The Best Inventions Of The Year

Tech Buyer's Guide

Three of a Kind: LCD HDTVs

Article Tools


Fancy
Sony Bravia XBR5
It used to be that only plasma TVs could make Super Bowl action look sharp. Not anymore. This Sony LCD has twice the frame rate of earlier models, so motion looks smoother and more natural. It's also capable of displaying full 1,080p resolution inside its elegant glass frame.
52-in. (132 cm) screen, $4,800; sony.com/bravia

Cheap
Vizio GV42LFHDTV10A
Vizios offer excellent picture quality at unbeatable prices. The GV's four hdmi inputs let you keep more of your hd-compatible devices (DVD player, Xbox) plugged in round the clock. The audio isn't great, though, so you'll want to hook it up to a separate sound system.
42-in. (107 cm) screen, $1,400; vizio.com

Something Different
Toshiba Regza 46RF350U
Sometimes choosing a new TV comes down to size. Toshiba squeezes more screen into that wall unit with its new "supernarrow bezel" line (a mere 0.9 in. [2.3 cm] of shiny plastic surrounds the display). The skinny "sound strip" speakers are also effective and unobtrusive.
46-in. (117 cm) screen, $2,500; regzalcdtv.com

Cast Your Vote

Vote for the Gadget of the Year

What was the most revolutionary gadget that you just can't live without? Browse through the nominees and make your vote

Invention of the Year

The iPhone

The iPhone is more than just a gadget. It's a genuine handheld computer, the first device that really deserves the name

Video

How We Chose The List

Lev Grossman discusses the process of choosing the Best Inventions of the Year

Shopping

Tech Buyer's Guide

All the details on the newest products to help you decide how to spend your money wisely

Photo Essay

Emotive Clothing

A research team at Philips has developed clothes that look good and let others know how you feel

Photo Essay

The X-48B

NASA, Boeing and the U.S. Air Force are teaming up to develop a Blended-Wing Body aircraft for the military

Timeline

Best Inventors

From Leonardo DaVinci to the YouTube gurus, read about how these inventors changed our lives

Viewpoint

Warren Buffett, Adjust My Bra

Scientists in Hong Kong have discovered there's a better way to build a bra. How will the lingerie industry respond? An open letter to the one man who can help