• Automotive
    • Automobiles
    • ATVs
    • Auto Electronics
    • Car-Top Carriers
    • Motorcycles & Scooters
    • Previews & Trends
    • Shop Smart
    • Tires
    • Under the Hood

    Featured Automotive Articles

    • test1 160 106 test3 Fueling Efficiency: Auto Trends 2013 & Beyond

      Automakers are trimming excess vehicle pounds, downsizing their engines and adopting technologies such as turbocharging.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Consumers Digest’s 2013 Automotive Best Buys

      Forty-three recommendations across 12 categories.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Certified Preowned Buying Guide

      Haven’t thought about buying a certified preowned vehicle? Think again. 

    See All Automotive

    Automotive News

    • VW iBeetle will turn iPhone into car’s infotainment system

      April 22, 2013—Apple iPhone 5 owners will have a new accessory option—a car.

    • Ford, GM to create 9-speed transmissions in partnership

      April 16, 2013—Ford Motor and General Motors will co-develop nine- and 10-speed automatic transmissions that the automakers plan to use in future vehicles.

  • Appliances
    • Floor Care
    • Heating & Air Conditioning
    • Large Appliances
    • Small Appliances

    Featured Appliances Articles

    • test1 160 106 test3 Feature Attractions: Best Values in Microwave Ovens

      New features appear to deliver limited cooking benefits.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Refrigerators: The Newest Space Stations

      Enhanced versatility is the rule of the day.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Playing All the Angles: High-Performance Dishwashers

       The latest dishwashers are quieter, use less water and have more wash options than older models did.

    See All Appliances

    Appliances News

    • GE’s newest washer dries clothes overnight

      April 22, 2013—General Electric’s newest front-loading washing machine also can dry your clothes.

    • Study: Blenders, can openers harbor the most germs in your kitchen

      April, 12, 2013—What are the germiest kitchen products? You might be surprised by the answer.

  • Electronics
    • Audio
    • Auto Electronics
    • Batteries
    • Cameras & Camcorders
    • Computers & Accessories
    • Home Security
    • Navigation
    • Phones & Communication
    • Software
    • Streaming Audio/Video
    • Video

    Featured Electronics Articles

    • test1 160 106 test3 Off the Charts: Hand-Held GPS & Two-Way Radios

      New GPS receivers act as compasses and altimeters.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Making The Grade: Best Buys In Educational Software & Exceptional Apps For Kids

       You can’t count on the availability of CD-ROM, DVD-ROM and downloadable programs beyond 2013.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Streaming A/V Gear: Making the Right Connections

      Streaming-video boxes deliver more features than ever.

    See All Electronics

    Electronics News

    • U.S. Cellular plans to sell iPhone

      May 6, 2013—U.S. Cellular will start to sell the Apple iPhone later in 2013, according to multiple news reports.

    • Internet companies improve efforts to protect your data from government

      May 1, 2013—Internet companies increasingly take steps to block law enforcement or government agencies from getting access to your personal data, according to a report by an Internet privacy-rights group.

  • Home
    • Bathroom
    • Backyard
    • Bedroom
    • Buying & Owning
    • Doors & Windows
    • Furniture
    • Home Comfort
    • Kitchen
    • Power Tools
    • Security & Lighting
    • Sewing Machines
    • Storage
    • Water Filters & Softeners

    Featured Home Articles

    • test1 160 106 test3 Affordable Kitchen Makeovers: What’s Below the Surface: Top-Rated Kitchen Cabinets, Countertops & Flooring

      Makers of kitchen countertops and flooring have cooked up new features on their latest products.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Pouring It On: Innovative Kitchen Faucets & Sinks

      The latest faucets have higher spouts than ever before.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Whole-House Air Purifiers: Efficiency Report

      You should be wary about claims of overall effectiveness for whole-house air purifiers.

    See All Home

    Home News

    • AT&T enters home-security-system market

      April 26, 2013—AT&T is the latest telecommunications company to launch a home-security and home-monitoring service.

    • Homeowners start to get checks from mortgage-processing settlement

      April 10, 2013—Homeowners who reported foreclosure or loan-modification errors that were caused by mortgage-service companies will receive settlement checks beginning April 2013.

  • Health
    • Beauty
    • Diet & Exercise
    • Mobility
    • Doctors & Hospitals
    • Preventative
    • Treatment
    • Women

    Featured Health Articles

    • test1 160 106 test3 Medical Apps: Gambling With Your Health

       Some medical mobile applications do what they claim to do, but others just siphon bucks from your pocket.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Energy Drinks: Monster Claims, Empty Promises, Marketing to Children

      Consumers aren’t any closer to understanding what exactly is in energy drinks.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Home Fitness Equipment: A New Interactive Experience

      Ellipticals • Exercise Bikes • Home Gyms • Treadmills

    See All Health

    Health News

    • Beet and carrot beverages get FDA warning for botulism risk

      May 10, 2013—Food and Drug Administration warned consumers not to consume Juices Inc. juice products or other beverages.

    • Congress questions safety of DMAA

      May 10, 2013—Three members of a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee are looking into the safety of an ingredient that’s used in muscle-building supplements.

  • Travel & Recreation
    • ATVs
    • Bicycles
    • Binoculars
    • Boats & Personal Watercraft
    • Campers & RVs
    • Camping Gear
    • Car-Top Carriers
    • Destinations
    • Exercise Equipment
    • Game Tables
    • Leisure
    • Luggage
    • Motorcycles & Scooters
    • Music
    • Planning a Trip
    • Sewing Machines
    • Snowmobiles

    Featured Travel & Recreation Articles

    • test1 160 106 test3 Waterparks: Is Public Safety Going Down the Tubes?

      Because of a lack of nationwide regulation, waterpark visits might be an accident waiting to happen.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Amusement Parks: Top Attractions, Hottest Rides & Best Values

      Excitement is on the rise. So are admission prices and fees.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Car Rental: How to Avoid Being Taken for a Ride

      Disputes over damage claims and questionable tactics when companies rent recalled vehicles can spell trouble for you.

    See All Travel & Recreation

    Travel & Recreation News

    • Viking to set sail for ocean, sea cruises in 2015

      May 17, 2013—Viking River Cruises plans to expand to ocean and sea voyages in 2015.

    • Amusement-park injuries for children reach 4,400 per year

      May 1, 2013—A new study says 4,400 children are injured each year on amusement-park rides.

  • Family
    • Baby Gear
    • Children
    • Education
    • Pets
    • Senior Living

    Featured Family Articles

    • test1 160 106 test3 Making The Grade: Best Buys In Educational Software & Exceptional Apps For Kids

       You can’t count on the availability of CD-ROM, DVD-ROM and downloadable programs beyond 2013.

    • test1 160 106 test3 High-Tech Hearing Aids: Hearing Is Believing

      As technologies change in hearing-aids, consumers still must navigate a maze of confusion when it’s purchase time.

    • test1 160 106 test3 The Fleecing of America’s Elderly

      Government could do a lot more to protect seniors.

    See All Family

    Family News

    • FTC to field consumer questions during identity-theft workshop for senior citizens

      May 6, 2013—Senior citizens who have questions about identity theft can submit questions to Federal Trade Commission on May 7, 2013, as part of an agency workshop that will be broadcast on the Internet.

    • Telemarketers targeted seniors in medical-alert scam, FTC says

      March 11, 2013—Federal Trade Commission exposed another company for allegedly ripping off senior citizens.

  • Lawn & Garden
    • Outdoor Living
    • Snowthrowers
    • Yard Care

    Featured Lawn & Garden Articles

    • test1 160 106 test3 Swing Shift: Backyard Playsets Evolve

       You’ll want more space and you’ll spend more money to add horizontal climbing bars to your playset.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Grass Seed: Turf Wars: Separating Fact from Filler

      It’s unclear whether grass-seed manufacturers’ claims about their products are accurate.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Grounds Keepers: Top-Rated Lawnmowers & Tillers

      There are more zero-turn-radius riding models than ever before, and you’ll find more cordless electric walk-behind lawnmowers.

    See All Lawn & Garden

    Lawn & Garden News

    • Cub Cadet introduces first electric ZTR lawnmower

      April 5, 2013—The first Cub Cadet electric-powered zero-turn-radius riding lawnmower will arrive in stores this month.

    • First hybrid riding lawnmower can double as portable generator

      March 25, 2013—This spring, you can buy a riding lawnmower that cuts grass and saves gasoline—sort of.

  • Money
    • Banking & Credit Cards
    • College
    • Financial Planning
    • Insurance
    • Investing
    • Real Estate
    • Spending

    Featured Money Articles

    • test1 160 106 test3 Credit-Score Outrage

      Why the Ultimate Numbers Game Is Out of Control

    • test1 160 106 test3 Reality Check: Third-Party Bill-Payment Services

      Third-party bill-payment services, though desirable in theory, still are in their infancy.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Financial Forecast: Smart Money Moves for 2013

      Expert Picks • Investments • Interest Rates • Real Estate

    See All Money

    Money News

    • FTC to field consumer questions during identity-theft workshop for senior citizens

      May 6, 2013—Senior citizens who have questions about identity theft can submit questions to Federal Trade Commission on May 7, 2013, as part of an agency workshop that will be broadcast on the Internet.

    • Most wireless customers get overage alerts, FCC says

      April 19, 2013—The wireless telecommunication industry’s voluntary guidelines that are designed to prevent cellphone users from getting unexpected overage fees appears to be effective, according to Federal Communications Commission.

  • Special Reports
    • Consumer Protection
    • Dis-Services
    • Investigative Reports
    • Marketing: Behind the Scenes
    • The Green Consumer

    Featured Special Reports Articles

    • test1 160 106 test3 Energy Drinks: Monster Claims, Empty Promises, Marketing to Children

      Consumers aren’t any closer to understanding what exactly is in energy drinks.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Home-Security Services: Under Surveillance

      A lack of regulation can lead to unlicensed workers installing home-security systems.

    • test1 160 106 test3 Out of Control

      It’s bad enough that Americans pay $18 billion annually in cellphone fees and taxes. Now state and local governments are diverting that revenue to plug budget holes.

    See All Special Reports

    Investigative Reports

    • How to Avoid Computer-Repair Ripoffs

      Think twice before you take your computer to the nearest repair specialist. Many people are scammed by technicians who are moved more by profit than principle.

    • Grave Concerns: Digging Up the Dirt on Cemetery Scams

      You might face more than the grief of the loss of a loved one: grave desecration and double-sold plots.

  • A-Z Article Index
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  • Blood-Glucose Meters • Blood-Pressure Monitors • Body-Composition Monitors • Central Air Conditioners • Digital Camcorders • Digital Cameras • Ductless Split-System Air Conditioners • Duffel Bags, Wheeled Carry-On • Garment Bags, Wheeled Check-Through • Heart-Rate Monitors • Portable Air Conditioners • Pressure Washers • Room Air Conditioners • Sheds • Uprights •
  • Blood-Glucose Meters • Blood-Pressure Monitors • Body-Composition Monitors • Central Air Conditioners • Digital Camcorders • Digital Cameras • Ductless Split-System Air Conditioners • Duffel Bags, Wheeled Carry-On • Garment Bags, Wheeled Check-Through • Heart-Rate Monitors • Portable Air Conditioners • Pressure Washers • Room Air Conditioners • Sheds • Uprights •
May/June 2013

May/June 2013

Available at newsstands and in bookstores:
May 2, 2013

Editor's Note

Since 1961, Consumers Digest has devoted the time and effort to evaluate dozens of products in myriad categories to whittle down to the very best values that are on the market at various price points. Our editors also…

Read More

Departments

Car Smart

A little closer to driving luxury • Losing the wait at dealerships • Mercedes-Benz covers your back •  See All

Consumer Alert

Disney’s eye on you • Dog treats might cause problems • Drywall protection law falls short of intent •  See All

Healthy Living

A patch to treat migraine headaches • Actress talks thyroid disease • Aspirin might cause eye problems •  See All

Marketplace

Amazon sees life for CDs • Chipotle prices expected to climb • Delta marks up member dues •  See All

What's New

A fired-up charge • Big picture from small distance • Keeping better track of your luggage •  See All

Your Money

Broker bonuses raise flags • Commercial real estate has a solid future • ETF providers change indexes •  See All

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Smart Moves to Minimize Student-Loan Debt

New rules make it easy to borrow, but they also obscure your student-loan obligations.

Read More
test1 500 376 test3

Cool Aid—High-Efficiency Air Conditioners: Central • Room • Ductless Split Systems • Portable

Higher efficiency central air conditioners soon might appear at both ends of the price scale.

Read More
test1 500 376 test3

A Dangerous Practice: How Drug Companies Bend FDA Rules

Drugmakers want more freedom to market the use of so-called off-label prescriptions.

 

Read More

  • test1 139 77 test3 New rules make it easy to borrow, but they also…

  • test1 139 77 test3 Higher efficiency central air conditioners soon…

  • test1 139 77 test3 Drugmakers want more freedom to market the use…

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Special Section:

Next-Generation Digital Cameras

New cameras and camcorders address competition from smartphones.

 

Preventative

Health Monitors: How They Measure Up

Blood Glucose • Blood Pressure • Body Composition • Heart Rate

Medicare beneficiaries might not have access to the latest technological advancements.

Pets

Internet Pet Stores: Beware of Dogs

Plenty of online businesses will sell you pets, but you don’t always get what you expect.

Previews & Trends

Midyear Auto Intros: Around the Corner

Luxury, utility and fuel economy are the key attributes in a crop of early 2014 vehicles.

Luggage

Lightweight Luggage: Leaders of the Pack

Carry-On · Check-Through · Duffel Bags · Garment Bags

The latest luggage is designed to create more space when you use it and save more space when you store it.

 

Consumer Protection

Proceed with Caution: The Truth About Online Dating

Roughly 40 million people used at least one online dating service in 2012. The onus is on you to protect yourself.

Storage

New Developments In Outdoor Storage

Plus: Best Buys in Large, Vertical & Horizontal Sheds

Rising wood costs mean that the prices on large wood sheds have jumped during the past 4 years.

Power Tools

What a Blast: Top-Performing Pressure Washers

The first electric-powered pressure washers that have water-cooled motors have arrived.

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