Average gas prices--February 6, 2012 (Mon, 06 Feb 2012)
Average gas prices--February 6, 2012 Gas prices continue to rise around the country compared to the week before. The national gasoline average is $.35 above the price this time last year. Diesel fuel is about $.43 above this time last year. Premium fuel is $3.76, up four cents from last week. National regular gasoline prices Price Change from last week Regular gasoline/gallon $3.48 ↑ .04 Diesel fuel/gallon $3.86 ↑ .01 Regional regular gasoline prices East Coast $3.55 ↑ .03 —New England $3.60 ↑ .02 —Central Atlantic $3.57 ↑ .02 —Lower Atlantic $3.53 ↑ .04 Midwest $3.41 ↑ .06 Gulf Coast $3.35 ↑ .06 Rocky Mountain $3.07 ↑ .04 West Coast $3.67 ↑ .02 —California $3.76 ↑ .02 Source: Energy Information Administration, 2/6/12. Figures rounded to the nearest cent. See our guide to fuel economy for advice on saving gasoline, including reports on how to get the best gas mileage and where to find the cheapest gas. Learn about future technologies in our guide to alternative fuels. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Rumor: Amazon opening a brick-and-mortar store (Mon, 06 Feb 2012)
Rumor: Amazon opening a brick-and-mortar store Amazon is rumored to be planning a physical store to be located in Seattle, the online giant's home base, according to the website Good Ereader. And "Amazon sources close to the situation" have reported that we can expect this move to occur within the next few months. According to reports, the brick-and-mortar outpost would be designed to sell Amazon's line of Kindle e-book readers (including the Kindle Fire, of course) and other related products in addition to various “high margin” items. It would be something akin to the Apple Store, according to the news site Mashable. But in addition to e-readers and the like, the rumored Amazon outpost would also carry physical books through the company's publishing division, which other stores would not have. As Mashable points out, authors who publish with Amazon are shut out of other major retail bookstores like Barnes & Noble. The plan to open a physical location is said to be a test that will allow Amazon to gauge the market for such a venture, and to see if a chain of such stores would be profitable. Michael Kozlowski of Good Ereader writes: "They intend on going with the small boutique route with the main emphasis on books from their growing line of Amazon Exclusives and selling their e-readers and tablets." Amazon in the Process of Launching a Retail Store [Good Ereader] Amazon to Open Retail Store [RUMOR] [Mashable] Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Pricing: 2013 Mazda CX-5 to start at $20,695 (Mon, 06 Feb 2012)
Pricing: 2013 Mazda CX-5 to start at $20,695 The new 2013 Mazda CX-5 crossover will start at $20,695 (plus $795 for destination) for the entry-level model with its SkyActiv four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The base model will include 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, power side mirrors, and automatic headlight shut-off. Inside, the vehicle has push-button start, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, and steering-wheel-mounted controls for audio and cruise control. The optional six-speed automatic transmission version will start at $22,095. All-wheel drive models sticker at $23,345. A $400 Bluetooth audio package is available and includes phone and audio connectivity, and a 5.8-inch touch-screen display. The Touring model starts at $23,895 with front-wheel drive or $25,145 for all-wheel drive. Standard features in the Touring version include the Bluetooth package, fog lamps, upgraded seat fabric, rear-view camera, blind spot monitoring system, and a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat. The Grand Touring model adds 19-inch aluminum wheels, automatic headlights, heated outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and a moonroof. Inside there are heated front seats, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, dual-zone climate, and satellite radio. Pricing for the front-wheel drive Grand Touring model starts at $27,045 or $28,295 for all-wheel-drive. We have driven the CX-5, finding that it melds practicality, fuel economy, and styling with a dash of exuberant handling. Check out the video below for our first impressions. The Mazda CX-5 arrives at dealerships this spring. Related: EPA rates 2013 Mazda CX-5 fuel economy top in class First look video: Mazda CX-5 First drive: 2013 Mazda CX-5 Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Mobile apps offering background checks may violate Fair Credit Reporting Act (Mon, 06 Feb 2012)
Mobile apps offering background checks may violate Fair Credit Reporting Act The Federal Trade Commission today warned marketers of six mobile applications that provide background-screening apps that they may be violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act. In a letter to the apps marketers the FTC said "If you have reason to believe that your background reports are being used for employment or other FCRA purposes, you and your customers who are using your reports for such purposes must comply with the FCRA." The FTC has not yet determined whether the companies are violating the FCRA. The FCRA is meant to protect the privacy of the information in background reports and ensure that the information is accurate. Such reports are used for credit, employment, housing, and other such purposes. Under the FCRA, companies that assemble or evaluate information for third parties qualify as consumer reporting agencies, or CRAs. Mobile apps that supply such information may qualify as CRAs under the Act. CRAs must ensure the user of each background report has a 'permissible purpose' to use the report, and ensure the accuracy of the information in its reports, among other stipulations. A copy of the letter the FTC sent to the six marketers of mobile apps that offer background checks can be found here (pdf). FTC Warns Marketers That Mobile Apps May Violate Fair Credit Reporting Act [FTC] Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Verizon and Redbox to offer new streaming and DVD service (Mon, 06 Feb 2012)
Verizon and Redbox to offer new streaming and DVD service Verizon and Coinstar, the owner of Redbox, today announced a new video entertainment service that combines new release DVD and Blu-ray rentals with television and movie streaming and downloads. The nationwide entertainment service is expected to be available in the second half of this year. According to the press release, it "will offer subscription services and more in an easy-to-use, flexible and affordable service that will allow all consumers across the U.S. to enjoy the new and popular entertainment they want, whenever they choose, using the media and devices they prefer." Redbox video-rental kiosks are usually found in grocery or retail stores, and offer dollar-a-day rentals on new movie releases and video game, but the new Verizon and Redbox venture would compete with the likes of Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, Netflix, and Hulu. Previous news reports from December 2011 said that Verizon plans to make the streaming service available to about 85 million households, outside its FiOs market, which currently serves some 5 million TV subscribers. Previously: Update: Verizon and Redbox planning 2012 launch of streaming media service Verizon and Coinstar's Redbox Form Joint Venture to Create New Consumer Choice for Video Entertainment [PR Newswire] Redbox Partners With Verizon To Launch Streaming Video Service [Fast Company] Exclusive: Verizon to take on Netflix with Web service [Reuters] Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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First drive video: 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i (Mon, 06 Feb 2012)
First drive video: 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i The refined-and-luxurious Z4 roadster range now sports the first four-cylinder engine BMW has deployed in the United States since 1999. We recently spent some time with a Z4 borrowed from BMW to sample this fresh powertrain and share our impressions. Beyond the Z4, the new 2.0-liter turbo four will be the base engine in the redesigned 3 Series that goes on sale any day now and already serves the 5 Series in the 528i. In the Z4, the engine churns out 240 horses, with decent overall power and a healthy mid-range punch. Just don’t expect it to duplicate one of BMW’s super-smooth straight sixes in either sound or fury, never mind official acceleration numbers. It’s here for fuel economy. Since BMW makes some cars that are traditionally entertaining to drive, you’d expect the $50,000-plus Z4 to deliver the goods regardless of what winds up under the hood. Sadly not. Yes, there’s plenty of capability and cornering grip, but the steering is disappointing, being devoid of feel and feedback. And if you turn up the powertrain volume a bit—well OK, more than a bit—understeer sets in and its not always easy to correct. At least the ride is not punishing as it is in other sports cars. The cabin is extremely tight. Getting in and out of the low-slung cabin can require a rather taxing pirouette. And if you have a passenger, as well as a briefcase, one of them has to go in the trunk. Unlike the handling, the interior stays true to BMW’s tradition of impeccable finish. On the fun-to-drive scale, the Z4 doesn’t come close to, say, the Porsche Boxster. Even the Mercedes-Benz SLK would give the Z4 a run for its money these days. But if you just want to tool around in a great-looking two-seater, the Z4 may be your cup of Schnapps. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Daily electronic deals: Panasonic TC- P60S30 60-inch plasma HDTV (1080p) (Mon, 06 Feb 2012)
Daily electronic deals: Panasonic TC- P60S30 60-inch plasma HDTV (1080p) Today's electronics deals, courtesy of The Consumerist: Best Buy: Panasonic TC- P60S30 60in Plasma HDTV (1080p) $899.99 Free Shipping Lenovo: Lenovo N3902A Wireless Mouse $12.25 Free Shipping HP: HP dv6tqe Intel Core i7-2670QM Quad-Core Sandy Bridge 15.6in Laptop (Blu-Ray) $699.99 Entertainment Amazon: Cabela's Big Game Hunter 2012 with Top Shot Elite Gun [Xbox 360, PS3, Wii] $49.99, free ship NewEgg: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning [Xbox 360, PS3] $44.99, free ship Neither Consumer Reports nor The Consumerist receive anything in exchange for featuring these deals; the posts are intended to be purely informational. These deals are often fleeting, with prices changing or products becoming unavailable as the day progresses. These posts are not an endorsement of the featured products or the Web sites that sell them—though some of the sites may be included, and recommended, in our Ratings of retailers for computers and other major electronics (both available to subscribers). Price shouldn't be your only criterion. Be wary of lower-priced deals that seem too good to be true, and check return policies for restocking fees and other gotchas. For general buying advice for many of the products on sale above, check out our free Buying Guides. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Home Workouts - from Consumer Reports (Sun, 05 Feb 2012)
Home Workouts - from Consumer Reports Having an exercise machine at home is the ultimate in convenience. Here are the top reasons Consumer Reports' readers cite for using a treadmill or elliptical exerciser instead of other types of exercise. From the February '12 issue. Home Workouts - CR Podcast Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Video: How to fine-tune your TV settings for the Super Bowl (or anything else) (Sun, 05 Feb 2012)
Video: How to fine-tune your TV settings for the Super Bowl (or anything else) When watching the Big Game—or anything else on your TV, for that matter—you'll want to optimize the TV's settings: fix the color, contrast, brightness, and so on, to make your picture as realistic as possible. With today's televisions, that can be an intimidating prospect! In this video, our lab expert Chris Andrade goes through the steps to make it easy for you to set up your TV yourself. Your Super Bowl party guests will thank you. Go to ConsumerReports.org for all our Super Bowl XLVI coverage. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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First Look review: Motorola Droid Razr Maxx is a power miser (Fri, 03 Feb 2012)
First Look review: Motorola Droid Razr Maxx is a power miser The Motorola Droid Razr Maxx, an updated version of the Motorola Droid Razr, was one of the most talked-about phones to debut at CES 2012, for one reason: It has the largest-capacity battery ever squeezed into a smart phone. The jumbo battery packs 3,300 milliamperes, where most smart-phone batteries are about half that. Initial Consumer Reports lab tests confirm Verizon's claimed 21 hours of talk time, but that's only under optimal conditions involving a strong signal. That number will undoubtedly be lower as we test the phone under weaker signals to simulate a variety of real-world conditions. My informal tests suggest the Razr Maxx's battery life is simply astounding, and the best I've ever seen on a smart phone. In other respects, however, the Maxx is all but identical to the Droid Razr, which debuted in November and remains one of the highest-scoring phones in our smart-phone Ratings (available to subscribers).The Maxx's beefier battery adds only a tenth of an inch to the thickness of the Razr, and the its back is much more rounded than the Razr's, which actually makes the Maxx more comfortable to hold. But the Maxx weighs 0.6 ounces more than its sibling and, at 5.1 ounces, it's the heaviest phone in our Ratings, outweighing even the heavyweight iPhone 4S. At $300, it's also $50 to $100 pricier—and one of the more expensive phones in the Ratings. The details: Battery. In my use of the Maxx, it managed to retain 75 percent of its battery life after a full day of moderate to heavy use (frequent video streaming, push e-mail, Web browsing, camera use, and so on) on Verizon's 4G LTE network. More incredible, on a full charge, I was able to stream the two-hour "Iron Man 2" movie from the HD Netflix app to the Maxx for almost three entire viewings before the battery died. By comparison, the Razr, which has a 1,780-milliampere battery, gave up the ghost a little more than 30 minutes into the second viewing. Display. Videos and pictures on the Droid Maxx's 960-x-540-pixel, 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display appeared very sharp, with deep blacks. We rated the Droid Razr's display (which is identical to the Maxx's) excellent, with superb keypad readability under most lighting conditions. I'm sure our engineers will rule the same for the Maxx. A minor annoyance: Videos skipped or paused a handful of times on both Razrs during the "Iron Man 2" screenings, something that rarely happened with the LG Spectrum I reviewed earlier. I also found text on both Razrs appeared coarser than it did on the Spectrum. Camera. Just like the original Droid Razr, the Maxx has a 8-megapixel camera that can capture video at 1080p. In our tests, we found the Razr's camera has a very short shutter lag, and it produced very good photos when they were taken under well-lighted conditions. But the quality of video recorded at 1080p was only adequate compared to the better HD pocket camcorders. Bottom line: With its phenomenal battery life, the Droid Razr Maxx will give you more time (at least a full day) to enjoy its many high-definition, high-speed, charms at full throttle without being tethered to a charger. But its high price will also put a noticeable drag on your pocket. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Study: Are you a Facebook power user? (Fri, 03 Feb 2012)
Study: Are you a Facebook power user? A new study from the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project surveyed Facebook subscribers who actually gave the organization access to their Facebook data, so their responses could be matched with their Facebook activities—specifically their social and civic lives. Pew found that "the average Facebook user gets more from their friends on Facebook than they give to their friends." This is because of the relatively few number of users—between 20 and 30 percent—who post frequently and tirelessly, for the amusement, edification, and occasional annoyance of the rest of us. You know who they (or you) are. Lazy Facebook users mostly seem to appreciate the power users; the study found that less than 5 percent of users hid another user's content from their news feeds. (Or maybe they just don't know that they can.) The study also found that in general, women post more than men. "In our sample, the average female user made 21 updates to their Facebook status in the month of observation, while the average male made six," according to the study. Another finding: Despite the amount of complaining you may hear about Facebook's time-sink qualities, interface changes, privacy policies, and so on, the longer people are members of the site, the more they use it: making status updates, "liking" things, commenting on friends' content, and tagging them. And the more friends you have, the more you contribute content, and the more friends you make. It's a slippery social-media slope. Why most Facebook users get more than they give [Pew Internet] Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Government shutters websites streaming live sports (Fri, 03 Feb 2012)
Government shutters websites streaming live sports Just days before Super Bowl XLVI, the federal government has shut down 16 websites authorities say have been illegally streaming live sports games and pay-per-view events online, including NFL, NBA, and NHL events among others. According to prosecutors, the websites gave links to other sites that hosted the streaming content. One Michigan resident has been charged with copyright infringement for reportedly operating nine of the 16 websites. Prosecutors for the case have said that illegally streamed sporting events cost leagues and broadcasters millions of dollars per year, a loss that ticket buyers and network subscribers are then sometimes forced to help make up, Reuters reports. Shuttered sites include firstrow.tv, firstrowsports.com, firstrowsports.net, firstrowsports.tv, hq-streams.tv, robplay.tv, soccertvlive.net, sports95.com, sports95.net, sports95.org, sportswwe.net, sportswwe.tv, sportswwe.com, xonesports.tv, youwwe.com and youwwe.net. This is not the first time authorities have gone after sites alleged to pirate sporting events in the lead-up time to the Super Bowl, according to Reuters. Last year, the government announced that it had taken control of 10 such sites just before the big game. U.S. shuts 16 sports piracy websites pre-Super Bowl [Reuters] Feds Target Sports Piracy Sites in Pre-Super Bowl Bust [Mashable] Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Sound byte: Motorola Droid Razr smart phones (Fri, 03 Feb 2012)
Sound byte: Motorola Droid Razr smart phones Motorola has been capitalizing on its Droid line of smart phones powered by the Google Android mobile operating system. And the company's latest two models, the Motorola Droid Razr and Droid Razr Maxx, promise some interesting features for subscribers on the Verizon Wireless network. As seen at 2012 CES in Las Vegas last month, the Droid Razr Maxx promises to offer an outstanding battery life—nearly 22 hours—between charges. (We're testing the smart phone and will soon add details to our first look at the phone while at CES.) [UPDATE: Read our First Look review: Motorola Droid Razr Maxx is a power miser for more information about Motorola's latest Droid. —Ed.] Its predecessor, the Droid Razr, shouldn't be overlooked either. In this Sound Byte, Consumer Reports Senior Editor Mike Gikas discusses with Into Tomorrow the highlights of this super-thin Android smart phone. Click to listen to the Sound Byte podcast and then tell us what you think. And check back here soon for our First Look review of the Motorola Droid Razr Maxx. The Motorola Droid Maxx as seen at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show. About Sound Bytes Every week, Consumer Reports experts produce a short (less than two minutes in length) audio segment which cover a wide variety of issues regarding consumer electronics and technology. These small "sound bites" can be heard on Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline. The Sound Byte that is featured in the Consumer Reports Electronics Blog is a segment that aired on last weekend's Into Tomorrow over-the-air broadcast. About Into Tomorrow Now in its 17th year, Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline covers the Latest in Consumer Electronics & Technology available today and... into tomorrow. The show airs on over 160 AM and FM radio stations around the U.S., on SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, radio stations in Germany, Bermuda, New Zealand, Canada and several other sources including Mobile Broadcast Network, BeOS Radio, Sprint Radio, TiVo, and many others—every weekend. "Into Tomorrow" is also heard around the world on the Armed Forces Networks in several other countries. You can also catch all Into Tomorrow episodes on the Web. (The most recent show is usually added about three or four days after it has been broadcast on the radio.) Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Harley-Davidson goes old school with new motorcycle models: Seventy-Two, Softail Slim (Fri, 03 Feb 2012)
Harley-Davidson goes old school with new motorcycle models: Seventy-Two, Softail Slim Harley-Davidson is nothing if not a manufacturer with a respect for its own heritage and traditions. But the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based motorcycle maker has chosen to break with tradition this year, by introducing two new models in the dead of winter, months earlier than their usual rollout. Fans of the status quo need not be concerned, though, because the breaking of new ground stops with the timing. The new models are variants of the big V-twin designs Harley has been cranking out for decades, with styling and graphics strong on heritage but aimed at new and younger audiences. Those are riders critical to a company whose owners are largely aging baby boomers. The Seventy-Two is the latest version of the Sportster, powered by an air-cooled 1200cc V-twin engine in the Harley-Davidson tradition. Decked out with metal-flake paint, whitewall tires, and raised handlebars, it’s inspired by stripped-down choppers from the Easy Rider era. Prices start at $10,499. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are not available. With all due respect to heritage, we’d like to see Harley, and other manufacturers, expand ABS availability to all its models. The Softail Slim (below) reaches even further back into the past for inspiration, drawing on a custom look from the 1950s, with shortened, chopped fenders, wide “Hollywood” handlebars, black trim, and other retro bits adding to the minimalist look. Power comes from a 1690cc, twin-cam V-twin. Prices begin at $15,499, and ABS is only available as part of a security package adding $1,195. Both bikes are available now. But riders in northern climes looking forward to spring are best advised to bring woolies along with your leathers if you’re planning a test drive. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Honda recalls 2012 Crosstour and Accord for air bag issues (Fri, 03 Feb 2012)
Honda recalls 2012 Crosstour and Accord for air bag issues The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall alert for 2012 model year Honda Accord sedans and Honda Crosstour vehicles. The cars may have an air bag inflator that wasn't manufactured to specifications and may fail to deploy the driver's side- or passenger's side air bags during a collision. According to the NHTSA, just under 350 of the Honda vehicles may have an issue with its side curtain air bag inflators. And American Honda Motors will begin notifying Accord and Crosstour owners affected by this recall on or about Feb. 10. Honda says it will replace the side curtain air bags from the recalled Accords and Crosstalks free of charge. For more information, consumers can call Honda's toll-free customer service line (800-424-9153) or visit the NHTSA's website: www.SaferCar.gov. Recall: 2011 Honda Accord / 2011 Honda Crosstour - Side air bags      Campaign ID#: 12V030000 [NHTSA] Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Super Bowl XLVI video: Best TVs you can buy now for the Big Game (Fri, 03 Feb 2012)
Super Bowl XLVI video: Best TVs you can buy now for the Big Game The Super Bowl is just two days away, but you still might be considering buying a new TV for the Big Game. Consumer Reports TV expert Jim Willcox has a list of "can't-miss" televisions to recommend, in every price range—from high-end flagship models costing up to $2,000 to budget recommendations. Take a look at our video for tips. Some buying advice for you hurried shoppers: Make sure the retailer can guarantee delivery— and set-up, if you need it—before kickoff time. See if you can get a 30-day price match, since TV prices could start to fall right after the game as retailers start clearing out 2011 sets to make way for 2012 models. If it's your first HDTV purchase, make sure your cable or satellite receiver is an HD model, or make sure you can pick up a new one and get it activated in time for the game. Skip the extended warranty and pricey cables. Consider buying the TV with a credit card that doubles the manufacturer's warranty, or from a retailer (such as Costco) that does the same. Beware of interest-free promotions. It's fine to take advantage of no-interest deals that let you spread payments over time, but make sure you pay off the balance at least a month before the end of the deal. If you fail to pay the final balance before the term ends, you're usually responsible for all the interest on the full purchase price of the TV, not just the amount you still owe. And often the interest rates on store cards are much higher what you'd pay on a standard bank credit card. Go to ConsumerReports.org for all our Super Bowl XLVI coverage. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Verisign hacked in 2010: Are you in danger? (Fri, 03 Feb 2012)
Verisign hacked in 2010: Are you in danger? Reuters reported yesterday that Verisign, an Internet infrastructure company that manages the .com" ".net" and .gov" website addresses, was hacked in 2010. Should you be concerned? According to the report, the 2010 security breach was hidden from Verisign executives until last September. But the data break-in was reported in the company's quarterly earnings report to investors, as required by changes in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations that went into effect in October of 2011. But what worries most security experts is the still-undisclosed damage and risks that the nearly two-year old hack may pose. "We need an environment where companies have an incentive to disclose these things," said Jeff Fox, Consumer Reports' privacy expert. "Affected companies need to disclose not only the breach but the damage to consumers." For example, it's still unknown whether data from the DNS servers has been taken. With DNS information, which translates a website's name (such as "google.com") to the proper numerical Internet address, criminals can redirect consumers' browser requests and send them to malicious websites instead. And until August 2010, Verisign was also a provider of so-called Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates—the online code Web browsers look for when connecting users to sites, such as banks, that begin with "https" instead of the usual "http." Symantec, which now owns the Verisign SSL database, did tell Reuters that "there is no indication" the 2010 Verisign breech is tied to the SSL system. To keep personal data safe while using the Internet, see Consumer Reports Guide to online security. Key Internet operator VeriSign hit by hackers [Reuters] VeriSign Hacked: What We Don't Know Might Hurt Us [PC World] Why Are We Only Finding Out About the VeriSign Security Breach Now? [Time Techland] VeriSign admits it was hacked repeatedly in 2010, staff didn't tell senior management [Sophos Security blog] VeriSign 2010 Hack: DNS Data Theft A Possibility [Information Week] Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Sneak peek: Larger, five-door Fiat 500L (Fri, 03 Feb 2012)
Sneak peek: Larger, five-door Fiat 500L The Fiat portfolio will expand next year when the larger, five-door 500L joins the Cinquecento range in the United States. This new model will make its world debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show. Fiat has been building out the 500 line here, adding the clever 500 Cabrio convertible, special Gucci and Pink editions, and soon a sportier 500 Abarth. The 500L will be the first truly different model. It measures about two feet longer than the familiar 500, promising a more family friendly package than the current car. We found that access to the rear seat in the two-door model was difficult and accommodations rather tight once there. Fiat has said three engines will be offered in Europe, but no details have been announced yet for the States. Hopefully it will offer more grunt than the 101-hp, 1.4-liter engine now used in the 500. Read our road tests of the Fiat 500 and 500C. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Recall: 2011 Toyota RAV4—Non-compliant curtain shield air bags (Fri, 03 Feb 2012)
Recall: 2011 Toyota RAV4—Non-compliant curtain shield air bags Toyota is recalling 427 of its RAV4 vehicles from model year 2011 because one or both curtain shield air bags may not deploy due to the inflator potentially not performing properly. In the even of a crash, the air bags may not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries. In the curtain shield air bags, propellant with the incorrect specification was used for the initiator assembled in the air bag inflator. The recalled RAV4 vehicles were manufactured from November 24 through December 19, 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported. Toyota will notify owners and dealers will check the vehicle identification number to identify the curtain shield assemblies and replace the assemblies as necessary with new ones free of charge. The Safety recall is expected to begin in early March. Owners can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit www.SaferCar.gov. 427 2011 Toyota RAV4s for non-compliant curtain shield air bags [NHTSA] Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Super Bowl XLVI video: Is a plasma or LCD TV best for watching the Big Game? (Fri, 03 Feb 2012)
Super Bowl XLVI video: Is a plasma or LCD TV best for watching the Big Game? Believe it or not, there's still time to buy a new TV before the Super Bowl airs this Sunday! If you are making that last minute purchase, Consumer Reports television expert Jim Willcox has some tips for which technology—plasma or LCD—is best for viewing sports in general, and the Big Game in particular. Each has pros and cons; take a look at our video for his tech tips. Some buying advice for you hurried shoppers: Make sure the retailer can guarantee delivery— and set-up, if you need it—before kickoff time. See if you can get a 30-day price match, since TV prices could start to fall right after the game as retailers start clearing out 2011 sets to make way for 2012 models. If it's your first HDTV purchase, make sure your cable or satellite receiver is an HD model, or make sure you can pick up a new one and get it activated in time for the game. Skip the extended warranty and pricey cables. Consider buying the TV with a credit card that doubles the manufacturer's warranty, or from a retailer (such as Costco) that does the same. Beware of interest-free promotions. It's fine to take advantage of no-interest deals that let you spread payments over time, but make sure you pay off the balance at least a month before the end of the deal. If you fail to pay the final balance before the term ends, you're usually responsible for all the interest on the full purchase price of the TV, not just the amount you still owe. And often the interest rates on store cards are much higher what you'd pay on a standard bank credit card. Go to ConsumerReports.org for all our Super Bowl XLVI coverage. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Daily electronics deals: Sharp LC42SV49U 42-inch 1080p 60Hz LCD HDTV (Fri, 03 Feb 2012)
Daily electronics deals: Sharp LC42SV49U 42-inch 1080p 60Hz LCD HDTV Today's electronics deals, courtesy of The Consumerist: Best Buy: Sharp LC42SV49U 42" 1080p 60Hz LCD HDTV $329.99 with Free In-Store Pickup Entertainment GameStop.com: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 [Xbox 360, PS3] $39.99 + $3 ship Amazon: Rage [Xbox 360, PS3, PC] $19.99 Neither Consumer Reports nor The Consumerist receive anything in exchange for featuring these deals; the posts are intended to be purely informational. These deals are often fleeting, with prices changing or products becoming unavailable as the day progresses. These posts are not an endorsement of the featured products or the Web sites that sell them—though some of the sites may be included, and recommended, in our Ratings of retailers for computers and other major electronics (both available to subscribers). Price shouldn't be your only criterion. Be wary of lower-priced deals that seem too good to be true, and check return policies for restocking fees and other gotchas. For general buying advice for many of the products on sale above, check out our free Buying Guides. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Questions of Money - from Consumer Reports (Thu, 02 Feb 2012)
Questions of Money - from Consumer Reports Consumer Reports financial experts answer reader questions about collecting unemployment while working freelance, and how to prevent your ATM PIN from getting skimmed. From the January '12 issue of Consumer Reports Money Adviser. Questions of Money - CR Podcast Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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First look review: Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) on the Asus Transformer Prime tablet (Thu, 02 Feb 2012)
First look review: Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) on the Asus Transformer Prime tablet Android 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich (or ICS), is the long-awaited version of Google's Android operating system that's designed for both smart phones and tablets, allowing software to be easily developed for both types of devices. The first tablet running the new OS is the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime. We took a look at the quad-core Transformer with Ice Cream Sandwich to see what new features it brings to the tablet world. The changes aren't earth-shattering, but there are some noticeable improvements. Of course, the changes also impact smart phones. But in some cases, the features on tablets manifest somewhat differently than they do on phones. For example, tablets can take advantage of the extra screen space to display the more-robust camera features of Android 4. And as with other versions of the operating system, you might notice differences from one manufacturer to the next as each tweaks their devices with special features. Here's a rundown of some of the new things I saw on the Transformer Prime, thanks to ICS. Camera. The first thing you'll see when you turn on the Transformer Prime is the familiar lock icon. But move the lock a bit to the left, and a camera icon shows up in the outer circle, taking you directly from the locked tablet to the camera. Unlike with earlier versions of Android, all the controls for the camera are built into the control wheel. For example, Zoom is a sliding control within the wheel rather than the Plus/Minus set above it in prior versions. There are some new controls, including aspect ratio and ISO. Also new is the panorama camera. (These features are more handy on smart phones, since taking photos with a tablet can be clumsy.) Widgets. Widgets reside on a separate tab on the apps screen. Asus includes a task manager that lets you shut running apps down with one click, an easy way to save some battery life. Widgets are now resizable, so you can fit more of them on one screen if you wish. Settings. You get one-click access to more settings controls from the home screen. Touch the bottom right corner of the screen, and a box pops up that includes a number of useful controls, including a set of power-usage choices—Power-saving, Balanced, and Performance modes. There's also a rotate-lock button, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi On/Off, and brightness controls. These require two or more clicks to access in older Android versions. Settings are now arranged by function: All the wireless and network settings are together, followed by device settings such as Sound, Display, and Battery. Personal settings include Security and Accounts; Date and Time, among others, are found under system settings. Organizing your apps is easier, because you can now place apps into folders simply by stacking one on top of the other, then naming the folder. But the folders are unattractive, unfortunately, because they look like what they are—a stack of apps sitting on your screen. Once you press the stack, a folder temporarily pops up so you can select the app you want to launch. Related: First look review: Samsung Galaxy Nexus is a sweet performer, thanks to Ice Cream Sandwich Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Car owner wins lawsuit over Honda Civic Hybrid mileage claims (Thu, 02 Feb 2012)
Car owner wins lawsuit over Honda Civic Hybrid mileage claims Heather Peters took on corporate giant Honda in a southern California small-claims court over the fuel economy of her 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid. And she won. A former lawyer, Peters chose not to join a class-action suit that would reportedly pay out $100-$200 per owner and include a $1,000 credit toward a new car. Instead, she presented her own case in a Torrance, California, small-claims court where judgments are limited to $10,000, and she was awarded $9,867 yesterday. By going this path, Peters avoided paying legal fees. For contrast, she cites fees as being $8.5 million for the trial lawyers proceeding with the class-action suit. An Associated Press report quotes Peters as saying she hopes the victory will encourage other Civic Hybrid owners to follow her example, and she has set up a website to help get them started: dontsettlewithhonda.org. (Car enthusiast blog Jalopnik has posted an interesting, related piece: “How You Can Sue An Automaker In Small Claims Court And Win.”) The core issue for Peters is that Honda had advertised the Honda Civic Hybrid as delivering 50 miles per gallon, and she did not experience that figure. Worse, she says a battery-related software update further reduced her mileage down to no better than 30 mpg. Consumer Reports’ testers were disappointed in the fuel economy results when we tested the 2006 Civic Hybrid. The car achieved 37 mpg overall, with 26 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway. At the time, it was EPA-rated at 50 mpg combined, 49 mpg city and 51 mpg highway, hence the source for Honda’s claims. With the revised EPA fuel economy figures put in place for the 2008 model year for all passenger vehicles, the 2006 Civic Hybrid was adjusted to 42 mpg combined, with 40 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. The revisions the EPA made to its fuel economy ratings have brought their numbers closer to what we feel car owners, in general, will experience in the real world. Even still, there can be notable variance with hybrids, particularly in city driving. Clearly, results will vary based on driving style, fuel, terrain, speed, traffic flow, altitude, and weather. Like Peters, many Honda Civic Hybrid car owners allege that a software update resulted in a reduction in fuel economy, but we have not verified that claim. Consumer Reports feels the current EPA figures provide a solid, comparable basis for consumers to cross-shop vehicles. We had worked hard for years to encourage an update to the fuel economy ratings methodology to better reflect how cars are used today, compared against in the 1970s when the previous protocol was developed. Today, air conditioning is common, more time is spent in cities, and highway speeds are greater. Those considerations are factored into the revised methodology. While the methods could be further enhanced, we feel the improvements make them far more useful. Further, updates to window stickers for the 2013 model year and beyond provide much more information for consumers and should help people make informed comparisons right on dealers’ lots. If fuel economy is a priority when shopping for your next vehicle, we recommend checking our test results. The video below shows how we test fuel economy. Also watch: Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood explains the new fuel-economy labels. // Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Top 10 scams of 2011—Fraudsters targeting victims by age (Thu, 02 Feb 2012)
Top 10 scams of 2011—Fraudsters targeting victims by age The most frequently reported scam of 2011 involved bogus prizes and sweepstakes, with fake check scams and fraudsters posing as loved ones, according to the National Consumers League's report of the top scams reported to its national Fraud Center. Of significance is that more than ever, scammers are targeting certain age groups, the Consumers League found. For example, bogus prizes, sweepstakes, and free gifts made up 27 percent of complaints overall, but among people ages 56 to 65 and older, these types of complaints made up 41 percent and about 60 percent of the total, respectively. Similarly, fake check scams made up about 27 percent of complaints overall, and among people ages 18 to 25, complaints about fake check scams made up about 46 percent of the total. New to the list of top-ten scams is the fraudster who impersonates a family member or friend in need. Top 10 scams of 2011: Prizes, sweepstakes and fake free gifts Fake check scams Internet scams for general merchandise Phishing and spoofing Advance fee loans and "credit arrangers" Scholarships and grants Friendship and sweetheart swindles Nigerian money offers (not prizes) Family or friend imposters Fraudulent Internet auctions John Breyault, NCL vice-president of public policy, telecommunications, and fraud said that, unfortunately, many scam artists will stop at nothing. "The scary part about these scams is that they prey on our natural inclination to want to help a loved one who is in distress," he said in a press statement. The majority of money lost to frauds and scams last year was sent by wire transfer, which is a popular payment method of scammers because of the difficulty to track, according to the NCL. NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg described fraudulent telemarketers and Web-based scammers as criminals out to get your life savings. She offers the following advice to consumers: The best way for consumers to fight back is to get educated and not be afraid to report such fraud to law enforcement. Scammers know all too well that their victims are often embarrassed and count on this to continue to perpetrate their crimes. If you think you've been the victim of a scam or fraud, you can report it to NCL at www.fraud.org. NCL's Fraud Center: Top Scams of 2011 (pdf) [NCL] Scammers targeting their victims by age group, says National Consumers League’s Fraud Center [NCL] Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Hewlett-Packard fax machines recalled for overheating and fire dangers (Thu, 02 Feb 2012)
Hewlett-Packard fax machines recalled for overheating and fire dangers More than one million HP fax machines in North America are being recalled by the Hewlett-Packard company, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today. The machines—the HP Fax 1040 and the HP Fax 1050—have faulty internal electric components that can fail, causing the machines to overheat and possibly catch fire. The CPSC says Hewlett-Packard has received seven reports—six in the U.S., another in Canada—of the HP fax machines overheating and catching fire. In one instance, a "significant" amount of property damage occurred and in another incident a consumer finger received a "minor burn injury." Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled HP Fax 1040 and HP Fax 1050 machines and disconnect them from the electrical outlet. The flawed HP fax machines were sold at electronics, computer and camera stores nationwide, and online at HP's shopping website and other Internet retailers from November 2004 through December 2011 for between $90 and $120. Some of the recalled fax machines were replacement units for a previous recall of HP fax model 1010 in June 2008. Both the HP Fax 1040 and Fax 1050 models being recalled bear the HP logo and its model number on the front of the fax machine. The HP Fax 1040 (left) and HP Fax 1050 fax machines. (Note: NOT to scale.) An estimated 928,000 of the machines were sold in the U.S. and 240,000 in Canada and Mexico. After discontinuing use of the machines, consumers are urged to contact HP (toll-free: 888-654-9296 website: http://www.hp.com/go/faxrecall/US-en) for a rebate on the purchase of an authorized replacement HP fax machine or a partial rebate of certain HP ink jet printers. HP Recalls Fax Machines Due to Fire and Burn Hazards [CPSC] HP Fax Safety Recall [Hewlett-Packard] Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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First look review: The LG Spectrum on Verizon is a screen star (Thu, 02 Feb 2012)
First look review: The LG Spectrum on Verizon is a screen star The LG Spectrum, one of several promising smart phones announced at CES 2012, just became available on Verizon for $200 with a two-year contract. This phone’s high point is its 4.5-inch high-resolution (1280 x 720) display. Supposedly borrowing technology from LG’s best TV sets, the screen, combined with the phone's 1.5-GHz dual-core processor and ultra-fast LTE 4G connection, provided sharp and smooth video streams from HD Netflix. I was less impressed, though, with what LG did with the phone's controls and interface to the phone's Android 2.35 OS (Gingerbread). Though hardly fatal, the changes add some unnecessary steps to what were admirably simple procedures. The Spectrum is virtually identical to the LG Nitro on AT&T, which scored high in our Ratings. It's tall yet relatively narrow and thin, measuring 5.3 x 2.7 x 0.4 inches, which makes it reasonably comfortable to hold and control. Weighing in at 5 ounces, The Spectrum is actually an ounce lighter than the much-smaller iPhone 4S. The Spectrum also has an 8-megapixel rear-facing LED flash camera, 1080p video capture, and a front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for video chats. In our tests of the Nitro, which appears to have the identical camera, the camera had a short shutter lag and produced good-quality stills. But the quality of video recorded on the Nitro at 1080p fell short compared to the better HD pocket camcorders. The details: The display. I’ll leave it to our engineers to confirm if the Spectrum’s screen is indeed a smaller version of the True HD In-Plane Switching (IPS) display used in LG's premium Spectrum HD televisions, which score well for picture quality in our Ratings of HDTVs (available to subscribers). But the display was unquestionably one of the sharpest I've seen, which is especially impressive given its large size. In photos and videos, the tiniest details of obscure objects were clearly visible, including what was written on street signs in the background. Web- and app-based text appeared quite sharp as well, with no discernible jags or rough edges. When it came to color, I found the Spectrum's LCD touch screen on a par with the top-notch Super AMOLED displays of Samsung’s Galaxy phones. The colors used in app icons and calendar appointments truly popped, yet photo and video images appeared quite natural. This phone comes preloaded with the ESPN ScoreCenter and HD Netflix apps, which deliver their content to the phone in 720p. While I didn't try the ESPN app, I did stream "Iron Man 2" from HD Netflix and was impressed at the level of detail, as well as how smooth the videos appeared when streamed via the phone's LTE connection. But this already-dark action film looked a tad too dark when the display’s default auto-brightness setting was left on. Unchecking auto-brightness and sliding the intensity lever just a smidge to the right made everything look a lot brighter and better. Controls. As on the LG Nitro, you can flip the phone to mute incoming calls or shut off the clock's alarm. The Spectrum combines Search and Menu functions on one key. Tapping this key lightly launches the menu functions. To begin a search, just keep your finger on the key for about a second. I think having separate keys for Search and Menu is more efficient—especially for searches, which is what Google phones are supposed to make easy. LG also tinkered with the phone's App Drawer, making it highly customizable. You can organize apps alphabetically or group them according to your own categories. Just tap a category folder to open and close it. You also have the option of viewing apps as a list or in a variety of page layouts. Here too, I found the business of opening and closing category folders to search for an app to be a step I can live without. Another quibble: The apps dock at the bottom of the screen conveniently presents the Phone, Contacts, Messaging, and App Drawer icons even when you're switching screens. But you can't change any of them, at least easily, as you can on other phones like the Motorola Droid RAZR. Battery life. With heavy use (frequent video streaming, push e-mail, Web browsing, camera use, and so on) it took a little less than 4 hours for the phone to cough up the low-battery alert. But I was able to squeeze a full day of work from the phone's 1830nAh battery when I used the Spectrum more moderately—even on 4G. Bottom line: The LG Spectrum, like its AT&T twin, seems to have a great display and offers lots of features for the price (and I suspect the price will fall to $100 in just a few months). But some customers, like me, may have quibbles with LG's interface and controls. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Tire testing: Results from a ski mountain reveal key differences between car tires (Thu, 02 Feb 2012)
Tire testing: Results from a ski mountain reveal key differences between car tires With snow a rare sight in southern New England this year, Consumer Reports relied on the good folks at Jay Peak Ski Resort in Vermont (way up near the Canadian border) to provide the frosty conditions necessary to test 71 tire models. Plus, we still need to purchase six additional models, enabling us to evaluate 77 models this year. The tire types being evaluated include regular all-season (S- and T-speed rated) tires, performance all-seasons in H- and V-speed ratings, and winter tires. No surprising trends have emerged thus far, but there have been some revelations at the model level. As the graph below shows, winter tires are your best bet for getting through snow. All-season tires, specifically the S- and T-speed rated models, provide a compromise, trading off some snow traction for all-weather grip. H- and V-speed rated tires as a whole offer less snow traction than either all-season or winter tires. Keep in mind that these are general trends; there were noticeable differences between models in each of the tire categories. For instance, we observed one H- and V-speed rated all-season tire model that excelled in our test, rivaling the snow traction performance of many winter tires. In contrast, there were some models that should be avoided if you drive in wintry conditions. The real takeaway has been reaffirming the importance of consulting our tire ratings before making a purchase to ensure you get the right tire for you driving needs. But, we cannot make concrete recommendations yet, as testing continues. Next up: Ice braking. Stay tuned for more insights from our ongoing tire test program. We test for snow traction by accelerating from 5 to 20 mph on our moderately packed snow course. We then measure the distance required to get to 20 mph; the shorter the distance, the better the grip. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Honda recalls 2011-12 Ridgeline pickup trucks for spare tire issues (Thu, 02 Feb 2012)
Honda recalls 2011-12 Ridgeline pickup trucks for spare tire issues Å small number—just over 200—Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks are being recalled by America Honda Motor Co. According to the U.S. National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, those 2011 and 2012 model year pickups have incorrect information regarding their spare tires, which could lead to tire failure and cause a crash. The NHTSA says that the data printed on the tire information placards, mandatory on all vehicles in the U.S., don't match the data for the Honda Ridgelines' actual spare tire—a violation of federal safety standards. Honda says in a press release that it has begun notifying customers affected by this recall to bring their Ridgeline pickups to local dealerships. Mechanics there will inspect the spare tires and placards and replace either the tire or the placard for free, For more information, consumers can contact Honda (toll-free: 800-999-1009 Web: www.recalls.honda.com) or visit the NHTSA's website: www.SaferCar.gov. Recall: 2011-2012 Honda Ridgeline - Tires    Campaign ID#: 12V025000 [CPSC] Statement regarding recall of 2011-2012 Honda Ridgeline [American Honda] Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Unhappy with your app? Refunds are hard to come by (Thu, 02 Feb 2012)
Unhappy with your app? Refunds are hard to come by If you own a smart phone or tablet, you've no doubt explored the enormous world of mobile apps, both free and paid. And if you're unhappy with a free app, nothing's easier than uninstalling it. But if you paid for an app that doesn't live up to its description, or has performance issues, or that you just don't like, you don't have a whole lot of recourse. A precedent was set for this policy back in the days of boxed, shrink-wrapped software: In general, if you opened it, you owned it forever. But most programs offered free trials to potential buyers, so they could make sure it fit their needs. And they still do, even now that we can download software to our computers. Increasingly mobile developers are offering “freemium” apps, which means they give away a core product at no charge and then generate revenue by selling premium products to some users. So the app could be a “lite” version, and you’d need to upgrade for full features and function; or it could runs ads, and you pay to get rid of them; or it makes money via in-app purchases—or some combination. But many apps are still paid only, meaning there’s no try-before-you-buy. If you’re dropping just a buck or two, that may be no big deal—but some apps can run you $30—or even more. As when you’re considering any other kind of purchase, research apps as well as you can before you buy. The app markets include user reviews, which should always be taken with a grain of salt—but if there are enough of them, you can often get a sense of how the app works and what its flaws may be. Also check at sites that review apps, of which there are many—just search on the term “app reviews.” Again, break out that grain of salt! If you do buy an app and regret the purchase, here are the various app stores’ refund policies, such as they are, and some ways you can pursue your app refund. Android Market: You can return an app to the Android Market, but bear in mind you have just 15 minutes to get a full refund for it—so try it out quickly. And the terms of the market states that you can return a specific app just once. So if you don’t like it the first time, definitely don’t buy it again. Here’s what you do, as per the Android Market’s support page online: 1. Launch Android Market on your device. 2. Select Menu > My Apps. 3. Select the app you'd like to return. If the 15 minute refund window has not yet passed, the app is eligible for return and will have two buttons saying Open or Refund 4. Select the Refund option. The Refund button will now say Uninstall. Press Uninstall to remove the app from your device and initiate the refund. 5. After the 15 minute return period has expired, the Refund option will not be available. Selecting the Uninstall button at this point will simply remove the application from your device. If you let that precious 15 minutes go by without asking for your refund, you then need to go to the app’s developer and make your case directly. Apple App Store App Store’s policy is no refunds unless the app proves unavailable to download after you pay for it, or technical problems ensue. Ask for a refund for a good reason, and you might receive it—but Apple takes these requests case by case, and there are no guarantees. Here’s how to go about requesting a refund: 1. Go to Manage Account (at the of the Store screen) and click on Purchase History. 2. Click on Report a problem. 3. Click the arrow next to the purchase with which you want to report a problem. 4. Click the Report a Problem link next to the item with which you wish to report an issue 5. Click the Problem drop-down menu, then select the most appropriate problem description. 6. Write in any additional comments, then submit. BlackBerry App World It’s not easy to make your way through the BlackBerry App World’s terms of sale page. The bottom line seems to be that all app sales are considered final, with a few exceptions: for example, the product isn’t available for download when you buy it, or the developer disables it. If all else fails, you could try your carrier. Windows Phone Marketplace As usual, this store's policy is that all sales are final and nonrefundable. But in Microsoft Answers, we saw a way to request refunds: 1. First, go to http://marketplace.windowsphone.com. 2. After signing in, select Purchase History. On the Purchase History page, click the Details button for the application you want refunded. 3. Click the Get Support button and you will see an option for Get Help with my bill. Request a refund for this purchase is the sub-topic. The Windows Marketplace for Mobile Refund Policy limits refunds to (1) per calendar month. All refund requests must be initiated within 24 hours of the application purchase. After the refund is issued, the application will be removed from your device. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Test complete video: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara (Thu, 02 Feb 2012)
Test complete video: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara When the Wrangler was redesigned for its current generation (aka JK), the iconic SUV saw its road test score more than triple. The larger, more powerful Wrangler had joined the 21st-century, though it remained a trail-bred machine lumbering in a world now dominated by civilized crossovers. As Chrysler Corp. has rapidly updated its models on this side of bankruptcy, we were interested to see if the new touches applied to the Wrangler could elevate its standing. To ensure we sampled the full breadth of the updates, we bought a well-equipped 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. No longer are barebones two-door models in favor. Instead, sales skew toward feature-laden four-door models. Ours stickered at $36,340, and it wouldn’t be hard to nudge up to $40,000, at which point there are many alternatives far better suited to suburbia. But clearly, Jeep buyers are drawn to the heritage, mystique, rugged looks, and go-anywhere ability that the Wrangler offers. It is very telling that the Wrangler has, indeed, become more civilized, with subtle touches through the interior to better approximate what consumers would find in competing models. Our tester has power heated mirrors, heated seats, iPod control, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic climate control, and remote start—features that long seemed inconceivable. Still, the Wrangler remains outdated. The ride is jiggly, handling clumsy, steering vague, and stopping distances long. The 285-hp, 3.6-liter V6 is a vast improvement over the ancient 3.8-liter V6 it replaced. It moves the large Wrangler pretty well, but this Pentastar engine still has to work hard. And fuel economy still isn’t a strong suit. Arguably, many people buy a Wrangler for allure of its off-road potential. To live that dream, some on-road sacrifices have to be made. We’d bet, though, that even ardent trail blazers will likely spend the vast majority of their time driving on pavement. While the Wrangler can perform off-road feats, we were disappointed in how our Unlimited Sahara struggled on our punishing rock hill. The culprit was tire traction. We had much better adventures in mud and sand. Handsome as the Wrangler is, the traditional body configuration makes for challenging ingress and egress, with small door openings, no door checks to keep them open, and a high step-in. Of course, the upside is that the doors can be removed for an open driving experience. The top features convenient panels up front that can be taken out for a large opening, without wrestling with the full hard top. However, the top does not have a sound- and weather-insulating headliner, as with nearly every other vehicle on the road, so noise and temperature are readily transmitted to the cabin. Overall, this is the most polished Jeep Wrangler to date, with many features to ease the transition from a more conventional vehicle. With its numerous tweaks and new V6 engine, the Wrangler has earned a higher road test score, but it still remains the lowest-ranked model in our ratings of over 300 models. Check out the video below to see the Jeep Wrangler in action, and read our complete road test for more detailed insights. Related: From the logbook: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara Just in: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Daily electronics deals: Logitech Harmony One universal remote control (Thu, 02 Feb 2012)
Daily electronics deals: Logitech Harmony One universal remote control Today's electronics deals, courtesy of The Consumerist: Tanga.com: Technical Pro Professional Titanium Headphones for $44.99 Logitech: Logitech Harmony ONE Universal Remote w/ Touchscreen (REFURB) $99.99 Free Shipping ThinkGeek: ThinkGeek Winter Sale: Up to 90% off select items + $5 off $30, $10 off $60 Entertainment NewEgg: Soul Calibur V [Xbox 360, PS3] $49.99, free ship Amazon: Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty [PC, Mac] $39.99, free ship Amazon: Alexander Revisited / Troy / 300 (Triple Feature) [Blu-ray] $15 Neither Consumer Reports nor The Consumerist receive anything in exchange for featuring these deals; the posts are intended to be purely informational. These deals are often fleeting, with prices changing or products becoming unavailable as the day progresses. These posts are not an endorsement of the featured products or the Web sites that sell them—though some of the sites may be included, and recommended, in our Ratings of retailers for computers and other major electronics (both available to subscribers). Price shouldn't be your only criterion. Be wary of lower-priced deals that seem too good to be true, and check return policies for restocking fees and other gotchas. For general buying advice for many of the products on sale above, check out our free Buying Guides. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Pentax K-01 SLR-like camera: Is high design worth $900? (Thu, 02 Feb 2012)
Pentax K-01 SLR-like camera: Is high design worth $900? SLR-like—a.k.a. mirrorless advanced—cameras have been one of the few areas of the camera market that’s seen growth this past year. In keeping with this trend, Pentax is introducing its second such model, the 16-megapixel K-01, $900 with a 40mm non-zoom kit lens or $750 (body only). That’s pricey for this type of camera. But I’m convinced that part of the reason for the high price is that Pentax hired Australian designer Marc Newson to design the new camera. In looking at the photos of the K-01, I’m not sure its distinctive design alone warrants the high price. For the most part, it has most of the same design elements, controls, and features found on other advanced cameras. But unlike other SLR-like models in its class, such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3K, it doesn’t have a high-quality electronic viewfinder. In my opinion, the design of the K-01 is a bit flawed, since Pentax left out such an important feature. But the design is strong in other areas. For example, one of the first things you’ll notice is the camera's very thin lens: It’s a 40mm non-zoom or fixed lens. (If you factor in the camera’s magnification factor, it’s equivalent to a 61mm lens on a film camera.) Like most mirrorless models, it accepts other same-brand lenses, so you’re not stuck with just one lens. Another attractive feature is that the K-01 has more than one high-dynamic range (HDR) setting. Pentax says you can select one of three exposure increments as well as the level of effect. You’re still just limited to three shots, though. Here are some other notable specifications: A 3-inch LCD with more than 900,000 dots, which means it should be sharp. Shoots full-HD resolution video (1080) at 30 fps. Can shoot 6 frames per second for still photos. Sensitivity ranges from ISO 100-25600 Like all advanced models, can capture RAW format file as well as JPEGs. Available in white, yellow, or black, the Pentax K-01 will ship in March. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Investigation of Appliance Fires: Many Caused By Products Themselves (Thu, 02 Feb 2012)
Investigation of Appliance Fires: Many Caused By Products Themselves Millions of appliance units recalled in the past five years for defects that could cause a fire; Eight ways consumers can protect themselves YONKERS, NY — Appliances can pose a fire hazard even when they are not in use according to a recent investigation by Consumer Reports.  While human error can play a role, especially in fires involving cooking appliances and clothes dryers, Consumer Reports’ in-depth analysis of federal fire data revealed that only about half of all appliance fires could be attributed to human mistakes – much of the rest appear to be caused by problems with the appliances themselves.  The full report on appliance fires, which includes eight ways consumers can protect themselves, is available in the March issue of Consumer Reports and at www.ConsumerReports.org. “We identified a variety of causes for these fires, including faulty refrigerator compressors and defective control boards in dishwashers,” said Dan DiClerico, senior editor at Consumer Reports.  “In some cases, cooking appliances were even turning on by themselves.  Incidents may seem low, but the risk is very high.”  To learn more about the occurrence and causes of appliance fires, Consumer Reports analyzed data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) which is maintained by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), fire reports, court documents, records from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and reports from the agency’s public database www.SaferProducts.gov.  Here are some key findings: In the past five years, more than 15 million appliance units have been recalled by the CPSC and manufacturers for defects that could cause a fire; 7.3 million (almost half) of the recalled units were dishwashers.  Almost four of every five recalls in Consumer Reports’ analysis involved products made outside of the U.S., with the majority coming from China. The biggest recall in Consumer Reports’ analysis was for 2.5 million GE dishwashers in May 2007, with 191 reports of overheated wiring due to a short circuit.  In 12 cases, fire spread beyond the dishwasher.  In March 2009, 1.6 million Maytag refrigerators were recalled because of electrical failure in the relay, the component that turns on the compressor. NFIRS data from 2002 through 2009 (the latest available) showed more than 69,000 fires in which the appliance was the primary cause; most incidents were attributed to  ranges, followed by dryers, air conditioners,  refrigerators,  and  dishwashers.  Consumer Reports found at least 15,700 fires (23%) that were clearly linked to problems within a product. Since March 2011, consumers have logged more than 850 instances of appliance fires on www.SaferProducts.gov, a site maintained by the CPSC that allows consumers to report product safety problems. Spotlight on Safety Standards The majority of safety standards for appliances are voluntary, developed through groups like UL, ANSI or ASTM, by consensus or representatives including consumer groups, government agencies, producers, retailers, and suppliers.  The CPSC is required by law to consider adopting these voluntary standards as federal regulation and the agency can also call on these bodies to set tougher standards.  If the CPSC determines that the voluntary standard or the process is insufficient, it can independently move forward setting federal, mandated standards.  When it comes to appliance fires, experts question whether the current standards are rigorous enough. Whether appliance parts are foreign or made domestically, industry officials insist that compliance with the standards are the same.  But Consumers Union, the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, believes that the large number of appliance recalls warrants a comprehensive examination of appliance fires by the CPSC.   In the meantime, the CPSC maintains a public consumer complaint database, www.SaferProducts.gov, that allows consumers to report product safety problems with a variety of products. The site has proved to be a useful forum for sharing safety concerns, but it has encountered resistance from companies that contend the information publicly posted is unverified.  Consumers Union supports efforts to protect and promote the website as a way to publicly provide early warning of potential product problems.  Consumers should be encouraged to share their experiences with unsafe products on the site to provide real-life experiences that can contribute to safety. Eight Ways Consumers Can Protect Themselves Consumer Reports encourages consumers to take the following precautions to help protect themselves against potential appliance fires. Register new appliances.  The large number of recalls is a sobering reminder of how important it is for consumers to register their products with manufacturers in order to be promptly notified in the event of a recall.  Consumers concerned about their privacy or junk mail need only provide manufacturers with their name, contact information and the appliance’s model number. Check for recalls.  Consumers can sign up for alerts at www.Recalls.gov.  Those who move into a home with existing appliances should record their make and model and check company websites for any recalls or review customers’ experiences with those products at www.SaferProducts.gov. Install fire-prevention equipment.  Each level of a home and every bedroom should have a working smoke alarm.  Consumer Reports recommends smoke alarms have both photoelectric and ionization sensors to provide the fastest response to any type of fire.  Also, keep one full-floor fire extinguisher (rated 2-A:10-B:C or greater) on every level, plus a smaller supplemental unit in the kitchen. Inspect power cords.  Check for frayed power cords and never route electric cords (including extension cords) under carpeting, where they can overheat or be damaged by furniture. Check home wiring.  The electrical wiring in older homes cannot always handle the demands of modern appliances.  Systems should be inspected by a qualified electrician.   An upgrade to wiring may cost several hundred dollars, but is likely worth the added expense. Practice kitchen safety.  Unattended cooking is a common fire-starter, whether using a range or microwave oven.  If small children are home, maintain a kids-free-zone of at least 3 feet and use back burners when possible.  Consumers should unplug their small appliances, including toasters and coffeemakers, when not in use and or when planning to be away for long periods. Clear range hoods.  Grease buildup in range hoods is another fire hazard, so be sure to clean the vents regularly.  Keep dryer vents clear.  Clean the lint screen in the dryer regularly to avoid buildup, which has been listed as a factor in many fires.  Use rigid metal dryer ducts instead of flexible ducts made of foil or plastic, which can sag and let lint build.  Check ducts regularly and remove any lint buildup. For the full report on appliance fires, which features a breakdown of the number of fire and common problems reported is available in the March issue of Consumer Reports and at www.ConsumerReports.org. Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications.   Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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An eBook-Reader Update - from Consumer Reports (Wed, 01 Feb 2012)
An eBook-Reader Update - from Consumer Reports Amazon and Barnes & Noble are going head-to-head with touch-screen eBook Readers. Here's how they compare. From the February '12 issue of Consumer Reports. An eBook Reader Update - CR Podcast Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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First drive video: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (Wed, 01 Feb 2012)
First drive video: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu We’ve just completed a preliminary drive of the redesigned 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and on the whole, we came away impressed with this new family sedan. That’s a good thing, for the new Malibu will take on the upcoming redesigned Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima, battling for market share in one of the largest segments. The 2013 Malibu is derived from the very competent midsized Buick Regal. The version we tried, the Eco, loaned to us for a few days by General Motors, will be the first iteration out of the gate when it goes on sale in March. The Eco version uses the same eAssist technology that’s in the Buick LaCrosse. The Malibu Eco starts at $23,235. Driving impressions The “Eco” designation indicates a mild hybrid with a small electric motor augmenting the gasoline-fueled engine. It works well, with smooth transmission shifts and decent acceleration. As in full hybrids, the engine shuts off when you stop and then instantly restarts when you let go of the brake pedal. The stop/start is so unobtrusive that most people won’t even notice it. Following the Malibu Eco, the base Malibu will debut with a new 190-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A range-topping version will be introduced even later in the year, with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine instead of a traditional V6. With its quiet, nicely appointed cabin and absorbent, steady ride, the new Malibu feels almost like a luxury car. Handling is fairly agile with precise and responsive steering. Such driving dynamics are not entirely surprising given the car’s European donor, the sophisticated Opel Insignia from Germany. The Malibu is not as Euro-centric as the Regal, though: It has a more relaxed demeanor that may have broader appeal. The control layout is more logical than in some other recent GM models; we appreciated its large, clear buttons. The dash is of the soft-touch type, giving the cabin some class. Unfortunately, the rear seats are less roomy than in the outgoing Malibu, and that’s a shame. The restricted knee space puts the Chevrolet at a distinct disadvantage compared to the new Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat, and a whole slew of other competitors. This redesign represents a major step forward in ride, handling, refinement, and interior quality. Our only qualm thus far was the rather cramped rear seat. But we’ll have to wait for our formal tests of the new Malibu to see where it ranks in a market crowded with good choices. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Live Facebook chat: Consumer Reports talks TVs for the Big Game (Wed, 01 Feb 2012)
Live Facebook chat: Consumer Reports talks TVs for the Big Game Tomorrow at 12:30 Eastern time, join three of CR's television experts as they talk all about TVS, just in time for the Super Bowl broadcast on February 5. Electronics editors Paul Reynolds and Jim Willcox and senior lab tech Chris Andrade will be discussing what’s new in televisions, including what we learned at the Consumer Electronics Show this past January, as well as how we test TVs in our labs and what we look for. They'll also have lots of tips on what to look for and where to shop for a new TV, and on how to optimize your TV settings for the best overall viewing experience. You can tune in at the Consumer Reports Facebook page. See you there! Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Test complete video: 2012 Toyota Prius V (Wed, 01 Feb 2012)
Test complete video: 2012 Toyota Prius V Toyota has expanded the coveted Prius brand by introducing this larger wagon, and it will soon flank the original Prius hatchback with the introduction of a smaller hybrid, the Prius C. The Prius V certainly seems like a good idea: Take a proven powertrain and fit it to a roomier vehicle, offering current Prius owners a step-up vehicle, well suited to growing families. But does it work? We bought a Prius V “Three Model” ($28,217) to see if Toyota got the formula right, or if it proved to, literally, be too much of a good thing. The Prius has routinely done well in our tests, with good safety marks, impressive reliability history, and of course, outstanding fuel economy. Likewise, the new Prius V performed admirably and stands tall within the wagon category. The Prius V returned an impressive 41 mpg overall in our fuel economy tests, compared with 44 mpg for the regular Prius. Naturally, its fuel economy is impacted by the V’s heavier weight and less aerodynamic shape. These factors also put a damper on acceleration. The V shares the Prius drivetrain, adapted to this application with lower gearing. Despite this modification, the motor and engine still have to work fairly hard, especially when the car is loaded or scaling large hills at highway speeds. A true five seater, the Prius V provides good access to the second row, with comfortable space for all riders. Rear passengers have generous leg and head room. The tall design provides significantly more cargo space than the Prius, and split-folding rear seatbacks allow for flexible configurations that can swallow a fair amount of stuff. The wagon body style is more conducive to traveling with adult companions than the Prius, and it significantly improves outward visibility. The dashboard quirks carry over, with the center-mounted digital instruments, awkward shift lever, and push-button Park. While there is a slight learning curve for first-time Prius drivers, previous owners will feel right at home. In the end, we think the strong fuel economy and improved interior packaging more than make up for the sacrifices in performance and powertrain noise. Watch the video to see the Prius V in action, and read our road test for more detailed findings. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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Test complete video: 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (Wed, 01 Feb 2012)
Test complete video: 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque At first look - not to mention the second and third - the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is rather appealing. But living with and thoroughly testing the car reveals a lot of flaws. Yes, we know that the Evoque has received many awards in the enthusiast media. Among them, the Evoque was named North American Truck of the Year, Motor Trend’s Sport/Utility of the Year, and it’s on Automobile’s 2012 All-Star list. These accolades make some sense. The sharp-looking Evoque is distinctive in a world of cookie-cutter cars. It also marks a new direction for the famed British brand, now run by an Indian conglomerate. And unlike most small upscale SUVs, the Evoque packs some off-road capability. But we don’t score styling. Image and corporate heritage create a feel-good factor—and a good story—but they don’t affect product quality. And given that most SUVs stay firmly on road, off-road capability isn’t a big deal for the typical buyer, either. Instead, we care about how good the Evoque is to drive and live with in the real world. Here, the Evoque also makes a pretty good first impression. Frisky handling and generous power earned plenty of positive initial comments in the vehicle’s logbook. The drivers also lauded the full-length see-through roof as a clever touch in the well-finished interior. Unfortunately, a deeper look reveals some substantial flaws. For instance, the responsive handling is marred by steering that has an artificial feel and weight. The stylish cabin has a really tight driving position; my left foot fell asleep on a 30 minute drive. Most buyers will find the well-bolstered front seats to be narrow and constrictive. Rear visibility is limited to a little slit of glass. More concerning, the Evoque slides its tail out in emergency maneuvers, while simultaneously lifting a rear wheel and hopping. An SUV just shouldn’t do that, especially one that is tuned for sporty on-road driving. Finally, it makes it a whole lot easier for other reviewers to like a vehicle when they don’t have to pay for it. We bought our Evoque. Even modestly equipped (ours lacks navigation), the sticker price was $45,745. This is several thousand dollars more than the already-steeply-priced competition. Never mind that it’s easy to push the price over $50,000—a lot of money for a rather small SUV with compromised functionality. Check out the video below to see the Range Rover Evoque in action, and read our complete road test for more detailed insights. Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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FCC to overhaul Lifeline phone service for low-income homes (Wed, 01 Feb 2012)
FCC to overhaul Lifeline phone service for low-income homes The Federal Communication Commission voted yesterday to overhaul the national Lifeline program, a means of providing low-cost home land-line telephone service to low-income families in the U.S. The pending changes are intended to cut $2 billion in federal costs over the next three years, as well as modernize the federal program—adding low-cost home broadband Internet access to the mix, for one thing. The FCC's unanimous vote (3-0) for Lifeline program changes are intended to help check the rising amount of fraud and abuse. Under the current setup, for example, families who qualify under federal definitions of "low-income" can receive a $10 monthly discount for phone service. (The Lifeline program funds comes from the "Universal Service Fund Fee" that companies tack on every customer's phone bill.) But in some cases, phone companies and wireless service providers have been able to bill the Lifeline program for multiple services to the same household. Under the revised Lifeline service, the FCC will create a National Lifeline Accountability Database to ensure that service providers do not receive multiple program funds for the same household. The program will also link to other federal databases that govern low-income benefits—say, Medicaid—to cut down on the potential of fraud and red tape among Lifeline applicants. Independent audits of phone-service providers participating in the program will occur every two years, says the FCC. Bloomberg reports that the FCC has alreay saved about $33 million after removing 270,000 duplicate Lifeline subscriptions in just 12 states. And such savings—as well as increases to the Universal Service Fund Fees that feed Lifeline—will help expand the program to include low-cost home Internet access. At yesterday's meeting, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, "Broadband has gone from being a luxury to a necessity in the 21st century." The FCC will solicit applications from broadband-service providers to join a pilot program for home Net access this year. FCC Reforms, Modernizes Lifeline Program for Low-Income Americans [FCC] FCC Votes to Reform Lifeline Fund, Launch Broadband Pilot ProgramFCC Overhauls Telephone Subsidy for the Poor, Adding Broadband [PC World] Subscribe now! Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. Update your feed preferences
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