07-09-2013, 05:38 PM | #31 | |
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07-15-2013, 11:57 AM | #32 | |
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I also read a snowblower report where they used sawdust instead of snow. Complete waste of time. Let's not forget their clear bias towards giving some manufacturers good ratings on new unproven models while not doing this for other manufacturers, and their tendancy to ignore some data for years, like Honda transmission issues. Honest and blunt? I could go on and on with specific examples of their foolishness. But I think the point is made. The biggest problem with CR is that you have no idea what their ratings mean because they don't release their actual numbers. The difference between a black circle and a red circle is not a tangible fact and in many cases statistically irrelevant. But that's what happens when you relate everything to averages rather than what a consumer should reasonable expect. Many products with black circle ratings are still quite able to do the intended job well. Many are not. Sometimes they will tell you this in the article. Sometimes they won't. You are certainly right in that their reports are not for techies, hobbyists, or enthusiasts. Trouble with that is that techies, hobbyists, and enthusiasts are the best equipped to know what is to be expected of the product. |
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07-15-2013, 01:24 PM | #33 | |||
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07-15-2013, 07:35 PM | #34 |
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Every single time I read a consumer-choice type article about a subject on which I actually have knowledge, I cringe and shake my head. I remember a Choice review of espresso machines here a while back, in which they ended up recommending a rubbish machine based partly on the fact that it had a lightweight portafilter.
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07-15-2013, 07:50 PM | #35 | |
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It's not just eReaders where they only review selected models. The same is true of their articles on bicycles, or laundry detergent, or vacuum cleaners, or just about anything. There are far more products made than they can afford to review. |
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07-17-2013, 03:32 PM | #36 | ||
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You simply cannot gain much knowledge blowing sawdust in the summer. Sawdust is not snow. Not to mention they are not designed to be operated in 80 degree weather which can have a huge impact on how they run and how smoothly things operate. I'm not sure why anybody would try to argue it makes for a useful review. If they are unable to do a proper review, they shouldn't do it at all. Period. But they do anyway, which is why they have so little credibility. |
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07-17-2013, 07:06 PM | #37 | |
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In particular, a lot of the low water usage front-loaders really skimp on the rinse cycle, and compensate by telling you to use less detergent. You can get away with that if your clothes are not particularly dirty, but IMHO it's cutting corners. |
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07-17-2013, 07:42 PM | #38 | |
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07-18-2013, 06:43 PM | #39 | ||
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When the federal government mandated that the machines use less water, Consumer Reports didn't attack the law, but they did pan a bunch of the new washers: Quote:
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