Top-rated reviews of the week (pictures)

Add Apple CarPlay to any car with Pioneer's flagship NEX receiver

Pioneer AVIC 5000NEX Navigation System

THE BOTTOM LINE: Pioneer's flagship AVIC 8000NEX boasts dozens of media and navigation options -- including the first aftermarket appearance of Apple CarPlay -- but most users will find a better feature-to-cost balance lower in the brand's NEX lineup.

Still the gold standard for tablets

Apple Ipad Air 2

THE BOTTOM LINE: The iPad Air 2 is a nice refinement and finesse of last year's model, with a bevy of tweaks, enhancements, a much faster processor, and the welcome addition of Touch ID. Simply put: it's still the gold standard for tablets.

A great tablet, but no longer the best deal

Apple iPad Mini 3

THE BOTTOM LINE: One of last year's best, the iPad Mini 3 is still a compelling choice despite the lack of upgrades. However, the nearly identical and significantly cheaper iPad Mini 2 is a smarter buy.

Not entirely new, but certainly improved

Nintendo New 3DS

THE BOTTOM LINE: Nintendo's New 3DS isn't much improved overall, but that new display alone almost makes the purchase worthwhile -- or will do, once it's available outside of Japan.

Stellar sound in a classy package

Marantz SR5009

THE BOTTOM LINE: The Marantz SR5009 looks and feels more upscale than the competition's receivers, and follows through with stellar sound quality.

Can't go wrong with GE's 100W Replacement LED

GE 100W Replacement LED

THE BOTTOM LINE: From the specs to the price, GE's 100W Replacement LED gets just about everything right. It's a smart buy in the lighting aisle.

Amazon's best e-reader yet

Amazon Kindle Voyage

THE BOTTOM LINE: The Kindle Voyage is Amazon's best e-reader to date, and probably the best e-reader ever -- but it doesn't come cheap.

Apple's 5K iMac impresses expert eyes

Apple iMac (27inch, 2014)

THE BOTTOM LINE: Apple skips 4K and goes directly to what the company calls a 5K display in this expensive, extravagant all-in-one iMac desktop that will appeal to photo and video professionals -- or anyone else looking for the best possible screen resolution.

Cree's bigger, brighter LED holds up to strong competition

Cree 100-watt Replacement LED Bulb (Soft White)

THE BOTTOM LINE: Cree's bigger, brighter LED is a very solid value, but it's not without legitimate competition.

Via Cnet