Consumer Reports articles from August 2008

Consumer Reports archives from August 2008

A long, hard look at high prices.(Have You Heard?)
August 1, 2008... It's a challenge to find anyone who's not pondering how to spend less, or at least not more, as the costs of eating and driving and even just keeping your home at a comfortable temperature go up. This isn't new to CONSUMER REPORTS; we've always...

Get your licks in: best light ice creams.(Trends)(Buyers guide)(Table)
August 1, 2008... Fat might be bad for you, but it sure tastes good. We sampled 10 light ice creams, and even among these more healthful options, the two with the most fat and calories were the winners. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Light" means a food...

A rough ride for the new Smart ForTwo.(first look)(Product/service evaluation)
August 1, 2008... The Smart ForTwo has been buzzing around Europe since 1998. Made in France by a subsidiary of Daimler-Benz, it resembles an ostrich egg on wheels and arrived here in its second generation this past spring. We're testing a model called the...

How to curb cell-phone spam.(Trends)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Among Americans with home Internet access, about one-fourth of cell-phone users received one to five spam text messages during a recent six-month period, according to a 2008 survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. One...

Starbucks' new brew: the Clark Kent of coffee?(Trends)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Starbucks opened its first store in 1971 in the Pike Place Market in Seattle. Since then it has become the big coffee shop on the block (in some towns, almost every block). But others are catching up. In March, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz,...

Top high-definition LCD TVs under $2,000.(Trends)(Buyers guide)
August 1, 2008... It's no surprise if a new LCD TV has been on your wish list: LCD TVs are slim, light, and, thanks to two years of 30 to 40 percent price drops, cheaper than ever. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] But this story isn't just about price--sets are...

Protect yourself if a store goes bankrupt.(Trends)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... When furniture seller Levitz closed last fall, its Web site informed customers that they might not receive ordered merchandise, that there would be no more returns or exchanges, and that some paid-for extended warranties would not be provided....

Powerful putty?(CLAIM CHECK)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... The claim. Mighty Putty is a two-part epoxy (resin and fixative) that can be applied to "most any surface," pitchman billy Mays says on a video at www.mightyputty.com. it can "support up to 350 pounds" and (cue truck being towed by a puttied...

New alliances help seniors avoid assisted living.(Trends)
August 1, 2008... Nine out of 10 Americans older than 50 want to stay in their own homes as they age, AARP statistics show. That desire, coupled with the increasing difficulty of tasks such as home repairs and driving, has led a growing number of older adults to...

Open sourcing.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2008... I get a kick out of your magazine and your mission. However, you continue to marginalize the open-source movement (such as Linux), recommending it only for basic tasks such as Web browsing and word processing ("Computers," June 2008). I'm...

Primer on primers.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2008... I found your article on paints and stains (June 2008) very informative, but why don't you rate primers? HARRY PARFITT JR. PHILADELPHIA We use primers for exterior paints, but we test the primer and top coat as a system. We apply the primer...

Gas money.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2008... In your article "Fuel Savings: How to Cut Costs at the Pump" (June 2008), you describe many good ways to do just that. There is yet another way: Use 5 percent cash-back rewards cards. According to your April Annual Auto issue, fuel costs can...

Match point.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2008... I read the June 2008 article "America's Best Drugstores." I am self-employed, and my insurance doesn't cover prescriptions. Then I discovered that pharmacies will match prices. I did what you suggest--shop around--and I mentioned to one...

Are we there yet?(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2008... I was disappointed when "GPS Navigators" (June 2008) had no mention of how to keep the preloaded maps current. Are subscriptions required? Or are updates free for the downloading? JOSEPH LICHTENBERT HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL Map updates can be...

Corrections.(Correction notice)
August 1, 2008... In "Too Much Treatment?" (July 2008) we should have said that the average Medicare spending over the last two years of life in Manhattan was $81,143, not $181,143. In our June 2008 report on dehumidifiers, the model number for the...

Carbon-monoxide and smoke alarms give false signals.(Recalls & Safety Alerts)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Maple Chase has recalled 280,000 FireX branded 10000 series carbon monoxide (CO) and 12000 series CO/smoke combination alarms because they give misleading signals. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The alarms can sound a "double chirp"/fault...

'06 Jeep Commander.(AUTOMOBILES & EQUIPMENT)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Powertrain control module (PCM) was programmed with software that might allow the engine to stall under certain conditions. That could cause a crash. Models: 24,461 Jeep Commanders with 4.7L V8 engines. What to do: Dealer will...

Tall Red fuel cells.(HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Fuel cells used to power Paslode cordless framing nailer can leak fuel, which poses a fire hazard. Products: 86,000 Tall Red fuel cells sold at construction supply and home-center stores and by construction supply dealers nationwide from...

Cricket EZ cell phones.(HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Software problem with phones causes audio problems with 911 calls. When a call is connected to 911, the operator might not be able to hear the caller or the caller might not be able to hear the 911 operator. Products: 285,000 Cricket EZ...

Shindaiwa backpack blowers.(HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Blower's fan can separate from base and break apart, causing plastic pieces to be blown out of the machine, which could hit and cut the user or others, or cause property damage. The blowers were previously recalled because they posed a fire...

Our independence matters to you.(HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Did you know that CONSUMER REPORTS accepts no paid advertising? In fact, unlike our competitors, CONSUMER REPORTS accepts no free samples of the products it reviews, no free trips, no free lodging, no freebies at all. We insist on testing the...

Cabot composite deck cleaner.(HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... One of the components of the cleaner can react with metal foil residue on packaging, releasing heat and chlorine gas. That poses both fire and inhalation hazards. Products: 24,000 2-pound plastic containers sold at home-improvement centers...

Children's storage bins sold at Lowe's.(CHILDREN's PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Paint on bins could contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead-paint standard. Products: 84,000 storage bins sold at Lowe's from 3/07 through 2/08 for $6. Bins are wooden with scalloped edges and come in pastel green...

Buying tickets? How to play the game.
August 1, 2008... Looking to rock out with Santana? We were. But when we tried to buy tickets for the band's two gigs at the Fillmore, in San Francisco, just 72 hours after they went on sale to the general public, they were sold out. At the same time, however,...

Cut your spending by $500 per month: the consumer reports Money Lab shakes loose a bushel of savings hiding in everyday spending. Here's where to look and the average savings you might be able to find.
August 1, 2008... Find cheaper auto insurance [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $ 65 Annual surveys of CONSUMER REPORTS readers have shown that many have stayed with the same auto insurer for 15 years. Depending on your profile and where you live, you might be...

Top kitchen values: secrets of a successful remodel.(Your dream kitchen for less)(Buyers guide)
August 1, 2008... Combine expert advice on the best appliances, countertops, and flooring with the real-life remodeling experiences of thousands of homeowners and what do you get? CONSUMER REPORTS' annual kitchen guide. Our engineers spent months sizing up...

Countertops: stylish and strong.(Your dream kitchen for less)(Buyers guide)
August 1, 2008... Whether your kitchen is a workplace, a showplace, or both, you'll find great countertop values. Pick the wrong type, and you could end up wasting thousands, according to our tests. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] We sliced and diced on 11...

Flooring: green gets better.(Your dream kitchen for less)(Buyers guide)
August 1, 2008... Even if you don't want bamboo in your backyard, our latest flooring tests provide some compelling reasons to put it in your kitchen. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Teragren's Synergy and Armstrong's Locking Hardwood bamboo floors are the...

Cabinet upgrades: extreme makeovers, low cost.(Your dream kitchen for less)(Buyers guide)
August 1, 2008... Replacing cabinets is the costliest part of most kitchen remodels. But you can make your cabinets look better and provide more storage for thousands less by following our three-step plan. Readers who hired contractors paid an average of...

Refrigerators: ice the high prices.(Your dream kitchen for less)(Buyers guide)
August 1, 2008... Now is a great time to buy a new refrigerator as more brands pile on high-end features for less. Got money to burn on a trophy fridge? Our tests show that you could get less than you bargained for. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Relatively...

Cooking appliances: buy results, not promises.(Your dream kitchen for less)(Buyers guide)
August 1, 2008... Manufacturers are serving up new names and claims as they prod you to spend a little more on your next range, cooktop, or wall oven. But our tests of more than 100 models show that when it comes to good cooking, it often pays to pay less. ...

How to use the Canada Extra section.(canada extra)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Every month, Canada Extra provides Canadian pricing and availability information about products tested for that issue. The Ratings in this section are based on this month's reports, but they narrow your choices to the products that are sold in...

Running shoes.(Canada Extra)(Table)
August 1, 2008... Report: page 48; Ratings: page 50 Eight of the 12 men's and 9 of the 12 women's running shoes are available, including 2 of the 4 Quick Pick models. [TABLE OMITTED]

Cooktops.(Canada Extra)(Table)
August 1, 2008... Report: page 34; Ratings: page 39 Six of the 13 30-inch electric cooktops, 7 of the 13 36-inch gas cooktops, and 6 of the 8 30-inch induction cooktops are available, including 4 of the 6 Quick Pick models. [TABLE OMITTED]

Ranges.(Canada Extra)(Table)
August 1, 2008... Report: page 34; Ratings: pages 37-38 Six of the 23 30-inch electric smoothtop, 1 of the 3 30-inch electric coil, 11 of the 23 30-inch gas, 1 of the 9 30-inch dual-fuel, and 2 of the 6 36-inch gas & dual-fuel ranges are available,...

Wall ovens.(Canada Extra)(Table)
August 1, 2008... Report: page 34; Ratings: page 40 Nine of the 14 30-inch electric wall ovens are available, including 3 of the 4 Quick Pick models. [TABLE OMITTED]

Dishwashers.(canada extra)
August 1, 2008... Report: page 42; Ratings: page 43 Eight of the 9 tested dishwashers from Select Ratings are available, including all 5 Quick Pick models. [TABLE OMITTED]

Refrigerators.(canada extra)
August 1, 2008... Report: page 31; Ratings: page 33 One of the 3 top-freezers, 5 of the 7 bottom-freezers, and 2 of the 3 built-in refrigerators from Select Ratings are available, including 8 of the 13 Quick Pick models. [TABLE OMITTED]

Small suvs.(Canada Extra)(Buyers guide)(Table)
August 1, 2008... Report: page 54; Ratings: page 55 All 7 tested small SUVS are available in Canada. In performance order. ACCELERATION (SEC.) MAKE & MODEL PRICE RANGE 0-50 KM/H...

Contact info.(Canada Extra)(Directory)
August 1, 2008... How to reach manufacturers in Canada. Adidas 800-448-1796 www.adidasrunning.ca Amana 800-843-0304 www.amana.com Asics 800-678-9435 www.asics.ca Bosch 800-554-9043 www.bosch-appliances.com Brooks ...

Canada extra on the web.(Canada Extra)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Canada Extra information can be found on ConsumerReports.org[R], our Web site, along with the current issue of the magazine and more. The address is www.ConsumerReports.org. Once there, click on the "Canada Extra" link on the opening screen....

Dishwashers: save energy and money.(Your dream kitchen for less)(Buyers guide)
August 1, 2008... Dishwasher makers are focusing on energy efficiency with their latest models. And while you'll have to spend $700 or more for an easy-loading, quiet dishwasher that cleans impressively, you can get an energy-efficient model that will handle...

Appliance stores: champs in price & support.(Survey)
August 1, 2008... Amazon.com, for the third year, was readers' top choice for small-appliance price and selection, while a new name, retailer Abt Electronics, was a top scorer for major appliances, mainly for selection. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yet the...

Running shoes: the fit matters most.(Buyers guide)
August 1, 2008... Some sports require lots of expensive equipment, but all you need for running is a good pair of shoes. Thanks to modern materials and sophisticated design, most of the shoes we tested performed well. To evaluate two dozen models of running...

High-tech pedometer tracks more than distance.(closeup)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Combining Nike+ shoes, a Nike+ iPod Sport Kit, and an iPod Nano creates an electronic pedometer system that provides feedback on your workout. The sensor slips into a special compartment in the sole of the shoes, and the receiver plugs into the...

Grilling basics don't char the meat.(CR Health)
August 1, 2008... Backyard barbecuers realize the danger of undercooking meats. But they may not know that eating beef, chicken, lamb, pork, or fish grilled until it's overcooked, or burnt and charred, might increase the risk of developing certain cancers,...

A multitasking multivitamin?(names&claims)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... "Worried about cholesterol? Well, now you can lower it," promises a TV ad for Centrum Cardio. The two-a-day, multivitamin/multi-mineral supplement contains phytosterols, natural ingredients derived from soybeans that "can lower cholesterol,"...

Neo spray isn't Neosporin.(Did you know?)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... New Neo To Go first-aid spray from the maker of Neosporin displays the brand name on its label and promises, "infection protection, anytime, anywhere." But the $5.30, pocket-size antiseptic spray is Neosporin in name only; it does not contain...

Budgeting create a spending strategy.(CR Money)
August 1, 2008... Does the word "budget" strike the same fear in you as "root canal"? Then try this trick: Call it a "spending plan" instead. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] That's what a household budget really is--a plan to track your spending and keep it...

A leap ahead: the Forester becomes our top-rated small SUV.(Product/service evaluation)
August 1, 2008... The redesigned Subaru Forester not only bested the other small SUVs in this month's test, its turbocharged and nonturbocharged versions also leap-frogged over the six- and four-cylinder versions of the Toyota RAV4. It's now our top-rated small...

The hidden price you pay for energy.(View point)
August 1, 2008... Yes, we're shelling out more at the pump and paying ever-higher cooling and heating bills. But those prices aren't anywhere close to what we actually pay. The U.S. government supports the oil industry with billions of dollars in direct and...

Fleet of foot.(then & now)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... "Leonardo da Vinci called the foot a 'masterpiece of engineering,'" we noted in our 1986 report on running shoes. "The shoe is finally catching up with the foot." For our tests back then, we recruited 117 men and women through a runner's club....

The Lay's of the land.(Glitches)
August 1, 2008... If Frito-Lay grows "the best snacks on Earth," it does it in an unusual way. Spuds other than small "new" potatoes are usually harvested when the leaves have died back, not while plants are blooming; and they're dug up with a shovel. As a...

BYOB.(Glitches)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Despite the name and picture, there's no broccoli in this packet. So if you add cauliflower, it's Cauliflower Soup Mix. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Weird warning.(Glitches)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Hmm, maybe we'll stick to opening envelopes with a finger. That way, the worst that can happen is a paper cut.

J'accuse.(Glitches)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... This flashlight lights up when you shake it for one minute (no batteries required). But two messages on the same box reveal a peculiar trait: If you shake it in English, it stays on for up to an hour; in French, it works for up to 45 minutes....

Wiggle room.(Glitches)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... This Puffs box is 9 1/2 inches wide; the tissues inside are about an inch narrower. A Procter & Gamble customer-service rep confirmed that the tissues had shrunk from 8.6 inches to 8.4 a couple of years ago but gave no reason for the roomy box....

Fill 'er up.(Glitches)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... It seems a 160-pound person taking this advice from Ultimate Liver Cleanse would need to drink more than 9 gallons of purified water per day, not exactly part of a healthy lifestyle.