Tech: Must-have summer gadgets

CNET.com

This list brings the cream of the crop together in one place. New to the list for summer 2012 are the Nexus 7 tablet, the latest Barnes & Noble Nook and the Samsung Galaxy S3.

BARNES & NOBLE NOOK SIMPLE TOUCH WITH GLOWLIGHT

four out of five stars

The good: The integrated light displays uniformly across the high-contrast Pearl e-ink touch screen and is a killer

feature for nighttime reading. The touch screen is ever so slightly more re

sponsive, and there's built-in Wi-Fi for direct access to the online B&N store, as well as an expansion slot for additional memory, and long battery life. It offers some enhanced social-networking features. The bad: Like the Nook Simple Touch, this model has no support for audio, no 3G option and no Web browser. The rubberized finish on the back of the device attracts fingerprints. The cost: $139 The bottom line: It sets the standard for e-ink e-readers and is worth the extra money if you do a lot of nighttime reading.

GOOGLE NEXUS 7

four out of five stars

The good: Its processor delivers fast performance and a beautiful and responsive screen. Also, it's comfortable to hold, and Android 4.1 brings a surplus of welcome additions. Pricewise, the Nexus 7 is a steal. The bad: The lack of built-in expandable storage and omission of HDMI are disappointing, and the design follows the plain, black tablet mold. The cost: $200 The bottom line: With a beautiful screen, fast performance, a comfortable design and great media options, it's easily the best 7-inch tablet available and one of the top tablets on the market.

ROKU HD

four out of five stars

The good: It is an extremely small Wi-Fi streaming-media box that costs only $60. It offers dozens of streaming video and audio services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Pandora. It can also be connected to HDTVs or older analog TVs. The bad: It lacks Vudu and YouTube channels, found on most competing products. With no Ethernet port, you'll need a solid Wi-Fi signal in your home theater. The cost: $60 to $70 The bottom line: With its ability to stream hundreds of audio and video channels, it would be our top pick for those seeking an ultra-affordable Internet media box -- but it's nearly identical to the slightly cheaper Roku LT.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S III

four out of five stars

The good: It comes fully loaded with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 4G LTE/HSPA+ 42 capability, a zippy dual-core processor and a strong 8-megapixel camera. S Beam is an excellent software enhancement, and the handset's price is right. The bad: The screen is too dim, and Samsung's Siri competitor, S Voice, disappointed. The cost: $190 The bottom line: With high-performing hardware and creative software features, it's an excellent, top-end phone that's neck and neck with the HTC One X.