By CNET.com
In these fast-paced times, your favorite gadgets are likely to encounter a few knocks and bumps. These four devices will take a licking and keep on kicking.
Sony Xperia Z2 tablet
CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)
The good: The Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet's processor is searingly powerful and copes well with games. It has a bright, vivid display and its razor-thin body can be taken in the shower without worry.
The bad: It loses its battery far too quickly in standby mode. Huge bezels around the display don't look good and make the body needlessly big, and its slim design has resulted in the whole thing being a little flexible.
The cost: $524.99
The bottom line: While the battery is a concern, the Xperia Z2 Tablet is still a good-looking slate that's loaded with more than enough power for anything you're likely to throw at it. It's a good choice if you're looking for a more affordable iPad alternative with 4G LTE — particularly if you've ever lost a gadget through water damage.
Samsung Galaxy S5
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: Samsung's Galaxy S5 excels at everything that matters — Android 4.4 KitKat OS; a bright, beautiful display; blistering quad-core processor; and an excellent camera experience. In addition, Samsung's efforts to streamline its own custom interface and reduce pre-installed bloatware pay off.
The bad: The Galaxy S5 is only a small upgrade over the Galaxy S4. The fingerprint scanner can be confusing to use, and the heart-rate monitor is a niche feature at best. In some regions, the Galaxy S5 costs significantly more than rival top-rated handsets.
The cost: $199.99 to $749.99
The bottom line: Subtly improved and smartly refined, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is a superior superphone that hits every mark but the sharpest design
Silicon Power Armor A15
CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The new and rugged Silicon Power Armor A15 is very fast, and can protect data against shocks and vibrations. It's also comparatively inexpensive.
The bad: The included software and the new one-touch backup button don't work as expected. The drive isn't waterproof.
The cost: $54.99 to $89.99
The bottom line: Fast and affordable, the shockproof Silicon Power Armor A15 is an excellent buy for mobile users, especially those working in rough environments.
GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition
CNET rating: 4 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition produces some of the best — if not the best — video we've seen from an action cam. Its abundant resolution and frame rate options will satisfy beginners and experienced shooters.
The bad: Navigating the on-camera settings menus still isn't the best experience. Battery life can be brief depending on the features you're using. Plan to buy accessories including a microSD card.
The cost: $299.99 to $399.99
The bottom line: Like the Hero3, the GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition's strongest attributes are its excellent video quality and impressive list of shooting options. If that's what matters most to you, this is the action cam to get.
About the Author
