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Buying Guide 2007
The editors of Consumer Reports rate a wide range of consumer items, in an updated buying guide for new products, which includes advice on how to purchase kitchen appliances, automobiles, entertainment products, and home office equipment, along with more than nine hundred product ratings, brand repair histories, and other helpful features. Original. 350,000 first printing.
- GenresReferenceNonfiction
357 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1975
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 8, 2011
I look forward to receiving the Consumer Reports Buying Guide each year. The products reviewed in one volume is a fine resource to assist decision making when purchasing items--from the smaller things like paint to larger purchases such as automobiles.
This volume seems a bit more slender than earlier volumes, but it still packs a lot of information. Just at random, to illustrate, we see the following:
1. Comparing retailers. For major appliances, we see Abt Electronics rating well; for small appliances, and this surprised me, Amazon.com.
2. Cordless drills. Here, we see comparisons among producers of general use drills/drivers, tougher drill jobs/drivers, and light use drill/driver. In each case, one sees a listing of products, an indication of cost, and indicators of quality. In the end, one would have a sense of the products and how they perform.
3. Refrigerators. The products are divided into categories: top freezers, Conventional Bottom-Freezer Models, French Door Bottom-Freezers, Side-by-sides, and Built-ins. Again, different models are compared by price and performance.
4. However, one of my always favorite sections is on autos. New cars are compared as are used cars. There is even a section on the best versus worst used cars. Whenever I have to purchase a car--new or used--I consult Consumer Reports.
I do understand that the Consumer Reports methods are not perfect, that there is judgment involved, that ratings from consumers may not be perfect. Nonetheless, a fine resource for informing shopping. And the 2012 guide is no exception.
This volume seems a bit more slender than earlier volumes, but it still packs a lot of information. Just at random, to illustrate, we see the following:
1. Comparing retailers. For major appliances, we see Abt Electronics rating well; for small appliances, and this surprised me, Amazon.com.
2. Cordless drills. Here, we see comparisons among producers of general use drills/drivers, tougher drill jobs/drivers, and light use drill/driver. In each case, one sees a listing of products, an indication of cost, and indicators of quality. In the end, one would have a sense of the products and how they perform.
3. Refrigerators. The products are divided into categories: top freezers, Conventional Bottom-Freezer Models, French Door Bottom-Freezers, Side-by-sides, and Built-ins. Again, different models are compared by price and performance.
4. However, one of my always favorite sections is on autos. New cars are compared as are used cars. There is even a section on the best versus worst used cars. Whenever I have to purchase a car--new or used--I consult Consumer Reports.
I do understand that the Consumer Reports methods are not perfect, that there is judgment involved, that ratings from consumers may not be perfect. Nonetheless, a fine resource for informing shopping. And the 2012 guide is no exception.
December 23, 2015
I look forward to receiving this work each year. Recently, the volume appears to be skinnier than previously. Nonetheless, very useful. Here are a few examples of why I like this volume.
1. Coffee makers. I have a couple Keurig machines, but that does not fall within this section's ambit. Looking at different sized products, Consumer Reports recommends Cuisinart's Crystal SCC 1000 for 8 to 14 cup coffemakers with carafe; Viante Brew N' View CAF-05T for 10-12 cup brew-and-dispense coffeemakers; 8-12 cup grind and brew coffemakers--Cuisinart Grind and Brew DGB-700 BC.
2. Gas grills for cook-outs. . . . Midsized gas (18-28 burgers): One Weber and the next three are Char Broils; Large gas--28 or more: Top two are a Brinkman (had never heard of that brand) and a Napoleon; small gas (up to 18 burgers): a Weber and a Broilmate are the top two finishers.
3. I do a lot of printing with my computer. What shows up here? Black and white laser printer: top model is a Samsung; Color laser printer: a Dell; Inkjet printer: a Canon is rated as number 1.
Et cetera.
As always, a useful volume to help one make sense of what might be worth purchasing. . . .
1. Coffee makers. I have a couple Keurig machines, but that does not fall within this section's ambit. Looking at different sized products, Consumer Reports recommends Cuisinart's Crystal SCC 1000 for 8 to 14 cup coffemakers with carafe; Viante Brew N' View CAF-05T for 10-12 cup brew-and-dispense coffeemakers; 8-12 cup grind and brew coffemakers--Cuisinart Grind and Brew DGB-700 BC.
2. Gas grills for cook-outs. . . . Midsized gas (18-28 burgers): One Weber and the next three are Char Broils; Large gas--28 or more: Top two are a Brinkman (had never heard of that brand) and a Napoleon; small gas (up to 18 burgers): a Weber and a Broilmate are the top two finishers.
3. I do a lot of printing with my computer. What shows up here? Black and white laser printer: top model is a Samsung; Color laser printer: a Dell; Inkjet printer: a Canon is rated as number 1.
Et cetera.
As always, a useful volume to help one make sense of what might be worth purchasing. . . .
November 16, 2013
Each year, I ,look forward to receiving this volume. Gives me reviews of a variety of products and helps me to make purchases that I have some confidence in.
Some examples of evaluations: laptop computers. Best among 10-13 inch models--Samsung ATIV, Asus Transformer, Microsoft Surface Pro. Those are the recommended models. Other categories? 10-13 inch detachable; 11-13 inch convertible; 11 inch; 13 inch; 14 inch; 15-16 inch; 17-18 inch.
Want an e-book reader? Take a look at pages 61-62.
Gas grills? I purchased one this year and could not get it to work (so much for my mechanical skills). Here, one gets a rating of large grills, midsize models, and portable or small.
What about printers for computers? Pages 83-90 examine all-in-ones as well as regular printers.
Smart phones? One sees the best phones for the various providers--from AT&T to Sprint to Verizon and so on.
The section on cars is always important to me. I have often taken this annual publication with me when purchasing a new or used car.
As with previous years, a satisfying volume.
Some examples of evaluations: laptop computers. Best among 10-13 inch models--Samsung ATIV, Asus Transformer, Microsoft Surface Pro. Those are the recommended models. Other categories? 10-13 inch detachable; 11-13 inch convertible; 11 inch; 13 inch; 14 inch; 15-16 inch; 17-18 inch.
Want an e-book reader? Take a look at pages 61-62.
Gas grills? I purchased one this year and could not get it to work (so much for my mechanical skills). Here, one gets a rating of large grills, midsize models, and portable or small.
What about printers for computers? Pages 83-90 examine all-in-ones as well as regular printers.
Smart phones? One sees the best phones for the various providers--from AT&T to Sprint to Verizon and so on.
The section on cars is always important to me. I have often taken this annual publication with me when purchasing a new or used car.
As with previous years, a satisfying volume.
November 30, 2010
Here is the 2011 version of Consumer Reports' annual buying guide. What a treasure trove of information! Thinking of getting a computer? Where to go? Reader scores are highest for Amazon.com under the category Web Sites/Catalogs; Apple.com gets highest marks for Manufacturer web sites/catalogs; Apple, Costco, and Micro Center get the honors for walk-in stores. And on it goes. What about coffeemakers? Popular these days are the so-called Pod Coffeemakers. What to buy? Test results suggest that Cuisinart Cup-o-Matic is the pick of the litter. Want 12 cups at a time? Cuisinart, Kalorik, Zojiruski, Krups, and Hamilton Beach make successful coffeemakers, according to the gnomes at Consumer Reports.
One of the most useful sections for me is on autos. When the time comes to make a purchase (whether used or new car), I normally carry the latest volume of this paperback with me to the dealer. Used cars, for example. I have a very old and a very new Toyota Camry. The used car quality picture is from the time frame 2004-2009. A 4-cylinder Camry from any of those years is a good bet to get as a used car.
Laptop computers? Take a look at recommendations for 11-13 inch models. Top rated: Apple MacBook Pro, Apple MacBook, and the Toshiba Satellite *(a best buy at $470). 17-18 inch models? Apple MacBook Pro, HP Pavilion, Dell Inspiron, and Dell Studio 17.
Flooring? A laminate? Best bets: Armstrong Coastal Living, Pergo Accolade (a best buy), and Pergo American Cottage.
Anyway, another year, another Consumer Reports' annual buying guide.
One of the most useful sections for me is on autos. When the time comes to make a purchase (whether used or new car), I normally carry the latest volume of this paperback with me to the dealer. Used cars, for example. I have a very old and a very new Toyota Camry. The used car quality picture is from the time frame 2004-2009. A 4-cylinder Camry from any of those years is a good bet to get as a used car.
Laptop computers? Take a look at recommendations for 11-13 inch models. Top rated: Apple MacBook Pro, Apple MacBook, and the Toshiba Satellite *(a best buy at $470). 17-18 inch models? Apple MacBook Pro, HP Pavilion, Dell Inspiron, and Dell Studio 17.
Flooring? A laminate? Best bets: Armstrong Coastal Living, Pergo Accolade (a best buy), and Pergo American Cottage.
Anyway, another year, another Consumer Reports' annual buying guide.
February 14, 2010
One of the things about the journal "Consumer Reports" and its annual "Buying Guide" is that--because it does not accept advertisements--there's a good chance that biases in ratings are less apt to occur.
Each year, a Buying Guide is published, in which the consumer can get something like the "greatest hits" of "Consumer Reports." Stick this in your pocket when you go shopping for significant purchases and use it to the fullest extent possible. For major purchases, I know that I screen products up front with the magazine or the "Buying Guide," go to the store, and then work through the products.
Over the past couple years, I have used the "Buying Guide" while shopping for my son's first car (he just got his driver's license) and while looking for the following items (among others): digital cameras, DVD players, cell phones, cordless phones, computers, monitors, scanners, printers, and so on. I feel like a much more aware consumer with this resource.
Problems? One volume can only carry so much information. There are a number of items that are not covered here. So, this is not an encyclopedia. Nonetheless, the price is so low that one would be well advised to consider purchasing the Buying Guide if one is thinking of a substantial purchase. Well worth possessing is this volume. . . .
Each year, a Buying Guide is published, in which the consumer can get something like the "greatest hits" of "Consumer Reports." Stick this in your pocket when you go shopping for significant purchases and use it to the fullest extent possible. For major purchases, I know that I screen products up front with the magazine or the "Buying Guide," go to the store, and then work through the products.
Over the past couple years, I have used the "Buying Guide" while shopping for my son's first car (he just got his driver's license) and while looking for the following items (among others): digital cameras, DVD players, cell phones, cordless phones, computers, monitors, scanners, printers, and so on. I feel like a much more aware consumer with this resource.
Problems? One volume can only carry so much information. There are a number of items that are not covered here. So, this is not an encyclopedia. Nonetheless, the price is so low that one would be well advised to consider purchasing the Buying Guide if one is thinking of a substantial purchase. Well worth possessing is this volume. . . .
January 22, 2010
A review from a couple years back:
The 2007 Consumer Reports Buying Guide has just come out. And for consumers, that is great news!
Each year, informed consumers await the issuing of the latest Buying Guide. This year's guide covers items from A (autos, air conditioners, air cleaners) to W (washing machines).
Special projects are made easy. Do you need a "new" used car? Good price and good quality? Take a look at the relevant section in the Buying Guide. Want to spend less than $6000 and get a good used car? Bingo. Check out the listing on page 191. Want a $12,000 to $14,000 good quality used car? Take a look on page 192. And a car by car examination of the pluses and minuses of each make follows the prices a few pages later, so that one can check out both price AND quality.
So, if you are interested in some advice on what to purchase, the 2007 Buying Guide would be a nice investment.
The 2007 Consumer Reports Buying Guide has just come out. And for consumers, that is great news!
Each year, informed consumers await the issuing of the latest Buying Guide. This year's guide covers items from A (autos, air conditioners, air cleaners) to W (washing machines).
Special projects are made easy. Do you need a "new" used car? Good price and good quality? Take a look at the relevant section in the Buying Guide. Want to spend less than $6000 and get a good used car? Bingo. Check out the listing on page 191. Want a $12,000 to $14,000 good quality used car? Take a look on page 192. And a car by car examination of the pluses and minuses of each make follows the prices a few pages later, so that one can check out both price AND quality.
So, if you are interested in some advice on what to purchase, the 2007 Buying Guide would be a nice investment.
December 28, 2008
Boy, do I look forward to this publication each year! Want to know about televisions, vacuum cleaners, ranges, washers and dryers, computers, printers, camcorders, cell phones, GPS devices, and so on? Take a look and get a sense of what Consumer Reports sees as best and worst buys for each product--and what are the most cost-effective, the best quality for the money you pay. . . .
Especially relevant is the autombile section. When we are on the lookout for a new or used car, I take this volume with me and use it to evaluate what is available. Consumer Reports also has a service where it will give you auto cost data BEFORE you go to the dealer (whether used or new). Helps a lot in negotiating!
Anyhow, this book is a treasure. It has always been a welcome addition to my home library.
Especially relevant is the autombile section. When we are on the lookout for a new or used car, I take this volume with me and use it to evaluate what is available. Consumer Reports also has a service where it will give you auto cost data BEFORE you go to the dealer (whether used or new). Helps a lot in negotiating!
Anyhow, this book is a treasure. It has always been a welcome addition to my home library.
September 6, 2010
I love to start any/all of my product research with consumer reports only to inevitably find out that favored products really don't work that well in the real world (according to the rest of my research - talking to people, trolling the internet, reading other reviews and studies, talking to knowledgeable folks, etc). So good starting point but don't take this information as infallible. Oftentimes it is kind of out of date when it hits this book too. I do have a 3 yr subscription to the magazine, so I am a die hard fan, but got to take it, like anything, with a grain of salt.
December 5, 2008
This is the condensed version of Consumer Reports Magazine, in other words it cuts to the chase and provides brief databases and summaries of what the best values in electronics, computers, automobiles, power tools, etc. are. These guys provide a valuable resource and if you don't want to subscribe to their magazine this is the next best thing. Highly recommended.
July 3, 2008
I have read just about all of the consumer reports. I love them! I found the best car for my family that gets awsome mileage and a good amount of room. They still want a prius but this one is cheaper. it's a honda fit!
August 3, 2011
Reference book that helps make good decisions about picking good products.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews