TIRTO MURNI

Tesla Model S gets Consumer Reports' top score, suggests it's easy being green

While we largely enjoyed our time behind the wheel of the Tesla Model S, we clearly didn't have as much fun as Consumer Reports. The often stringent outlet just gave the EV sedan a 99 out of 100 rating, which makes it not just the publication's highest-ranked electric car, but its highest-ranked car... period. In particular, Tesla earned high marks for efficiency and quietness, as you'd expect, although CR is equally impressed with the Model S' performance and that inescapable 17-inch touchscreen. The review isn't uniformly positive, though: not surprisingly, the luxury pricing and inherent range limits prevent a flawless verdict. It's still a symbolic win for eco-friendly transport, however, and might help one Mr. Musk feel better about his pride and joy.

Filed under: Transportation

Comments

Via: Motor Authority

Source: Consumer Reports

]]>

View the original article here

Sony's Digital Recording Binoculars score a huge boost with $2,000 DEV50V

Who, you say, might be the target customer for Sony's Digital Recording Binoculars? Your guess is as good as ours, but regardless of the device's audience, Sony's improvements are sure to boost that base by a bit. Like its predecessor, the DEV-5V, the DEV-50V captures stills and video, and will retail for $2,000, though the similarities end there. These binoculars are suited for far more than birdwatching -- the dual-sensor design is ideal for shooting 3D, and with dual 2.4M-dot XGA OLED viewfinders, previewing and playing back three-dimensional content apparently feels quite natural. There's a 0.8-25x zoom ratio (36.3-2,007mm 35mm equivalent), giving you quite a bit of range for viewing and recording just about any scene. The active optical SteadyShot offers twice the stability of its predecessor, and at 1 pound, 14 ounces, representing a 30-percent reduction, you'll be holding the binocs with a bit less discomfort, too.

Curiously, the previous-generation product wasn't rain-proof, but that's been resolved now -- a new water- and dust-resistant housing is designed to let water flow through the eyepieces without accumulation. Dual Exmor R CMOS sensors enable 20.4-megapixel still image and 1080/60p video capture, while a two-channel internal mic and audio input (and headphone) jack make it possible to add in your own audio -- quite useful, considering that the source of your footage may be hundreds of feet away. Sony's DEV-50V Digital Recording Binoculars are expected in stores for $2,000 come June. Will they be going home with you?

Gallery: Sony DEV-50V Digital Recording Binoculars