Table Of Content

4-YEAR INDEX 311 4-YEAR INDEX TO CONSUMER REPORTS his index indicates when the last full report on a given subject was published in ConsuMER Reports. In the text below, bold type indicates Ratings reports or brand-name discussions; italic type indicates corrections, followups, or updates. A Ratings, model year 2008 Apr 08, 30 Air cleaners Dec 07, 48 reliability Air conditioners, room Jul 08, 32 ratings Apr 08, 86 Airlines Jul 07, 17 trends Apr 07, 20 safety Mar 07, 16 safety Alternative medicine Aug 05, 39 innovations Apr 07, 26 Appliances Dec 07, 36 laws, rear-visibility standards Jun 08, 61 stores Aug 08, 44 Ratings Apr 07, 76 Arthritis, myths & misconceptions Jun 06, 12 scratch removers Sep 07, 49 Assisted living Jul 05, 28 sneak peaks Apr 08, 18 Automobiles & automotive equipment technological problems Apr 06, 33 batteries Nov 08, 50 tires Nov 07, 58 child car seats Oct 07, 48 run-flat Jun 07, 49 collision safety tips Aug 07, 16 SUV and pickup Nov 08, 46 CR's dream car Apr 05, 18 top picks for 2006 Apr 06, 6 financing options Apr 05, 20 top picks for 2007 Apr 07, 6 fuel-cell vehicles Oct 07, 21 top picks for 2008 Apr 08, 6 fuel economy used cars Oct 08, 44 inaccurate ratings Oct 05, 20 best and worst Apr 08, 82 fuels, ethanol Oct 06, 15 warranties, extended Apr 08, 24 headlight bulbs, premium Jan 06, 47 wax Jul 06, 47 hybrid, costs Apr 06, 18 windshield wipers Nov 08, 45 hybrid electric and alternative fuel vehicles Oct 08, 40 B making automobiles last Oct 07, 18 Bank accounts, automatic transfer Nov 08, 12 manual transmission vehicles Oct 08, 39 Banks Sep 06, 12 manufacturers Apr 08, 16 Bargaining Nov 07, 19 mechanic rip-offs Apr 06, 34 Bathroom remodeling Aug.05, 20 model-year 2006 preview Oct 05, 12 Batteries Nov 06, 24 model year 2007 preview Oct 06, 12 auto (See Automobiles & automotive model year 2008 preview Oct 06, 24 equipment) model year 2009 preview Oct 08, 48 Beer Jul 07, 23 new models Oct OS, 16 Bicycles Jun 06, 30 new or redesigned for 2006 Oct O05, 15 exercise (See Exercise equipment, home) new or redesigned for 2007 Apr 06, 12 Blood glucose monitors Sep 08, 47 online shopping Apr 07, 21 Blocd pressure monitors Sep 08, 47 profiles 2005 Apr 05, 40 Blow: rs Sep 07, 46 profiles 2006 Apr 06, 39 profiles 2007 Apr 07, 47 c profiles 2008 Apr 08, 44 Cabinets Aug 08, 27 Ratings, model year 2005 Apr 05, 30 Caicium supplements Jan 05, 22 Ratings, model year 2006 Apr 06, 23 Cameras, digital Jul 08, 20 Ratings, model year 2067 Apr 07, 34 large Jul 08, 25 312 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2009 reliability Jul 08, 29 Dishwashers Aug 08, 42 SLR Jul 08, 22 Doctor visits, improving Feb 07, 32 small Jul 08, 22 Drain cleaners Nov 06, 12 subcompact Oct 08, 33 Drills and drivers, cordless Nov 08, 42 Carbon-monoxide detectors Sep 05, 42 Drugs Cereal bars Sep 06, 16 best buys Jan 08, 27 Cereals Nov 08, 16 common, risks of Jan 06, 34 Chainsaws. See Saws Dryers, see Clothes dryers Chicken safety Jan 07, 20 DVD players Dec 07, 32 Chips, tortilla Sep O5, 28 high definition Aug 06, 51 Chocolates, boxed Feb 05, 27 DVD recorders Mar O05, 24 Circular saws Aug O05, 44 Clothes dryers Feb 08, 45 . Coffee Dec 04, 47 EBay Aug 07, 12 Coffeemakers Dec 04, 50 Electronics stores Nov 07, 22 Computers Elliptical exercisers, see Exercise equipment, backup hard drives Sep 06, 30 home desktop Sep 08, 37 Energy saving measures Oct 08, 20 laptop Sep 08, 37 Energy Star rating system Oct 08, 24 monitors Jun 08, 28 Everyday products May 08, 12 printers (See Printers) Exercise Jan O05, 12 security Sep 06, 20 Exercise equipment, home Jan 05, 17 software bikes & treadmills Feb 06, 21; Jun 06, 10 filtering Mar O5, 36 elliptical exercisers Feb 08, 27 photo Jul 07, 38 infomercial claims Feb 08, 22 security Sep 08, 33 treadmills Feb 08, 27 stores Dec 05, 30 Eyeglasses Nov 06, 48 technical support Jun 08, 30 troubleshooting Jun 06, 21 F Condoms and other contraception Feb 05, 34; Facial cleansers Sep O7, 24 Mar 05, 10; Apr 05, 11 Faucets Aug 07, 43 Contact lenses Mar 07, 44 Financial advisers Feb 06, 29; Mar 06, 10 Cooktops Aug 08, 34 Financial tips Mar 08, 45 Cookware Dec 05, 42 Financing home improvements Aug 06, 38 Cooling, home Jui 08, 32; Sep 08, 10 Flooring Aug 08, 24 Counterfeit products Jan 08, 12 Food processors Dec 06, 40 Countertops Aug 08, 22 Food safety, livestock feed and Jan 05, 26 Credit cards Oct 08, 16 Food shopping Oct 06, 36 medical Jul 08, 14 Foods rewards programs Jul 08, 12; Oct 08, 6 mail-order Dec 06, 38 Credit scores Aug 05, 16; Nov 05, 10 organic Feb 06, 12 Freezers Oct 05, 46 D Frequent-flyer programs Oct 05, 24 Data mining. See Personal data, sale of Furniture, outdoor Jul 05, 40 Dating services, online Dec 06, 43 Decks (for homes) Jui 08, 36 G treatments & stains Jul 07, 47; Jul 08, 36 Generators Oct 06, 60 Detergents Gifts Dec 07, 16 dishwasher Mar 05, 39; Jun 05, 10 electronic Jan 08, 16 laundry Jan 07, 43 shopping for Dec 07, 21 Diet books & plans Jun O7, 12 Glasses, eye. See Eyeglasses Digital converters, see Television Giues Oct 07, 42 Digital recording Jun 07, 26 GPS units, portable Jun 08, 18 Digital video recorders Nov 07, 34 Granolas Sep 06, 16 Dishwasher detergents, see Detergents Grills, gas Jun 08, 33 4-YEAR INDEX H M Headsets, Bluetooth Jan 08, 43 Mail-order entrees, see Foods Health-care Mattresses Jun O05, 12 costs Sep 07, 16 Medical questions, embarrassing Feb 07, 38 platforms, presidential candidates’ Nov 08, Medical records, electronic network 18 Mar 06, 39 ripoffs Nov 07, 12 Medicare prescription drug benefits serious illness Jul 08, 40; Aug 08, 10 Feb 06, 34 system, fixing Mar 08, 14 Microwave ovens Feb 08, 36 Health clubs Feb 08, 30 over-the-range Aug 08, 34 Health insurance. See Insurance MP3 players Nov 06, 38 Home buying, selling & remodeling Sep 08, 18 Mutual funds Feb O7, 16 Home construction, shoddy Dec 04, 26 Home gyms. See Exercise equipment, home N Home improvement, financing. See Financing Nanotechnology Jul 07, 40 home improvements Nursing homes Sep 06, 38 Home-theater systems Dec 07, 34 Hot dogs Jul 07, 20 o Hotels Jul 07, 12; Aug 07, 10 Online dating services, see Dating services Organizers, closet & garage Jul 06, 42 t Outlet stores May 06, 19 Identity loss, government agencies and Sep Ovens 08, 28 quick-cooking Nov 08, 39 Ink, printer, see Printers wall (see Wall ovens) Insurance automobile Mar 06, 48 P credit score’s effect on premiums Aug 06, 43 Packaging, hard-to-open Mar 07, 12 health Pain relief, non-drug treatments May 06, 44 HMOs vs. PPOs Sep 07, 21 Paints & stains individual Jan 08, 22 exterior Jun 08, 38 Internet interior Mar 08, 33 hazards Sep 07, 28 Personal data, sale of Oct 06, 41 home networking Sep 05, 22 Photo editing, digital Jul 05, 19 security Sep O05, 12; Sep 08, 23 Photo finishing Jul 06, 35 common mistakes Sep 08, 26 Photo organizing, digital Jul 05, 20 Internet service providers (ISPs) Feb 07, 24 Photo printing Jui O05, 22 photo printers (see Printers) J Photo software. see Computers, software Joint health suppiements, see Supplements, Photography, summer Jul 06, 32 dietary Popcorn Sep 07, 26 Power drills. See Drills and drivers, cordless K Pressure washers Jul 05, 46; Oct 05, 10 Kitchen remodeling. See Remodeling Printers Nov 08, 41 Knives, kitchen Dec 05, 43 ink Jul 06, 40 photo printers Jul 08, 28 L Privacy, see Personal data, sale of Ladders Jul 06, 42 Probiotics Jul 05, 34 Laundry detergents, see Detergents Product labels Mar 08, 12 Laundry rooms Jul 06, 23 Lawn care May 08, 18 R Lawn mowers May 08, 22 Radio, satellite Feb 06, 46 Lawn tractors, see Tractors Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags Lead test kits Sep 08, 43 Jun 06, 33 ; Lightbulbs, compact fluorescent Oct 07, 28 Radon test kits Sep 08, 43 Locks, door Oct 05, 36 Range hoods Aug 06, 28 314 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2009 Ranges Aug 08, 34 Telephones Receivers Dec 04, 37 cellular Jan O08, 36; Oct 08, 31 Refrigerators Aug 08, 31 choosing Jan 07, 24 compact Oct 08, 32 headsets Feb 05, 25 Reliability, various products May 07, 12 smart Jan 07, 35; Nov 07, 50 Remodeling, kitchen Aug 08, 18 cordless Oct 08, 33 contractors Aug 07, 48 Television Repairs vs. replacement Nov 08, 41 cable vs. satellite Nov O05, 22 Restaurant chains Jul 06, 12 digital converters Nov 08, 40 Retirement Television services Mar O7, 22 investment strategies Jan 05, 32 Television sets Dec 07, 22 savings, 12 mistakes Feb 08, 16 buying Mar 07, 25 tips Feb 08, 20 conventional Dec 06, 29 front projection Nov 05, 36 Ss high definition Dec 06, 18; Mar 07, 20 Salmon, “wild,” mislabeled Aug 06, 15 LCD Oct 08, 32 Salsa Sep 05, 28 picture quality Mar 07, 28 Satellite radio, see Radio, satellite plasma Mar O08, 18 Saws projection Dec 06, 26 chain Oct 06, 60 rear- Mar 08, 18 miter & table Jun 07, 38 repairs Mar 08, 28 Scams Sep 07, 12 Tents Jul 05, 48 Sheets Aug 05, 36 Testimonials Jan 06, 32 Shoes, running Aug 08, 48 Ticket resellers Aug 08, 12 Shower heads Aug 05, 30 Tires. See Automobiles & automotive Sinks equipment , bathroom Aug 05, 26 Toilets Aug 05, 33 kitchen Aug 07, 43 Toolkits, cordless Nov 08, 42 Sleep Sep 08, 12 Toothpastes Aug 06, 12 Sofas Jan 05, 36 Top products Nov 08, 23 Speakers, soundbar Nov 08, 40 Tortilla chips, see Chips, tortilla Spending, reducing Aug 08, 16 Tractors, lawn May 08, 22 Store brand products Aug 05, 12 Treadmills, see Exercise equipment, home Stoves. See Ranges Tuna safety Jun 06, 20 Supermarkets Oct 06, 36 Supplements, dietary v joint health Jun 06, 19 Vacuum cleaners Oct 08, 34 vitamin Feb 06, 19 wet/dry Mar 07, 40 Surgery Vitamin supplements, see Supplements, joint replacement Jun 06, 15 dietary weight-loss Jan 06, 24 Sweeteners Oct Q7, 16 w Wali ovens Aug 08, 34 + o Warehouse clubs May 07, 16; Jul 07, 10 Tanning, indoor Feb 05, 30 Washing machines Feb 08, 45 Tea, iced Jul 06, 18 Water filters May 07, 38 Telecommunications services, bundled Feb Water heaters, tankless Oct 08, 28 08, 33 Whirtpool bathtubs Aug 05, 28 Telephone service Windows Oct 07, 34 cellular Jan 08, 30 Wine Dec 07, 42 911 calls and Jan 07, 37 Wrinkle creams Jan 07, 12 choosing Jan 07, 24 : service plans Feb 05, 18 Internet Feb 05, 16 saving money on Feb 05, 12 BUYING GUIDE INDEX A Decking, 63 LCD televisions, see Televi- Air conditioners, 59 Ratings, 227 sion Ratings, 205 Dehumidifiers, 66 Leasing an automobile, see Automobiles, 113 Ratings, 231 Automobiles buying tips, 115 Desktop computers, see extras, unnecessary, 123 Computers & periptierals aM leasing, 121 Digital cameras, see Cameras Mattresses & mattress top- Ratings, 127 Digital picture frames, see pers, 73 reliability, 169 Picture frames Microwave ovens, 45 reviews, 138 Digital television, see Ratings, 266 tires (see Tires) Television Monitors, 105 used, 163 Dishwashers, 43 Mowers, see Lawn mowers Ratings, 241 Drills & drivers, cordless, 61 N Bathroom fixtures, 39 Ratings, 225 Notebook computers, see Blu-ray players, see DVD Dryers. see Clothes dryers Computers & peripherais, players DVD players, 26 laptop c Blu-ray, 27 Camcorders, 15 Ratings, 247 9 Online shopping, see Ratings, 208 F Retailers Carmeelriaabsi,li ty1,9 238 Fans, ceiling, see Ceiling fans Ovens Flooring, 67 microwave (see Microwave SsmLaRl,l , RaRtaitnignsg,s , 23263 3 Ratings, 249 ovens) wall (see Wall ovens) Cars, see Automobiles G Ceiling fans, 60 SPS units, 98 Pp Cellular phones, see Tele- Ratings, 255 Paints & stains phones Grills, gas, 69 exterior, 75 Clothes dryers, 52 Ratings, 252 Ratings, 270 Ratings, 245 Guide to the Guide, 5 interior, 77 Computers & peripherals, 83 Ratings, 272 desktop, 89 H Picture frames, digital, 24 Ratings, 216 Heaters, see Space heaters Ratings, 239 laptop, 92 Ratings, 218 Home & yard, 57 Plasma televisions, see Home entertainment, 13 Television monitors (see Monitors) Printers, 107 printers (see Printers) K all-in-one, Ratings, 275 Consumer Reports, 6 Kitchen, 39 Ratings, 278 auto testing, 114 counters (see Countertops) Programmable thermostats, Cooktops, 46 remodeling, 40 see Thermostats Ratings, 222 Cordless telephones, see L R CoTrdelleespsh ontoeosl s. see Drills & Lapputtoepr s co&m ppuetreirpshe,r aslese Com- RaRnagteisn,g s,4 6 279 Codurnitveerrst,o pcso,r d4i1e ss LLaauwnnd rym,o we3r9s , 71 RefRraitignegrsa,t or2s0,3 49 D Ratings, 259 Ratings, 285 Deck treatments, 64 Lawn tractors, 71 Remodeling, kitchen, see Ratings, 229 Ratings, 263 Kitchen 316 CONSUMER REPORTS BUYING GUIDE 2009 Retailers, 7 cordless, 96 v appliance, 7 Television, 31 Vacuum cleaners, 80 computers, 7 digital, 14 Ratings, 300 electronics, 7 LCD sets, 33 Ratings, 294 Ww s plasma sets, 34 Wall ovens, 46 Smart phones, see Tele- Ratings, 298 Ratings, 305 phones, cellular Thermostats, programmable, Washing machines, 52 Space heaters, 79 78 Ratings, 307 Stains, see Deck treatments; Ratings, 289 Paints & stains Tires, 124 Y Stores, see Retailers Ratings, 196 Yard & home, see Home & Toilets, 55 yard T Tractors, see Lawn tractors Telephones, 83 cellular, 85 u Ratings, 211 Used automobiles, see smart, 110 Automobiles Ratings, 291