with other Sonos products, you'll need a hard-wired connection or the $49 wireless bridge accessory if it's your only Sonos component; somewhat expensive; not much stereo separation.

The bottom line: The Sonos Play:5 shrinks the Sonos streaming music experience down to a compact single-speaker system with great sound, which you can control from any iOS device or Android smartphone.

The good: For such a small, portable Bluetooth speaker, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobilesounds great and plays impressively loud without distorting. It also has a built-in rechargeable battery, an auxiliary input, a rugged design, and the option to swap out protective covers (one of which is included).

The bad: The speaker is pricey and has no speakerphone capabilities.

The bottom line: If you're willing to pay a premium, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker is the best portable Bluetooth speaker on the market.

The good: The Slingbox 500 streams video from your TV or DVR (or any analog source) to your PC, tablet, smartphone, and some streaming boxes at resolutions up to full 1080p HD. IR blasters are built into the box’s body, eliminating the need for annoying extra external wires. There are no monthly charges or fees. Unlike the step-down Slingbox 350 model, this one adds Wi-Fi and HDMI support, as well as the ability to stream photos and videos from Android phones and iPhones.

The bad: At close to $300, it's fairly expensive. Smartphone- and tablet-viewing apps cost extra. It duplicates some of the features found on TV anywhere apps you may already be using. As always, streaming capabilities are only as good as your home bandwidth.

The bottom line: While you'll pay a premium for its extra features, the Slingbox 500 is an excellent way to watch your TV or DVR video content anywhere.

The good: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 has an excellent f2.8 25-600mm zoom lens; fast shooting performance, even when shooting in raw or raw plus JPEG; and excellent picture and video quality for its class. It has a ton of shooting options, including full manual for stills and movies. It also has a hot shoe and an audio input socket.

The bad: The FZ200 is expensive, especially if all you're after is a long zoom lens. It doesn't have built-in GPS or Wi-Fi, or a proximity sensor for switching from the LCD to EVF. The SD card slot and battery compartment can't be accessed when the camera is on a tripod.

The bottom line: If you're searching for a long-zoom camera that falls in between a point-and-shoot and digital SLR experience, look no further than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200.

The good: The Sennheiser Momentumheadphones are an elegant full-size over-the-ear pair featuring a brushed stainless-steel headband and plush, leather-covered earpads. Sound and build quality are excellent, and the headphones come with a nice carrying case, as well as two cables, one of which has an Apple-friendly in-line remote and microphone.

The bad: The Momentum headphones are pricey and don't fold flat for compact storage.

The bottom line: The Sennheiser Momentum headphones may not have enough bass to satisfy every taste, but they are in every other way the best-sounding full-size audiophile headphones we've heard in a long time.

The good: The MyCharge Peak 6000 is a high-capacity 6,000mAh battery with built-in Apple and Micro-USB connectors. It can be plugged into a wall outlet for recharging and offers voice notifications that indicate remaining battery power and charging status.

The bad: It's fairly beefy (not pocket-friendly) and somewhat pricey.

The bottom line: The MyCharge Peak 6000 is sort of the Swiss Army Knife of portable battery chargers, with built-in connectors for iOS products, Android devices, and a host of other products.