Regardless of your take on Pentax's ruggedized Optio housing, you'll get a capable waterproof shooter, with a handful of practical features.

ENGADGET

The trio went on to launch Lookout in 2007 and hooked users early with practical features like automatic data backups and find-my-phone capability.

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"We've retooled our latest Aspire desktops to deliver ample power and practical features in a stylish, understated chassis that will appeal to a wide range of users, " said Irene Chan, senior business manager of consumer desktops for Acer America.

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Containing distinct studio and living spaces, the home exemplifies the functionalism of Aalto's early career, with such practical features as a walk-in closet in the bedroom (unusual at that time) and a two-sided china cabinet that is accessible from both the kitchen and the dining room.

BBC: An Alvar Aalto tour of Finland

Water features have a practical purpose as well: They mask unpleasant sounds like traffic or noisy neighbors.

WSJ: High Water Marks

The ME179KFETSR also features smart yet practical details like best-in-class LED lighting that rarely requires replacement yet offers superior cooktop illumination and Ceramic Enamel interior for easy cleaning.

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He doesn't spare his former coworkers from criticism, though: he warns that the split between the Windows 8-style UI and the traditional desktop is potentially confusing, notes the absence of useful Android and iOS features like touch-friendly app folders, and doesn't find the conventional Windows interface very practical with fingers alone.

ENGADGET: Paul Allen takes a look at Windows 8, finds his ex-workmates mostly doing well