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Product Ratings & Reviews

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 Websites presented in alphabetical order

American Woodworker view detail comment email this

The site presents selected articles from this woodworking magazine including a collection of building projects (such as a cabinet, garden bench, and table), product reviews and buyer's guides, and workshop tips. Project pages provide detailed building instructions, tool requirements, and approximate material costs. Site also includes an article index for past issues of the magazine.
http://www.americanwoodworker.com/?categoryId=7000&siteId=2222
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Crafts, Magazines
Last updated Jun 6, 2007


The Bread Machine Digest view detail comment email this

Tips on how to choose a bread machine, including machine and product reviews, and a user manual written to cover most models. There is a large selection of recipes, including some for pizza dough, sourdough, and hamburger buns. You can also learn about the chemistry of bread baking, take a free online course, and join the discussion about bread machines in the bulletin board area.
http://www.breadmachinedigest.com/
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Snacks and Baked Goods
Last updated Aug 17, 2002


CNET.com view detail comment email this

If you want news and information about computers and online technology, this is the place. Includes regular news, departments, and feature articles in addition to product reviews and resource collections.
http://www.cnet.com/
Topics: Computers, Computers, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Internet
Last updated May 17, 2005


Consumer Reports Online view detail comment email this

The free content on this subscription-based site includes safety alerts, product recalls, a manufacturer locator, and feature articles in topics such as Cars & Trucks, Appliances, Electronics, House & Home, Home Office, Money, Health & Food, Personal, and Leisure. Also find links to consumer agencies, and a gallery of product-testing photos going back decades. From the not-for-profit Consumers Union.
http://www.consumerreports.org/
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Food & Cooking, Magazines, Photograph Collections
Last updated May 23, 2006


ConsumerGuide view detail comment email this

Provides ratings, reviews, and pricing for new and used motor vehicles, electronics, appliances, computer hardware and software, office equipment, housewares, and more. From HowStuffWorks.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/consumer-guide.htm
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Finance, Magazines
Last updated Apr 4, 2007


ConsumerSearch view detail comment email this

This resource reviews products, analyzes other reviews, and provides top-rated products listings. Their reviewers include "former writers for Consumer Reports, PC Magazine, and The New York Times; a Wall Street research analyst; and talent from dozens of major magazines and newspapers." Product categories include electronics, sports, office, kitchen, health, automotive, and garden.
http://www.consumersearch.com/
Topics: Business, Business, Consumer Research & Advocacy
Last updated Dec 15, 2004


Digital Home DIY view detail comment email this

Collection of do-it-yourself home technology projects, such as archiving VHS video to DVD, turning a computer monitor into a TV, choosing an HDTV (high-definition television) provider, setting up a wireless computer network, and connecting an iPod to speakers. Includes product reviews, instructional videos, examples, and related resources. Note: Includes links to product vendors. From CNET.
http://www.cnet.com/4520-7381_1-6222935-1.html?tag=lnav
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Home & Housing, Technology
Last updated Feb 21, 2006


Disposable Diapers view detail comment email this

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


Epinions view detail comment email this

A well-designed consumer site that provides unedited opinions and reviews from user members about a broad range of products, services, and travel destinations. Links to professional reviews and buying guides are also available in many categories. Users can rate member reviews for usefulness, and reviewers for "trustworthiness."
http://www.epinions.com/
Topics: Business, Business, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Society & Social Science
Last updated Jun 15, 2003


Fimoculous: Lists view detail comment email this

Find hundreds of year-end "best-of" (and some "worst-of") lists. Topics include books, film, music, automobiles, words (such as banished word list and word of the year), people, and more. Includes links to lists from previous years. From Web personality and chronic list-compiler Rex Sorgatz.
http://www.fimoculous.com/year-review-2008.cfm
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Film, Movies, & Video, Literature & Books, Music, Society & Social Science
Last updated Dec 1, 2008


Green Guide view detail comment email this

"Dubbed the 'green living source for today's conscious consumer,' the Green Guide makes living in an environmentally-aware way easy, understandable, and practical." The site features product reviews (for items such as shoes, appliances, bedding, cosmetics, household cleaning supplies, personal care items, and pest control techniques), lists of ingredients to avoid, articles (such as on what happens to donated clothes), videos, blogs, and more. Also includes information about the associated print publication. From National Geographic.
http://www.thegreenguide.com/
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Environment
Last updated Jan 14, 2008


Greener Choices: Dry-Cleaning Alternatives view detail comment email this

This report discusses the environmental effects of dry cleaning. Reviews three alternatives to standard solvent, perchloroethylene-based dry cleaning methods: GreenEarth, a silicone-based solvent used in modified dry-cleaning machines; liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) used in high-pressure cleaning machines; and 'wet cleaning' with plain water in computer-controlled washing machines. Also includes federal and state legislation regarding dry-cleaning. From Greener Choices, a Consumer Reports site.
http://www.greenerchoices.org/products.cfm?product=drycleaning&pcat=homegarden
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Home & Housing
Last updated Dec 11, 2007


Home Theater view detail comment email this

The website for this print magazine features equipment reviews, shopping tips, news briefs, blogs, and other home theater content. The shopping tips section provides articles on shopping for a television (with discussion of HDTV and flat-panel TVs), portable DVD player, digital video recorder (DVR), and surround-sound speaker system. Note: "AV Marketplace" section includes commercial content.
http://www.hometheatermag.com
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Home & Housing, Technology
Last updated Feb 21, 2006


Infomercials: Believe Them -- or Not? view detail comment email this

Brief reviews of seven products offered on infomercials (program-length TV commercials), including kitchen and household appliances, a sewing machine, and exercise equipment. Reviews show examples of the differences in marketing claims and how the products actually perform. From the Good Housekeeping "Savvy Consumer" series.
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/products/infomercials-0603
Topics: Advertising & Marketing, Consumer Research & Advocacy
Last updated Jul 28, 2007


JDPower.com view detail comment email this

"Established in 1968, J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information firm that conducts independent and unbiased surveys of customer satisfaction, product quality and buyer behavior." On this site find consumer ratings for "quality, dependability, design, performance, and more" for cars and trucks, and ratings for boats, electronics, finance companies, health plans, insurance, and more. Also includes related articles and videos, many about vehicles.
http://www.jdpower.com/
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy
Last updated Feb 27, 2008


LowCarbFriends.com view detail comment email this

A motivation and support site for Atkins and other "low carb" diet plans. Includes a collection of carbohydrate counts for popular diet foods, a body mass calculator, recommended exercises, sample menus, recipes, product reviews, a marketplace, links, and glossary. Searchable.
http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Nutrition & Food Safety, Recipes & Food Preparation
Last updated Mar 20, 2004


Mobile Office Technology view detail comment email this

Resources and explanations about "the technology, gadgets and support that mobile workers need to successfully function in a mobile environment." Includes a glossary, a FAQ, tips, product reviews, airport and airline profiles, and related articles. An About.com site.
http://mobileoffice.about.com/
Topics: Computers, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Internet, Jobs & Work
Last updated Apr 4, 2004


Northwest Runner view detail comment email this

Features extensive news and listings for running events in the Pacific Northwest, including selected articles from past issues of the print magazine, regional news, features, a message board, an email newsletter, an events calendar, and results of past events. Also includes training tips, product reviews, and running club and store listings. Searchable.
http://www.nwrunner.com/
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Magazines by Place, Sports, Washington State: Education, Washington State: Media, Washington State: Media By Place, Washington State: Recreation
Last updated Jun 13, 2005


Office Ergonomics Training view detail comment email this

"This site contains office ergonomics information aimed at ergonomics committee members as well as at office workers. ... The information here is based on the research literature whenever possible." Training handouts cover low back pain, eyestrain, hand and arm pain, product reviews, ergonomic chairs, alternative keyboards, and VDTs (visual display terminals). Provides a checklist of risk factors and possible solutions as well as a short list of related sites.
http://www.office-ergo.com/
Topics: Computers, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Medical Treatments & Devices
Last updated Aug 28, 2005


Online view detail comment email this

This Internet edition of the magazine is written for "information professionals and provides articles, product reviews, case studies, evaluation, and informed opinion about selecting, using, and managing electronic information products, plus industry and professional information about online database systems, CD-ROM, and the Internet." The tables of contents (1995- ) for current and back issues of the print version are listed. Indexes (1992- ) to the print Online and Database magazines are also available.
http://www.onlinemag.net/
Topics: Computers, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Internet, Magazines
Last updated May 22, 2007


Polymer Clay Central view detail comment email this

This informative site aims "to promote Polymer Clay in every way, shape and form imaginable, throughout the world, and to do this in a safe, respectful and welcoming environment." Clay enthusiasts can find book and product reviews, lessons and projects, and an interactive growing encyclopedia with entries for all levels of experience. Artists may enter the site's monthly project challenge for a chance to win prizes.
http://www.polymerclaycentral.com
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Crafts
Last updated Nov 11, 2002


Popular Mechanics: Tools view detail comment email this

Archive of articles from Popular Mechanics magazine on hand and power tool topics, including purchase and use of specific tools, product reviews, and tool tests. Some of the tools discussed include circular saws, table saws, routers, tape measures, clamps, chisels, wire strippers, and screwdrivers. Most articles include photos.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/tools/
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy
Last updated Feb 17, 2007


Retrevo view detail comment email this

This search engine is designed for finding product reviews and buying guides, troubleshooting tips, manufacturer information, and related material for consumer electronic products. The "Examples" section lets users browse through vendor names for reviews and manuals, and the "Products" section provides digital camera, camcorder, TV, and other electronics reviews. Also includes a blog. 
http://www.retrevo.com
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Technology
Last updated Mar 19, 2007


Scrapbooking view detail comment email this

Information for both beginners and advanced hobbyists. Includes articles on how to create scrapbooks, product reviews, and more. An About.com site.
http://scrapbooking.about.com/
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Crafts, Hobbies
Last updated Jun 13, 2005


Solving the Diaper Dilemma view detail comment email this

This article discusses the question "Are disposable plastic or reusable cloth diapers better for the environment and for the babies themselves?," noting that "[w]hile many of us might answer with a kneejerk 'cloth!', the answer isn't necessarily that easy." Discusses studies and cloth diapering. Note: Some of the diaper companies listed are no longer in business, but current listings can be found by searching for "diapers" in the website's "National Green Pages." From Co-op America.
http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/realmoney/articles/diapers.cfm
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Families
Last updated Apr 8, 2008


Sound & Vision Online view detail comment email this

The website for this home theater magazine features buying guides and articles about TVs, DVD players, surround-sound systems, and related equipment. Highlights of the site include "How to Speak A/V" (definitions of technical terms), a guide to HDTV (covering display types and technologies, widescreen versus standard aspect ratio, screen size, and other considerations), and reviews of iPod players and accessories.
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Home & Housing, Technology
Last updated Feb 21, 2006


TechWeb Network view detail comment email this

For information technology (IT) professionals. Features industry news covering mobile and wireless technologies, software, security and privacy, e-business, networking, hardware and infrastructure, and business and management. Provides trends and analysis, product reviews, editorials, research reports, career development information, and more.
http://www.techweb.com/
Topics: Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Nonfiction by Genre
Last updated Jan 7, 2008


Tools & Power Equipment: Leaf Blowers view detail comment email this

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/power-blowers/power-blowers-9-07/overview/0709_blow_ov.htm
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy
Last updated Aug 26, 2008


Washerhelp view detail comment email this

"Washerhelp contains information on most aspects of washing machines by [a British] engineer with 25-years experience in the trade. Many of the hints and tips on subjects, such as laundry and stain removal, will be relevant to all makes of washing machine." Includes usage and do-it-yourself repair advice, product reviews, and buying tips for machines available in the United Kingdom.
http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Home & Housing, Home & Housing, Technology
Last updated Apr 1, 2007


[Adult] Diaper Reviews view detail comment email this

Collection of reviews of adult diapers, with ratings for fit, ease of putting them on, comfort, absorbency, ease of removal, plastic backing strength, and other factors. Some reviews accompanied by images. Also includes an adult diaper capacity chart. From an independent website about incontinence; despite some writing errors and dead links, the site is thorough and the forum is active and on point.
http://www.incontinencesupport.org/reviews.htm
Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Diseases & Conditions
Last updated Sep 24, 2008




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