New netbooks add some brawn, but are they still a good buy?

Product Review
In the beginning, netbooks were modest devices. Most lacked the giddyup to even run Windows. Now, netbooks have grown up to the point where even basic models perform many everyday tasks with ease, and a new class of netbooks is starting to challenge full-sized laptops when it comes to getting things done. But this [...]

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Getting prepared for a hurricane

Product Review

It’s that time of year. Hurricane Earl is set to become the first big storm  of 2010 to let its presence be felt in the United States. Hurricane warnings and watches are in effect on the east coast, and experts are closely monitoring Earl’s track to see just how far north is effects might [...]

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Fast facts about slow cookers

Product Review

When it comes to choosing a slow cooker, you have many brands to pick from. But one manufacturer, Hamilton Beach, stands out when it comes to producing what pros and consumers alike say are the best slow cookers available. Three Hamilton Beach slow cookers make the list of Best Reviewed products in our latest [...]

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1.3 million Garmin GPS units recalled for overheating/fire risk

Product Review
Garmin GPS units are hot items — both figuratively and literally, it seems. Reviews bear that out, as the nuvi series of automotive GPS devices sweeps ConsumerSearch’s Best Reviewed categories in our most recent full report. Unfortunately, Garmin has identified a potentially dangerous overheating problem when certain third-party batteries produced within a specific date [...]

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Finding a green dishwasher detergent that works

Product Review
Choosing a green dishwasher detergent can be tricky. Dishwasher detergents are usually classified as “green” when their formulas exclude phosphates. Phosphates — once a common ingredient in many mainstream detergents — are used to soften water and deliver more powerful cleaning.  Since they can also be toxic to marine life, however, 16 states have [...]

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Blu-ray goes mainstream

Product Review
Once considered something only for well-heeled videophiles, Blu-ray has now become a part of many home theater setups. Home Media Magazine quotes research that reports 18 percent of homes with a TV will have a Blu-ray player to go with it by the end of the year. There are plenty of reasons for that. [...]

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You have questions, ConsumerSearch has answers

Product Review
It’s time to dip into the ConsumerSearch mailbag again and answer some reader email. Whether it’s a question, a comment (or even a complaint), we love to hear from users, and we love helping them find solutions to their problems. Read on for a sampling of the latest notes from our readers.

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Are current 3D TVs already obsolete?

Product Review
While there are many hurdles standing in the way of 3D TV’s widespread adoption (including high cost, lack of content and even fears that watching 3D TV could make you sick), but the requirement for expensive and sometimes-uncomfortable glasses to see the 3D effect is one of the most significant. Though consumer electronics manufacturers [...]

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Best leaf blowers to make leaves leave

Product Review
Leaf blowers can make quick work of backyard clean ups, but as the experts at This Old House magazine note, it’s important to pick one that’s capable of handling the work you have for it. Choices range from small, handheld leaf blowers that are most suitable for clearing leaves from a patio, to walk-behind [...]

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Honda, Lexus among the best midsize SUVS

Product Review
Look around the parking lot the next time you hit your local supermarket or big-box store. Chances are, the spaces are littered with midsize SUVs and crossovers. As family vehicles go, the midsizers cover a lot of territory, accomodating anywhere from five to eight passengers depending on make, model and equipment levels. Often, the [...]

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