All posts by: Mark Stevenson

LED TVs getting cheaper, 3D is gaining, and bigger is better in 2012

Electronics
By Mark Stevenson on July 22, 2012 in

TV sales are down, but some types of TVs are up

Once again, it's not shaping up to be a great year for television makers, says market researcher NPD DisplaySearch, but not all is gloomy. While the overall television market will be cooling slightly for 2012, growth is still expected in key areas such as LED-backlit sets, 3D televisions, and displays larger than 50 inches. Read more

Vizio enters PC market with affordable desktop and portable lines

Computers & Internet
By Mark Stevenson on June 25, 2012 in

Vizo launches new computer line

Vizio has carved out quite a name for itself as a maker of value-oriented flat-panel televisions. Battling it out against well-established makers such as Sony, Samsung and the like, the company has fought its way to first place in the U.S. in LCD TV sales. But will Vizio be able to repeat that feat in another category that's just as competitive and well-entrenched? We'll soon find out as Vizio has taken the wraps off of its new line of notebook and desktop computers. Read more

Ford shows off new grille; added tech for 2013 F-150 pickup range

Automotive
By Mark Stevenson on June 6, 2012 in

2013 Ford F-150

After a variety of important powertrain upgrades were made to it last year, America's best-selling vehicle, the Ford F-150 pickup truck, gets a tweaks for the 2013 model year.  To announce the latest changes to its bread-and-butter workhorse, Ford headed down to one of the most truck-friendly states in the union: Texas.

For 2013, Ford's ongoing enhancements to the F-150 focus on refinement and technology. All F-150s get an updated front fascia with a new grille, and HID headlamps are optional for the first time. A selection of new 18 and 20-inch wheel designs are also part of the 2013 enhancements. Read more

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG is a 550-HP, 7-seat rocketschlepper

Automotive
By Mark Stevenson on June 3, 2012 in

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG

In order to fill the market niche for vehicles capable of delivering kids to Little League at a pace somewhat comparable to that of a Le Mans GT-class racer, Mercedes-Benz is beefing up its range of AMG performance-tuned SUVs.

The completely overhauled seven-passenger 2013 GL-Class (unveiled in April at the New York Auto Show) is now the third Mercedes-Benz SUV to be massaged by the company's in-house tuning division, AMG. Following the ML63 AMG and recently announced G63 AMG, the new GL63 AMG will no doubt ensure timely arrival to soccer practice,  Zumba class, and any other conceivable suburban activity. Read more

Volkswagen looks to strike a chord with new Beetle Fender Edition

Automotive
By Mark Stevenson on May 31, 2012 in

Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition

After resulting in award-winning audio systems for the Volkswagen Jetta GLI and  the new Passat, the partnership between Volkswagen and  Fender (best known for its iconic electric guitars) is bearing additional fruit.

No, the Beetle Fender Edition doesn't sport different colors on each fender like the bygone Harlequin Golf. (Though, that might actually be neat to see again.) Instead, it's a single- color special edition  aimed at musicians, audiophiles, and anyone else looking to channel their inner rock star behind the wheel. Read more

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