Consumer Reports articles from November 2006

Consumer Reports archives from November 2006

Buying advice at your fingertips.
November 1, 2006... The Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2007 is your handy one-stop source for making intelligent, informed, money-saving purchases for all your home and personal needs. Consult it before you shop and bring it to the store to help you compare brands....

Shopping strategies to get best values.
November 1, 2006... Are you a careful researcher, someone who takes the time to shop for the best price on whatever you're buying? Perhaps you're a time-saver, looking to get the best price as quickly as possible. Or do you window-shop? Whatever your shopping...

Be a smart shopper in the supermarket.
November 1, 2006... It's easy to be casual in your approach to supermarket shopping. After all, we're not talking about SUVs or HDTVs here, just a bunch of small items you pick up every week that cost no more than a few dollars each. In reality though, you can...

Home entertainment: digital dominates.
November 1, 2006... Digital technology--the use of computer chips to create, store and play images and sounds--dominates more and more of today's home-entertainment choices. Traditional analog techniques of recording images on film or displaying them on a glass...

Camcorders.(Home Entertainment: Digital Dominates)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Fine picture quality and easy editing have improved the functionality of these moviemakers, especially for digital models. You can do a lot more with videos shot on digital or analog camcorders than play them back, unedited, on your TV. You...

Digital cameras.(Home Entertainment: Digital Dominates)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Digital photography allows you to be more involved in creating prints without the darkroom that film photography requires. Digital cameras give you extraordinary control over images. You can transfer them to your computer, then crop, adjust...

DVD players.(Home Entertainment: Digital Dominates)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... These devices offer high-quality playback of videos and CDs, and prices are lower than ever. Great picture and sound quality, plus relatively low prices, have made digital videodisc, or DVD, players, among the most successful...

HD televisions.(Home Entertainment: Digital Dominates)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... HD sets can provide the best at-home viewing experience currently available, at ever-lower prices. Today's gold standard for TV is high definition, or HD. This much-talked-about format offers images with lifelike detail and clarity....

LCD TVs.(Home Entertainment: Digital Dominates)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Once available only with small screens, LCD (liquid-crystal display) TVs now come with bigger screens suitable for a household's primary set. The introduction of 37- to 50-inch sets has positioned LCD TVs as strong competition for...

MP3 players.(Home Entertainment: Digital Dominates)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... The MP3 player continues its evolution from simple audio player to complex multimedia device. More and more players come with color displays and the ability to show digital photos transferred from your computer, sometimes while the music...

Plasma TVs.(Home Entertainment: Digital Dominates)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Plasma TVs make a blockbuster first impression. A maximum of 6 inches thick, these sleek flat panels display bright images on screens measuring about 3 to 5 feet diagonally. With more models 50 inches and larger now available, plasma sets...

By the numbers.(this issue)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... this issue by the numbers Computers Reader responses to reliability survey 127,800 Drain cleaners Pounds of lard used to clog 50 sinks for testing Bagged salad Packages opened for Up Front 94 ...

Kitchen, bath & laundry: more style, less money.
November 1, 2006... Slowing home sales have spawned a growing desire to make what you have work better and more stylishly. Home centers including Home Depot, Lowe's, and Sears are fueling this ongoing home-improvement boom by driving down prices on everything from...

Coffeemakers.(Kitchen, Bath & Laundry: More Style, Less Money)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Most models make a good cup of coffee. Higher-priced versions usually have more convenience features and fancier styling. The popularity of Starbucks and other specialty coffee shops seems to be driving demand for a new generation of...

Cooktops and wall ovens.(Kitchen, Bath & Laundry: More Style, Less Money)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Separate appliances give you the flexibility of two cooking areas, with burners and ovens placed just about anywhere you want. You also have the option of cooking with gas, electricity, or induction. Like ranges, cooktops come in electric...

Countertops.(Kitchen, Bath & Laundry: More Style, Less Money)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... A countertop has to withstand considerable punishment over a long period of time. Fortunately, it's one product where beauty and practicality can coexist. Falling prices for granite and other tony materials mean that you can now get a...

Dishwashers.(Kitchen, Bath & Laundry: More Style, Less Money)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Models selling for as little as $350 or so can excel at washing dishes, but they may not measure up to costlier models in quietness, water and energy use, or features. Spend $300 to $400 and you can get a dishwasher that does a good job...

Dryers.(Kitchen, Bath & Laundry: More Style, Less Money)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... On the whole, clothes dryers do a good job. More sophisticated models dry your laundry with greater finesse. Dryers are relatively simple. Their major differences are how they heat the air (gas or electricity) and how they're programmed to...

Food processors & mixers.(Kitchen, Bath & Laundry: More Style, Less Money)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Match the machine to the way you prepare foods. But you may find you need more than one. Which food-prep appliance best suits your style and the foods you prepare? Food processors are versatile machines that can chop, slice, shred, and...

Freezers.(Kitchen, Bath & Laundry: More Style, Less Money)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Chest freezers cost the least to buy and run, but self-defrost uprights are the winners for convenience. If you buy box-loads of burgers at a warehouse club or like to keep a few weeks' worth of dinner fixings on hand, the 4- to...

Microwave ovens.(Kitchen, Bath & Laundry: More Style, Less Money)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... You'll see larger capacity, sensors that detect doneness, and stylish designs to complement your kitchen. Microwave ovens, which built their reputation on speed, are also showing some smarts. Many automatically shut off when a sensor...

Why your medicine costs so much.(Have You Heard?)
November 1, 2006... When is a citizen not exactly a citizen? When it's a pharmaceutical company looking to increase its profits. Let me explain. Generic drugs, the low-cost chemical twins of brand-name drugs, should be on the market soon after the big money...

Cell phones & music: a rocky honeymoon.(up front: News / Trends / Advice)(Product/service evaluation)
November 1, 2006... The marriage of cell phones and music players got off to a shaky start awhile back, with mediocre sound quality and high-priced tunes. But manufacturers and service providers are continuing to make new models. We looked at four of the...

When DNA means 'do not attempt'.(up front: News / Trends / Advice)
November 1, 2006... New understanding of how genes contribute to certain diseases has spawned Web sites hawking at-home "nutrigenetic" DNA test kits. Using a DNA sample you take, usually by swabbing the inside of your cheek, the kits claim to analyze a limited...

Scrub the automatic shower cleaner.(CLAIM CHECK)(Product/service evaluation)
November 1, 2006... The claim. Hate scrubbing your shower? The Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner, a battery-operated appliance selling for about $25, is supposed to do the job for you. You hang it on your showerhead and, after the last shower of the day,...

Save gas & cash.(QUICK TIPS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Faced with longer waits at airports, you might be tempted to hop in the car and drive over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house, or wherever you're celebrating Thanksgiving. But what about gas prices? Here's how to keep costs...

Bagged salads: the yuck factor.(up front: News / Trends / Advice)
November 1, 2006... We've heard the complaints, and have even made them ourselves: You buy a bag of prewashed lettuce, paying a premium because it's convenient and attractive, open it on or before its use-by date, and find brown or gooey leaves among the green. Is...

Federal energy tax credits expire in 2007.(did you know?)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... If exorbitant energy prices aren't enough incentive to make your home more energy efficient, Uncle Sam started offering federal tax credits this year. Improving insulation or replacing your water heater, furnace, windows, or outside doors are...

Psssst ... best irons from recent tests.(up front: News / Trends / Advice)(Product/service evaluation)
November 1, 2006... Here's a factoid for anyone who hates pressing clothes: Eighteenth-century ironers used a delta-shaped cast-iron slab, heated in the fireplace. Its name was the sadiron. Today manufacturers are trying to make ironers happy, with water...

Cereal prices rise, boxes shrink.(up front: News / Trends / Advice)(Kellogg)
November 1, 2006... Inflation means your dollar is shrinking, but it can mean your cereal box is shrinking, too. Kellogg announced in July that it would impose a price increase averaging 2 percent overall on some cereals this fall, including Corn Flakes and...

Home & yard: more value for less.
November 1, 2006... Growing competition among retailers and independent dealers has made this an ideal time to upgrade your arsenal of indoor and outdoor home products. Besides driving down prices on an array of items, big-box home centers such as Home Depot and...

Air cleaners.(Home & Yard: More Value for Less)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Even the best air cleaner may be a questionable investment, since there's little medical evidence that air cleaners alone reduce the effects of indoor pollutants for those with asthma and allergies. The air inside your home is more polluted...

Air conditioners.(Home & Yard: More Value for Less)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Low prices and high efficiency make individual room air conditioners an inexpensive alternative to central air for cooling one or two rooms. Room air conditioners now cost as little as $100 and often include controls with digital...

Circular saws.(Home & Yard: More Value for Less)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Circular saws are a mainstay for quickly cutting the two-by-fours and plywood used in many popular home-improvement projects. Indeed, circular saws are the most common home power tool after drills. Battery-powered saws offer go-anywhere...

Cordless drills.(Home & Yard: More Value for Less)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Many 14.4-volt drill/drivers pack all the power you need for a variety of chores. You'll also find higher-voltage drills that cost little more than less-capable, lower-voltage models. Battery packs with higher efficiency allow today's...

Deck treatments.(Home & Yard: More Value for Less)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Deck treatments that look good longest are the ones that are most like paint. Clear finishes don't provide long-term protection. Unprotected lumber doesn't fare well. Rain and sun crack and split wood by swelling and drying it, while...

Flooring, wood and wood alternatives.(Home & Yard: More Value for Less)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Natural-wood flooring offers warmth and the ability to be refinished more than once. But tougher copycats could be better for active families. Real solid hardwood remains the premium choice for flooring and figures prominently on the list...

Gas grills.(Home & Yard: More Value for Less)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Many people are choosing high-end models that do more than just grill. But you needn't spend a fortune for great grilling at your next barbecue. Getting a good grill has become both easier and cheaper; some of the best we tested cost $200...

Hedge trimmers.(Home & Yard: More Value for Less)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... A gas or electric hedge trimmer can enhance your tool arsenal if your property includes lots of shrubs. Both types tend to be easier than hand clippers, since an engine or motor powers their blades. But using any powered hedge trimmer can...

Humidifiers.(Home & Yard: More Value for Less)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Using a humidifier can help ease dry skin and other problems associated with dry air. But choosing one involves trade-offs in efficiency, cost, noise, and convenience. Who needs a humidifier? Anyone who suffers from uncomfortably dry or...

Lawn mowers.(Home & Yard: More Value for Less)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Practically any mower cuts grass. But you'll get better results if you choose one based on your lawn size, mowing preferences, and budget. Mowing options range from $100 manual-reel mowers to tractors that cost $4,000 or more. If you have...

Nursing Homes.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2006... I read September's report "Nursing Homes: Business as Usual." In my 40-plus years of medical practice, I have attended patients in dozens of nursing homes on both coasts. Things are not getting much better in spite of the many organizations...

Ladders.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2006... I've designed stepladders and was surprised you did not mention their single most important safety issue (September, "Ladders"). Most stepladders have top caps and top steps that look very similar to the other steps and are clearly intended to...

Tuna.(Your Letters)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2006... Consumer Reports has done a great disservice in discouraging canned tuna consumption through what we believe are inaccurate and incomplete facts (July, "Mercury in Tuna: New Safety Concerns"). In response to your story, the FDA has reiterated...

Correction.(Your Letters)(Correction notice)
November 1, 2006... The September Contact Info for protection software incorrectly listed Spybot's Web site. The correct address is www .safer-networking.org.The site can also be accessed at www.spybot.info.

Editor's note.(Your Letters)
November 1, 2006... In our September report on ladders, the Werner FIA06 stepladder was among the models that failed our tougher form of the industry step-strength test. That version was the mk15 and is now discontinued. A redesigned FIA06 mk16 successor, $90, has...

Millions of Apple and Dell laptop computer batteries recalled for fire hazard.(Recalls & Safety Alerts)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of almost 6 million rechargeable lithium-ion batteries made by Sony for dozens of Apple and Dell laptop computers. The batteries could overheat and catch fire. This sweeping...

Vehicles.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... '02-06 Jeep Liberty Front suspension components could wear excessively and loosen. If that happens, the ball joint could separate, resulting in a loss of steering control. Models: 832,500 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer replace...

Appliances.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Bunn 10-cup automatic drip coffeemakers Plastic pour-in bowl and lid can melt or ignite, posing burn and fire hazards. Products: 561,000 coffeemakers sold 5/04 through 1/06 at department and hardware stores for about $100. Note this recall...

Household products.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... "Power Xtension" extension cords Wiring is undersized and insulation is substandard, which could cause overheating and, possibly, electric-shock hazard. Products: 600,000 6-foot-long indoor extension cords sold 11/05 through 5/06 for...

Computers, phones, & peripherals: portable and versatile.
November 1, 2006... Faster. Lighter. More powerful. These are the constant imperatives for computing and mobile communications gear makers and users alike. The latest laptops and cell phones offer unprecedented connectedness that even James Bond would admire. Chip...

Cell phones.(Computers, Phones, & Peripherals: Portable and Versatile)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Complex pricing schemes and incompatible technologies can make it hard to find the right calling plan to go with the right handset. There are now more than 200 million cell-phone subscribers, an average of more than one per household. Of...

Cordless phones.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Two noteworthy trends: Phones use higher frequency bands, and a growing number can handle multiple handsets from a single base. It's easier than ever to have a phone where you want one. The newest breed of cordless phone lets you put a...

Desktop computers.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Even the least-expensive desktops can deliver impressive performance. For most users, the desktop computer has become just another appliance you use every day. Replacement sales--not first-time purchases--now drive the desktop computer...

Laptop computers.(computers )(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... A longtime companion at work, school, and on the road, the laptop has finally come home. Bigger, crisper displays and more usable key layouts have replaced small screens and cramped keyboards. Processors have caught up in speed, and...

Monitors.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Prices are dropping for larger CRT monitors and for flat-panel LCD displays that free up desk space. Deciding whether to buy a flat-panel LCD or a standard, fairly fat CRT monitor comes down to this: Do you need more space on the surface of...

PDAs.(personal digital assistants )(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Besides serving as an address book, calendar, and to-do list, many personal digital assistants offer multimedia functions. PDAs can store thousands of phone numbers, appointments, tasks, and notes. All models can exchange, or synchronize,...

Printers.(inkjet printers )(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Inexpensive inkjets print color superbly, and they do it faster than ever. Laser printers excel at printing black-and-white text. Inkjet printers have become the standard for home-computer use. They can turn out color photos nearly...

Scanners.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... A scanner is a simple, cheap way to digitize images for printing, editing on your computer, or sending via e-mail. You don't need a digital camera to take advantage of the computer's ability to edit photos. Continuing improvements in...

Drain cleaners: take the plunger.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Chemical drain cleaners are among the most dangerous household products--hardly a shocker, since these lye-based formulas are meant to dissolve plugs of grease, soap, hair, and ground-up food. Yet most don't clear undersink clogs as well as...

Your inside track for new and used vehicles.
November 1, 2006... To get the right car at the best price you need to do your research. But how do you determine the quality of your information? More people turn to CONSUMER REPORTS for car-buying advice than any other publication or Web site. That's because...

5 Steps to get the right car and best price.
November 1, 2006... Buying a new car can be an exciting time. But many people are intimidated by the dealership experience, including the price negotiations and the high-pressure sales tactics that can be used to manipulate you into spending more than you need to....

Rating the 2007 models.(automobiles )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Included here are Ratings on more than 200 vehicles that CR has recently tested. Within each category, they are ranked by their overall road-test score. Recommended models ([check]) not only tested well, but have shown average or better...

Digital cameras: some big-camera features come in strikingly small packages.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... More than 30 percent of U.S. households have yet to switch from film, and millions more are seeking a second, or even third, digital camera, so this should be a hot holiday season for digitals. Manufacturers are responding by crowding more...

Reviews of the 2006-07 models.(sport utility vehicles)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... This rundown of all the major 2007 models can start you on your search for a new car, min-van, SUV, or pickup. You'll find a summary of each model, often based on recent road tests that are applicable to this year's models. Most models...

The best and worst used cars.(used cars )
November 1, 2006... These lists guide you to the most reliable vehicles from model years 1998 to 2005 and alert you to those that have been problematic. Reliable Used Cars and Used Cars to Avoid include all models that showed above- or below-average overall...

Detailed reliability.(automoible survey)
November 1, 2006... The charts on the following pages give you a model's complete reliability picture for both its used versions (1998 through 2005) and the new one currently on sale. These detailed reliability Ratings are based on our 2005 Annual Car Reliability...

Product ratings and brand reliability.(air conditioners, camcorders, digital cameras )(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... The product rating and brand reliability information that follows is designed to help you zero in on the model you want to buy. Start by reading the general buying advice for the product you're interested in. The page numbers for these reports...

Best batteries: performance varies greatly by type.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Think that one kind of battery is fine for all your gear? Think again. The best cell for your digital camera isn't the best value for your CD player, our new tests show. Pick the wrong battery for your camera and it could die in 37 minutes. ...

Desktop computers.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Workhorse desktop computers cost more than budget models but also offer more. A workhorse paired with a $200 to $300 media receiver would be your best choice for creating a basic, computer-based home-entertainment center. Either type of desktop...

Digital cameras.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Based on our judgments of uncropped 8x10-inch prints, all the cameras produced images that were excellent. But if we had used only a small portion of the original image and enlarged it to 8x10, the higher-megapixel cameras would have produced...

Dishwashers.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Almost all of the dishwashers we tested scored at least very good overall and are available with stainless-steel exterior styling. All are from historically reliable brands. While you'll typically pay more for folding racks and other...

Dryers.(drying equipment)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Most of these dryers scored at least a very good overall in our tests. Dryers judged excellent for drying were noticeably better than lower-scoring models at leaving a load damp for ironing and at drying delicates at low heat. All tested models...

DVD players.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Excellent picture quality is a hallmark of DVD players. For typical use with a conventional (as in standard-definition) TV, most people can safely purchase by disc capacity, features, price, and brand reliability. The Ratings cover a...

Gas grills.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Expect to spend between $200 and $500 for a grill that can handle most of your cooking needs. Spending more may get you more stainless styling and a few additional convenience features, but not necessarily better performance. While most...

Home-theater audio: the simple, low-cost path to surround sound.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... A big-screen high-definition TV takes center stage in any home theater. But even the best TV can't convey the rich, multichannel surround sound on most DVD movies and a growing number of HD programs. That demands a digital receiver and a full...

Laptops.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... The Ratings rank models by performance and features. Quick Picks take into account not only performance but reliability, tech support, and value. All the major brands have had similar repair rates. Apple's tech support has been the best by far,...

Lawn mowers.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... You needn't pay a premium for superb mowing. You'll find many capable, self-propelled, gasoline-powered mowers as brands like Craftsman, Honda, Lawn-Boy, and Toro create new designs with better decks and controls. The best of these mowers...

Lawn tractors.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... All of these machines are at least adequate at side-discharging and mulching clippings. The best tend to distribute clippings more evenly, and add better bagging and easier handling for as little as $1,300. Note that the tested Toro LX420...

LCD TVs.(liquid crystal displays)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... On the best of the tested LCD TVs, picture quality was clear, crisp, and detailed, especially with HD content and progressive-scan DVD signals. Some of the newest LCD models are 1080p sets, with 1920x1080 resolution. They're capable of pushing...

Microwave ovens.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Most models will do a capable job of basic microwaving chores, such as reheating leftovers or making popcorn. First decide whether you want an over-the-range or countertop model. If you opt for a countertop, also consider how large a unit your...

MP3 players.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Like most digital devices, MP3 players perform very well at their key task. As the Ratings show, many MP3 players can produce near-audio-CD-quality sound out of the headphone jack, and the others were nearly as good. The headphones supplied...

LCD & plasma TVs: screen size and quality up, prices down (again).(liquid crystal displays)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... No electronic items will be hotter this holiday season than LCD and plasma TVs, thanks in large part to prices that are half what they were two years ago. With more and better TVs now available from an ever-growing list of brands, it's a great...

Plasma TVs.(plasma televisions)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... The best of the plasma sets we tested have fine picture quality, with good brightness and contrast from any angle. Most plasma sets have 42-inch screens, but you'll increasingly find more 50-inch and larger screens. These larger-screen plasma...