14 Must-Have Gadgets

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 for fall 2012 is the iPhone 5, the Kindle Paperwhite, and the first streaming projector. 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.

3M Streaming Projector

Best streaming projector
The 3M Streaming Projector packs the full power of a Roku box in a pico projector, making for an undeniably cool gadget, even with its limited battery life.

As shown: $299.00
See manufacturer site for availability

4 stars

Very good

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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Best e-ink reader
With an excellent built-in light and Amazon's best-in-class e-book selection, the Kindle Paperwhite rises to the top of the e-reader pack.
Price: $139.00 (check prices)
4 stars

Excellent

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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: $474.99 - $515.00 (check prices)
4 stars

Excellent

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Top-10 must-have gadgets

 
CNET has top products lists 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. For September, new additions include the Sonos Play:3 streaming audio speaker, the Droid Bionic superphone, and the Roku 2 XS streaming video box. (Looking for the iPhone 4 or iPod Touch? We deliberately left them off the list, since their 2011 replacement models are imminent.) 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.

Apple iPad 2 (16GB, Wi-Fi)

The iPad 2 refines an already excellent product. Its easy-to-use interface, vast app catalog, and marathon battery life bolster Apple’s claim to being the king of tablets.
Price: $499.00 – $1,050.00 (check prices)

• 4.0 stars Excellent

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Apple MacBook Air (11-inch, Summer 2011)

This year’s 11-inch MacBook Air improves on last year’s model in several significant ways and is by far the fastest ultraportable you’re likely to find, though some users will consider the limited flash storage space to be a hindrance.
Price: $949.95 – $999.00 (check prices)

• 4.0 stars Excellent

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Barnes & Noble Nook Touch Reader (Wi-Fi)

The new touch-screen Nook is a major advancement over its predecessor and offers some real advantages over the current Kindle.
Price: $139.00 (check prices)

• 4.0 stars Excellent

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