Consumer Reports Annual Buying Guide articles from January 1 2003

Consumer Reports Annual Buying Guide archives from January 1 2003

Buying guidance at your fingertips.
January 1, 2003... The Consumer Reports Buying Guide helps you find value and quality in today's marketplace. Start with "Shop Smart" on page 7 to find general tips and strategies for shopping in stores, through catalogs, and online. Later in the book, you'll...

Shop smart: how-to's, tips, and shortcuts that can help you find what you want fast and at a good price.
January 1, 2003... Whatever your shopping style--diligent researcher, casual browser, or determined time-saver--the current shopping scene holds new and expanding options. You can surf web sites, leaf through catalogs, and visit every variety of store, from...

Consumer protection online and off.(Regulations)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Whenever you shop at home--online, on the phone, or by mail--you have the same safety net against theft of your credit-card number as when you shop in person. If you report misuse right away, you're liable for only $50, even on international...

Online shopping tools.(Searching)(Directory)
January 1, 2003... * SEARCH ENGINES, PORTALS, AND DIRECTORIES These are the places where you can start your online shopping trips. AltaVista (www.altavista.com)has more than 350 million web pages indexed. AOL Search (www.search.aol.com), available to...

What's new in home entertainment.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... A look inside a consumer-electronics store reveals a transformation that can be described in one word: digital. In recent years, digital entertainment products such as DVD players, digital video recorders (DVRs), and satellite-TV receivers have...

Setting up a home theater.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... Adding surround sound to a TV can transform the viewing and listening experience even more than buying a bigger set. Most TV sound can be improved by adding external speakers--a pair of self-powered speakers is a simple, easy way to do...

Camcorders.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... Fine picture quality and easy editing have improved the functionality of these movie makers. That's especially true of digital models, which are replacing analog. Home movies--those grainy, jumpy productions of yesteryear--have been...

Cameras, digital.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... Digital photography allows you to be more involved in the creation of the print than film photography. That's a plus or a minus, depending upon your point of view. Digital cameras, which employ reusable memory cards instead of film, give...

Cameras, film.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... A point-and-shoot camera doesn't require elaborate setup before the shot. Single-lens reflex models offer maximum versatility and can also be easy to use. A film camera remains a good choice if you want point-and-shoot simplicity and good...

CD players.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... The familiar console CD player is rapidly being replaced by more capable devices. Delivering superb performance at an affordable price, the CD is the music medium of the moment, having turned vinyl LPs into niche products for audiophiles and...

Two new audio formats.(DVD-Audio And SACD)
January 1, 2003... DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD (SACD) are formats that encode music into up to six channels, promising fuller, richer sound than from stereo CDs. Relatively few players can handle these formats. You should have six full-range speakers for optimal...

CD player/recorders.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... These devices make it easy to "burn" the music you want onto CDs. Because it's all digital, copies show no loss of quality. Audio CD player/recorders let you make your own recordings and play back prerecorded material. They still cost more...

DVD players.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... These play high-quality video and also play CDs. Prices are surprisingly low. As the fastest-growing consumer-electronics product in history--more than 13 million units were sold in 2001 alone--DVD players offer picture and sound quality...

VCR/DVD combo players.(Two-In-One Products)
January 1, 2003... DVD players are the hot electronics product, gaining favor for playing movies, though VCRs are still the device of choice for recording TV programming. Some consumers are trying to hedge their bets--and save space--by buying combination VCR/DVD...

Digital video recorders.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... DVRs outdo VCRs in many ways, but you'll still need a VCR to archive recordings. Digital video recorders (DVRs) combine the easy navigation of a DVD player with the recording capability of a VCR and the convenience of a program guide....

Home theater in a box.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... No time to mix and match speakers and receiver? All-in-one systems can minimize the hassle, although some make it tough to hook up other components. Good speakers and the other components of a home theater cost less than ever. But...

What makes a room good for sound?(Perfect Fit)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... The more unsymmetrical the room, the better. A square room can produce peaks and valleys in the sound level at various places around the room. A rectangular room gives a bigger "sweet spot" of sound without introducing acoustic effects. An...

Minisystems.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... These all-in-one sound systems offer decent sound in an economical, convenient package. A minisystem can be just the ticket if you're cramped for space or don't have the time or inclination to search out individual components and set them...

MP3 players.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... They usually store at least a CD's worth of music files. You'll have to take the time to load them, and legal controversy still surrounds some usage. MP3 encoding is currently the predominant means of compressing music files for digitizing...

Receivers.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... For a home-theater surround-sound system, look for a receiver that can decode Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks. The receiver is the brain of an audio/video system, providing AM and FM tuners, amplifiers, surround-sound, and switching...

Satellite TV.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... First, can a dish be mounted with a clear view of the satellite? Then choose the system: DirecTV or Dish Network. After that, pick the hardware. Frustration with cable companies has fueled the growth of satellite-TV broadcast systems. Some...

The digital cable alternative.(Cable vs. Satellite)
January 1, 2003... If you're a cable-TV subscriber, the odds are your cable company is trying to sell you on digital cable. A supplement to your regular (analog) service, it provides 50 or more additional channels that promise a superior picture and sound. ...

Speakers.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... Speakers can make or break your audio or video setup. Try to listen to them in a store before buying. If you can splurge on only part of your system, splurge here. The best array of audio or video components will let you down if matched...

TV sets.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... Conventional TVs, projection sets, digital TVs, flat screens--you have more (and better) viewing choices than before, at ever-lower prices. Because the transition to digital broadcasts is proceeding slowly, any analog TV you buy now will...

Which TV brands rate the best?(Ratings History)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... A new study by CONSUMER REPORTS analyzing six years of TV test results shows that some brands consistently outperform others. The two with the best results: Sony and Toshiba, whose models rated Very Good or Excellent about 80 percent of the...

VCRS.(Home Entertainment)
January 1, 2003... They don't match DVD quality, but VCRs are still the most versatile and inexpensive way to play, record, and keep video. Today's VCRs are more of a bargain than ever. Hi-fi models, which cost $155 to $290 when we tested them in November...

What's new in kitchen & laundry products.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... Today's appliances are smarter, more capable, and more energy efficient than yesterday's. New technologies and tightened government energy standards have sparked the change. A bonus is that today's appliances, large and small, are likely to be...

Who makes what?(The Appliance Name Game)
January 1, 2003... Despite all the nameplates, only a handful of companies actually make refrigerators, ranges, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. They typically sell products under their own brand and also produce specific models for other manufacturers. From our...

Breadmakers.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... Machines costing $50 or less can turn out white bread and raisin bread that is comparable in texture, color, and taste to loaves kneaded by hand and baked in an oven. Breadmakers allow virtually anyone to bake bread with just minutes of...

Coffeemakers.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... You don't need to spend a lot to get a machine that makes good coffee. But you may want to spend a bit more for a model with convenience features and styling that appeals. The profusion of Starbucks and other specialty coffee shops appears...

Dishwashers.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... Models selling for $300 to $500 can excel at washing dishes, but they may not measure up to costlier models in quietness, water or energy usage, or features. Spend $300 to $500, and you'll get a dishwasher that cleans a dirty load without...

Dryers.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... It's hard to find a clothes dryer that can't, at the very least, dry clothes. The more sophisticated models do the job with greater finesse. Dryers are relatively simple. Their major distinctions are how they're programmed to shut off once...

Freezers.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... 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...

Irons.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... Many new irons are bigger, more colorful, more feature-laden, and more expensive. But you can get a fine performer for $25 or so. Many businesspeople are hanging up their business suits and dresses in favor of casual attire, often made of...

Kitchen knives.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... Knives that you must regularly sharpen generally cut the best. But some that never need sharpening do a good job--and cost less. You need not be a master chef to appreciate a fine kitchen knife. While high-quality tools won't magically...

Microwave ovens.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... You'll see larger capacities, added power, sensors that detect doneness, and stylish designs. Countertop models have dropped in price. Microwave ovens, which built their reputation on speed, are also showing some smarts. Many models...

Mixing appliances.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... You need to choose the right machine for the way you prepare foods. You may need more than one machine. Which food-prep appliance best suits your style and the foods you prepare? Blenders usually excel at mixing icy drinks. Stick-shaped...

Pots & pans.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... Nonstick pots and pans are easy to clean. Uncoated cookware is often more durable. Your best bet might be some of each. Is boiling water the extent of your kitchen prowess or do you routinely take on much more challenging tasks? Could you...

Ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... Choices can be confusing, but you don't have to spend top dollar for impressive performance with high-end touches. If you're in the market for a stove, you must first decide whether you want a freestanding range (with oven included) or a...

Refrigerators.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... Top-freezer and bottom-freezer refrigerators generally give you more usable space for your money than comparable side-by-sides. And they cost less to run. If you're shopping for a refrigerator, you are probably considering models that are...

Sewing machines.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... Sewing is easier than ever. Mechanical machines under $200 have many features. Spend more for an electronic model, and you get more convenience and hundreds of stitches. New, electronic sewing machines are almost like robots. They can...

Toasting appliances.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... Some people like the straightforwardness of a toaster. Others prefer an appliance that toasts, bakes, and more. Either way, you can get good performance without spending a lot. Piggybacking on the popularity of bagels, toaster pastries, and...

Washing machines.(Kitchen & Laundry)
January 1, 2003... Almost all machines do a fine job washing. Top-loaders are usually less expensive, but front-loaders cost less to operate because they use less water and energy. Until recently, about the only place you were likely to see a front-loading...

What's new in home & yard equipment.(Home & Yard)
January 1, 2003... Innovations are making home and yard gear easier and safer to use, as well as friendlier to the environment. Some of the changes have been prompted by tougher state and federal environmental regulations. That means buying a new piece of...

Air conditioners.(Home & Yard)
January 1, 2003... Individual room air conditioners are a relatively inexpensive alternative to central-air systems for cooling one or two rooms. Refined features distinguish many of today's room air conditioners. Vague settings such as Warmer or Cooler are...

Barbecue grills.(Home & Yard)
January 1, 2003... Many people are choosing models that do more than just grill. Go high-end, and you can pay as much as you would for a pro-style kitchen range. A $15 charcoal hibachi is all it takes to give burgers that outdoorsy barbecue taste. But a gas...

Chain saws.(Home & Yard)
January 1, 2003... They're still noisy, but many of the latest are safer and cleaner. Gasoline-powered saws still outpower electrics, although plug-in models can be fine for light-duty use. Chain saws are inherently dangerous and noisy, though modern designs...

Circular saws.(Home & Yard)
January 1, 2003... Circular saws are a mainstay for cutting two-by-fours, plywood, and the like. A circular saw is an essential too for any but the most rudimentary workshop. Most models run on an electric motor. A few models are battery powered. WHAT'S...

Cordless drills.(Home & Yard)
January 1, 2003... Many of the latest models are powerful enough to handle construction and repair chores formerly reserved for corded models. But the price of that power is often added weight. Higher-voltage battery packs allow today's cordless drills to...

Hedge trimmers.(Home & Yard)
January 1, 2003... A good electric trimmer is all most people need to keep greenery shapely. Gasoline- or battery-powered models free you from a cord, but you pay for that convenience. A gas or electric hedge trimmer can be a useful addition to your tool...

Lawn mowers and tractors.(Home & Yard)
January 1, 2003... Practically any mower will cut your grass. But you can get better results with less effort by choosing a machine based on lawn size, your mowing preferences--and your budget. Mowing options range anywhere from $100 manual-reel mowers to...

Paint.(Home & Yard)
January 1, 2003... A few hundred dollars worth of paint can improve the looks of your home, protect it, and possibly boost its value. Painting can be an arduous task, especially if there is a lot of preparation to do. And professional painters don't come...

Power blowers.(Home & Yard)
January 1, 2003... Gasoline-powered models are cleaner and less noisy; electric models are quieter still, and more powerful than before. These miniature wind machines take some of the effort out of sweeping and gathering fallen leaves and other small yard and...

String trimmers.(Home & Yard)
January 1, 2003... An electric model can do a good job for many trimming tasks. For strong all-around performance, you'll need a gasoline-powered trimmer. A string trimmer can pick up where a lawn mower leaves off. It provides the finishing touches, slicing...

Vacuum cleaners.(Home & Yard)
January 1, 2003... Fancy features don't necessarily make a better upright or canister vac. You'll find lots of competent models at a reasonable price. Which type of vacuum to buy used to be a no-brainer. Uprights were clearly better for carpets, while...

Wet/dry vacuums.(Home & Yard)
January 1, 2003... Aimed at sawdust, wood chips, and spills, these machines are to regular vacs what pickup trucks are to sedans. Wet/dry vacuums are meant for life's meaner tasks. Their place is typically in the workshop or garage, where their multigallon...

What's new in home-office gear.(Home Office)
January 1, 2003... Computer gear has become easier to use and more elegant-looking. It has also become more fun. Added to the traditional word-processing, accounting, and presentation functions are capabilities that let you listen to online music, edit home...

Cell phones.(Home Office)
January 1, 2003... Complex pricing schemes and incompatible technologies can make it hard to find the right calling plan and handset. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be difficult. More than 150 million people now own a cell phone. If current trends hold, one...

Cell-phone alternatives.(Home Office)
January 1, 2003... A cell phone isn't the only way to stay in touch with people who are nearby. Here's a rundown of widely used, economical alternatives. Even though cell-phone sales remain strong, and cell phones are one of the best ways to reach people...

Desktop computers.(Home Office)
January 1, 2003... Even the least expensive desktop machines deliver impressive performance. The quality of technical support may be a deciding factor. The desktop computer has reached a level of acceptance accorded the TV set or refrigerator--just another...

Laptop computers.(Home Office)
January 1, 2003... A long-time companion at school or on the road, the laptop is proving its mettle as a replacement or backup for a home's desktop computer. Even as the pace of desktop computer sales slows, laptops are selling at an ever-increasing rate....

Monitors.(Home Office)
January 1, 2003... A roomier screen--or more space on your desktop--is now within reach. Call it the incredible shrinking workspace. Over the past few years, bulky monitors have all but overrun the tops of desks. Their screens, filled nearly to overflowing...

Multifunction devices.(Home Office)
January 1, 2003... With a multifunction device, you get a printer, scanner, copier, and sometimes a fax machine in a single small unit, often for less than $500. A multifunction device offers compactness, versatility, and affordability. You get a printer,...

PDAs.(Home Office)
January 1, 2003... Besides keeping track of phone numbers, appointments, and things to do, many personal digital assistants can now deliver wireless access to the web and manage your e-mail. Personal digital assistants store thousands of phone numbers,...

Printers.(Home office)
January 1, 2003... New, inexpensive inkjets print color superbly and faster than ever. Laser printers excel at printing black-and-white text. Inkjet printers are now the standard home-computer accompaniment. They do an excellent job with color--turning out...

Scanners.(Home office)
January 1, 2003... A scanner is a simple, cheap way to digitize images for printing out, manipulating on your computer, or sending in e-mail. You don't need a digital camera to take advantage of the computer's ability to edit photos. Images captured on film...

Telephones.(Home Office)
January 1, 2003... Cordless phones with better range and expanded features are ringing in four out of five U.S. households. But very good corded phones still have the edge in voice quality and privacy. Shoppers are snapping up cordless phones at a furious...

Answering machines.(Message Centers)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Answering machines come as stand-alone devices ($20 to $80) and as part of a phone/ answerer combo unit ($40 to $250). The main advantage to a combo unit--less clutter--has to be weighed against the loss of one part of the combo if the other...

What's new in autos for 2003.(Autos)
January 1, 2003... For 2003, the emphasis in new-vehicle design continues to be on versatility. There about 30 new or redesigned 2003 (and even some early-2004) models. Most are sport-utility vehicles or wagon-like "crossover" vehicles. Automakers are focusing on...

Using the web to shop for a car.(Online Research)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... You can find specs, pictures, and prices online. You can find out what car testers such as CONSUMER REPORTS and others have to say, and what sort of financing is available. You can check insurance rates, bank rates, lease deals, and look at...

Previews of the 2003 models.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... This rundown of all the major 2003 models can start you on your search for a new car. You'll find a capsule summary of each model, as well as the CONSUMER REPORTS prediction of how reliable the vehicle will be, and how much it's likely to...

Ratings of the 2003 models.
January 1, 2003... Which cars are best? This section can give you a head start in answering that question. Included here are overall Ratings on 154 vehicles from CONSUMER REPORTS extensive testing program. Though most tests were conducted on 2002 or slightly...

The best and worst used cars.
January 1, 2003... The good news, if you're thinking of buying a used car, is that cars in general are much more reliable than they used to be. The better news: CONSUMER REPORTS reliability surveys can help you limit the used-car risk even further with...

Auto reliability.
January 1, 2003... For any car shopper, whether you're buying new or used, reliability is one of the key considerations. To gauge reliability, CONSUMER REPORTS asks readers every year to tell us about any serious problems they've experienced in the last year with...

Product ratings.
January 1, 2003... Barbecue grills Camcorders Cameras, digital CD players, portable Chain saws Circular saws Cooktops Dishwashers Drills, cordless Dryers Food processors Freezers Home theater in a box ...

Finding reliable brands.(Brand Repair Histories)
January 1, 2003... BRAND REPAIR HISTORIES FOR HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS Camcorders Computers, desktop Dishwashers Dryers Lawn mowers, push, & self-propelled Lawn tractors Microwave ovens Ranges, electric Ranges, gas ...

Brand locator.(Directory)
January 1, 2003... BRAND LOCATOR Phone numbers and web addresses of selected manufacturers. A Acoustic Research 800 969-2748 Acura 800 382-2238 Advent 800 732-6866 AGFA ...

Product recalls.
January 1, 2003... Products ranging from child-safety seats to chain saws are recalled when there are safety defects. Various federal agencies--the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S....