Consumer Reports articles from November 2008

Consumer Reports archives from November 2008

Confused about cable?(VIEWPOINT)
November 1, 2008... SHOULD THEY SIT DOWN now to watch the Animal Planet channel, Heather Shorr and her daughters would no longer see snow leopards--just snow. Shorr, a Connecticut homemaker, says their cable provider has moved the channel onto a digital tier....

Taking your pulse.(FROM OUR PRESIDENT)
November 1, 2008... In a recent column, I told you about Consumers Union's spring send-off of a big blue recreational vehicle and our Cover America Tour. Our goal was to chronicle your stories about health care and learn more about the problems Americans face. ...

Security risk.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2008... "How to Protect Yourself" ("ID Leaks," September 2008), says: "Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet." My Medicare card has my Social Security number printed on the front. On the back the instructions say: "Carry your card with...

Virus fighters.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2008... As an IT consultant, I was disappointed that AVG antivirus software was left off your list ("Security Software," September 2008). AVG offers both free and paid versions and does a superior job to the competition in protecting its users without...

Rock-a-bye, baby.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2008... Regarding "How Did You Sleep Last Night?" (September 2008), an inexpensive alternative to a sound machine is a white-noise CD, at about $10 per disc. The sound quality and volume can be adjusted, which often cannot be done on a sound machine....

All natural.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2008... I own a Honda GX (Up Front, September 2008). Everything you wrote about it was 100 percent accurate, but you left out one very important point: The GX is the only production natural-gas vehicle available to U.S. consumers. If consumers demanded...

Smaller should be better.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2008... I just received the September issue with tests of "smaller SUVs." Smaller than what? Mastodons, perhaps. Not a single one averages more than 20 mpg, and most are worse. You do an admirable job of evaluating vehicle safety, and you take...

Considering organics.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2008... You missed the point in "When to Buy Organic" (Up Front, September 2008) in saying that "it makes sense to focus on buying organic versions of produce that is most likely to harbor pesticide residues when grown conventionally." What about the...

Correction.(Correction notice)
November 1, 2008... An article about Energy Star-qualified appliances in the October 2008 issue incorrectly said that the Energy Star Haier ESAD4066 air conditioner had not received certification from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. It has.

Ask our experts.(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Should I spend $300 on a calibration service for my new LcD television? Geertruida de Moel Chicago [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Try doing it yourself. Go to the TV's video or picture menu and choose cinema, standard, normal, or pro...

Easy-to-use corkscrews.(Up front)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... If the price of some wine openers makes you pop your cork, and you can't get the hang of those cheaper winged things, you might like an electric corkscrew. You just press a button to pull the cork and again to eject it from the screw. Opening...

For tasty oatmeal, be patient.(Up front)(Product/service evaluation)(Table)
November 1, 2008... When it's time for oatmeal, good things come to those who wait. The more cooking required, we found, the more oaty the flavor and the less mushy the texture. Our tests of 10 of the flavored instant oatmeals that Americans favor most found that...

Weeding out 'green' groups.(CLAIM CHECK)
November 1, 2008... A growing number of think tanks sound good for the environment but advocate for industries that could cause environmental headaches. (You think Americans for Balanced Energy Choices touts solar power? Nope.) Try to match the groups at right...

The rap on overwrapping.(Up front)
November 1, 2008... Good things might come in small packages, but should small things come in huge ones? Some mail-order companies seem to think so. Spurred by readers who have complained about overwrapping, we ordered tiny items online from 13 companies and found...

How accurate is that meat thermometer?(Up front)(Product/service evaluation)(Table)
November 1, 2008... A meat thermometer doesn't cost much, but it can save hundreds of dollars in medical bills by ensuring that food is cooked enough to kill disease-causing salmonella, E. coli, and other bugs. We tested 11 thermometers you either leave in food as...

Scam alert.(Up front)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... The Federal Trade Commission warns that identity thieves posing as members of local election boards or civic groups are calling or e-mailing people to register them to vote or to verify their registration. The scammers ask for Social Security...

Expiring groceries get a second life.(Up front)
November 1, 2008... Ever wonder what stores do with leftover meat, milk, muffins, and canned goods that have stuck around beyond their sell-by or use-by dates? After CONSUMER REPORTS mystery shoppers recently discovered 72 products past their prime in 31 stores...

Gas-sipping rental cars prove elusive.(Up front)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Remember when the offer of a bigger rental car was good news? Yesterday's upgrade is now considered a downgrade. Priceline.com found that 72 percent of 767 customers surveyed last year wanted more environmentally friendly vehicles--and that was...

Can you save money by spending? Not really, despite the hype.(MONEY)
November 1, 2008... SAVING MONEY IS TOUGH for many people, so bank programs designed to help you save every time you spend can be tempting. Under those plans, money is deposited into your savings or money-market account when you make purchases with a debit or...

When to see a doctor.(5-MINUTE CONSULT)
November 1, 2008... FEW OF US have the time or patience to seek medical attention for every little health problem. And yet, how can we tell if we really need a professional opinion? Pain is an indisputable sign that something is wrong and is one of the most...

Is it ok to fool mother nature?(AD WATCH)(extended-cycle contraceptives )
November 1, 2008... Reduced PMS. Fewer periods. No periods. These are the respective marketing promises of the makers of Yaz, Seasonique, and Lybrel, a trio of oral contraceptives currently starring in TV, Web, and print ads. They're called "extended-cycle"...

Sony Vaio laptops.(ELECTRONICS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Wires near hinge could short, causing overheating. Products: 73,000 Sony Vaio TZ-series laptops sold by Sony Style stores and Web sites as well as authorized retailers from 7/07 through 8/08 for $1,700 to $4,000. The computers include...

'04-06 BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, X3.(AUTOMOBILES & EQUIPMENT)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Failure in front passenger seat occupation-detection mat can occur, in which case air bags, with the exception of head-protection system, will be deactivated and passenger air-bag warning lamp and air-bag "on-off" lamp will be lighted....

Kenmore coffeemakers.(HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... The appliance can overheat, which can cause burns or a fire. Products: 145,000 coffeemakers sold at Sears, Sears Hardware, The Great Indoors, and Kmart stores nationwide and online at Sears.com and Kmart.com from 8/07 through 4/08. Units...

Simplicity bassinets.(CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Metal bassinet bars are covered by fabric flap attached by Velcro. Fabric is folded down when bassinet is converted into bed-side co-sleeping position. If Velcro isn't properly re-secured after flap is adjusted, infant can slip through opening...

Better breakfasts? Some cereals are more than 50 percent sugar.(FEATURE)
November 1, 2008... ARE YOU ONE of those adults who keep a box of Frosted Flakes or Froot Loops hidden in the cupboard? Such sugary cereals are heavily marketed to children, to the tune of about $229 million advertising dollars per year. But an estimated 58...

Two prescriptions for America's ills: McCain and Obama offer conflicting health plans. Here's how you'd fare.(FEATURE)(John McCain and Barack Obama)
November 1, 2008... POLITICS ASIDE, AMERICANS overwhelmingly agree that our health-care system needs emergency care. It costs too much, is riddled with waste, and completely leaves out about 46 million people. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Changing the system...

100 top products.(COVER STORY)(Product/service evaluation)
November 1, 2008... DURING THE FIRST YEAR, our testers have measured, driven, pounded, poked, pushed, pulled, and rated thousands of products, whose overall scores have ranged from an abysmal 8 (for a radon-detection kit) to a near-perfect 99 (for a Lexus). This...

How to use the Canada Extra section.(Canada Extra)
November 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...

Cordless drills.(Canada Extra)
November 1, 2008... Report, page 42; Ratings, page 43 Eight of the 10 drills for general use are available and 3 of the 4 drills for tougher jobs are available. All are recommended models. [TABLE OMITTED]

All-in-one printers.(Canada Extra)
November 1, 2008... Report and Ratings, page 41 Five of the 6 printers are available. All are recommended models. [TABLE OMITTED]

Meat thermometers.(Canada Extra)(Table)
November 1, 2008... Report and Ratings, page 10 Five of the 7 leave-in thermometers and 3 of the 4 instant-read thermometers are available, including 1 recommended model. [TABLE OMITTED]

2004-2006 Nissan models.(Recalls)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Models might have been assembled with incorrectly manufactured air-conditioning condenser fan motors. Some 2004 and 2005 model year vehicles are equipped with diff erent fan motor not subject to this cam paign. It is possible that a limited...

2008 Ford Crown Victoria.(Recalls)(Ford Motor Co.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Designated seating capacity is incorrectly identified on Police Interceptor vehicles equipped with bucket seats. Tire information placard identified as six total instead of five. Does not pose safety risk. Models: 1,817 vehicles.

2003-2005 Kia Sorento.(Recalls)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Metal clip on Induction Control Valve (ICV) might severe off and cause engine noise, impaired engine functioning, and loss of vehicle power. Problem may or may not cause "Check Engine" light to illuminate. Condition might result in lost...

2007-2008 Hyundai Santa Fe.(Recalls)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Label with Cross Axle Weight Rating (CAWR) values exceeds capacity of tires. Loading vehicle beyond tire capacity might result in a crash. Models: 13,237 vehicles. What to do: Updated labels will be mailed to owners of affected...

2000-2002 GM vehicles.(Recalls)(General Motors Corp.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Multifunction switch might develop open circuit condition with bottom contact of hazard switch. Stop lamps and hazard lights might become inoperable. Models: 1,916 2000-2002 Chevrolet Blazer, 2000-2001 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2000-2002 GMC...

2008 Volkswagen Passat and Passat Wagon models.(Recalls)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Engine Control Module (ECM) software might not properly control engine speed if air-conditioning unit is being utilized. ECM might briefly increase RPM and vehicle speed, which might result in a crash. Models: 120 vehicles. What to do:...

2006 Jeep Commander.(Recalls)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Powertrain Control Module (PCM) on vehicles equipped with 4.7L engine might contain software that allows engine to stall. Models: 2,000 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer reprogram the PCM.

2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz GL and ML Class models.(Recalls)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Trailer hitches might contain inadequate welds and might eventually fail. Towed unit might separate from towing vehicle, which could cause property damage, personal injury, or death. Models: 3,724 vehicles. What to do: Have dealer...

100 top products.(Canada Extra)(Table)
November 1, 2008... Report, page 23 These products are available in Canada, based on our recent price and currency reports. Product Price ELECTRONICS PLASMA TVS Samsung PN58A550 ...

Three-row SUVs.(Canada Extra)(Product/service evaluation)(Table)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Report, page 54; Ratings, page 55 All of the tested SUVs are available in Canada. The Smart For Two in the Auto Test Extra is also available. Acceleration (sec.) Make & model ...

Contact info.(Canada Extra)(Directory)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... How to reach manufacturers in Canada. Amana 800-843-0304 www.amana.com Black & Decker 800-567-7188 www.blackanddecker.com BMW 800-567-2691 www.bmw.ca Bosch 905-826-6060 www.bosch.ca ...

The great turkey cook-off.(LAB TESTS)(TurboChef Speedcook)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... TURBOCHEF SAYS its Speedcook double wall oven will cook a 12-pound turkey in just 42 minutes instead of the usual 3 hours or so, thanks to high-speed convection and microwaves. It also touts results delectable enough to please a four-star chef....

Get ready for digital TV.(LAB TESTS)(Product/service evaluation)
November 1, 2008... By now, you're probably aware that most U.S. broadcasters will stop transmitting analog signals on Feb. 17 and will switch completely to digital broadcasts. Then you'll need a digital tuner, called an ATSC tuner, to continue getting free...

Sound bars make for easy listening.(LAB TESTS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Watching a good big-screen TV is a treat for the eyes, but even the priciest set can't fully convey the digital multichannel sound that adds so much to DVD movies and HDTV shows. That takes a surround-sound system, which usually means hooking...

Fix it or toss it?(LAB TESTS)(Table)
November 1, 2008... You're hosting Thanksgiving but it's your range that's taking a holiday. Do you call for repair or scramble for a replacement? To help you out, we asked 13,477 subscribers to share their experiences with 20,613 broken products. ...

Best all-in-one printers.(LAB TESTS)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Many new inkjet printers are all-in-one models that not only print color photos and text but also allow you to make color copies, scan, and in some cases fax. All of the tested printers have memory-card readers, enabling you to grab photos...

Cordless tools: our latest tests show that you don't have to go high-tech to get a great drill or kit.(LAB TESTS)(Product/service evaluation)(Table)
November 1, 2008... MORE DRILLS and cordless kits feature lighter or longer-running lithium-ion cells instead of nickel-cadmium. But our tests show that lithium cells can die an early death if you aren't careful. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Several lithium...

Good wipers aren't pricey but fade fast.(NEWS)(Product/service evaluation)
November 1, 2008... YOU DON'T HAVE TO SPEND a lot of money to get good wiper performance, but you might need to replace them every six months or so. In a group of 15 wiper models we tested, three of the top four were among the least expensive. That includes the...

SUV and pickup tires: our tests show big differences in all-weather performance, tread life, and even fuel economy.(CARS)(sports utility vehicle)(Product/service evaluation)
November 1, 2008... NO TIRE DOES IT ALL. That's what we found when we tested 34 all-season and all-terrain tires. So the best choice for your SUV or pickup truck depends on its design and how you use the vehicle. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The General Grabber...

Auto batteries: our Ratings of 50 models include 12 CR Best Buys.(CARS)(Product/service evaluation)
November 1, 2008... YOU DON'T HAVE TO SPEND a lot of money to get a good auto battery. A couple of the least-expensive models perform virtually as well as batteries that cost more than twice as much, our latest tests show. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] We were...

Three-row SUVs: the Ford Flex and Mazda CX-9 rate among the best but the redesigned Honda Pilot slips.(CARS)(sport utility vehicles)(Product/service evaluation)
November 1, 2008... THE NEW FORD FLEX and the upgraded Mazda CX-9 now rank among the best three-row SUVs we've tested. They trail only the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the conventional Highlander, and the Acura MDX in our Ratings of midsized models. ...

Try them with whiskey-sour-cream dip.(SELLING IT)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... We were amused to learn that a company has made the potato chip even more, um, nutritious, by covering it in salt and sugar and adding a "major dose of the world's most perfect beverage." That would be beer. "It's a party in your mouth!" the PR...

Seeing isn't believing.(SELLING IT)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... This envelope of "important travel documents" held a "boarding voucher," a "passenger and baggage check" with a Group 1 boarding designation, even the warning "do not write or mark in the white area above." Give yourself points if you guessed...

Next, body odor boy.(SELLING IT)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... When we saw Headlice Hero, left (for services selling "instant relief for headlice"), we had to wonder how he'd fare against Mucus Maximus, right (for Mucinex). It looks to us like Mr. Maximus in one round. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

What's in a name?(SELLING IT)(Photograph)
November 1, 2008... But that parking lot has a heckuva view. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Spare or splat?(SELLING IT)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... OK, but don't be surprised if the alley gets covered in watermelon seeds. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Crystal clear.(SELLING IT)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... When we asked a 3M customer-service rep about this discrepancy, she told us the boast applied to a regular scrubbing head and the caution on back to a heavy-duty head like the one in our package. "You wouldn't want to use that particular head...