Great question. One of the first things to remember is that CNET relies primarily on review units that are supplied entirely on a volunteer basis by the manufacturers. Sometimes the manufacturer, for whatever reason, doesn't provide us with a review unit right away, or ever. These reasons vary, but they can include fear of a bad review, the fact that other (often friendlier) publications have first dibs on a limited supply of review units, or other business reasons--if a product is destined to sell out anyway, for example, why risk a mediocre review? CNET does not currently buy review samples as Consumer Reports does, but we are exploring the possibility of doing so on a case-by-case basis. In the meantime, we do our best to secure samples using the product loan system, and if we can't get a review unit in time, we post a timely First Take with as much editorial information as we can provide sight unseen.
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