Consumer Reports articles from June 2005

Consumer Reports archives from June 2005

The fight against identity theft.(Have You Heard?)(Editorial)
June 1, 2005... "I was mugged once, years ago," one of our editorial researchers told me. "It was bad, but at least that guy had the guts to look me in the eye." This time, she'd gotten a call from her bank alerting her that someone in Oregon had just...

Low-cost pools pose hazards to children.(SAFETY ALERT)
June 1, 2005... About one in five of the aboveground pools sold in the U.S. each year may pose a safety hazard that neither industry nor government has effectively addressed. These inflatable pools may often be used without safety fences, alarms, covers, and...

Satellite-radio reception (and even recording) to go.(up front: News / Trends / Advice)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2005... Satellite radio is no longer only for the car. Subscribers to XM satellite radio, the larger of the two satellite services, can now use the Delphi MyFi XM2Go, $300, a battery-operated personal radio designed to work anywhere. Sirius, XM's...

Depilatories and waxes to use at home.(up front: News / Trends / Advice)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2005... Hair-removal products promise smooth skin that stays smooth longer than it would with shaving. They don't mention mess or odor. Depilatory lotions often have an ammonia odor and may be drippy, while waxes may require repeated heating in a...

Living wills.(you need to know)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Most Americans have not documented the type of medical care they would want if they became incapacitated and unable to speak for themselves. So families may have to grapple privately with the same kinds of issues that ignited the public...

Steer clear of online moving brokers.(up front: News / Trends / Advice)
June 1, 2005... If you're getting ready to move to a new house, you may be tempted to use one of the growing number of moving brokers that do business over the Internet. They offer to find the lowest estimates from movers in your area. But the industry's own...

First look.(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2005... Product: Cadillac STS Full report: September 2005 General Motors wants to put Cadillac on a par with Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz in terms of performance, comfort, agility, refinement, and craftsmanship. The results are quite...

Hackers can crack car-key codes.(up front: News / Trends / Advice)
June 1, 2005... Thieves with a little electronic know-how can crack the security codes in car keys or wireless gas-payment tags in 15 minutes using an inexpensive homemade decoder. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University did just that earlier this year to...

Tools for handy women (and men).(CLAIM CHECK)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... The claim: Tomboy Tools and Barbara K are new companies, begun and run by women, that have become very visible sellers of tools designed for women. "I designed my own to better fit a woman's size and strength," says the Barbara K Web site....

Ford focus.(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... I purchased a Ford Focus last year for my son in college because of your recommendation. Now I find out that you publish Top Picks before you get the crash results from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety You need to change your policy on...

Repairs.(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... Your April CR Money, "Maintenance & Repairs: Avoid Overcharges" was right on the money I had just gone for the 90,000-mile recommended service on my diesel F-250 Ford pickup, and the dealer quoted $650. After saying that I just wanted the items...

Reliability.(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... Information in the vehicle profiles does not match facts in the reliability-score charts. For example, the Chevy Suburban has an average reliability prediction in the profile, and much better than average in all categories for the reliability...

Hybrid vehicles.(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... I own a 1998 four-cylinder Toyota 4Runner with manual transmission. It's powerful enough to satisfy me, and I get good mileage. But Toyota doesn't make a four-cylinder 4Runner anymore. Automakers are trying to make consumers pay more for fuel...

They beg to differ.(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... How on earth can CONSUMER REPORTS say that handling is nothing above normal for the 2005 Acura RL? Did you drive this car? The 2005 RL handles better than anything, even on a road of ice. I can drive my RL faster than I ever imagined I could...

Driving less.(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... In your April piece, "Heart Attack: Traffic Jams as Triggers," you write as though driving is the only option. Why not suggest that people take transit, car pool, take fewer trips, or walk or bike to more places? We are a nation of fat,...

Corrections.(Correction Notice)
June 1, 2005... * In a March report on dishwasher detergents, Kirkland Signature 49453 (Costco) should have been a CR Best Buy, at 9 cents per load. A higher price was listed. * In the May issue, a Ratings chart for convertible child car seats was...

Two companies fined $5.2 million for delays in reporting hazards.(recalls and safety alerts)
June 1, 2005... Two major companies have been fined a total of $5.2 million by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for failing to report safety hazards and injuries associated with millions of juvenile products and small appliances. In the largest...

'05 Pontiac G6.
June 1, 2005... Owner's manual wrongly identifies location of rear child safety seat anchors. That can make it difficult to properly install seat. Models: 35,777 cars. Hazard exists because child restraint anchors in center rear seating position are...

JVC 52- and 61-inch rear-projection television sets.
June 1, 2005... An internal electrical connection could cause arcing, charring, or smoking inside set, which poses risk of fire. Products: 26,500 television sets sold 7/04 to 1/05 at consumer electronics stores nationwide for $3,000 to $5,500. Recall...

Graco toddler beds.
June 1, 2005... Child's limbs could become trapped between slats in the guardrails or footboard. Products: 1.2 million beds, sold nationwide for $50 to $70 under the names "Cozy Toddler Bed," "Glow-in-the-Dark Toddler Bed," and "Classic Toddler Bed." The...

"Charming Thoughts" metal charms sold at craft and fabric stores.
June 1, 2005... Contain high lead levels, posing a risk of lead poisoning in children. Products: 2.8 million charms sold 7/02 through 2/05 at Michaels Stores, 10/04 through 2/05 at Recollections, and 1/04 through 1/05 at Hancock Fabrics. Recalled charms...

Our independence matters to you.(recalls and safety alerts)
June 1, 2005... 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...

How to buy a mattress without losing sleep.(CR INVESTIGATES)
June 1, 2005... Shopping for a mattress can be a nightmare. In fact, consumer reports receives more inquiries about mattresses (3,300 since 2001) than about ally other product except cars. The reason is that shoppers are flying blind. It's hard to tell...

Duxiana vs. Select Comfort vs. Tempur-Pedic.(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2005... Many of the estimated 70 million Americans who complain of sleeplessness have turned their backs on conventional innerspring beds and bought alternatives such as Duxiana (springs galore, in layers), Select Comfort (air-filled, with adjustable...

Rating the diets from ATKINS[TM] to Dr. Sears Zone.
June 1, 2005... With two-thirds of American adults now overweight or obese, the need for effective weight-loss diets has never been greater. But it's hard to know where to turn amid the sea of promises and glowing "results not typical" testimonials. Now...

Three diets, three dinners.(Evluation and comparison of Atkins, Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig)
June 1, 2005... These dinner menus are based on the principles of the Atkins, Ornish, and Weight Watchers diets, with fat, protein, and carbohydrates in their prescribed proportions, using the same types of foods whenever possible. To fill up, the Atkins...

Gas grills more for your money.(HOME: Outdoor living)
June 1, 2005... Getting a good grill is becoming easier and cheaper as competition heats up; some of the best we tested cost $200 or less. You'll also find $500 grills with the added style, space, and convenience of the much pricier models. Stainless...

Paints & stains: finishes that last.(HOME: Outdoor living)
June 1, 2005... A host of new paints have recently hit the stores claiming something beyond the basic promise of long-lasting beauty. But the early results of our tests show that some of these new products might not live up to their claims. The new...

Lawn mowers: making mowing easier.(HOME: Outdoor living)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2005... Mower makers are pitching more than just mowing these days. Many models have more convenient controls, easier starting, and, yes, even cup holders as manufacturers attempt to make lawn mowing less laborious. Some of the most novel features...

Filtering software: better, but still fallible.(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2005... Internet filtering software, which inserts itself between your computer's browser and Internet connection to prevent objectionable sites from getting through, is better at blocking pornography than in recent years, our new tests show. But...

Computers: best laptops & desktops.
June 1, 2005... Tech support remains a hot-button issue, judging from our latest subscriber survey of desktop-computer users, Apple has maintained its lead in tech support, Other brands continue to show only so-so performance and face some chronic support...

Computer monitors: more screen for less.(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... In computer monitors, as in TVs, models with LCD technology are becoming bigger, cheaper, and more dominant in the marketplace. During 2004, the liquid-crystal display market shifted distinctly from 15-inch monitors to 17- and 19-inch...

Seafood allergies: common, sudden, deadly.
June 1, 2005... Seafood lovers beware: Allergies to fish or shellfish, unlike most other food allergies, typically develop without warning, often as full-blown, potentially life-threatening reactions in adults who've never had any such allergies before....

Take allergy drug and sniff flowers safely?(names & claims)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2005... "Can't take the congestion? Take Allegra-D," says a magazine ad for the prescription allergy and decongestant drug. Pictures show a young woman, first with symptoms of a stuffy nose and itchy eyes, then bright-eyed and blithely smelling a...

New bankruptcy rules: more hurdles for debtors.
June 1, 2005... Life is about to get a lot tougher for people who get in over their heads with debt. When the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 takes effect, which is expected to be in October, it will be harder to erase debts and...

Open it up: the mini proves that less is more, while the Camry Solara is uniquely practical.
June 1, 2005... Convertibles aren't exactly practical. Their tops typically let in a lot of noise, their bodies tend to quiver, and their small rear windows can limit visibility. Still, convertibles racked up a record year in 2004, with sales of more than...

Contact info.(Directory)
June 1, 2005... PHONE NUMBERS & WEB SITES A cumulative listing of manufacturer phone numbers and Web addresses is available free in browsable form at our Web site, www.ConsumerReports.org. COMPUTER MONITORS Apple: 800-692-7753; www.apple.com. Dell:...

Tougher fire-safety standard for mattresses.( )
June 1, 2005... Americans spend more than 107 days, nearly one-third of each year, tucked and asleep in their beds. But those beds can be dangerous places. Mattress fires accounted for 440 deaths, 2,230 injuries, and $274 million in property losses annually...

What's wrong with these pictures?(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... 1. A "WARNING" beside the photos on an Animal Face Painting Kit reads: "Blues and greens should not be used on the lips. Reds, pinks and oranges should not be used in the eye area." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2. Talk about stuffing. The...

Huh?(selling it: goofs / glitches / gotchas)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... 1. A General Mills customer-service rep told us that white tastes "kind of slightly like vanilla but more like a homemade sugar frosting." Thanks, but we prefer blue. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2. A New York reader noted, "You can buy...

We're not in Kansas anymore.(selling it: goofs / glitches / gotchas)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... A Georgia reader told us he picked up these postcards on a trip several years ago. By now, presumably, the card company has figured out which state the farm is in. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

A tempting offer.(selling it: Goofs / Glitches / Gotchas)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Whoever prepared this Amazon.com link at www.prisonwall .org, a site with information for prisoners, apparently had a sense of humor. Inset, the tool in question.

Earning $100 the hard way.(selling it: Goofs / Glitches / Gotchas)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... "Congratulations!" said a mailing from PNC Bank Visa Check Card to a Pennsylvania reader. "Because you're a valued customer, we have just added an exciting new benefit." Our reader could use his card to earn points redeemable for gift...