We need your help in preparing an upcoming report for Consumer Reports and ConsumerReports.org about staying safe online. We’re looking for tips to help consumers avoid become a victim of viruses, spyware, or cybercriminals. We’re not looking for obvious advice, such as "don’t click on e-mail attachments" or "always run antivirus software." Rather, we’d like […]
Month: May 2008
Your cell-phone plan supposedly costs $39.99 a month, say, yet your cell-phone bill usually runs to $52 or so. Here’s a quick rundown of the reasons and some remedies. Many of the major extras are beyond your control, at least as a subscriber. The biggest bite is from state and local sales taxes. Your telecom […]
While the latest Blu-ray players from several major brands aren’t doing anything to lower the price barrier for Blu-ray ownership, Magnavox has introduced the first sub-$300 model, which is selling at Wal-Mart. However, many models, including the Magnavox, are Profile 1.1 players that offer BonusView (picture-in-picture) capability, but not the Internet-access capability (called BDLive) of […]
Nintendo wants you up off your sofa and working it with the new Wii Fit ($89). But it could be awhile before your exercise program begins. As with the Wii console, it’s looking like the Fit (Click on images for closer looks.) will be a tough purchase. A check of several online retail outlets, including […]
With a host of fine-performing, piano-black HDTVs on the market, LG Electronics and Samsung are the latest manufacturers to introduce sets that try to stand out with stylistic flair. Both brands are launching new flat-panel models imbued with red color accents. Since some LCD sets from both brands have done well in our recent Ratings, […]
Net access over cell networks is still slower than with a home broadband connection, even on faster third-generation (3G) cellular data networks like EV-DO (Verizon and Sprint Nextel) and HSDPA (AT&T and T-Mobile). And those speedier networks aren’t yet available in all metro centers, let alone in many rural areas. Laptop owners and those with […]
Which computer company is tops in terms of free tech support? Don’t expect it to be anyone on the Windows side of the computer world. Our latest survey on computer tech support, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center and drawn from our readers’ personal experiences with 10,000 desktop and laptop computers, finds that […]
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re struggling to come up with the perfect gift idea, here’s a suggestion: A digital picture frame. With prices for these frames dropping and more big-name players like HP and Samsung entering the market, now’s a good time to pick one up for your Mom. We […]
Are you ready for green TV?
Flat-panel TVs, especially plasma TVs, consume a good deal of power—perhaps more than your fridge, as we found when we tested the power consumption of a range of TV types recently. But how much do you care about that? We ask because some TV manufacturers, when they gather at events like the Consumer Electronics Show, […]
SpectreBlofeld writes “According to EngadgetMobile, a line has formed in front of Apple’s flagship Cube store in Manhattan. From the article: ‘So word on the street (literally) is that a large number of people are queuing in line outside of Apple’s flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York City — keep in mind the […]