February 28, 2005
How Fast Are The Kids Driving?
You may worry about how fast your kids drive the car. Here's a simple-to-install device to help track just that. It might help with car insurance, too.
To know how fast your teen is driving, buy Davis Instruments "CarChip." It can be purchased from discount retailers and websites (like www.sears.com) for about $100. The CarChip can be plugged into most cars built after 1996 using no tools. The only cars it won't work on are a handful of 2003 models that use the CAN computer protocol. These vehicles include certain Ford pickups, GM Saturns, Mazdas, and Saabs. Go to www.davisnet.com to learn more about the CarChip, and ...
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Posted on February 28, 2005 07:56 PM by Automo9.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under cars.
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February 27, 2005
Stainless Steel Appliances
Check out this great overview of stainless steel appliances:
Stainless steel has become the fastest growing sector of household appliances. Not only for major appliances such as refrigerators and ranges, but even for small items like toasters, kettles, and bread makers. There seems to be no end to the demand for the steel look.Steel - it's the new "white".
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Posted on February 27, 2005 05:42 PM by Househ10.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under household products.
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What's in the Oscar Baskets
Count on the Oscar's to dig up what's cool and what's hot in the world of fashion and trendy technology.
Once again, it's that special time of year where we use the power of Internet search engines to figure out what the lucky celebrities will be carting home from the Oscars. After a few complaints last year that I included too many items that were not in the Official Academy Awards Presenters and Performers Gift Basket, my list this time only includes those items that specifically claim inclusion from a news source or press release. Thus, it's shorter than before ...GirlHacker has a complete list. Follow the link to see it.
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Posted on February 27, 2005 05:32 PM by Other 42.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under other products.
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Consumer Action Handbook
The Handbook features general advice on steps to take when shopping for goods or services, along with warnings on what to watch out for when shopping for cars, credit and home improvements. The Handbook also includes information on how to solve consumer problems, as well as addresses, telephone numbers, and websites where you can file consumer complaints with consumer organizations, corporations, trade associations, BBBs and government agencies at the city, county, state and Federal level.
Just Released, 2005 Consumer Action Handbook "Not only is it the same, helpful guide with listings of contacts for consumers and advice on consumer problems and complaints, but we have added some new features: easy to use navigation to consumer topics (including some new ones), a new state resources page, and a consumer news and feature links section." Order a print copy (free) here.
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Posted on February 27, 2005 05:26 PM by Consum40.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under consumer issues.
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February 26, 2005
See-through Toaster
Most of the time here at "A Consumer Reports", we like to feature links to sites where a consumer reports on a recently purchased or favorite product. But this see-through toaster is so cool, we're just posting it. Unfortunately, this is just the prototype. The company is looking for a manufacturer.
A toaster made of glass, which celebrates toasting in a glowing and shining way that makes us look forward to enjoy a fresh piece of toast. At work, he shows himself and at the same time he explains how he works. He neither hides the bread, nor its preparation. In this way it is possible to receive him as an idyllic little light. He stages the bread and the way it gets toasted, which is accompanied by warm light ...
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Posted on February 26, 2005 03:39 PM by toaste174.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under toasters.
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If You Attend the Oscars ...
If you attend the Oscars, you get a whole pile of goodies. Nothing any of our consumer reporters has rated, but things that will make you instantly trendy and star-like.
girlhacker has tossed together her yearly list of all the stuff celebs are going to be scooping up at the Academy Awards, and as usual, the people who can best afford to pay full price for stuff are getting a bunch of freebies. Here are all the slick new gadgets they’re getting:
* A year free year of VoIP phone service from Vonage.
* The black version of Motorola’s RAZR V3.
* An iXi collapsible bike.
* A Dyson DC11 vacuum.
* Sprint is offering some unreleased “multimedia” phone from Samsung, maybe the SCH-5600?
* A Krups kitchen set that includes a toaster and an electric kettle.
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Posted on February 26, 2005 03:13 PM by Person41.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under personal products.
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February 25, 2005
Car Budgeting
When you buy a car, make sure it fits in your budget. In general, cars are poor investments, but you probably need one to get to work and shop. Make sure to consider used cars and lease-returns. Cars have become much more reliable, so you can drive a high-end car for a lot less if you don't need the latest model.
How much should you spend on a new car? Not more than 20 percent of monthly income, say experts. "This includes payments on all the cars you may own, whether you have one vehicle or six," says Karl Brauer, editor-in-chief at Edmunds.com. "And we're talking about your take-home pay, not your gross income."
Even if your home is paid for and you have few monthly bills, the basic rule still stands.
"By and large, cars are terrible ...
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Posted on February 25, 2005 07:26 PM by Automo9.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under cars.
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Credit card payments by mobile phone
Very soon, cell phones and other small objects will be able to make credit card payments using RFID technology, simply by being held close to a payment terminal.
Often called "contactless payments," the technology involves swiping an enabled cell phone, key ring or other small item near a point-of-sale terminal. The capabilities, which use RFID-like near-field wireless technology, are starting to gain momentum in Japan and are undergoing tests in the U.S. and Europe. Credit card companies have endorsed the technology.
McDonald's restaurants are expected to adopt the system in North America this year.
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Posted on February 25, 2005 02:28 PM by Other 42.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under other products.
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Teach Kids About Credit Cards
Prepaid credit cards are a good way to teach kids how to use credit cards responsibly. Here's one example.
Hello Kitty will turn more plastic than ever by staring on a MasterCard debit card.
"We think our target age group will be from 10 to 14, although it could certainly go younger," said Bruce Giuliano from Sanrio.
Since only parents (or at least anyone older than 18) can sign up for the card, Hello Kitty thinks it's a great way for adults to "help teach their children how to manage their finances." Next up, is a ...
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Posted on February 25, 2005 12:36 AM by Financ38.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under financial products.
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Predatory Mortgage Refinancing
Sub-prime lendors sometimes target financially strapped home owners for predatory mortgage refinancing, a practice in which homeowners are pressured to refinance their mortgage with a loan that has excessive points, fees, penalties of interest rates. Most mortgage brokers do not use these tactics. For those who do, certain states have begun to take action.
Joining a growing number of states in the battle against predatory mortgage lending, Massachusetts enacted a strong anti-predatory lending law earlier this week. The new law passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and with the endorsement of both mortgage industry trade groups and consumer and civil rights advocates.
Among the law’s significant provisions:
Triggers strong consumer protections for loans with fees greater than 5%. The law establishes a comprehensive definition of points and fees to remove the incentive ...
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Posted on February 25, 2005 12:08 AM by Financ38.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under financial products.
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Buying a Washer and Dryer
These consumers write an entire report on their adventure to buy a washer and dryer. They eventually consulted with ePinion and Consumer Reports, but they did a lot of their own investigation, too. Here are some things they found out about that you might not learn from reading the consumer guides.
Some interesting facts if you’re looking for a new washer or dryer:
* Most front loaders automatically adjust water levels based on what is in the washer
* You can get your washer and dryer in fancy colors that cost extra
* Your electric company might give you a rebate if your washer is an Energy Star compliant model
* High efficiency washers (most front loaders and some top loaders) “work better” with low suds ...
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Posted on February 25, 2005 12:00 AM by Househ10.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under household products.
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February 24, 2005
More iPod for Your iBuck
This consumer reports on the full line of new iPods. Click through for the best news: lower prices.
Soon, scientists tell us, there will be more iPods than there are protons in our galaxy. Seriously. They're that popular.
Today Apple released some new iPods. Yes, yes, you get more for the same money, or the same for less money. Apple's been doing that for four years now.
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Posted on February 24, 2005 12:31 PM by ipod241.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under ipod.
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Cell Phones and Husbands
A consumer reports on the process of buying a phone and how she came to realize her cell phone was a metaphor for her husband.
As I pondered the various types of cell phones and the features, I had a realization: husbands are like cell phones. How is this so? With cell phones (and their calling plans), you can't get exactly what you want. You can't pick and choose exactly the features you want at the price you want to make the perfect customized-for-you phone with calling plan. And you can't do that with a husband either.
A wise woman once told me: ...
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Posted on February 24, 2005 12:23 PM by cell p242.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under cell phones.
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February 23, 2005
Financial Planning
Financial planning can start with a pen and a piece of paper. Eventually, you might decide to use a software package like Quicken to help organize everything although, as this consumer reports, a spreadsheet may do the job. Don't forget to learn about life insurance, mutual funds and other financial investment vehicles.
I've been meaning to do it for a long, long time. But there are always more interesting things on my radar. After updating my copy of Open Office yesterday I started working on a few simple spreadsheets that will greatly improve my understanding of my financial situation. For far too long now I've been making educated (often overly optimistic) guesses based on back of the envelope calculations without the benefit of an envelope.
I suspect that a lot ...
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Posted on February 23, 2005 11:20 PM by Financ38.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under financial products.
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Consumer Reports Taking on Spam
Over at SpamBlogging, Eric refers us to the press release where Consumer Reports takes on spam. Eric says:
Here's to hoping that Consumer Reports (and the many other increases in spam awareness coverage in the media) are helping consumers be more educated and aware of how to not make these common sense mistakes.
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Posted on February 23, 2005 12:07 PM by Other 42.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under other products.
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An Unusual Report
Here's a controversy you don't normally expect from Consumer Reports (usually folks argue about product liability issues).
Consumer Reports, according to an article from Culture and Cosmos, describes the child in the womb as “uterine content.”
You can imagine what the author had to say. Or, you could click the link.
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Posted on February 23, 2005 12:01 PM by Consum40.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under consumer issues.
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February 22, 2005
Taking Prescription Drugs on Time
Many people have to take prescription drugs throughout the day. This article talks about a simple SMS application that would send a reminder to your cell phone every time you needed a Paxil or a Vioxx (are you still taking that?). You can set that up yourself if you know how to program a computer by sending email reminders to your phone. Maybe the service will be available online someday soon.
The Growth of SMS Text Messages Capacity for Learning: Outside of the U.S., SMS is a highly and widely used feature of mobile phones. People can use their phones as network devices to be notified of restaurant reservations, pharmaceutical reminders, just in time content notifications and other elements. Watch for SMS to extend to a wider set of self-service transactions for workers and consumers. Hopefully, the U.S. will catch up.
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Posted on February 22, 2005 09:28 PM by Person41.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under personal products.
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Toyota Prius Mileage
Consumer Reports provides a good explanation of mileage ratings and why Toyota Prius mileage is lower than EPA ratings suggest.
Good article on Wired today about this.
Drivers rarely see the actual EPA-rated mileage in the real world, according to John DiPietro, road-test editor of automotive website Edmunds.com. DiPietro says most drivers will get between 75 to 87 percent of the rated mileage, with individual variations based on driving habits and traffic route. "If a new car gets less than 75 percent of its EPA rating, then it should be retested."
Data from independent product-testing organization Consumer ...
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Posted on February 22, 2005 09:16 PM by Automo9.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under cars.
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Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon
This consumer reports on what a deal he got and how much he likes his car.
I never plan on buying new cars, they just happen.
I went to pick my car up at the dealer today because it was getting it’s scheduled maintenence and ended up leaving with a new ‘04 Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon!
Thanks to my dad, we got a $26,000 car for under $21,000. It has the STI Short shifter, knob, and turbo gauge. He also got them to throw in rubber mats, a trunk mat, and the roof ...
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Posted on February 22, 2005 06:02 PM by Automo9.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under cars.
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Getting a Good Car Loan
A consumer activist reports on disclosure of markups and also has a good link on how to get the best car loan.
Jean Chatzky has writen an article explaining how to ge the best financing on your auto-loan. She discusses how to avoid or reduce the markup car dealers will tack on to your auto-loan base rate. Markups average about 3 percentage points extra per consumer. Despite the fact that consumers have the option to shop around, secure a loan in advance, and bargain, this apparently isn�t enough for the demagogues on Capital Hill -- we need to regulate away these ...
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Posted on February 22, 2005 10:41 AM by Financ38.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under financial products.
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A Guide to Buying a Home
This is a consumer reporting on his process of buying a home. Below is just the beginning, getting an offer accepted.
I met my realtor yesterday morning (Tuesday) to put the offer together. Having done it once before, it went a lot faster. We sent the offer in at 2pm with a "we need an answer by 6pm" clause. The sellers contacted us at 5pm to say they were waiting for a few others and needed to wait until 8pm. We agreed to let it go longer. But then they tried to push us back until this morning. That pissed ...
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Posted on February 22, 2005 02:25 AM by Househ10.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under household products.
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February 21, 2005
Investing Guides
This is a nice article on where to get financial advice including an out-of-print Consumer Reports guide.
Investing is just one aspect of personal finance. People often seem to have the itch to try their hand at investing before they get the rest of their act together. This is a big mistake. For this reason, it’s a good idea for “new investors” to hit the library and read maybe three different overall guides to personal finance - three for different perspectives, and because common themes will emerge (repetition implies authority?). Personal finance issues include making a ...
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Posted on February 21, 2005 06:24 PM by Financ38.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under financial products.
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Consumer Reports Influence on Cars
Consumer Reports has a huge impact on the car industry
"Consumer Reports has become so influential among car shoppers that some automakers now send preproduction cars to the magazine's test engineers for suggested changes before the vehicles hit showrooms."
At least forty percent of car buyers consult Consumer Reports for information about their forthcoming purchase, at least sixty percent of minivan buyers. The company refuses to accept advertising from automakers. Suzuki and Isuzu have sued the magazine for making false statements and "product disparagement." For the full story, ...
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Posted on February 21, 2005 06:13 PM by Consum39.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under consumer reports magazine.
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Water Heaters
This blogger gives a full story on purchasing and installing a new water heater, along with lots of helpful pictures. He even gives notes on the Consumer Reports article on water heaters. Here's the part of the story where he buys the water heater. Click above for the entire installation.
On Friday night we pre-purchased a 40 gallon 9 year warranty Whirlpool natural gas water heater from my nearest Lowe’s. Lowe’s did not sell a 12 year warranty 40 gallon natural gas water heater.
Side note: of all the water heaters Consumer Reports tested, the only oddity it found was with the Whirlpool 40 gallon ones. CR reported that the 40 gallon 9 and 12 year water heaters’ internal stuff was identical, suggesting you don't get a better ...
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Posted on February 21, 2005 05:44 PM by water 176.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under water heaters.
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Apple Computers
If you like Apple products, here's another reason. Here's a summary of a Consumer Reports article:
Apple's iBook and PowerBook portables have the fewest reports of repairs and the best technical support of any laptop PC on the market today, according to the March issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
Using data similar to that released last December in its desktop ratings report, the Consumers Union (CU) said Apple had the fewest repairs of laptops at 16%. Toshiba and Sony were second and third at 17%. Gateway had the worst laptop repair ranking among more ...
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Posted on February 21, 2005 12:38 PM by comput239.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under computers.
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Microsoft Media Center
PVRBlog gives a consumer report on the Microsoft Media Center. For the entire review, press on the link above.
Thomas Hawk has a great, lengthy review of the new Microsoft Media Center 2005, which he expected a bit more from, but it does sound like Microsoft's making some progress on it.
Highlights from the review:
* It only does over-the-air HDTV, but that's not entirely MS' fault. The cable and satellite folks have their own proprietary encryption schemes they're not into sharing with anyone.
* MCE will be available for purchase as a standalone product for the first time, instead of requiring you to buy a new PC. Could be a support nightmare for MS, but good on them for expanding the availability for build-it-yourself geeks.
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Posted on February 21, 2005 01:19 AM by comput239.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under computers.
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Buying 3 Cars in 5 Years
This intrepid consumer writes about buying 3 cars in 5 years!
My third car in the United States since September 2000 (just above 4 years). Has to be some sort of a record : - ) I have no stability when it comes to cars, always want the latest.
I started with a black Kia Sephia LX 1998, which I bought used from my roommate Johannes. The car drove great, but it had no A.C. no power steering and was a stick shift. I loved it especially since it ...
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Posted on February 21, 2005 01:13 AM by Automo9.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under cars.
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February 20, 2005
Nurse Reports on Drug Report
The Nursing Assistants blog talks about an upcoming Consumer Report on Drugs.
Consumer Reports will unveil it’s latest web site to compare drugs. Sounds like a good thing, except I wonder how they will compare the drugs.
WASHINGTON - Consumer Reports will begin comparing the effectiveness and cost of a few types of widely used prescription drugs, giving consumers the same type of analysis now provided on such items as refrigerators and cars.
Unlike the nonprofit publisher’s other products, the Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs Web site, to be unveiled on Dec. 9, will be free.
Certain states already receive such drug-by-drug comparisons so their Medicaid managers can make decisions on which prescription drugs ...
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Posted on February 20, 2005 10:43 AM by Consum40.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under consumer issues.
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Finding the Right Condom
A consumer writes about a condom company that Consumer Reports missed in its review of condoms and contraceptives.
Hey, quick, where can you find condoms in 55 different sizes? No, not at John Wayne Bobbit's house. The Condom Mania prophylactic company has a unique concern with getting the "perfect fit". They provide a Condom Wizard to walk you through various preferences like Sensitivity, Texture, Non-Lubricated, Extra Strength, Size, Flavor, Non-Latex, With Applicator, and Desensitizing. What? No Menthol? Anyway, the best/worst part of this is that they actually have a Fit-Kit that you download, print, then use to ...
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Posted on February 20, 2005 10:28 AM by Person41.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under personal products.
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February 19, 2005
Gavin Buys a Nikon 4300
A blogging consumer reports on his new Nikon 4300:
My new Nikon 4300 arrived today, and I have been testing it out. I am really very happy with it, simple to use and good quality pictures. I will post some pics I took.
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Posted on February 19, 2005 10:43 AM by Consum161.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under consumer electronics.
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February 18, 2005
Blogger buys Mazda 6i
This consumer reports on why he bought a Mazda 6i:
We bought a new car on Sunday. It's a 2004 Mazda 6i (with the 5th door). It's nothing too special, but it definitely is a step up from Lauren's dying Escort and my Ford Focus. We needed something that ran well and would last the next 3 to 5 years. We settled on the Mazda because it got high ratings on Edmunds.com, got decent gas mileage (with the 4 cylinder) and qualified for the Ford A-Plan that Lauren and ...
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Posted on February 18, 2005 09:26 PM by Automo9.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under cars.
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Playstation Portable to Play Movies.
A consumer reports that the new Sony Playstation Portable will play movies:
On March 24th, Sony will be releasing it’s hot new portable gaming system, the PSP (Play Station Portable) into retail stores. The following month Sony will be 4 movies in it’s proprietary Universal Media Disc (UMD) format that will play on its new PSP. The titles include "XXX," "Hellboy," "Resident Evil 2," and "Once Upon A Time in Mexico." UMD is a proprietary disc format created by Sony, which can store up to 1.8GB of data on a single ...
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Posted on February 18, 2005 09:16 PM by psp247.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under psp.
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Cool Little Refrigerator
Here's a consumer report on a cool little refrigerator, the skybox:
The SkyBox Rookie Fridge is a compact refrigerator with three cool new features that set it apart from any other fridge you can find. It inherited the backlit front panel from its big brother, the SkyBox vendor, so you can customize it with logos from your favorite sports teams. We’ve currently got more than 225 kits in process, including some new categories beyond sports that we’ll be announcing soon.
The Rookie Fridge also has four castor wheels that ...
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Posted on February 18, 2005 09:06 PM by refrig173.
Filed in Reports by Consumers under refrigerators.
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