Stories by Brian Nadel

KiraBook review: An ultrabook for the 1%

Toshiba's new KiraBook ultrabook offers a sleek, rich look along with high-end components, including a fine display and great speakers. The question is: Can you afford it?

A touchscreen on your desktop: Three new displays

With the introduction of Windows 8, touchscreens are coming to the desktop -- but they're not cheap. We look at three of the latest monitors from Acer, Dell and ViewSonic.

3 document scanners: Move your data from paper to pixels

While the dream of a paper-free world has yet to materialize (assuming it ever will), using scanners to store digital copies of hardcopy documents has become de rigueur for most businesses, from enterprise-level operations to single-person startups.

Cut the cord: 13 set-top media streamers

Watching "whatever's on" TV -- or shelling out for cable so you can see a particular show -- is so last decade. With an ever-expanding array of movies, TV shows and other video content available online, more and more TV watchers are opting to connect their TVs to the Internet, either to supplement their cable or satellite package -- or to replace it entirely.

3 Windows 8 ultrabooks: Lightweight and powerful

While much of the attention surrounding the long-awaited introduction of Windows 8 has focused on the latest tablets and convertibles, ultrabooks seem to have been lost in the frenzy. But although they aren't Transformers that can assume several computing personalities, ultrabooks tend to be lighter and less expensive -- and, for most business users, more useful.

In Pictures: 7 new Windows 8 Ultrabooks

The introduction of MIcrosoft Windows 8 has spawned a variety of new and exciting devices. Here are 7 Ultrabooks that have been developed especially for the new operating system.

7 laptop bags: How well do they really protect?

We drop-tested (and videoed) 7 laptop bags -- two backpacks, two messenger bags, two soft briefcases and a hard case -- to find out whether they can keep your equipment from harm.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon ultrabook review: Strong, lightweight and elite

Lenovo's new ThinkPad X1 Carbon ultrabook is fast, stylish and lightweight, although the price is slightly higher than some of its rivals.

HP Envy Sleekbook 6-1010us review: A low-cost ultrabook alternative

HP's new Envy Sleekbook 6-1010us offers an alternative to higher-priced ultrabooks: It's not as fast, but it's got a fine display and great audio.

Iconia Tab A700 review: Acer's terrific 10.1-inch tablet

Acer's Iconia Tab A700 tablet offers a bright 10.1-in. display and fast performance; it is definitely one to consider.

Game on: 3 high-performance laptops duke it out

Gamers have always demanded the fastest and most powerful systems. We tested three screamers to find the best laptop for the job.

Ivy Bridge smackdown: Fujitsu's Lifebook U772 vs. Lenovo's ThinkPad X230

ntel's new Ivy Bridge processor is supposed to add high performance and long battery life to next-gen notebooks. We test Fujitsu's Lifebook U772 and Lenovo's ThinkPad X230 to see if it's true.

In Pictures: 12 cool, creative and just plain weird gadget concepts

Take a gander at a dozen delightful concept designs for tomorrow's smartphones, laptops, gaming devices and more.

Two Windows 7 tablets: HP Slate 2 vs. Samsung Series 7 Slate

While the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) movement has IT departments scurrying to figure out how to cope with the all the issues inherent in consumer technology, there are still tablets out there that are less about entertainment and more about work: Windows 7 tablets. In fact, according to Alex Spektor, associate director for wireless device strategies at Strategy Analytics, thousands of companies use Windows tablets to get business done.

Dell's XPS 13, a next-gen ultrabook

Looking to knock Apple's MacBook Air from its pedestal, PC manufacturers have been launching an array of high-end, superslim laptops over the past several months. Called ultrabooks (a term coined by Intel), these new laptops feature low-voltage Intel Core chips and emphasize long battery life and fast boot times.