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Publisher: Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. Consumer Reports WebWatch 
 The purpose of this site is to "investigate, inform, and improve the quality of information published on the World Wide Web." Areas include travel, health, books, pet supplies, banking, electronics, gardening, and much more. A grant-funded project of Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports. http://www.consumerwebwatch.org/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Internet, Web Design and Management Last updated Dec 12, 2006 Which Affordable Hybrids Save You the Most Money?
Consumer education series on gas/electric hybrid vehicles. Topics include costs and savings of hybrids versus similar all-gas models (gas, vehicle retail price, depreciation, insurance, and maintenance), how hybrids work, and money-saving tips (such as tax credits and incentives). From Consumer Reports. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/news/2008/10/affordable-hybrids/overview/affordable-hybrids-ov.htm Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Dec 21, 2008 Computers Decision Guide
Brief step-by-step guide to making decisions about a computer purchase. Topics include whether to upgrade or buy a new computer, deciding between a laptop and desktop computer and between Windows and Macintosh operating systems, types of laptops and desktops, and computer security. Provides links to related consumer reviews and articles, some free and some requiring a paid subscription. From Consumer Reports. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/computers-internet/computers/ Topics: Computers Last updated Dec 19, 2008 Sites Offering "Free" Credit Reports: Worth Consumer Consideration?
This July 2007 report "examines Web sites that offer consumers paid access to their credit reports in combination with credit scores, credit monitoring, and/or credit insurance. These sites are alternatives to annualcreditreport.com, created as a result of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 (FACTA)." The report concludes that these sites show the "potential for confusion and unnecessary expenses." Opens directly into a PDF document. From Consumer Reports WebWatch. http://www.consumerwebwatch.org/pdfs/creditsites.pdf Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Money Last updated Jul 18, 2007 Avoid Gift Card Pitfalls
Consumer advice regarding gift cards, which are "convenient and popular, but ... are often loaded with fees, expiration dates, and other hassles." Includes an overview of gift cards, gift card "gotchas" such as maintenance fees and expiration dates, and tips for givers and receivers of gift cards. From the website for Consumer Reports magazine. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/money/shopping/shopping-tips/gift-card-pitfalls-12-07/overview/gift-card-pitfalls-ov.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Holidays & Observances Last updated Nov 29, 2007 Consumer Reports: Best Cell Phone Deals
This consumer article provides suggestions for choosing cell phone providers, following the 2007 national annual survey that "found that fewer than half of respondents were completely or very satisfied" with their cell phone service. Explanations and possible solutions are provided for problems such as poor coverage, unsatisfactory customer service, early termination fees, and mandatory extensions. Note: related articles only available to subscribers. From Consumer Reports. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/phones-mobile-devices/phones/cell-phone-service-providers/cell-phone-service-1-08/overview/cell-service-ov.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Technology Last updated Dec 12, 2007 How to Survive the Digital TV Transition
In June 2009 "broadcasters must shut down their analog systems and transmit only digital TV signals to comply with the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act." This consumer article answers questions related to the transition, including which TVs will and will not work with an over-the-air antenna, ways to make analog TVs work and other options for TV programming, and using an antenna to get digital TV broadcasts. From Consumer Reports. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/news-electronics-computers/pulling-the-plug-on-analog-tv-206/ Topics: Television Last updated Feb 11, 2009 With DirectBuy, It Will Cost You a Lot to Save
This September 2007 article describes the operation of a nationwide buying club that promises members discounts on goods after paying membership fees. Topics include amount of membership fees, prices of items, handling fees, and return policies. The article concludes that "the lack of price transparency makes it hard to evaluate whether you'll save by joining DirectBuy." From a blog from Consumers Reports. http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2007/09/with-directbu-1.html Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Mar 19, 2008 Consumer Reports: Blogs
Blogs from this Consumer Reports website cover cars, electronics, home and garden, safety, money and shopping, health, and babies and kids. Includes an option to subscribe to all or specific blogs. From the publishers of Consumer Reports magazine. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/our-blogs/ Topics: Blogs & Podcasts by Subject, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Jul 29, 2008 Garbage Disposers: Trimming Your Waste
Consumer advice about choosing a garbage disposer, covering factors such as balancing convenience with safety and considering the type of food waste typical of your household. Also discusses a potential environmental downside of disposers and describes typical features of disposers (noting that "just four companies make all garbage disposers under different brand names, with In-Sink-Erator accounting for nearly 80 percent of disposers sold"). Additional material only available to subscribers. From Consumer Reports. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/kitchen-appliances/garbage-disposers/garbage-disposers-204/overview/index.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=2&searchTerm=garbage%20disposers Topics: Home & Housing Last updated Nov 4, 2008 Disposable Diapers
This 2007 publication reports on options and quality of disposable diapers, and provides general recommendations for purchasing disposable diapers. The detailed ratings of diapers are only accessible to subscribers, but a sidebar on features to consider in disposable diapers, and a related report on cloth diapers (with diaper washing basics), are both available on the site. From Consumer Reports. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/baby-toddler/care-and-dressing/diapers/diapers-304/overview/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Families Last updated Apr 8, 2008 Guide to Driving Green
Collection of resources on reduced energy consumption for cars. Topics include best cars for fuel efficiency, cargo capacity vs. fuel efficiency, hybrid vehicles, alternative fuels (such as biodiesel and ethanol), hydrogen fuel-cell cars, and tips for saving gas. More detailed material only available to subscribers. From the website for Consumer Reports. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/resource-center/green-car-guide/green-car-guide.htm Topics: Automobiles Last updated Sep 3, 2008 Tools & Power Equipment: Leaf Blowers
This 2007 Consumer Reports overview of leaf blowers notes that the "best handheld electric blowers have long beaten their gasoline-fueled competitors with comparable power and less weight and noise." While the specific ratings and reviews are only available to Consumer Reports subscribers, the site's free section include the top model, a rake vs. leaf blower video, and sections on how to choose a leaf blower and leaf blower types. From the website for Consumer Reports. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/tools-power-equipment/leaf-blowers/index.htm Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Sep 22, 2009 Consumer Reports Blogs: Tightwad Tod
In this blog feature, launched in October 2008 in response to the U.S. economic downturn, a longtime Consumer Reports researcher and writer will be "posting on the news that affects your pocketbook, sniffing around for great buys, challenging offers that sound too good to be true, and heaping shame on the scams and ripoff artists that abound out there." Part of the Consumer Reports Money blog. http://blogs.consumerreports.org/money/tightwad_tod/ Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Nov 18, 2008 What You Need to Know About Car Dealership Closures
This blog entry offers tips for car buyers shopping during the economic recession that started in 2008, when many car dealerships have closed down. It advises that consumers "need to be extra vigilant to make sure they don't become victims when dealers hit the skids." Includes tips such as using a credit card (payment can be challenged if necessary) and paying off a vehicle yourself before trading it in. From Consumer Reports. http://blogs.consumerreports.org/money/2008/12/car_dealers.html Topics: Automobiles, Consumer Research & Advocacy Last updated Jan 5, 2009 Consumer Reports: Rebuild Your Finances
This 2009 guide "will help you navigate the current financial crisis." Includes advice, articles, and other consumer resources on topics related to personal finance (including credit and savings), career, home, cars, family, medical insurance, and retirement. From Consumer Reports magazine. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/money/resource-center/financial-security-guide/financial-survival-guide.htm Topics: Finance Last updated Jun 1, 2009 |
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