2008 Buick LaCrosse Review

Summary
Pros
Smooth and quiet ride, powerful V6 and V8 engines in CXS and Super models, available seating for six.
Cons
Lackluster handling in V6 models, noisy base V6, unsupportive seats, many low-budget interior materials, cramped rear legroom, stability control not available on base CX model, middling side-impact crash test results.
What's New for 2008
The big news this year is the arrival a new La Crosse Super model with a 300-horsepower V8, sportier suspension tuning, and larger wheels and brakes. It's further distinguished from lesser LaCrosse variants by fender "portholes," unique front and rear styling and dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets.

Introduction
The 2008 Buick LaCrosse is a decent midsize sedan operating at a disadvantage: Despite representing one of the new and improved GM product designs of late, it does battle in the highly competitive $25,000-$30,000 bracket of the family sedan segment. Import and domestic brand rivals keep getting faster, more agile and more upscale, while the Buick soldiers on with an aged platform, outdated drivetrains, and a staid design and image. As such, the LaCrosse typically doesn't make it onto the radar of mainstream midsize sedan shoppers.

In an attempt to boost its visibility in the marketplace, Buick has reached back into the 1950s and resurrected its premium "Super" moniker for a new V8-powered variant of the LaCrosse. While all 2008 models benefit from a freshened, reshaped "waterfall" grille, the top-drawer Buick LaCrosse Super is engineered by the GM Performance Division and features unique styling with exclusive portholes on each side and a deck lid spoiler out back. Chrome-tipped dual exhaust and 18-inch wheels offer further evidence of the enhanced hardware that lies underneath: a powerful 5.3-liter V8 packing 300 horsepower along with upgraded suspension and brakes to match. Lesser LaCrosse models continue to use a pair of V6s: an aging 3.8-liter 200-hp V6 (CX and CXL) and a more modern 3.6-liter DOHC V6 putting out 240 horses (CXS).

� Source: edmunds
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2008 Buick Enclave Review

Introduction
Buick wants to be known as a premium automaker, but none of the vehicles the brand has rolled out over the last five years have fully lived up to their luxury billing. The 2008 Buick Enclave could be the one that breaks Buick's mediocrity streak.

At first glance, the Enclave is just another new crossover SUV with a standard V6, a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations. But step inside and it's a different story from other Buicks. The cabin doesn't look like it was built to a price; rather, it comes across as a product of thoughtful design, with artistic curves to the dash, shapely front seats and Tiffany Blue-inspired illumination. On the whole, the '08 Enclave is a step up for Buick and a viable entry in the premium crossover SUV class.

The Enclave still shares its underpinnings with GM's latest batch of crossover SUVs, including the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia. All use fully independent suspension, and all have an all-aluminum 3.6-liter V6 good for 275 hp, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Interior dimensions are massive by midsize SUV standards. Not only can the Enclave accommodate adults in all three rows, it has a maximum cargo capacity of 116 cubic feet -- more room than most full-size sport-utilities. A 60/40-split, fold-flat third-row seat is standard in every Enclave, and in keeping with the Buick's upscale mission, twin captain's chairs are fitted in the second row. For families who need even more seating capacity, a bench seat is available for no extra charge, and conveniently, this seat also folds flat. Cloth upholstery and rich-looking wood-grain trim are standard in all Buick Enclaves, and leather is included on the upscale CXL model. All the expected safety equipment, including stability control and three-row side curtain airbags, is standard across the board.

� Source: seriouswheels
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Review of GSM/UMTS-handset Sony Ericsson Z750i

Mobile-review have posted their extensive review of the Sony Ericsson Z750. It's full of info and pics so it's well worth checking out. Here is the final impression.

Impressions
The Sony Ericsson Z750i?s polyphone is pretty good, however it offerings nothing new in the way its MP3 tunes sound, when compared to other Sony Ericsson branded solutions. The Z750i?s volume is pretty average, yet its sound for ring tones is rich, making for audible call alerts while in the street. The vibro alert is average or a little bit above this level strength-wise, but occasionally you might not feel it. The reception part is in line with other products from the company, meaning that it is quite decent.

There is no doubt that the Z750i is a niche-aimed model. It is not that much of a fashion-savvy phone, since exactly the same design was once employed by the Sony Ericsson Z610i. Functionality is where these two differ significantly ? the Z750i comes preinstalled with the A200 platform that brings the multimedia menu alongside the basic version of Walkman 3.0. So software-wise, the newcomer is quite appealing. But the question is, whether its potential buyers will see through it, since most of them will examine its looks and almost never recognize a new device in this phone. And the Z750i can?t produce the same effect as the Motorola RAZR, so consumers won?t be after it solely because of its design. Like we said, its GPS department is a quite dubious advantage, for it doesn?t really seem to be a strong side of the handset, the reason being that there are no bundled maps.

Retailed for 450-500 USD, the Z750i won?t be a mass-market solution ? it is here just for the purpose of varying the maker?s range. It will appeal mainly to those who like its design and feel that they could use the A200?s feature pack. Everyone else will look elsewhere.

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Packard Bell Easynote XS video review

UMPC Portal has done a short and sweet Packard Bell Easynote XS video review, and here's what they have to say after dropping the gavel.

If you want a no-frills, good value second PC for the home, car or holiday, the Packard Bell Easynote XS could be for you. This video review should help you choose as it shows the device, its ports, the keyboard and a few applications. Its certainly good value for money if you can get hold of one in either Holland or the UK. Its also due to be launched in other areas and will appear in a slightly different finish in the US and Asia as the Everex CE. The main issues with the device are the tiny mouse pad, the less-than-attractive style and the competition it will get from the ASUS Eee PC but it's got a nice bright screen, a good keyboard and up to 4 hours battery life (2.5 hours WiFi-on working life).

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V-Moda Vibe Duo Review

Apple doesn’t make it easy to replace the headset that comes with the iPhone: The phone’s headset jack is infamously recessed so deeply into the casing that most standard plugs are too short to connect. That’s a shame considering the Apple headset’s mediocre sound quality. A number of people report problems, too, with the fit – the shiny white earbuds have a tendency to fall out, even if your ears are not the size of Dumbo’s.

Surprisingly, alternatives are still hard to come by. Some four months after the iPhone’s debut, only V-Moda has presented a stereo headset specifically designed to play with Apple’s new star. Not only does the “Vibe Duo” offer a guaranteed-to-work plug, the recently updated model – look for “vdb-nero” on the box – also sports a button next to the microphone that allows answering phone calls with one click, meaning you won’t have to take the iPhone out of your pocket. A nice touch, and potentially a real boon if you happen to be roaming in seedy areas of town.

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