Every time Consumer Reports complains about an overly complicated vehicle control system, like Cadillac's CUE or MyFord/MyLincoln Touch, we hear critics call us Luddites who hate all touch screens. But that misses a rather big point. It isn't the technology that's the problem, but rather how well it's implemented.

Sony bungee-jumped into the sports camcorder market recently with two Action Cam models, one with and one without Wi-Fi. I've been shooting with the Wi-Fi model (HDR-AS15, $270) for a while. In short, if I ever work up the courage to go helicopter skiing or skydiving, the Sony Action Cam could certainly capture the video on my way down.

Want to make the gamer in your life very happy? Pick up one of these popular titles and put a bow on it. We chose ten new games from a number of different genres and for a variety of gaming consoles, including the new Nintendo Wii U; there's something for every gamer on this list!

If you're considering giving the gift of navigation this holiday season, we can point you in the right direction with our test-based advice.

You have to give Google TV credit—it isn't a quitter. Despite the lackluster reception of the first Google TV–powered products back in 2010, the company has refused to throw in the towel. Instead it has regularly revamped its software to address some glaring issues, such as its initial inability to access Google's own Android marketplace (since rechristened Google Play).

Amazon today announced Kindle FreeTime Unlimited, an "all you can eat" subscription content service for kids ages 3 to 8 that's available via its new Kindle Fire tablets. The screened content includes kid-friendly books, games, educational apps, movies, and TV shows, from partners such as Disney, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Nickelodeon, PBS, and Sesame Workshop, among others.

Maybe you're a gamer-commuter who needs more challenge and variety than smart-phone games can provide. Or perhaps your child is clamoring for a mobile gaming console. Should you go for the PlayStation Vita, Sony's entry, with its with its advanced controls and expansive games? Or is the Nintendo 3D XL, a super-sized version of the Nintendo 3DS, with a larger screen and improved design, the best choice for you?

After several years as the last remaining maker of rear-projection TVs, Mitsubishi has finally told its dealers that it will no longer make the DLP sets, essentially ending the era of rear-projection television technology.

Although most people like the convenience of a subcompact camera, some buyers demand better image quality, which is why they will often choose an SLR—single-lens reflex camera, which lets you change lenses, among other advantages. Almost all consumer-level SLRs come with kit lenses, which are generally fine but basic. To get the most from your SLR, consider buying a step-up SLR lens.

I'd guess that for most of us, it's the $25,000 price tag standing in the way of owning Sony's new 84-inch XBR-84X900: It's one of the first so-called Ultra HD TVs sporting four times the number of pixels (3840x 2160) as current 1080p (1920x1080) HDTVs. If your budget can handle the price (you lucky dog), but you've been deterred by the lack of 4K content, Sony may have a compelling offer for you: Buy the 4K TV, and the company will lend you a hard-drive video player loaded with native 4K content.

Republic Wireless is a new MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) offering a wireless plan with unlimited voice, text, and data for $19 a month, with no contract. Republic is offering nationwide coverage, and you can even use your phone overseas to call U.S. numbers (via Wi-Fi). At first glance this may seem like a great deal—but it may not right be right for all or even most users.

We just finished our first full Ratings of Windows 8 computers, including 23 laptops and nine desktops. The great news for consumers: We've identified Best Buys in almost every category of Windows 8 laptop, including 13-, 14-, and 15-inch models.

Don't want to brave the lines, crowds, and general pandemonium of Black Friday? You could always stay home and shop online on Cyber Monday instead. Many online retailers will be offering substantial discounts, free shipping, and other attractive perqs to Web shoppers on the Monday after Black Friday—that's November 26 this year.

The Samsung Galaxy EK-GC100 camera, the first camera with 3G/4G connectivity, isn't the first wireless camera to run on the Android mobile OS—that honor goes to the Nikon Coolpix S800c, which connects via Wi-Fi, not 3G or 4G. But the Samsung camera breaks new ground in other important ways: It features an enormous display, voice-activation features, and a plethora of manual modes, effects filters, and smart-scene modes.

With little more than a day until the first post-turkey sales kick in, here are the most enticing specials on electronics items, culled from our recent posts on particular stores and product categories.