Picture-tube TVs

As new technologies take over, conventional television models dwindle in number but deliver a lot of bang for your buck

Familiar picture-tube TVs continue to be big sellers, mostly at prices below $500. In the HDTV arena, they're being overshadowed by flat-panel LCD and plasma sets and big-screen projection models.

With manufacturers shifting their focus to these newer TV technologies, there are fewer new tube TVs coming on the market. Still, the best tube-based HDTVs offer outstanding performance and proven reliability at low prices. But the maximum screen size is limited to 36 inches, and these are getting harder to find.


WHAT’S AVAILABLE



Among the better-selling brands are JVC, Magnavox, Philips, RCA, Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba. Picture-tube TVs can be either analog (the kind of set you've been watching for years) or digital models (including HD sets). Analog TVs can display only standard-definition signals, like those used for most TV broadcasts. Standard definition is called 480i because images contain up to 480 lines that are drawn on screen in an interlaced pattern (hence the letter "i"), first the odd lines and then the even, 30 times a second.

Most digital tube TVs can display HD signals with a resolution of 1080i (1,080 lines with an interlaced scan) or 720p (720 lines scanned progressively, in one sweep). These HD images are much sharper and more detailed than standard definition. A few manufacturers have introduced standard-definition (SD) digital models, not to be confused with HDTVs. These accept not only SD signals but also HD signals, which they convert to 480i. Picture quality may be slightly better than with an analog set because digital signals tend to be cleaner than analog.

Size and shape. Most picture-tube TVs have a screen that measures 13 to 34 inches diagonally. There are fewer of the largest sets, with 36-inch screens, possibly because other technologies such as plasma and LCD are coming on strong. HD sets generally have screens 26 inches or larger. On analog sets, the screens are usually squarish, with an aspect ratio of 4:3, meaning they're four units wide for every three units high. Some HD sets have a 4:3 screen, but more have a 16:9 wide screen with proportions similar to that of a movie-theater screen. One of the downsides to picture-tube sets is that they're relatively bulky and heavy, about 2 feet deep and up to 200 pounds in larger sizes. A few slimmer sets that measure about 16 inches deep were recently introduced. Samsung's 30-inch wide-screen SlimFit HDTV sells for about $800. Though slimmer, these sets are no lighter.

Features. Generally, the larger the screen, the higher the price and the more features and inputs for other video devices. Most sets with screens measuring 26 inches and larger have flat screens, high-quality video inputs, universal remotes, and simulated surround sound.

Price. Analog-tube TVs that display only standard definition are the least-expensive type of set, but they're becoming less common as HD models attract more interest. Analog 13-inch sets start at $75 or so; 27-inch sets start at $200; 32-inch sets start at about $350; and 36-inch sets start at $600. A 27-inch HDTV monitor capable of displaying HD typically sells for $400 to $600. Most 30-inch wide-screen HDTVs start at $800.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Televisions using the familiar picture-tube technology are the least-expensive option, and some offer fine picture quality.

Decide on a screen size. TVs with small screens (less than 27 inches) are likely to have fewer bells and whistles than larger sets. You also need to consider the size of your room to allow for enough distance so that you don't see the lines that make up the images.

Decide whether you want HD image quality. HDTVs can display sharper, finer images than conventional analog TVs, whether you're watching HDTV programming, standard TV programming, or DVD movies. Even with standard (non-HD) signals from a good cable connection, a satellite signal, or a DVD player, the picture quality can be better than a conventional set's. But with a poor analog signal, like the worst channels from regular cable, an HDTV can make the images look worse because the digital circuitry can't always differentiate the noise from the real signal.

While standard-definition TVs can't match HD for picture quality, some offer very good or excellent non-HD images that may suit you fine. Only firsthand experience will enable you to decide whether the extra quality of HD is worth the extra cost. Though HD sets cost less than they used to, they still command a premium over a comparable analog set.

Decide between an HD monitor and an integrated HDTV. If you're among the majority of consumers who get their HD via cable or satellite, you can save money by buying an HD monitor, which requires an external tuner to receive any TV signals. Integrated sets cost more, and they generally require a cable box or satellite receiver anyway. Digital-cable-ready sets that use CableCards are the most expensive type, and as noted above, this first generation doesn't offer interactive program guides or video-on-demand via remote control.

Consider the shape. A screen with the familiar 4:3 aspect ratio is a good choice for regular TV programming, which is formatted for this squarish shape. Most DVD movies and a growing number of HDTV programs are formatted for wide screen. We believe a wide-screen TV will give you a better HD experience now and be preferable for all viewing in a few years. But 4:3 sets cost less. Content formatted for one screen shape must be modified to fit the other, so you might see bars on two sides or above and below the image. Most 16:9 HD sets can stretch or zoom images to eliminate the bars, but this can distort the picture or cut off the edges.

Mixers

Match the machine to the way you prepare foods. But you may find you need more than one. Which food-prep appliance best suits your style and the foods you prepare? Hand mixers can handle light chores such as whipping cream or mixing cake batter. And powerful stand mixers are ideal for cooks who make bread and cookies from scratch.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE



The big push in mixers is for more power, which is useful for handling heavy dough. You'll find everything from heavy-duty models offering the most power and the largest mixing bowls to light-service machines that are essentially detachable hand mixers resting on a stand. Models vary in power from about 200 to 700 watts. Sales of light-duty, convenient hand mixers have held their own in recent years.

KitchenAid owns about half the stand-mixer market; Hamilton Beach and Sunbeam are the next best-selling brands. Price range: $40 to $400.

Black & Decker, Hamilton Beach, and Sunbeam are the dominant brands among hand mixers. Price range: $10 to $75.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Decide how much mixer you need. Just about any stand or hand mixer will do for all those simple mixing and whipping chores. But if you're a dedicated baker, you'll probably want to invest in a heavy, powerful stand mixer, because it can knead even two loaves' worth of bread dough with ease.

Downplay wattage and number of speed settings. Manufacturers stress wattage and number of speeds, but neither figure necessarily translates into better performance. For example, some stand mixers have as many as 16 speeds; some hand mixers have 9. We think three well-differentiated speeds are sufficient. The slower the lowest speed, the better; slow speeds prevent spattering.

Speeds should be clearly indicated. With some of the inexpensive hand mixers we tested, the switch you use to select speeds didn't line up well with the speed markings.

Consider size and weight. Hand mixers should feel well balanced and comfortable to hold; most that we tested did. Size and weight can be a concern with stand mixers--some weigh more than 20 pounds--but their heft gives them the stability to handle tough jobs.

All the stand mixers that we tested have heads that tilt up. Make sure that you will have enough clearance if you plan to keep the mixer on a counter below a cupboard.

Consider beater style and motion. Most of the top-performing hand mixers have wire beaters without the thick center post found on traditional-style beaters. The wire beaters performed well and were easier to clean.

Light-duty stand mixers typically have stationary beaters and a bowl that sits on a revolving turntable. The bowl sometimes needs a push to keep spinning.

Strollers

Having a new baby can be a walk in the park--with the right stroller, of course. A stroller is one of the most important pieces of baby gear you'll buy. And as your baby grows, you may end up with more than one. Many parents buy a traditional stroller for everyday use plus a lighter-weight one for traveling. You may even want a more rugged stroller for jogging or simply negotiating uneven sidewalks and curbs. City streets are deceptively hard on strollers.

There are dozens of choices on the market, including umbrella strollers, carriages, travel systems, jogging strollers, and models designed to carry two or more children. You can also find a bare-bones frame that accepts almost any infant seat.

For a newborn, consider a fully reclining stroller with leg holes you can close. Another option is buying a stroller that is not for a newborn but that allows you to attach an infant car seat, usually made by the same manufacturer. When your child reaches 6 months old or is able to control his/her head and neck movements, you then can use the stroller alone, without the infant seat snapped in. Another alternative is a travel system, which consists of an infant car seat, a car-seat base, and a stroller. They are increasingly popular.

Some strollers now have air-filled tires for a more comfortable ride. This adds a maintenance chore, however. Five-point harnesses, a safety feature that better secures baby, are almost standard on higher-priced models. Most strollers these days also have cup holders and trays for parents and for the child. Some are even rigged for sound, an added feature that will, of course, cost you.

Strollers that don't fully recline or that can't accommodate an infant car seat are fine for babies older than 6 months, when they are no longer vulnerable to slipping through the leg openings.


SHOPPING SECRETS



Select it yourself. Strollers are popular baby gifts and shower presents. Still, you should shop for a stroller yourself (then register for it at a department or baby store) if you want to receive it as a gift because you're the best judge of how you intend to use it. If you receive a stroller you didn't select yourself, make sure you want to keep it. Strollers, like cars, are highly personal buying decisions. You'll probably use your stroller often, and your baby will spend a lot of time in it. You should love the one you end up with.

Don't go by price alone. A higher price doesn't always mean higher quality. Consumer Reports tests have shown that some economical strollers can perform as well as or even better than models priced hundreds of dollars more. Even the most sophisticated models can suffer typical stroller flaws: malfunctioning wheels, frames that bend out of shape, locking mechanisms that fail, safety belts that come loose, or buckles that break.

Don't assume lighter is better. Thanks to design changes during the past decade or so, strollers have become smaller, lighter, and easier to maneuver. Increasingly, manufacturers are forgoing steel for aluminum, which can reduce stroller weight by a few pounds, though it raises the price substantially. But lighter strollers may not hold up as well, especially if you're an urban dweller. You'll need a model that can take cobblestones, curbs, and disjointed sidewalks--again and again.

Give it a test drive. When you're shopping, take the models you're considering for a spin in the store. Practice the one-arm, open-close move--try opening, folding, and lifting the stroller with one hand--because your other arm will often be holding your baby. Make sure you can stand tall when you push the stroller and that your legs and feet don't hit the wheels as you walk. If both you and your spouse are going to be using the stroller, you should both try it out. Some models have adjustable handles, an important feature if one parent is significantly taller than the other.

If possible, take the floor model of the stroller you're considering out to your car to be sure that it will fit in your trunk when it's folded. Also, jiggle the stroller. The frame should feel solid, not loose. Compare maneuverability.

Consider your baby's age. Newborns can't sit up, so they need a stroller that allows them to lie on their backs for the first few months of life or one that accepts an infant car seat. Avoid traditional strollers that don't recline--including umbrella-style strollers--until your child can sit up, usually at about 6 months of age. Some strollers that do fully recline aren't appropriate for newborns because they have large leg openings that could trap and possibly strangle a baby. Infants need to have the foot area/legholes covered to prevent them from sliding out or being strangled.

Think about where you'll do most of your strolling. City dwellers who rely on subways, buses, and cabs are going to need a lightweight but sturdy stroller that folds quickly and compactly. Suburban parents who drive a lot may find that a travel system better suits their needs. It's easier to get baby in and out of the car and stroller in the detachable infant car seat. If you're athletic, you might also want a jogging stroller to use during runs or serious walking workouts. If you live in the country, on the beach, in a snowy climate, or walk on unpaved trails, an all-terrain model may be what you need.

Size up storage capabilities. A stroller with a large shopping basket makes life easier for those who get around town mostly on foot. If you opt for a model that reclines, make sure you can reach the basket if the seat back is reclined, or, if it's a travel system, when the infant car seat is in place.

Evaluate warranties and return policies. Most stroller manufacturers and retailers have warranties that cover poor workmanship and inherent flaws. But they won't necessarily take the unit back if it malfunctions in some way. Manufacturers may either refer you to the store for a replacement or insist that you ship the stroller back for repair--at your expense--leaving you stranded without baby wheels. Your best bet is to purchase the stroller from a store, catalog, or Web site that offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Check certification. Somewhere on a stroller's frame or carton there should be a certification sticker showing that the stroller meets the minimum requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials voluntary standard and that its manufacturer participates in the pass/fail certification program administered by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. The key tests are for safety belts, brakes, leg openings, and locking mechanisms that prevent accidental folding, as well as for stability and the absence of sharp edges. The program is voluntary, and models from uncertified companies may be as safe as those from certified ones. But all things being equal, choose a certified model. Companies that are certified are: Baby Trend, Britax, Bugaboo, Delta, Dorel, Evenflo, Graco, Hauck Fun for Kids, J. Mason, Kolcraft, Maclaren, and Peg Perego.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



The biggest-selling brands of single strollers are, in alphabetical order: Baby Trend, Combi, Dorel (makers of Cosco, Eddie Bauer, and Safety 1st), Evenflo, Graco, Kolcraft, Maclaren, and Peg Perego. Brands that are gaining ground include Baby Jogger, Bob, Bugaboo, Instep, Mountain Buggy, Silver Cross, Stokke, and Zooper.


FOR BABIES YOUNGER THAN 6 MONTHS

Because newborns can't sit up without support, they can't ride in a standard stroller. You'll find the following basic choices for this age group:

* Seat carrier frames. These lightweight, empty frames are designed to roll an infant car seat around, using it as the passenger compartment.

Pros: Inexpensive, compact, and convenient.

Cons: Both the car seat and the frame can no longer serve as your stroller once your child outgrows the seat (typically at about a year).

Price range: $50 to more than $60.

* Travel systems. These combine a stroller and infant car seat and are for use with newborns to toddlers. With some models you can use either the stroller or car seat with a newborn; in others, you use the car seat until the child outgrows it, usually at about 22 pounds, then switch to using the stroller alone.

Pros: Allows you to move a sleeping baby in the infant car seat undisturbed from car to stroller.

Cons: If you select the car seat first, you have to live with the stroller it mates with (and vice versa). An alternative is to choose a stroller that accepts car seats from a number of different manufacturers.

Price range: $100 to more than $400.

* Carriage/strollers. These models have backrests that fully recline, providing sleeping space for infants. Once your child can sit up--at about 6 months--this type can convert to a stroller configuration. Some units have large, spoked wheels and compartments that can be removed and used as a bassinet. But they are no longer very popular and few manufacturers produce them. Make sure that the leg openings can be closed off to prevent a reclining infant from slipping through and becoming entrapped or strangled.

Pros: Can be used for newborns and are convenient.

Cons: Difficult to carry on public transportation, and you still need a car seat.

Price range: $50 to more than $800.

* Multiseat strollers (tandems or side-by-sides). Similar to other strollers, these give you a relatively efficient means of taking twins or triplets (or young siblings of different ages) for a ride. Most companies that manufacture strollers for one also make a version with two or more seats. Multiseaters offer the same features as strollers for a single rider, just a larger-scale construction. Alternatives include strollers with a standing bench or small seat in the rear that lets a second child hitch a ride. The major brands of multiseat strollers are Cosco, Graco, and Kolcraft, as well as higher-end imports such as Combi, Maclaren, Mountain Buggy, and Peg Perego. Multiseat strollers usually come in one of two configurations: tandem or side-by-side.

Tandem models, another type of multiseat stroller, have one seat directly behind the other. They're the same width as single-passenger strollers and the best choice overall. However, while the backseat can recline, the front one usually can't without infringing on the space of the rear passenger. Some tandem strollers let you set the seats so that the children face each other; others have a "stadium seat" arrangement that allows the child in back to see over the one in front.

Pros (tandem): Tandems easily go through standard doorways. A folded tandem takes up just a little more space than a folded standard midweight stroller.

Cons (tandem): Steering can be difficult, and it can be tricky getting over a curb. Some models offer limited leg support and very little legroom for the rear passenger. They are often quite heavy.

Price range (tandem): $100 to more than $500.

Side-by-side, the other configuration, consists of two seats attached to a single frame or a unit resembling two strollers bolted together. You can also create your own by joining two umbrella strollers with a set of screw-on brackets--available at baby discount chains and specialty stores. The features on side-by-side strollers are similar to what you'll find on single-passenger models. This type works best for children of about the same weight, such as twins. Each of the seats has an independent reclining mechanism.

Pros (side-by-side): A side-by-side model goes up curbs more easily than a tandem, although when children of different weights ride in the unit, it may veer to one side.

Cons (side-by-side): Most side-by-side models can't be used with infant car seats. A folded side-by-side stroller typically requires twice as much space as the equivalent single-occupant version. Although manufacturers may claim that a stroller is slender enough to go through a standard doorway, you'd be wise to measure both the stroller and any doors or other openings you plan to wheel it through.

Price range (side-by-side): $100 to more than $500.


FOR BABIES OLDER THAN 6 MONTHS

Stroller types appropriate for babies older than 6 months include:

* Traditional strollers. This category runs the gamut from lightweight strollers to heavy-duty models that weigh 17 to 35 pounds. The latter are somewhat bulky but quite stable, deep, and roomy. Higher-end models may have shock absorbers on all wheels as well. For folding, many strollers employ a one-handed release.

Pros: Many are lightweight and convenient.

Cons: Heavier models are difficult to carry on public transportation and to lift into car trunks or minivan cargo areas. And you still need a car seat. Small wheels don't perform well on uneven sidewalks or rough terrain. The compact size of lighter-weight models may cramp toddlers, especially when they're dressed in heavy winter clothes.

Price range: $20 (umbrella strollers) to more than $800 (high-end conventional strollers).

* Umbrella strollers. These strollers are named for their curved, umbrella-like handles, and typically weigh less than 12 pounds. For folding, they may employ a one-handed release.

Pros: Many are lightweight and convenient.

Cons: The compact size of umbrella strollers may cramp toddlers, especially when they're dressed in heavy winter clothes.

* All-terrain strollers. These three- or four-wheeled strollers or traditional-style strollers with heavy-duty suspensions and/or larger air-filled tires let you push your child while you walk on a variety of surfaces, from mall floors to pavement to off-road. The more "rugged" look of an all-terrain may have special appeal for active parents.

Like bicycles, many all-terrains have air-filled tires, and larger wheels than a traditional stroller. The larger the wheels, the easier it is for the pusher. Many all-terrain strollers have a three-wheel design that mimics jogging or running strollers, but check the user's manual to see if the manufacturer advises against using it for running. Some have a front wheel that swivels for easier maneuvering on smoother surfaces but can be locked for use on rougher surfaces.

Many all-terrains are not suitable for babies under 6 months of age. A couple of exceptions: Phil & Ted's e3 (about $380) and Bumbleride Rocket (about $330). Among the all-terrains that accept an infant car seat is the Zooper Boogie (about $360).

Pros: Good for off-road use; provides a relatively smooth ride over obstacles such as rocks, potholes or uneven sidewalks. Some all-terrain strollers may accommodate children of higher weights than plain strollers. Several companies offer double or triple all-terrain strollers with a total weight limit of up to 100 pounds or 150 pounds, respectively.

Cons: Three-wheel designs may be unstable when the rear wheels are lifted over a curb. Many all-terrains are not suitable for infants younger than 6 months. They are often large and heavy; some may require removal of the front wheel to fit in a car trunk. Bicycle-type air filled tires can go flat and require reinflating with a bicycle pump or a gas-station hose.

Price range: $80 to more than $700 (depending on the number of seats).

* Jogging strollers. These three-wheeled strollers with heavy-duty suspensions and large, air-filled tires let you push your child while you run or jog. Larger wheels make it easier for the runner who's pushing, and the air in the tires helps provide a smoother ride for the little passenger. The long, high handlebar is designed to give running feet and legs more space to avoid bumping into the stroller's frame. A wrist strap should be attached to your wrist at all times while running with a child in the stroller; this will keep the stroller from getting away from you if you should fall or trip during your run. The large front wheel is fixed and does not swivel.

The appropriate minimum age for children to ride in a jogging stroller is a matter of debate. For most jogging strollers, manufacturers typically suggest a child should be 8 weeks or older, but our medical consultants say a baby should be at least 6 months, able to sit up, and have some head support to withstand the potentially jarring ride.

Pros: Jogging strollers can also be used for off-road walks (though the fixed front wheel can make them difficult to steer in non-running situations). Many jogging strollers have a longer useful life than plain strollers, often being able to accommodate children of higher weights. Several companies offer double- or even triple-strollers with total weight limits of 100 or 150 pounds, respectively.

Cons: The fixed (non-swiveling) front wheel is good for running, but can make maneuvering difficult in other situations. Some three-wheel designs may be unstable when the rear wheels are lifted over a curb. Our medical consultants advise not having your child ride while you're running until he or she is at least 6 months old, able to sit up, and have some head support to withstand the potentially jarring ride. Jogging strollers are often large and some are heavy; you may need to remove the wheel(s) to fit it into your car trunk. Bicycle-type air filled tires can go flat and require reinflating with a bicycle pump or a gas-station hose.

Price range: $80 to more than $700 (depending on the number of seats).

Camcorders

Quality and ease of use help digital moviemakers win out over analog models.

You can do a lot more with videos shot on digital or analog camcorders than play them back, unedited, on your TV. You can edit and embellish them with music using your computer, then play your productions on your DVD or PC. Or even send them to friends or family via e-mail.

Digital camcorders, now the dominant type, generally offer very good to excellent picture quality, along with very good sound capability, compactness, and ease of handling. Making copies of a digital recording need not result in a loss of picture or sound quality. You can even take rudimentary still photos with most digital camcorders.

Analog camcorders, now a small part of the market, generally have good picture and sound quality and are less expensive. Some analog units are about as compact and easy to handle as digital models, while others are a bit bigger and bulkier.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Sony dominates the camcorder market, with multiple models in a number of formats. Other top brands include Canon, JVC, Panasonic, and Samsung. Most digital models come in the MiniDV format, but there are also the disc-based DVD-RAM, DVD-R, and DVD+RW formats. Newer models record to flash memory or a hard drive. Some digital models weigh as little as 1 pound.

MiniDV. Don’t let the small size deceive you. Although some models can be slipped into a large pocket, MiniDV camcorders can record very high-quality images. They use a unique tape cassette, and the typical recording time is 60 minutes at standard play (SP) speed. Expect to pay about $6.50 for a 60-minute tape. You must use the camcorder for playback--it converts its recording to an analog signal that can be played directly into a TV or VCR. If the TV or VCR has an S-video input jack, use it to get a high-quality picture. Price: $350 to more than $1,000.

Disc-based. Capitalizing on the popularity and capabilities of DVD movie discs, these formats offer benefits that tape can’t provide: long-term durability, compactness, and random access to scenes as with a DVD. The 31⁄4-inch discs record standard MPEG-2 video, the same format used in commercial DVD videos. The amount of recording time varies according to the quality level you select, from 20 minutes per side at the highest-quality setting for DVD-RAM to about 60 minutes per side at the lowest setting. DVD-RAM discs are not compatible with most DVD players, but the discs can be reused. DVD-R is supposed to be compatible with most DVD players and computer DVD drives, but the discs are not rewriteable. DVD-RW and DVD+RW are reusable, rewriteable disc formats. (Disc prices range from about $4 to $20.) Price: $400 to $1,000.

Most analog camcorders now use the Hi8 format; VHS-C and Super VHS-C are fading from the market. Blank tapes range from $3.50 to $6.50. Analog camcorders usually weigh around 2 pounds. Picture quality is generally good, though a notch below digital. Price: $200 to $300.

HOW TO CHOOSE



Pick your price range and format. The least-expensive camcorders on the market are analog. All the rest are digital.

Once you’ve decided which part of the price spectrum to explore, you need to pick a specific recording format. That determines not only how much you’ll be spending for tapes, discs, or memory, but also how much recording time you’ll get. The tape-based digital formats are typically superior in picture quality to analog tape-based formats.

With analog, you can get 120 to 300 minutes of recording on a Hi8 cassette. With the SVHS-C or VHS-C formats, you can get only 30 to 120 minutes.

With digital formats that use MiniDV, Digital 8, or MicroMV tapes, you can get at least 60 minutes of recording on a standard cassette. MiniDV and D8 cassettes are the least expensive and the most easily found.

Digital DVD camcorders from Panasonic and Hitachi can accommodate DVD-RAM discs, which can be reused but aren’t compatible with all DVD players. All brands also use DVD-R, one-use discs that work in most DVD players. The standard setting yields 60 minutes of recording; the “fine” setting, 20 to 30 minutes.

With digital formats using memory cards, the amount of video you can record at the highest quality level can vary from 15 minutes to 1 hour on 256-MB to 2-GB cards. (To get a more precise estimate, check a camera’s specifications.) Hard-drive based camcorders are limited only by the capacity of the hard drive and the quality settings. On typical models, you can store several hours of video at the highest-quality setting or more than 10 hours at lower-quality settings.

If you’re replacing an older camcorder, think about what you’ll do with the tapes you’ve accumulated. If you don’t stay with the same format you’ve been using, you will probably want to transfer the old tapes to an easily viewed medium, such as a DVD.

If you’re buying your first camcorder, concentrate on finding the best one for your budget, regardless of format.

Check the size, weight, and controls. In the store, try different camcorders to make sure they fit your hand and are comfortable to use. Some models can feel disconcertingly tiny. You’ll need to use a tripod if you want rock-steady video, no matter which camcorder you choose. Most camcorders are designed so that the most frequently used controls--the switch to zoom in and out, the record button, and the button for still photos--are readily at hand. Make sure that the controls are convenient and that you can change the tape, DVD, or memory card and remove the battery easily.

Check the flip-out LCD viewer. Most measure 2.5 inches on the diagonal, but some are larger, adding about $100 to the price. If the viewer seems small and difficult to use or suffers from too much glare, consider trading up to a similar model or a different brand to get a better screen.

Think about the lighting. A camcorder isn’t always used outdoors or in a brightly lighted room. You can shoot video in dim light, but don’t expect miracles. In our tests, using the default mode, most camcorders produced only fair or poor images in very low light. Many camcorders have settings that can improve performance but can be a challenge to use.

Front-Projectors

But they are probably not the best choice for everyday use

For a truly theaterlike experience, you can't beat a front projector paired with a screen that stretches 100 inches or more diagonally. That's about twice the size of a plasma TV, with image quality that's just as good and prices that are comparable, starting at about $2,500 for a high-definition (HD) projector designed for home-theater use.

But front projectors aren't the best choice for typical, everyday viewing. They look best in a dark room, and the need to add a screen, speakers, and a TV tuner increases the cost and complexity of setup.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



In years past, the only real choice for a big-screen home theater was a bulky CRT-based projector that cost tens of thousands of dollars. Most new projectors are compact units using LCD, DLP, or LCoS technology--the same display technologies used in rear-projection microdisplay TVs. Among the best-selling brands of home-theater projectors are BenQ, Epson, InFocus, Optoma, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp, and Sony.

Technically display devices rather than TVs, front projectors require a separate screen (or a smooth wall) as a display surface. You can vary the picture size--from about 50 inches to about 300 inches--by moving the projector closer to the screen or farther back, and using the zoom control. Consequently, you're not locked into a specific screen size as you are with every other type of TV. The images are best viewed in dark rooms, so you need to turn off lights or use blackout shades for daytime viewing.

To get TV programming, you need to connect an external tuner, such as a cable or satellite box. For movies, you could hook up just a DVD player. In either case, you generally have to provide speakers, because most projectors don't have built-in audio capability. Even when speakers are included, they're generally not of the highest quality, so you'd probably want to use a sound system in any case.

Front projectors can be placed on a table or other flat surface and stored when not in use. Most can also be mounted to the ceiling. If you mount the projector, be sure to place it at the distance recommended by the manufacturer, angled to prevent the rectangular shape of the image from being distorted. Hiding cables and wiring behind walls or above the ceiling may require construction work. Price ranges from $1,200 and up for enhanced-definition (ED) models to $2,000 and up for HD models.

Don't confuse home projectors with the cheaper models designed for conference-room use. Those units, which sell for less than $1,000, might have lower resolution, which won't give you the detailed, big-screen TV images most home viewers want. Data projectors also tend to lack typical TV features, such as aspect-ratio controls (including zoom or stretch) or the more common color controls.


HOW TO CHOOSE



First make sure that a front projector is the right choice for your viewing needs, given the logistics involved. These devices have special requirements, but if you can deal with them, you can enjoy a high-quality, theaterlike experience at a reasonable cost. Here's what to consider in choosing among models:

Go for HD. Enhanced-definition models have lower native resolution (the number of pixels that make up an image) than HD units. That limits image quality, especially on larger screens. If you're going to the effort of setting up a front-projection system, we recommend an HD model. An ED projector could do if cost is paramount, but plan to sit farther away to compensate for the coarser images.

Weigh the pros and cons of LCD and DLP projectors. In general, projectors using LCD technology aren't as good as DLP models at reproducing true black, but some LCD models do quite well. As with rear-projection TVs using DLP technology, you may experience a "rainbow effect" when watching a DLP front projector. This is a flash of color that may be visible mainly when you move your eyes across bright objects on a dark background. The rainbow effect isn't obvious, but once seen, it can be annoying. Take a video with high-contrast scenes to the store so that your family can see whether it's a problem. All DLP projectors using a single chip (including all models in the Ratings online) are affected. Only the priciest DLP units avoid the problem by using three chips to produce red, green, and blue.

See which model suits your room arrangement. Before buying a front projector and screen, figure out how you'll set up the room. The room dimensions and anticipated seating positions will influence what screen sizes are practical. Some projectors give you more flexibility in where you can place the projector to get a certain image size; see what the manufacturer recommends. The larger the image you want, the more distance needed between the projector and screen, though the projector's zoom feature will provide some flexibility here. Also consider where you'll sit to watch the TV. With a 110-inch screen and an HD image, the optimal viewing distance is about 14 feet.

Check the inputs. Consider where you'll place and connect the cable or satellite box that will serve as the TV tuner, a sound system, and probably a DVD player or recorder. All the tested models have the usual analog inputs, such as component-video, and some add HDMI or DVI digital inputs. If you want to use the projector for playing games, make sure it has a computer input.

Think about the screen. In our tests, we used a 110-inch screen that cost $400. It has a matte-white viewing surface 41/2 feet high by 8 feet wide. There are screens with more reflective finishes designed to enhance brightness, but you might compromise the wider viewing angle of a matte screen. Other so-called dark screens are designed to enhance contrast by improving black-level performance, but they do take a small hit on overall brightness.

Microwave Ovens

You'll see larger capacity, sensors that detect doneness, and more stylish designs.

Microwave ovens, which built their reputation on speed, are also showing some smarts. Many automatically shut off when a sensor determines that the food is cooked or sufficiently heated. The sensor is also used to automate an array of cooking chores, with buttons labeled for frozen entrées, baked potatoes, popcorn, beverages, and other common items. Design touches include softer edges for less boxy styling, hidden controls for a sleeker look, stainless steel, and, for a few, a translucent finish.


WHAT’S AVAILABLE



GE leads the countertop microwave-oven market with approximately 30 percent of units sold, followed by Sharp. Other brands include Emerson, Kenmore, Panasonic, and many others. GE also sells the most over-the-range models.

Microwaves come in a variety of sizes, from compact to large. Most sit on the countertop, but a growing number sold-about 15 percent-mount over the range. Several brands offer speed-cooking via halogen bulbs or convection. Speed-cook models promise grilling and browning, though results can vary significantly depending on the food. Manufacturers are working to boost capacity without taking up more space by moving controls to the door and using recessed turntables and smaller electronic components.

Microwave ovens vary in the power of the magnetron, which generates the microwaves. Midsized and large ovens are rated at 850 to 1,650 watts, compact ovens at 600 to 800 watts. A higher wattage may heat food more quickly, but differences of 100 watts are probably inconsequential. Some microwave ovens have a convection feature-a fan and, often, a heating element-which lets you roast and bake, something you don't generally do in a regular microwave.

Price range: $40 to $250 (countertop models); $100 to $700 (over-the-range); $250 to $1,000 (convection or halogen-bulb countertop or over-the-range).


HOW TO CHOOSE



Decide which type meets your needs. Countertop models cost the least and are best for kitchens with lots of counter space. Compact models can cost as little as $30. Midsized and large models have more capacity and features, though most eat up 2.8 to 3.2 square feet of counter space. You can hang some countertop models below a cabinet, though doing so often leaves little space below the microwave oven.

You're likely to consider an over-the-range oven only if you're replacing one or remodeling your kitchen. While they save counter space, installation is an added expense and may require an electrician. What's more, they can't vent steam and smoke from a range's front burners as well as the range hoods they replace.

Choose convenience, not clutter. There's little reason to buy a microwave without a sensor, which shuts off oven power when it senses the food is hot; sensor models begin at about $85. Our tests have found that sensor models generally perform better than those without them. But you may want to avoid ovens with an array of shortcut and defrost settings for foods you don't eat.

Consider convection. Paying extra for a convection mode is worth it if you use your microwave as a second oven, but it might not be necessary otherwise. Combination convection and microwave cooking saves time, although these units seldom brown and crisp food as well as conventional ovens and toaster ovens, which you probably own already.

Be skeptical about capacity. Manufacturers, we found, sometimes exaggerate the capacity of their ovens by counting wasted space in the corners. The ovens' actual cooking space can be as much as 50 to 60 percent less than claimed. Check whether a large platter fits inside an oven you're considering.

Dishwashers

Models selling for as little as $350 or so can excel at washing dishes, but they may not measure up to costlier models in quietness, water and energy usage, or features.

Spend $300 to $400 and you can get a dishwasher that does a good job cleaning dirty dishes without prerinsing, but with a bit of noise. To get the best of everything-cleaning prowess plus the quietest operation, convenience features, water and energy efficiency, and designer styling-you'll have to spend $500 or more.

A dirt sensor, once a premium feature, is now becoming standard, even on lower-priced models. Sensors are designed to adjust the water used and the length of the cycle to the amount of soil on dishes.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Frigidaire, GE, Maytag, and Whirlpool make most dishwashers and sell them under their own names, associated brands, and sometimes the Sears Kenmore label. Whirlpool makes high-end KitchenAid, low-end Roper, and many Kenmore models. Maytag makes the high-end Jenn-Air, midpriced Amana, and low-priced Admiral dishwashers. GE offers a wide range of choices under the GE label and also makes the value-priced Hotpoint. Asko, Bosch, and Miele are high-end European brands; Bosch also makes Siemens models. Haier is an import from China; LG and Samsung are Korean brands; Fisher & Paykel is from New Zealand.

Most models fit into a 24-inch-wide space under a kitchen countertop and are attached to a hot-water pipe, drain, and an electrical line. If you have the room, it's now possible to get a wider dishwasher from Electrolux, although you'll pay a hefty premium. Portable models in a finished cabinet can be rolled over to the sink and connected to the faucet. A "dishwasher in a drawer" design from Fisher & Paykel and KitchenAid has two stacked drawers that can be used simultaneously or individually, depending upon the number of dishes you need to wash. KitchenAid also sells a single-drawer dishwasher..

Price range: $200 to $1,300 (domestic brands); $350 to $2,000 (foreign-made brands).


HOW TO CHOOSE



Our tests over the years have shown that most new dishwashers will do a great job cleaning even the dirtiest dishes without prerinsing, which wastes lots of water. But they differ in appearance, noise, loading, energy efficiency, and features. Here are points to consider when choosing a dishwasher:

Decide how many options you need. Adjustable racks and fold-down tines help dishwashers hold large bowls and other awkward items. But you may want to skip those features and pay less if you don't cook big meals or entertain often.

We also suggest thinking twice about half-load cycles, which allow you to wash just one rack. Running two half-load cycles can use more water and energy than one normal load. Half-load cycles that use only the top rack also limit your options, since some top racks can't accommodate dinner dishes or silverware.

Check quietness and energy use. New dishwasher models are probably quieter than the one you have now. But you might want the quietest models we tested if you have an open kitchen near a dining or family room, for example. You'll also hear a lot about Energy Star labels, which cite dishwashers that are 25 percent more energy-efficient than minimum government standards. We suggest using the energy scores in our Ratings, which are based on much dirtier loads. Most of the energy a dishwasher uses goes to heating the water. Water usage, and thus the operating costs, vary greatly from model to model. In our recent tests, water usage ranged from about 31/2 to 12 gallons a load. Energy costs to heat the water and run the machine could vary by up to $65 a year for the tested models, depending on rates in your area. Over its lifetime, a more efficient model could be a better buy than a lower-priced model that is less energy-efficient.

Decide whether a self-cleaning filter is a must. Most dishwashers have self-cleaning filters, which can add to noise. The Asko, Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, Haier, Miele, and Siemens models we've tested have filters you clean yourself. That isn't a big deal: You simply remove the filter and rinse it off, typically every week or two. A clogged filter could affect wash performance.

Don't get hung up on dirt sensors. Most dishwashers have deleted the bottom panel below the door, adding space for taller items inside and allowing sleeker styling outside. Dirt sensors, which adjust water use and cycle time to the soil on the dishes, are also common. Some sensors don't distinguish well between slightly and very dirty dishes, however, increasing wash time and water use even if the load is lightly soiled.

Use rinse aids and enzyme-based detergents. Both tend to yield cleaner results. Rinse aids reduce spotting, while enzyme-based detergents help dissolve food starches and proteins.

Keep style in perspective. You'll pay a premium for a stainless-steel tub, which doesn't spot and should last virtually forever. But plastic tubs should outlast most machines. Hidden controls are another stylish feature, though cycle progress isn't obvious at a glance. A good compromise: partially hidden controls, which show that the machine is running and often display remaining cycle time.

If speed matters, check cycle time. The normal cycle (including drying time) ranges from about 80 minutes to 150 minutes, but longer cycles don't necessarily clean better. In our tests, models with cycle times of about 100 minutes did just as thorough a job as others that took 145 minutes.

Consider the cost of delivery and installation. Installation can run $100 to $200 or more. Sears, which sells roughly 35 percent of all dishwashers, charges on average $105 to deliver and install a new unit.

Food Processors

Match the machine to the way you prepare foods. But you may find you need more than one.

Which food-prep appliance best suits your style and the foods you prepare? Food processors are versatile machines that can chop, slice, shred, and purée many different foods. Mini-choppers are good for small jobs such as mincing garlic and chopping nuts. Hand mixers can handle light chores such as whipping cream or mixing cake batter. And powerful stand mixers are ideal for cooks who make bread and cookies from scratch.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Food processors. Several brands have introduced multifunction models designed to do the job of two or more machines-for instance, an interchangeable food-processor container and a glass blender jar and blade. Either attachment fits on the motorized base.

Another design trend is a mini-bowl insert that fits inside the main container for preparing smaller quantities of food. Newer designs tend to be sleek, with rounded corners. Dominant brands are Black & Decker, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, and KitchenAid. Mini-choppers such as the Magic Bullet have become popular due to infomercial advertising. Price range: $20 to $400.

Stand and hand mixers. The big push in mixers is for more power, which is useful for handling heavy dough. You'll find everything from heavy-duty models offering the most power and the largest mixing bowls to light-service machines that are essentially detachable hand mixers resting on a stand. Models vary in power from about 200 to 800 watts. Sales of light-duty, convenient hand mixers have held their own in recent years.

KitchenAid owns over half the stand-mixer market; GE, Hamilton Beach and Sunbeam are the next best-selling brands. Price range: $60 to $500.

Black & Decker, GE, Hamilton Beach, KitchenAid, Proctor Silex, and Sunbeam are the dominant brands among hand mixers. Price range: $15 to $75.

HOW TO CHOOSE



Food processors & choppers

Consider capacity. Food-processor capacity ranges from about 3 to 14 cups. (Those are manufacturers' figures; we've found that processors typically hold a cup or two more or less than claimed.) Choppers, which are designed expressly for small jobs, hold about 1 to 3 cups.

If you regularly cook for a crowd or like to whip up multiple batches of a recipe, you might appreciate the bigger, 11- to 14-cup units. However, they tend to be pricier and heavier than smaller versions and take up more counter space. A midsized model (around 7-cup) is likely fine for most tasks.

Note that even big food processors can handle small jobs such as chopping half an onion. But using a chopper makes cleanup easier.

Don't focus on speeds. Food processors typically have two settings: On and Pulse, which allows you to run the machine in brief bursts for more precise processing control. Choppers typically have one or two Pulse settings (High and Low). Those are really all the speeds you need. Some machines have a few extra speeds (a Dough setting on some high-end processors, for example), but we haven't found that they perform much better.

Note feed-tube size. Some processors have wider feed tubes than others, which can save you the effort of having to cut potatoes, cucumbers, and other big items.

Expect to pay more for kneading prowess and quiet operation. The models we tested that cost $55 or less strained and jumped while kneading dough. They also made quite a racket, where most of the higher-end models we tested were quiet. Choppers can be noisy but are used briefly.

Stand & hand mixers

Decide how much mixer you need. Just about any stand or hand mixer will do for all those simple mixing and whipping chores. But if you're a dedicated baker, you'll probably want to invest in a heavy, powerful stand mixer, because it can knead even two loaves' worth of bread dough with ease.

Downplay wattage and number of speed settings. Manufacturers stress wattage and number of speeds, but neither figure necessarily translates into better performance. For example, some stand mixers have as many as 16 speeds; some hand mixers have 9. We think five or six well-differentiated speeds are sufficient. The slower the lowest speed, the better; slow speeds prevent spattering.

Speeds should be clearly indicated. With some of the inexpensive hand mixers we tested, the switch you use to select speeds didn't line up well with the speed markings.

Consider size and weight. Hand mixers should feel well balanced and comfortable to hold; most that we tested did. Size and weight can be a concern with stand mixers-some weigh more than 20 pounds-but their heft gives them the stability to handle tough jobs.

Make sure that you will have enough clearance if you plan to keep the mixer on a counter below a cupboard.

Consider beater style and motion. Most of the top-performing hand mixers have wire beaters without the thick center post found on traditional-style beaters. The wire beaters performed well and were easier to clean.

Light-duty stand mixers typically have stationary beaters and a bowl that sits on a revolving turntable. The bowl sometimes needs a push to keep spinning.

Vacuum Cleaners

High-priced, feature-laden machines don't necessarily deliver better cleaning. You'll find plenty of strong performers at a reasonable price

Which type of vacuum cleaner to buy used to be a no-brainer. Uprights were clearly better for carpets, while canisters were the obvious choice for bare floors. That distinction has blurred somewhat as more upright models clean floors without scattering dust and more canisters do a very good job with carpeting. Central vacuum systems, a third option, add a measure of convenience but at higher prices.

You'll also see a growing number of features such as dirt sensors and bagless dirt bins, but some of those features may contribute more to price than to function, while other, more essential features may be missing from the least-expensive models. And while cordless and even robotic vacuums have joined your list of choices, neither have been top performers so far.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Hoover, the oldest and largest vacuum manufacturer, has experienced declining sales of late. Other players include Dirt Devil, which sells uprights and canisters as well as stick brooms and hand vacuums; Bissell, a mostly mass-marketed brand; Eureka, which offers low-priced models, central vacs, and high-end Electrolux-branded models; Dyson, a high-priced British brand with a brightly colored line up; Oreck models, which are sold in their own stores and directly by the company; and Kenmore, the biggest name in canister models, accounting for about 20 percent of U.S. sales.

Additional brands such as Miele, Panasonic, and Riccar, are likely to be sold at specialty stores. Higher-priced Aerus (which also makes central vacs) is sold in its own stores and by direct mail; upscale Kirby is still sold door-to-door. You'll also find Roomba, the robotic vac, and Euro-Pro stick vacs.

Along with the brand of vacuum, your choices include several types:

Uprights. These models, which account for the majority of vacuum sales, tend to be the least expensive. Their one-piece design also makes them easier to store than canister vacs. A top-of-the-line upright might provide a wider cleaning path, be self-propelled, and have a HEPA filter, dirt sensor, and full-bag indicator. Price range for most: $50 to $400, with the highest-priced models priced at more than $1.300.

Canister vacuums. These types tend to do well on bare floors because they allow you to turn off the brush or use a specialized tool to avoid scattering dirt. Most are quieter than uprights, and their long, flexible hose tends to make them better at cleaning on stairs and in hard-to-reach areas. The added clutter of the loose hose and wand makes canisters somewhat harder to store, however. While canister vacs still tend to cost the most, you'll find a growing number of lower-priced models. Price range for most: $150 to $500, with the most-expensive ones costing $1,000 to $1,500.

Central vac systems. These models clean like a canister vac without your having to push, pull, or carry the motor and body around. They're also relatively quiet, and require less-frequent emptying. But they're the most expensive option, and generally require professional installation. The typical 35-foot-long hose can be cumbersome, and you don't have a place to carry tools while you work. Price range: $500 to $1,250 for the unit including tools, plus $300 to $750 to install.

Stick vacs and hand vacs. Whether corded or cordless, these miniature vacuums typically lack the power of a full-sized unit. But they can be handy for small, quick jobs. Price range: $20 to $100.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Some of the best vacuums cost $350 or less. But you might be willing to spend more for models with other strengths. Here's what to think about at the store:

Match the vacuum to your cleaning. Most uprights are still better than canisters for carpets. They also cost less and are easier to store. Canisters tend to be better for cleaning drapes, upholstery, and under furniture, are more stable on stairs.

Consider suction. Look for models that performed well in our airflow tests if you often clean with tools. These vacuums maintained more suction through the hose as they filled with dust, reducing the need to change bags and empty bins.

Pick your features. Models with bags tend to hold more than bagless vacs and create less dust when emptying. A brush on/off switch allows you to turn off the brush on floors and delicate rugs, and reduces dust and the risk of thrown objects when using tools. Manual pile-height adjustment can improve carpet cleaning by letting you raise or lower the powerhead.

Don't be dazzled by gadgets. Most vacuums include a narrow crevice tool, a small brush for upholstery, and a round one for dusting--enough for most users. Hand tools with powered brushes tend to add little over nonpowered tools when removing pet hair from upholstery.

Try before buying. Weight can be critical if your arms aren't strong or your home has more than one level. Self-propelled uprights ease pushing and pulling, though their added heft makes lifting and storing more challenging.

Protect your ears and lungs. Vacuums that scored a poor in our noise tests produced 85 decibels or more, the level at which we recommend ear protection. If you're sensitive to dust, choose a model that scored well in emissions. You also might want to avoid buying a bagless model; if you do purchase a bagless type; wear a dust mask when emptying the bin.

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A vacuum cleaner In Britain Hoover has become so associated with vacuum cleaners as to become a genericized trademark. The word "hoover" (without initial capitalization) is often used as a generic term for "vacuum cleaner". Hoover is also used as a verb, as in "I've just hoovered the carpet".) is a device that uses an air pump to create a partial vacuum to suck up dust and dirt, usually from carpeted floors, but also from tiled floors and other smooth surfaces.
Most homes with carpeted floors in developed countries possess a domestic vacuum cleaner for cleaning. The dirt is collected by a filtering system or a cyclone for later disposal.

Vacuum cleaner - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A vacuum cleaner (in colloquial British English also hoover [1]) is a device that
uses an air pump to create a partial vacuum to suck up dust and dirt, ...
... floors in developed countries possess a domestic vacuum cleaner for cleaning. ... inventors in the United States and Europe who devised manual vacuum cleaners. ...
A vacuum cleaner is a device that uses an air pump to create a partial vacuum to suck up dust and dirt, usually from carpeted floors, but also from tiled floors and other smooth surfaces. Most homes ...
Regular canister vacuum cleaner for home use. ... The origin of the vacuum cleaner - H. Cecil Booth, Transactions of the Newcomen Society, ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_cleaner

Howstuffworks "How Vacuum Cleaners Work"
Vacuum cleaners have cleaned our homes for over a century. See a vacuum cleaner
from the inside out and read expert reviews about vacuum cleaners.
Vacuum cleaners have cleaned our homes for over a century. ... Vacuum Cleaners and Systems ... Vacuum Cleaner Image Gallery ...
Vacuum cleaners have cleaned our homes for over a century. See a vacuum cleaner from the inside out ... Vacuum cleaners and systems keep your living and work spaces clean, but do you know how they ...
home.howstuffworks.com/vacuum-cleaner.htm

~| The Vintage Vacuum Cleaner Museum |~
A detailed site featuring old vacuum cleaners. Vacuum cleaners have been around
since the 1800s - learn more interesting facts at this site.
... Vacuum Cleaner Museum ... Today, vacuum cleaners may be found in nearly every household ... Ads for vacuum cleaners showed such things as children playing in ...
The Cyberspace Vacuum Cleaner Museum ... — FIRST: — A Brief History of the VACUUM CLEANER ...
www.137.com/museum

Dyson US - About Dyson
Find out about Dyson - the leader in vacuum cleaners. Find out what makes Dyson
better and which Dyson is best for you.
Find out about Dyson - the leader in vacuum cleaners. Find out what makes Dyson better and which Dyson is best for you.
www.dyson.com

Vacuum Cleaners Comparisons. Vacuum Ratings, Reviews at Allergy ...
Miele Capricorn S5980 Luna Silver Canister Vacuum Cleaner ... Electrolux Oxygen3 Ultimate Canister Vacuum Cleaner - Model EL7025 ...
www.allergybuyersclub.com/compare-vac.html

DVD Players

Conventional players are cheap; two HD formats compete

Great picture and sound quality, plus relatively low prices, have made digital videodisc, or DVD, players, among the most successful consumer-electronics products ever. The vast majority of U.S. households have one or more DVD players. Prices have dropped so low that they’re now sold seemingly everywhere--even in supermarkets and drugstores, like everyday commodities.

But conventional DVDs may soon seem quaint as high-definition (HD) content becomes the norm. The first HD players are now on the market, following delays caused by technical issues and competition between the two incompatible formats, HD DVD and Blu-ray. Toshiba has launched its HD DVD players, Samsung has introduced a Blu-ray player, and Sony is following with its Blu-ray players. As with most new technologies, initial prices are high: Toshiba’s first two models cost $500 and $900; the Samsung, $800. All but the most passionate videophiles might want to wait for prices to drop.

There’s an even more compelling reason to wait for the dust to settle: except for a few new discs that can play on either type of player, HD DVD players won’t be able to play movies that support the Blu-ray format, and vice versa. One of these formats might not survive, and if you back the losing candidate, you’ll have paid a lot of money for obsolete technology. At least one dual format player is expected on the market this year.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Panasonic, Sony, and Toshiba are among the biggest-selling brands of DVD players. Virtually all new DVD players are progressive-scan models. When used with a conventional TV, these players provide the usual high DVD picture quality. With a TV that can display high-definition images, image quality is slightly better. (That’s because HD sets support the player’s progressive-scan 480p mode, drawing 480 consecutive lines on the screen. By comparison, with a conventional TV, every other line is drawn and then combined.) Some newer players claim to upconvert all DVDs to 720p or 1080i HD quality on an HDTV. Our tests found no improvement over 480p quality.

Progressive-scan models come in single-disc and multidisc versions.

Single-disc consoles. Even low-end models usually include all the video outputs you might want. Price: about $25 to more than $300.

Multidisc consoles. Like CD changers, these players accommodate more than one disc at a time, typically five. DVD jukeboxes that hold hundreds of discs are also available. Price: $100 to over $400.

Portables. These DVD players generally come with a small, wide-screen format LCD screen and batteries that claim to provide three or more hours of playback. Some low-priced models don’t come with a screen; they’re intended for users who plan to connect the device to a television. You pay extra for portability either way. Price: about $125 to $800.

HD players. When used with HDTVs and playing high definition discs, HD players can render notably better picture quality than you get with regular DVDs. Note that you might need to use an HDMI input on a TV to get HD resolution. Component-video connections, normally able to carry HD, may output only enhanced definition if the content on a particular disc was encoded that way by the producer. Also note that some HD players don’t play CDs. Price: $500 to over $1,500.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Hold off on a high-def player. Given the relatively high prices and the incompatibility of the two rival formats, we recommend that you wait awhile for things to shake out.

Buy a progressive-scan model unless the lowest price is your highest priority. Although you won’t see progressive-scan picture quality on a conventional analog TV, it’s worth spending a little extra for a progressive-scan player if you might get an HDTV at some point. You’ll have a wider choice of products as well, since almost all new players are progressive-scan. It’s definitely worth getting a progressive-scan player for use with a digital TV, which is capable of displaying the smoother picture these players can deliver.

Choose a multidisc model if you want continuous music. A single-disc player is fine for movies and CDs one at a time. But if you want this to be your main music player, consider a multidisc player. Note, though, that multidisc models are typically about 1 to 2 inches taller and 6 to 7 inches deeper than single-disc players.

Make sure there are enough types of the connections you want. Virtually all DVD players now have outputs for optimal connection to most TV sets. Many players have HDMI connectors that are compatible with new digital TVs, though these don’t necessarily offer improved picture quality. If you want to use digital-audio connections from the DVD player to a receiver, make sure the DVD player’s digital-audio outputs match the receiver’s inputs. Some receivers use a coaxial input; others, an optical input. If you have an older receiver that lacks 5.1 surround-sound decoding, look for a player with a decoder for Dolby Digital.

Consider which, if any, special playback formats matter. Most DVD players can play pre-recorded DVDs and CDs. Most models also play several types of discs you can record yourself, such as DVD-R, DVD+R, and CD-R/-RW. Most can read DVD+RW, but the ability to read DVD-RW discs depends on how they were recorded. Some can also play DVD-RAM discs. Most models also play CD-audio and MP3 music files recorded on discs you burn yourself. You’ll need to shop around more if you want to play Windows Media Audio (WMA) files, video CD, and high-resolution SACD and DVD-Audio discs in their original format.

Do you want to present slide shows on your TV? Then choose a model that can read JPEG image files that you’ve captured with a digital camera and burned onto a disc. Some models have built-in card readers that accept various memory cards.

A DVD player is a device that plays discs produced under both the DVD Video and DVD Audio technical standards, two different and incompatible standards.

Most hardware DVD players have to be connected to a television set; there are also some small portable devices which have an LCD screen attached.

A DVD player has to complete these tasks:
*Read a DVD disc in ISO ? UDF version 1.2 format
*optionally decrypt the data with either CSS and/or Macrovision
*read and obey the DVD's Regional lockout codes and display a warning if the player is not authorised to play the DVD
*decode the MPEG-2 video stream with a maximum of 10 Mbit/s (peak) or 8 Mbit/s (continuous)
*decode sound in MP2, PCM or AC-3 format and output (with optional AC-3 to stereo downsampling) on stereo connector, optical or electric digital connector
*output a video signal, either an analog one (in NTSC, PAL or SECAM format) on the composite, S-Video, SCART, or component video connectors, or a digital one on the DVI or HDMI connectors

Most DVD players also allow users to play audio CDs (CDDA, MP3, etc.) and Video CDs (VCD) and include a home cinema decoder (i.e. Dolby Digital, Digital Theater Systems (DTS)). Some newer devices also play videos in the MPEG-4 ASP video compression format (such as DivX) popular on the Internet.

As of 2005, retail prices for such a device, depending on its optional features (such as digital sound or video output), start between 30 and 80 USD/Euro. They are usually cheaper than VCRs.

As of 2002 the largest producer of DVD players is China; in 2002 they produced 30 million players, more than 70% of the world output. These producers have to pay about US$20 per player in license fees, to the patent holders of the DVD technology (Sony, Philips, Toshiba and AOL Time Warner) as well as for MPEG-2 licenses. To avoid these fees, China has developed the Enhanced Versatile Disc standard as an intended successor of DVD; as of 2004, EVD players were only being sold in China.

Software DVD players are programs that allow users to view DVD videos on a computer with a DVD-ROM drive. Some examples are the VLC media player and MPlayer (both free software), as well as WinDVD, PowerDVD and DVD Player. 1. You need these to play DVD's on Windows XP
Portable DVD Player


Portable DVD players that are capable of playing DVDs. Most have an LCD screen and stereo speakers and are usually powered by lithium ion batteries. Portable DVD players are often used for long road trips and travel.
Successors

There are two successors to the DVD player: the HD DVD player and the Blu-ray Disc player. Neither format is dominant over the other in terms of consumer adoption as of May 2007.
DVD Players/Recorders
DVD players have been around for a long time now and have become quite cheap to purchase. Even though they all play the same DVD’s there are several features some DVD players have.
DVD Players Information - A Must Read
Are you looking to buy a DVD player, well there are a few things you must consider before doing so. DVD players these days come in so many different brands and perform so many different functions. There are also different types of DVD players and depending your circumstances will a DVD player maybe right or wrong for you.
High Definition DVD Players
High definition DVD players give consumers high quality picture and sound. High definition DVD players work better with high definition DVDs that store up to two hours of 720p or 1080i on their discs. High definition DVD players can play discs that are in both MP3 and JPEG format. The output can be in two different formats, like Dolby digital and DTS digital. Some high definition DVD players have recording facilities and they record in DVD-read and DVD read/write modes. New high definition DVD players are designed to play almost all kinds of discs.
HDTV-Standard DVD Recorders And HDTV That Makes Sense
You may have purchased a new HDTV and now you'd like to get a DVD player for it. When it comes to HDTV, standard DVD players are an option. While you may have spent a lot on your HDTV, standard DVD players can save you some money. Read on to find out more ...

Editors' top DVD players - CNET Reviews
CNET's editors rank the top DVD decks, including standalone DVD players, portable
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PDAs

PDAs are much more than address books; some handhelds are phones, internet devices, and video players.

PDAs can store thousands of phone numbers, appointments, tasks, and notes. All models can exchange, or synchronize, information with a full-sized computer. To do this, you connect the PDA to your computer with a cradle or cable. For models that run on rechargeable batteries, the cradle doubles as a charger. Infrared, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi (wireless) let you synchronize with a computer without wires or a cradle.

Most PDAs can be made to work with both Windows and Macintosh computers, but PDAs with the Pocket PC operating system usually require third-party software for Macs. PDAs with Wi-Fi (wireless) capability can access the Internet. Many of those without can with the addition of a separately purchased modem. Most PDAs can record your voice, play videos, display digital photos, and hold maps, city guides, and books.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Most PDAs on the market are the familiar tablet-with-stylus type that feature a squarish display screen, a design pioneered by Palm Inc. Today the main choices are models that use the Palm operating system (OS)--mostly Palm models--and Pocket PC devices from companies like Dell. The latter use a stripped-down version of Microsoft Windows. A few PDAs use a proprietary operating system. Blackberry, Hewlett-Packard, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson offer units that combine a cell phone and a PDA, often referred to as smartphones.

Palm OS systems. Equipped with software to link with Windows and (for Palm-brand units) Macintosh computers, Palm units and their clones have a simple user interface. You use a stylus to enter data by tapping an onscreen keyboard or writing in shorthand known as Graffiti. Some models have a tiny tactile keyboard. Or you can download data from your computer.

Most Palm OS-based PDAs can synchronize with a variety of desktop e-mail programs, such as Outlook Express and Eudora. (Palm models with VersaMail software are good at handling e-mail with attachments.) And all include a basic personal information management (PIM) application. Palm OS units are easy to use, although navigation between different programs is cumbersome because of the operating system’s “single tasking” nature.

Most models make it difficult or impossible to replace the battery yourself. And beyond the warranty period, you can’t be sure the manufacturer will do it for you.

Most Palm OS-based models have expansion slots that let you add memory or attach separately purchased accessories. All Palm OS-based PDAs can be enhanced by adding third-party software applications. The more free memory that a model comes with, the more software it can accommodate. There is a large body of Palm OS-compatible freeware, shareware, and commercial software available for download at such sites as www.palmgear.com. Many Palm models come with Documents To Go--word-processing and spreadsheet software similar to that used in Pocket PCs but more versatile. Price: $100 to $400.

Palm’s top-of-the-line model, the LifeDrive, combines a 4-GB hard drive with many of the best features of the Pocket PC and Palm OS operating systems. When it’s connected to a Windows PC, you can drag and drop files to the LifeDrive’s hard drive, even on PCs that don’t have Palm’s desktop software installed. It’s also handy for storing photos from a digital camera that uses a MMC/SD (MultiMedia/SecureDigital) memory card and for listening to MP3 music.

Pocket PC systems. These resemble Palm OS-based models but are more like miniature computers. They have a processor with extra horsepower and come with familiar applications such as a word processor and a spreadsheet. Included is a scaled-down version of Internet Explorer, plus voice recording and perhaps some financial functions. The included e-mail program handles Word and Excel attachments easily. Also standard is an application that plays MP3 music files, as well as Microsoft Reader, an eBook application.

As you might expect, all the application software included in a Pocket PC integrates well with the Windows computer environment. You need to purchase third-party software to use a Mac. And you’ll need Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Outlook on your computer to exchange data with a PDA. Pocket PCs have a color display and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Unlike most Palm OS-based PDAs, replacing the battery of most Pocket PCs is usually straightforward. Price: $200 to $600.

Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs). These are small, fully functional computers that run a version of Microsoft’s Windows XP. An early model, the Samsung Q1, released in 2006, has a 7-inch display, measuring 51⁄2 inches x 9 inches x 1 inch and weighing 1.7 pounds. It lacks a built-in keyboard and costs about $1,100.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Consider your ties to a computer. Pocket PCs provide a Windows-like interface that allows simple PC-to-PDA file transfer with drag-and-drop capability. They’re also more convenient than Palm OS models for setting up a Wi-Fi (wireless) e-mail connection. Most have replaceable batteries along with accessible flash memory to which you can back up data.

Palm OS models run a wider range of third-party software applications than do Pocket PCs. For the basics, they’re still easier to use. While most PDAs can sync with Macs, only Palm models do so out of the box. Programs such as Missing Sync and PocketMac support Palm OS PDAs from Garmin and others, as well as Pocket PCs that run older versions of that operating system, such as the Asus A730W. Currently, neither Missing Sync nor PocketMac support PDAs that run Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0. Both are priced under $50.

Small size vs. extra features. As a rule, a model with a larger display or physical keyboard won’t be the lightest or smallest. A PDA with two slots for memory and peripherals is more expandable but will tend to be larger.

Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are handheld computers that were originally designed as personal organizers, but became much more versatile over ___ years. PDAs are also known as pocket computers or palmtop computers. PDAs have many uses: calculation, use as ___ clock and calendar, accessing ___ Internet, sending and receiving E-mails, video recording, typewriting and word processing, use as ___ address book, making and writing on spreadsheets, scanning bar codes, use as ___ radio or stereo, playing computer games, recording survey responses, and Global Positioning System (GPS). Newer PDAs also have both color screens and audio capabilities, enabling them to be used as mobile phones (smartphones), web browsers, or portable media players. Many PDAs can access ___ Internet, intranets or extranets via Wi-Fi, or Wireless Wide-Area Networks (WWANs). One of ___ most significant PDA characteristics is ___ presence of ___ touch screen.Typical features

Currently, ___ typical PDA has ___ touch screen for entering data and ___ memory card slot for data storage and IrDA, Bluetooth and WIFI for connectivity.
Touch screen

Many original PDAs, such as ___ Apple Newton and ___ Palm Pilot, featured touch screens for user interaction, having only ___ few buttons usually reserved for shortcuts to often used programs. Touch screen PDAs, including Windows Pocket PC devices, usually have ___ detachable stylus that can be used on ___ touch screen. Interaction is then done by tapping ___ screen to activate buttons or menu choices, and dragging ___ stylus to, for example, highlight.
Text input is usually done in one of two ways:
*Using ___ virtual keyboard, where ___ keyboard is shown on ___ touch screen. Input is done by tapping ___ letters.
*Using letter or word recognition, where letters or words are written on ___ touch screen, and then \"translated\" to letters in ___ currently activated text field. Despite rigorous research and development projects, end-users experience mixed results with this input method, with some finding it frustrating and inaccurate, while others are satisfied with ___ quality.HWR accuracy:
*See comments in Wired\'s Apple Newton Just Won\'t Drop (4 yrs later)
*See text under \"Handwriting Recognition\" in Pen Computing\'s First Look at Newton OS 2.0
*See \"Opportunity Squandered\" in Pen Computing\'s Why did Apple kill ___ Newton?
*See comments under \"Software\" in MacTech\'s MessagePad 2000 review
*Comments by Pen Computing\'s editor
*See user testing results discussed in part 6 of this ___.I. Magazine article on Newton HWR
*MessagePad 2000 review at Small Dog Electronics
*See comments under \"Note-taking\" in MessagePad 2000 review at \"___ History and Macintosh Society\"
*What\'s Right With ___ Newton: HWR Recognition and computation of handwritten horizontal and vertical formulas such as \"1 + 2 =\" was also under development.

PDAs for business use, including ___ BlackBerry and Treo, have full keyboards and scroll wheels or thumb wheels to facilitate data entry and navigation, in addition to supporting touch-screen input. There are also full-size foldable keyboards available that plug directly, or use wireless technology to interface with ___ PDA and allow for normal typing. BlackBerry also has additional functionality as push based email and applications.

Newer PDAs, such as ___ Apple iPhone include new user interfaces using other means of input. ___ iPhone uses ___ technology called Multi-touch which uses fingers as input. Whereas ___ MacsturSoft version contains ___ slightly different version of Multi-Touch which is more advanced than Apple\'s Technology. IFTIKHARMemory cards

Although many early PDAs did not have memory card slots, now most have either ___ SD (Secure Digital) and/or ___ Compact Flash slot. Although originally designed for memory, SDIO and Compact Flash cards are available for such things as Wi-Fi and Webcams. Some PDAs also have ___ USB port, mainly for USB flash drives.
Wired connectivity

While many earlier PDAs connected via serial ports or other proprietary format, many today connect via USB cable. This served primarily to connect to ___ computer, and few, if any PDAs were able to connect to each other out of ___ box using cables, as USB requires one machine to act as ___ host - functionality which was not often planned. Some PDAs were able to connect to ___ internet, either by means of one of these cables, or by using ___ extension card with ___ ethernet port/RJ-45 adaptor.
Wireless connectivity

Most modern PDAs have Bluetooth wireless connectivity, ___ increasingly popular tool for mobile devices. It can be used to connect keyboards, headsets, GPS and many other accessories, as well as sending files between PDAs. Many mid-range and superior PDAs have Wi-Fi/WLAN/802.11-connectivity, used for connecting to Wi-Fi hotspots or wireless networks. Older PDAs predominantly have ___ IrDA (infrared) port; however fewer current models have ___ technology, as it is slowly being phased out due support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. IrDA allows communication between two PDAs, ___ PDA and any device with ___ IrDA port or adapter. Most universal PDA keyboards use infrared technology because many older PDAs have it, and infrared technology is low-cost.

Personal digital assistant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are handheld computers that were originally
.... PDAs and handheld devices have recently allowed for digital note taking. ...
Article about personal digital assistants (PDAs), including their features, uses, technical details, and more.
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are handheld devices that were originally designed as personal organisers, but became much more versatile over the years. PDAs have many uses: calculating, use as a ...
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Blenders

Choosing the right blender for the way you prepare foods is the trick. You may find you need more than one.

Which blender best suits your style and the foods you prepare? Blenders usually excel at mixing icy drinks. Stick-shaped immersion blenders are handy mostly for stirring powdered drinks or puréeing vegetables in a saucepan.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Blenders. Rugged construction and increased power are driving blender sales. Ice-crushing ability is one of the key attributes that shoppers look for in a blender, according to manufacturers. But appearance matters as well, since a blender is one of the appliances consumers are more likely to leave on the countertop than store in a cupboard. As a result, you'll see more colors and metallic finishes. Hamilton Beach and Oster account for more than 40 percent of countertop-blender sales. Other brands include Black & Decker, Braun, Cuisinart, GE, KitchenAid, Krups, Proctor-Silex, Sharp, Sunbeam, Vita-Mix, and Waring, a product pioneer.

Price range: $10 to $400.

Immersion blenders. These stick-shaped handhelds with a swirling blade at the bottom--are on a power trip, with models juiced up to 200 watts or more. With these devices, power seems to make more of a difference than with countertop blenders. An immersion blender in the 100-watt range didn't even have the energy to mince onions in our tests. Immersion blenders are popular for stirring soups and puréeing and chopping vegetables. Increasingly, they're being paired with accessories such as beaters, whisks, and attachments to clean baby bottles. Braun controls the handheld segment of the market.

Price range: $10 to $100.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Choose the right machine for your cooking tasks. Blenders excel at puréeing soup, crushing ice, and making fruit smoothies. Most blenders we tested are competent at various tasks; most have the oomph to crush ice. Most are convenient to use. Choose a blender by noting the specific strengths of the models we tested.

Consider your budget. With blenders, power, performance, and price don't always go hand-in-hand. In past test, some modestly powered, inexpensive blenders turned out smooth-as-silk mixtures, while some bigger and fancier blenders left food pulpy or lumpy. Spending more for any of these appliances will typically get you touchpad controls, extra speeds and power, and perhaps designer styling or colors to match your kitchen's décor. You'll pay more for a blender with a stainless-steel or other metallic jar than you will for one with a plastic or glass container.

___ \'\'\'blender\'\'\' or \'\'\'liquidiser\'\'\' (UK) is ___ [[kitchen appliance]] used to mix ingredients or [[puree]] food. ___ term typically refers to ___ stationary, upright electrical device, which is to be distinguished from ___ hand-powered or electric mixer that may be used for similar purposes. Blenders are also used in [[laboratory]] applications.

___ blending container can be made of [[glass]], [[plastic]], or [[stainless steel]], and often has [[Graduated cylinder|graduated markings]] for approximate measuring purposes. At ___ top of ___ container is ___ lid to prevent ingredients from escaping during operation. At ___ bottom is ___ blade assembly, sometimes removable for cleaning purposes. In cases where ___ blades are removable, ___ container should have ___ [[o-ring]] between ___ body of ___ container and ___ base to seal ___ container and prevent ___ contents from leaking.

___ container rests upon ___ base that contains ___ motor for turning ___ blade assembly and has controls on its surface. Most modern blenders offer ___ number of possible speeds. Low-powered blenders require some liquid to be added for ___ blender to operate correctly. This is because ___ liquid is used to move ___ solids around ___ jar and bring it in contact with ___ blade as ___ \"whirlpool\" fluid movement brings items from ___ top to ___ bottom. High-powered blenders are capable of milling grains and crushing ice without such assistance.

Another type of blender is ___ [[immersion blender]]. This has no container of its own, but instead has ___ mixing head with blades that can be immersed in ___ pot of soup, for example.

Some of ___ functions of blenders have been taken over by [[food processor]]s. In particular, thicker mixtures such as [[mayonnaise]] and [[hummus]] are easier to make in food processors.

==Applications==

Blenders are used both in home and commercial kitchens for various purposes:
* to crush ice in drinks such as [[margarita|frozen margaritas]] and [[Frappucino]]s
* to crush ice and fruit in drinks such as [[smoothie]]s
* to [[emulsion|emulsify]] mixtures
* to make smooth [[purée]]s of semi-solid ingredients, such as cooked vegetables and meat
* to reduce small solids such as spices and seeds to powder or [[nut butter]]s
* to blend mixtures of powders, granules, and/or liquids thoroughly
* to help dissolve solids into liquids

Blenders also have ___ variety of applications in [[microbiology]] and [[food science]]. In addition to standard food-type blenders, there is ___ variety of other configurations of blender for laboratories.

== Development ==
Stephen J. Poplawski, owner of ___ Stevens Electric Company, invented ___ drink mixer in 1922 to make [[Horlicks]] malted [[milk shake]]s at [[soda fountain]]s. He also introduced ___ liquefier blender in 1922.http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blblender.htm Stevens Electric was sold to Oster Manufacturing, ___ manufacturer of barber equipment, in 1946. Oster commercialized ___ liquefier blender under ___ [[trademark]] \'\'Osterizer\'\'. Oster was bought by [[Sunbeam Products]] in 1960.Information from ___ Oster site; now only available at ___ [http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:t-wT_if2rhEJ:www.oster.com/history.aspx+site:www.oster.com+1924&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us Google cache].

In [[1935]], Fred Osius invented another kind of blender. He approached [[Fred Waring]], ___ popular musician who financed and promoted ___ \"Miracle Mixer\", which was commercialized in 1937 by [[Waring Products]][http://www.foodreference.com/html/art-waring_blender-801.html Orchestra Leader Fred Waring and ___ Waring Blender] at foodreference.com. They credit [http://waringproducts.com Waring Products\' web site], but ___ content is no longer available there, now part of [[Conair]]. Waring popularized ___ [[smoothie]] in ___ 1940s. Waring long used ___ spelling \"blendor\" for its product.

With ___ rising popularity of [[smoothie]]s, [[Frappucino]]s and other frozen drinks prepared in front of ___ customer, new models of commercial blenders often include ___ sound-reducing enclosures and computerized controls.

Specialised blenders for making smoothies are becoming popular, chiefly resembling ___ ordinary model with ___ [[spigot]] added for quick serving. Some models also feature ___ gimballed stirring rod mounted on ___ lid, constructed so that mixtures can be stirred whilst ___ machine is running with no chance of ___ stirrer fouling ___ blades.

== Mechanical Operation ==
[[Image:Blender_mechanical_assembly.jpg|thumb|200px|___ powertrain of ___ blender.]]
___ blender consists of ___ housing, motor, blades, and food container. ___ fan-cooled [[electric motor]] is secured into ___ housing by way of vibration dampeners, and ___ small output shaft penetrates ___ upper housing and meshes with ___ blade assembly. Usually, ___ small rubber washer provides ___ seal around ___ output shaft to prevent liquid from entering ___ motor. Most blenders today have multiple speeds.

Vitamix Blender- Kitchen Aid, Vita mix, Blendtec Total Blender, Lequip Blenders
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Kitchen Aid Mixer Kitchenaid Blenders & Food Processors
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String trimmers

Some of the latest electric trimmers perform better than ever. But gas models are still tops overall for tall grass and weeds.

A string trimmer can pick up where a lawn mower leaves off. It provides the finishing touches, slicing through tufts of grass around trees and flowerbeds, straightening uneven edges along a driveway, and trimming stretches of lawn your mower or tractor can’t reach. While capable trimming and edging has required spending $100 or more for a gasoline-powered model, several plug-in trimmers provide both for less.

Edging is an especially demanding job that involves slicing vertically into the ground. Dual cutting lines like the ones on most gas-powered trimmers helped the best electrics edge and trim shorter grass about as well as the best gas models. But even the best plug-in trimmers can’t match the best gas models in tall grass and weeds.

Faster starts, fewer tangles, and easier handling are among the string-trimmer features you’ll find as manufacturers improve these tools. Some gas models from Echo, Stihl, and Troy-Bilt use a spring-assist system that makes pulling easier. More gas models also offer simplified 1-2-3 starting: Push the primer bulb, flip the choke lever, and pull the cord. Models that use it typically started with just one or two pulls. You can also avoid cutting-line jam-ups with a fixed-line head that uses two precut pieces of cutting line. Lighter weight for electric and gas trimmers is another plus.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Black & Decker, Craftsman (Sears), Toro, and Weed Eater are the major brands of electric string trimmers, while Craftsman, Homelite, McCulloch, Ryobi, Troy-Bilt, and Weed Eater are the big names in gas-powered models. Leading high-end gas-trimmer brands include Bolens, Echo, Husqvarna, John Deere, and Stihl.

Gasoline-powered trimmers. These are better than electrics at cutting heavy weeds and brush, and are often better at edging. They also go anywhere, so they’re the best choice if you’ll be trimming far from a power outlet. On the downside, gas trimmers are heavier than electrics, weighing about 10 to 14 pounds. Most have a two-stroke engine that requires a mixture of gas and oil. These tend to pollute more than four-stroke engines, which burn gasoline only, and entail pull-starting and regular maintenance. Gas-powered trimmers are also noisy enough to make hearing protection necessary. Price range: $50 to $200; $70 to $150 for most.

Electric corded trimmers. These are the least expensive and usually the lightest; many weigh only about 5 pounds. Some work about as well as gas trimmers for most trimming. All are quieter and easier to start than gas trimmers—you simply push a button rather than pulling a starter cord. The power cord limits your range to about 100 feet from an outlet, however. Models with the engine at the bottom of the shaft can be more difficult to manage than those with the engine located at the top, near the handle. Corded electric trimmers are noisy enough to make hearing protection a necessity. And even the most powerful models are unlikely to handle the tall grass and weeds that the best gas-powered trimmers can tackle. Price range: $20 to $100.

Electric battery-powered trimmers. Cordless trimmers combine the free range of gas trimmers with the convenience of corded electrics: Easy starting and stopping, no fueling, and no exhaust emissions. They’re also the quietest overall. But they’re weak at cutting and run only about 15 to 20 minutes before the onboard battery needs recharging, which can take up to a day. They also tend to be pricey and heavy for their performance (about 10 pounds). Some models have the motor at the bottom of the shaft, where it can be even harder to handle than it is on lighter corded versions. Price range: $30 to $100 or more.


HOW TO CHOOSE



You don’t have to invest in a pricey, professional-grade trimmer unless you need its metal-blade capability for cutting saplings and other woody waste. Most of the gas trimmers and even some electrics we tested can handle the grass and tall weeds that account for most trimming.

Determine whether a gas-powered or electric trimmer fits your needs. Then keep these points in mind while shopping at the store:

Consider the landscape. Trimmers with a straight shaft can reach beneath shrubs more easily and are less likely than curved-shaft ones to spatter you with clippings. Curved-shaft trimmers trade those benefits for easier maneuvering and, often, less weight—a plus for shorter users and those with less arm strength.

See how it feels. While a lighter trimmer tends to reduce fatigue, weight isn’t the whole story. Good balance can be just as critical. To check it, adjust the front handle for comfort and hold the trimmer in the cutting position with both hands. Its weight should feel evenly distributed or slightly heavier at the top.

Also check that all the controls are smooth and easy to reach. If you’re left-handed, make sure a gasoline-powered trimmer you’re considering has a deflector that routes the hot exhaust gases rearward. Most now include one.

Check the gap. Tall grass and weeds can slow a trimmer by wrapping around the top of its cutting head, especially if there’s a gap between it and the mounting for the grass-debris guard. Models with a smaller gap or a protective sleeve around the shaft avoided that problem in our tests.

Consider your neighbors. If they’re close by, you may want to choose a corded or cordless electric trimmer. Nearly all the ones we tested are significantly less noisy than gasoline-powered models. If you opt for gas, protect your ears with earmuffs or plugs.

String trimmers are ___ accessory garden tool and can be used for trimming ___ hedges, string trimmers are lightweight machines that you can hold above your head for ___ long time without discomfort. With trimmers you can cut small bushes, trim ___ hedge, reach hard to get spots in your garden, and of course grass and weeds.

___ string trimmers are so known as they feature ___ high-speed nylon string with which ___ cutting work is done. As ___ string cuts ___ grass or ___ small bush, ___ string wears out, ___ new piece of string takes its place, and ___ work goes on.

For continued work, it is essential that ___ machines in ___ string trimmers should be lightweight, string trimmers are so lightweight that they are often used as machines for small toy aircrafts.

Gas or Electric String Trimmers

String trimmers are available in gas power or electric power. ___ electric ones are lightweight and are easy to operate except for ___ power cable that has to follow ___ trimmers to every place in ___ garden.

___ gas-powered one is powerful but is heavy and polluting, particularly ___ two stroke variety. ___ four stroke engines do not cause as much pollution as ___ two stroke ones but are heavier than ___ two-stroke and thus it is not preferred. ___ two stroke engines and four stroke engines make more noise than ___ electric ones.

String trimmers require regular maintenance and part replacement, ___ parts of gas trimmers are available in market easily and as such presents no problem to its operation.

Cost of String Trimmers

String trimmers are cheap garden accessories and ___ cost is upwards of $50. ___ spare part consumption in all ___ trimmers is on ___ heavier side and thus ___ trimmers are ___ bit hard on operating costs. But if your intension is to have ___ neat garden with least effort, ___ string trimmers is ___ only answer apart from doing ___ work manually. Manual work is also not cheap if you consider your own cost in dollars per hour.

What To Look for When You buy ___ trimmer

When you buy ___ trimmer ___ things you should look for are.

1. ___ good balanced shaft and machine combination. If you do not get ___ balanced combination. you will be tired early than expected.

2. ___ engine should be lightweight and easy to start.

3. ___ noise level should be low so you may not have to face sound pollution.

4. ___ spare part should be easily and readily available at all places.

5. ___ controls should be available within reach of your fingers preferably ___ thumb. This will make trimming work easy and not too tiring.

6. ___ good and easy string feed action. ___ string trimmer is as good as ___ string feed action and this action should be easy and as required by ___ trimmer.

All ___ above requirements are met by string trimmers and you can purchase good trimmers with peace of mind. ___ guarantee given by ___ manufacturer will further ease your mind.

Apart from ___ lawn mower, ___ edger and trimmer is likely to be ___ tool used almost as much. Not many lawn mowers will be capable of reaching everywhere, since most garden lawns will butt up against ___ patio, wall, or have several trees on ___ property. As ___ result, ___ only way to maintain ___ lawn is by using ___ trimmer of some type.

___ basic lawn edger is equipped with dual blades and attached to ___ long wooden handle. These are relatively lightweight, require no gasoline, and there\'s no need for ___ cord to get in ___ way. If ___ blades are maintained dirt free and sharp, they will be able to adequately cut 35 feet of pathway in just ___ few minutes.

But they will need ___ lot of muscular exertion. For those gardening enthusiasts that enjoy pottering around outside, but are getting along in years, they may not be ideal. It\'s not going to be fun maintaining ___ trim looking lawn if ___ end result is sore arms and ___ stiff back.

___ next level up is ___ electric trimmer. Reasonably priced and simple to use, they remove difficult to reach grass by carving it off with ___ swiftly spinning plastic string. ___ cartridge head that holds ___ trimmer line is quick to replace, can last for up to several months and costs under $10 to replace.

___ further benefit over ___ manual edger is that they can often be used in ___ variety of positions, and in situations that ___ manual tool is unable to work. If you lawn is adjacent to ___ outbuilding, for example ___ shed, it can often be tough to use ___ pole trimmer to eliminate ___ grass. But ___ automatic feed trimmer will work perfectly in there conditions. It will not do any damage to ___ shed and rapidly removes ___ grass.

___ further style of power trimmer uses ___ small gas powered motor. They tend to be rather noisy, but ___ main setback is really ___ weight. They are much heavier than their electric trimmer counterpart. On ___ plus side, they are not fitted with ___ cable to drag behind.

As you will not be restricted by cable length there are no limits to where it may be used. If you have ___ huge garden, or have ___ need to tidy up certain spots that are not equipped with ___ nearby power supply, using ___ electric powered trimmer can be ___ problem. In these situations, ___ gas powered trimmer is ideal.

___ gas powered edger will also be equipped with much more power. So if you are plagued with thick weeds, overgrowing brush, or other debris that you want to cut down to size, this model will do ___ job. Although, slightly more expensive, they will last for years and ___ cost will be worth ___ effect saved.

String trimmer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
String trimmers powered by an internal combustion engine have the engine on the ... and spawned a back-formed verb "to strim" = "to use a string trimmer on" ...
A string trimmer , also called a line trimmer , edge trimmer , Weedeater (a brandname), Weedwhacker , Weed Whip , weedy , whipper snipper , strimmer , garden strimmer , or bush cutter is a powered ...
A string trimmer, also called a line trimmer, edge trimmer, Weedeater (a brandname), Weedwhacker, weedy, whipper snipper, strimmer, garden ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_trimmer

String Trimmers: Reviews, comparisons and prices
ConsumerSearch.com reviews string trimmer reviews; best string trimmers include
Echo GT-201R ($180), Weedeater Featherlite SST25 ($90), Shindaiwa T2510 ...
Reviews and research on String Trimmers. ConsumerSearch.com identifies top-rated ... 180), Best string trimmer overall. Weedeater Featherlite SST25(*est. ...
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Consumer Guide: Electric String Trimmers Product Reviews
Electric string trimmers have nearly the power of gas trimmers without the worry
of fuel. Read Consumer Guide's product reviews to find the best model for ...
Electric string trimmers have nearly the power of gas trimmers without the worry of fuel. ... If you're looking for power that approaches that of a gas trimmer without having to deal with fuel ...
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String Trimmers Reviews: Product Reviews Comparison Reports
ConsumerSearch.com reviews string trimmer reviews; best string trimmers include Echo GT-201R ($180), Weedeater Featherlite SST25 ($90), ...
www.consumersearch.com/www/lawn_and_garden/string_trimm...

The Fastest (and Toughest) String Trimmers on the Market - Popular ...
A lawn isn't finished until it's trimmed. The right machines can transform a
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LCD TVs

LCD TVs pack a lot of bang for a lot of bucks. Their svelte profile is the main attraction

Once available only with small screens, LCD (liquid-crystal display) TVs now come with bigger screens suitable for a household's primary set. The introduction of 37- to 50-inch sets has positioned LCD TVs as strong competition to flat-panel plasma sets. In fact, Sony has stopped offering plasma TVs for the consumer market, instead focusing its flat-panel effort on LCD sets. That illustrates the growing importance of this category.

LCD TVs cost more than comparably sized plasma sets, but the gap is gradually narrowing. Differences in picture quality are narrowing as well. Recent improvements in LCDs address earlier weaknesses at displaying deep black levels, accurate colors, and fast motion. The introduction of some LCD sets with 1080p resolution--the highest currently available--has also raised the bar for picture quality.

Regardless of screen size, LCD TVs are only a few inches thick, giving them a small footprint. They're also relatively lightweight--30 pounds or less for midsized models, 60 pounds or so for big-screen sets--so they're easily moved or wall-mounted. But LCD technology, like plasma technology, is fairly new, so long-term reliability of these TVs is still a question. However, preliminary data are encouraging.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Top-selling brands include Sony, Sharp, Samsung, Panasonic, Magnavox, and Westinghouse. Prices have been dropping steadily, thanks in part to the arrival of low-priced brands from computer makers such as Dell and store brands from major retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Wal-Mart, and Target.

Most LCD TVs with screens larger than 20 inches or so are high-definition (HD) models. HDTVs can display the sharpest, most detailed images. On most high-def sets, the resolution is 1024x768 or1366x768. Recently, some 1080p HDTVs have been introduced. With a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, the highest so far, 1080p TVs are the first with the potential to display all 1,080 lines in the most common high-definition format, called 1080i. The improvement is most noticeable on large screens, say, 50 inches and up.

In smaller sizes--screens of 20 inches or less--enhanced-definition LCD TVs are also available. ED sets, which are digital, have picture quality that's slightly better than standard definition but not as good as HD; these can accept 480p signals like those from a progressive-scan DVD player. Standard-definition TVs are analog models that can display only 480i signals like those used for most TV broadcasts. Analog TV broadcasts will cease on Feb. 17, 2009, when all broadcasters must switch to digital. An analog set you buy now will be able to receive digital programming when used with an external digital tuner, such as that in a cable or satellite box, or a set-top box and antenna.

Major-brand LCD HDTVs with 26-inch screens typically start at $1,000; $1,200 to $2,000 for a 32-inch set; and $2,000 to $2,500 for 37-inch set. In all size categories, you'll see less-familiar brands selling for hundreds less. A growing number of LCD TVs have even larger screens--up to 50 inches or more--and prices go up along with size.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Consider what level of picture quality you're willing to pay for. The best LCD TVs are capable of excellent picture quality, although blacks may not be quite as deep as on a good plasma set. For a main TV or one you'll watch often, we'd strongly recommend an HD set with resolution of at least 1024x768. On screens larger than 30 inches or so, 1366x768 has the potential to offer better quality, though native screen resolution in and of itself doesn't guarantee a certain level of picture quality. Check our Ratings online to see which models make the most of their resolution. It's probably not worth paying the premium for a 1080p set with 1920x1080 resolution for screens much smaller than 50 inches. The quality difference isn't as noticeable below that size. We'd recommend an ED or standard-definition LCD TV only for small sets used for casual viewing in the kitchen, for example, where you wouldn't want the cable or satellite box you generally need to receive HD signals. The picture quality almost certainly won't be as good as what you'll get with an HD set.

Check the viewing angle. Viewing angles have improved, so many new LCD TVs display a better image from off-center than older sets did--a must if the TV will be watched by several people at once. Some sets have wider viewing angles than others. Before buying one, see how the picture looks if you step off to the side or move up and down. With some, you'll see a dimmer, somewhat washed-out image as your viewing position angles away, particularly in a vertical direction.

Look for easy-to-use inputs. On many LCD televisions, the connections are on the side or rear of the panel and might be hard to reach. Some larger models have a separate control unit to which you connect all your external audio/video devices, such as a DVD player or cable box. You then have only one cable going from the control box to the panel itself. That's a plus for wall-mounting and can make the inputs easier to access. But it does give you another box to contend with.

Consider a set that doubles as a computer display. If you need a computer display as well as a TV, check connectivity options. An HD set with high native resolution is best for computer use. A standard VGA connection works with all computers; a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) input would be compatible with newer midrange computers.

Our preliminary survey data found few repair problems during the first year of use for LCD sets from Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba, but it's too early to comment on other brands or on long-term reliability for any brand.

Are You Thinking of Buying ___ LCD TV? Then You Should Read This
___ LCD television is great in small places

___ LCD television will fit where larger TVs can not. ___ term LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Diode. If you want ___ flat panel TV, you can choose either ___ LCD TV or plasma TV. It is in ___ electronics that ___ LCD differs from ___ plasma TV.

How does ___ LCD make ___ picture?

LCD TVs are available in ___ few variations. ___ first is ___ conventional LCD panel, but isn’t only used in televisions. LCDs are used in many other electronic technologies like microwaves, digital clocks, calculators, and stereos. In ___ television, ___ LCD comes in ___ design called Twisted Nematic (TM). It is ___ naturally twisted crystalline structure that reacts to electric currents in predictable manners. ___ currents cause it to untwist to different degrees based on ___ voltage given. These TN crystals are stuck between panes of polarized glass and ___ untwisting allows different amounts of light to pass through.

Most agree that if you are purchasing ___ flat television panel smaller than 37”, you should buy ___ LCD TV. Larger LCD panels tend to not be as crisp. You will find that ___ plasma TV is better, if bigger. There are two exceptions if ___ room is very bright, ___ LCD is superior and LCD also is more resistant to burn in from sources like computers and TV video game consoles. LCD can burn out but occur much less than earlier models. Many models are now High Definition (HDTV) capable as well.

___ life-span of ___ LCD is tremendous as well and outlasts your old CRT TV. This makes it ___ great investment and valuable in your house.

Doing Your Homework on ___ 20\" LCD TV
___ decision to actually purchase ___ 20 inch LCD TV is easy; ___ difficult bit comes in making ___ decision of which 20 inch LCD TV. In general, making mistakes isn’t highly likely for ___ least-bit discerning consumer. ___ quality of image in ___ 20 inch LCD TV is tantamount to that all other models, and ___ tales of sharpness and amazing contrast are not exaggerated. On top of high technology in picture, any given 20 inch LCD TV weighs little, totes easily and can be set practically any space you choose.

Having said all this, however, beware of simply plunking down your hard-earned cash on ___ first 20 inch LCD TV that catches your eye. (And they’ll all catch your eye. In fact, both eyes.) When you’re talking about ___ liquid crystal clarity making precision so exact in ___ 20 inch LCD TV, ___ little quality difference goes ___ long way.

Proliferating on ___ LCD TV market in recent months and years is AQUOS. Since undertaking ___ creation of this specifically-geared line, Sharp Electronics has produced amazing models across ___ board, starting, naturally with their 20 inch LCD TV, ___ LC-20B4US is ___ 20” LCD TV. ___ AQUOS 20 inch LCD TV makes itself distinguishable among ___ 20 inch LCD TV herd through its slim, slim three inches of depth. As ___ most minute of ___ Sharp LCD TV range, ___ AQUOS 20 inch LCD TV lives up to ___ very aim of ___ 20 inch LCD TV: it can be situated anywhere and features bonuses such as cable-, VCR- and DVD-readiness, not overwhelmingly typical perks in ___ 20 inch LCD TV sphere. Amazon sells new AQUOS 20 inch LCD TVs.

\"Progressive scan\" serves not only to promote ___ 20 inch LCD TV peddled by Westinghouse, but to enter ___ fray of buzzwords to describe ___ ultranew video and sound technology driving ___ 20 inch LCD TV and its bigger brethren. Going by ___ model number of LTV-20V2, ___ Westinghouse 20 inch LCD TV made ___ big splash in ___ 20 inch LCD TV market, helping to propel Westinghouse into ___ top five LCD TV in sales last year. One major factor in ___ success of ___ Westinghouse 20 inch LCD TV is its low price. It can be half ___ price of Sharp’s 20 inch LCD TV, to cite one example. This indicates, of course, that ___ Westinghouse 20 inch LCD TV is quite no-frills, allowing consumers to make improvements of their own choosing at their own pace. ___ LTV-20V4 is ___ upgraded version of ___ 20 inch LCD TV.

Yes, ___ decision to buy was easy. But even with these three recommendations, ___ difficulty level of same has increased threefold. Doing your homework on ___ 20 inch LCD TV may be ___ first step in all your future televisual amusement.

LCD monitors have ___ edge over other monitors as they have better resolution and sleek design. Due to ___ liquid crystal display technology, ___ LCD monitor can produce 16.7 million colors, which means, ___ tiniest of hues can be detected. LCD monitors are sleekly built, so they occupy less space on ___ table. They are also lightweight and very easy to transport.

LCD TV monitors are ___ combination of monitors used for computers and ___ normal television. They have ___ TV tuner built into them, which can allow them to function as both. They also have audio visual inputs, which can allow speakers and even woofers to be attached.

LCD TV monitors work on ___ principle of blocking unwanted colors from ___ white spectrum. Their screens have ___ large number of pixels, each of which twist and turn at appropriate angles to produce ___ image. ___ pixels are illuminated by ___ thin lamp or ___ projector LCD. Due to this, ___ LCD TV monitors can be designed very compactly. They also offer great viewing angles. Some LCD TV monitors can also produce good quality images when viewed at ___ angle as obtuse as 170 degrees.

LCD TV monitors also have non glare screens. This makes them easy on ___ eyes, even when viewed very closely. Also, they are not affected by light falling on them. Even in ___ bright room, ___ quality of image on ___ LCD monitor will be as crisp as in ___ dark room.

LCD TV monitors are available in general sizes of 19\', 20\', 21\', and 23\' and upward. Smaller LCD TV monitors are also available in sizes of 14\' and 17\'. LCD TV monitors provide good image qualities irrespective of their sizes. There are some complaints. LCD TVs suffer from high burn rates; which means ___ image persists on ___ pixels for longer times. Also some LCD monitors cannot run high density games, which require HD compatibility. Some LCD monitors also produce ___ ghosting effect. However constant improvements are being made in LCD TV monitors to make these anomalies redundant.

In order to make LCD TV monitors sleeker, companies make their buttons small. Sometimes this becomes ___ issue if ___ buttons are too small to be read.

___ new type of LCD TV monitor is being designed, which will allow people to watch different programs on ___ same TV by just changing their angle of viewing.

LCD TVs provides detailed information about LCD TVs, LCD TV reviews, LCD TV monitors, LCD TV wall mounts and more.

In recent years LCD televisions have taken over from ___ traditional CRT television in ___ TV market. LCD TV technology has now reached ___ point where picture quality is subjectively extremely good and is catching up with PLASMA technology in ___ larger screen sizes.

As ___ price of LCD TVs continues to fall it is hard to imagine why anyone would want to hang on to their old, bulky CRT set. LCD TVs are ___ elegant solution, taking up ___ fraction of ___ floor space of ___ traditional television. In fact, it is possible to mount some models on ___ wall or sit them on ___ shelf; if you take this option then all of your valuable floor space is freed up.

LCD TVs typically start at 15\" which is ___ good size for e.g. kitchens or for those people who are not into watching loads of television but who still want ___ TV in their livingroom. To give you ___ idea of how ___ technology is moving, in October 2004 40\" to 45\" sets were widely available, and Sharp announced ___ manufacture of ___ 65\" set. Shortly afterwards, in March 2005, Samsung announced ___ 82\" LCD TV. In August 2006 LG Philips announced ___ 100\" set.

Clearly our television viewing experience is undergoing enormous change at ___ moment. Technology continues to race ahead but prices are falling and competition is getting keener. Make sure that you check out ___ prices of different manufactures and stores before you upgrade or make ___ move to ___ LCD TV.

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Ranges

You don't have to spend top dollar for impressive performance with high-end cooking features and stainless steel styling.

If you're in the market for a range, you're faced with several choices. You can buy a freestanding range that combines a cooktop and oven, or you can buy a separate cooktop and wall oven. The oven can be equipped with a convection feature. If you have access to a gas hookup, you need to decide whether you want gas, electricity, or a combination of the two.

All of these choices bring innovations and upgrades as competition among manufacturers heats up. Smoothtop electric ranges where the heating elements are below a ceramic glass surface now outnumber traditional coiltop models. Both offer quick heating and the ability to maintain low heat levels. Gas ranges use burners, which typically don't heat as quickly as electric elements, despite increasingly higher power-measured in British thermal units per hour (Btu/hr.). Even the highest-powered burners tend to heat more slowly than the fastest electric coil elements, sometimes because the heavy cast-iron grates that typically come with them slow the process by absorbing some of that heat. But you can see how high or low you are adjusting the flame. Several electric and gas ranges offer the flexiblility of two ovens - either one regular-sized oven plus a smaller one or one regular oven and a microwave oven drawer.

You'll also see more high-end or "professional-style" gas ranges with beefy knobs; heavy cast-iron grates; thick, stainless-steel construction; and four or more high-powered burners. These high-heat behemoths can easily cost $2,000 or more and typically require a special range hood and blower system, along with special shielding and a reinforced floor in some applications. But because the look is so popular, you'll find a growing number of stoves that include stainless trim and other pro-style perks for far less.

Shared characteristics between electric and gas ranges are also a growing trend. Some gas models have electric warming zones. Convection features are available on both gas and electric ranges. More and more manufacturers are offering dual-fuel gas ranges, which pair a gas cooktop with an electric oven. These cost about $1,400 and up.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

GE, Kenmore, Frigidaire, Maytag, and Whirlpool are the leading makers of ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens. Other major brands include Amana, Bosch, Electrolux, Hotpoint, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, and LG. Mainstream brands have established high-end offshoots, such as Kenmore Elite, GE Profile, and Whirlpool Gold. High-end, pro-style brands include Dacor, GE Monogram, KitchenAid Pro-Line, Thermador, Viking, and Wolf.

Freestanding range. These ranges can fit in the middle of a kitchen counter or at the end. Widths are usually 24 to 48 inches, although most are 30 inches wide. They typically have oven controls on the backsplash. Slide-in models eliminate the backsplash and side panels to blend into the countertop, while drop-ins rest atop toe-kick-level cabinetry and typically lack a storage drawer. Nearly all mainstream ranges now include a self-cleaning feature and-for gas models-sealed burners, which keep crumbs from falling beneath the cooktop. On the higher end of the scale, electric models have one or more expandable electric elements, gas models have two or more high-powered burners, a convection oven, and warming drawers. Price range: $400 to $1,600.

Pro-style range. Bulkier than freestanding ranges, these gas models can be anywhere from 30 to 60 inches wide. Larger ones include six or eight burners, a grill or griddle, and a double oven. Many have a convection feature, and some have an infrared gas broiler. While you usually don't get a storage drawer, more pro-style stoves now include a self-cleaning oven and sealed burners. Price range: $2,000 to $5,000.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Think about your cooking. If you often cook for a crowd, look for at least one high-powered element or burner and a large oven. Indeed, you'll find more midpriced gas ranges with the ultrahigh heat once exclusive to pro-style stoves. High-heat burners can be useful for searing, stir-frying, or heating large quantities. Ranges with convection can speed roasting a little. Models that excelled in broiling produced burgers seared on the outside and cooked quickly and evenly.

Think hard before buying a pro-style range. For most consumers, pro-style ranges aren't the best choice. In our tests, they did no better than conventional ranges. Some pro-style models lack common features, and some brands have had higher repair rates.

Consider the fuel. Electric surface elements tend to heat faster and maintain low heat better. But a gas flame makes it easier to see the heat level. Either type is capable of very good performance. A dual-fuel range combines an electric oven and gas cooktop. But our tests don't support the claim that an electric oven cooks more evenly than a gas one. On average, dual-fuel ranges scored lower than top-performing gas or electric models and cost more.

Balance convenience and durability. Electric smoothtops are pretty easy to clean, but they require a special cleaner. They can be damaged by a dropped pot or sugary liquids. Coil tops aren't as susceptible to such harm, but they require more cleaning time.

Keep high-tech in perspective. Ranges with special baking modes may not outperform conventional models. Touchpad oven controls are more precise than knobs. But front-mounted touchpads can be bumped and reset by accident, so see if the controls are logically placed and visible while you're cooking.

___ stove is ___ appliance used to produce heat by ___ combustion of fossil fuels. Stoves are ___ improvement on open fires for several reasons; they are easier to control, more efficient and create less pollution.

Stoves are used for cooking and heating, along with industrial uses.
Open fire has three major disadvantages that prompted inventors even in ___ 16th century to devise improvements: it is dangerous, it produces much smoke, and ___ heat efficiency is poor. Attempts were made to enclose ___ fire to make better use of ___ heat that it generated and thus reduce ___ wood consumption. ___ first step was ___ fire chamber: ___ fire was enclosed on three sides by brick-and-mortar walls and covered by ___ iron plate. Only in 1735 did ___ first design that completely enclosed ___ fire appear: ___ Castrol stove of ___ French architect François Cuvilliés was ___ masonry construction with several fireholes covered by perforated iron plates. It is also known as ___ stew stove. Near ___ end of ___ 18th century, ___ design was refined by hanging ___ pots in holes through ___ top iron plate, thus improving heat efficiency even more.

In order to prevent air, and therefore smoke, from spilling back into ___ room ___ large updraft pulling air (and therefore heat) out of ___ chimney is needed. This both pulls heat away and pulls air from ___ rest of ___ house into ___ fire and then up ___ chimney. ___ fireplace consumes 200 to 600 cubic feet of air per minute, more for ___ very large fire. Even ___ mostly closed-off fireplace, for example ___ modern fireplace with glass doors closed, will use 50-150 cubic feet per minute. High airflow creates ___ draft which pulls heated air out of ___ house to be replaced with cold air leaking in from ___ outside. Second, in ___ open fire some of ___ combustible gas coming off ___ wood escapes and thus does not ignite and is lost. By controlling ___ inflow of air to allow only what ___ fire needs to burn, modern stoves can reduce ___ consumption of air to as little as 15-30 cubic feet per minute, though consumption varies.

Gas & Electric Ranges - AjMadison.com
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As everyone has noted, if you have the option of a gas range, go for it.
Electric ranges are awful, terrible things. My last two apartments have had ...
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Gas or Electric: You will probably replace an electric range with another electric,
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Clothes Dryers

On the whole, clothes dryers do a good job. More sophisticated models dry your laundry with greater finesse.

Dryers are relatively simple. Their major differences are how they heat the air (gas or electricity) and how they're programmed to shut off once the load is dry (thermostat or moisture sensor). Gas models typically cost about $50 more than electric ones, but they're usually cheaper to operate.

Consumer Reports has found that dryers with a moisture sensor tend to recognize when laundry is dry more quickly than machines that use a traditional thermostat. Because they don't subject clothing to unnecessary heat, moisture-sensor models are easier on fabrics. And since they shut themselves off when laundry is dry, they use less energy. Sensors are now offered on many dryers, including some relatively low-priced ones. Thermostat-only dryers are generally the most basic models.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE

The top four brands-GE, Kenmore (Sears), Maytag, and Whirlpool-account for approximately 80 percent of dryer sales. Other brands include Frigidaire (made by Electrolux), Hotpoint (made by GE), and Admiral, Amana, KitchenAid, and Roper (made by Whirlpool). You may also run across smaller brands such as Crosley, Estate, and White-Westinghouse, all of which are made by the larger brands. Asko, Bosch, Miele, and Siemens are European brands. Fisher & Paykel is from New Zealand, LG and Samsung from Korea, and Haier from China.

Full-sized models. These models generally measure between 27 and 29 inches in width-the critical dimension for fitting into cabinetry and closets. Front-mounted controls on some models let you stack the dryer atop a front-loading washer, but shorter people may find it difficult to reach the dryer controls or the inside of the drum. Full-sized models vary in drum capacity from about 5 to 71/2 cubic feet. Most dryers have ample capacity for typical wash loads. A larger drum can more easily handle bulky items such as queen-size comforters. Buying a more expensive model may get you more capacity and a few extra conveniences. Price range: electric, $200 to $1,000; gas, $250 to $1,100.

Space-saving models. Compacts, exclusively electric, are typically 24 inches wide, with a drum capacity roughly half that of full-sized models-about 31/2 cubic feet. Aside from their smaller capacity, they perform much like full-sized machines. They can be stacked atop a companion washer. Some compact dryers operate on 120 volts, while others require a 240-volt outlet (as do full-sized electric dryers). Price range: $200 to about $1,400.

Another space-saving option is a laundry center, which combines a washer and dryer in a single unit. Laundry centers come with either gas or electric dryers. There are full-sized (27 inches wide) or compact (24 inches wide) models available. The dryer component of a laundry center typically has a somewhat smaller capacity than a full-sized dryer. Laundry centers with electric dryers require a dedicated 240-volt power source. Price range: $700 to $1,900.


HOW TO CHOOSE

Consider gas if you can. Both gas and electric dryers perform comparably, our years of testing show. Gas dryers cost about $50 more than comparable electric models, but the likely savings in fuel costs should more than make up the difference in the long run. An electric dryer requires a 240-volt outlet, a gas dryer a gas hookup. If you have both, don't rule out the gas model simply because it costs more. (Consumer Reports now tests only electric dryers, which account for about 80 percent of the models sold, but equivalent gas models are listed in the Ratings.)

Insist on a moisture sensor. As noted earlier, overdrying can damage or shrink fabrics, and moisture sensors can minimize that possibility. Sensors are available on about half the dryers on the market, including most priced above $350. Whether a specific model has a sensor or thermostat may not be obvious from labeling or controls. Check the literature, visit the manufacturer's Web site, or pick a highly rated dryer that we've tested.

Don't get hung up on capacity. Manufacturers describe dryer capacity (as they do washer capacity) with terms such as extra large, super, and super plus. The differences aren't meaningful for everyday use. Most full-sized dryers can hold a typical wash load. If you want to dry big, bulky items, choose a model judged excellent for capacity in our Ratings.

Start in the middle. When using an automatic setting rather than a timed one (which we generally recommend), set the control to the midpoint and raise or lower it as needed. Using More Dry routinely can overdry clothes and waste energy. Use Less Dry to leave clothing damp for ironing. Don't worry about knowing when an automatic cycle is done: If you don't hear the buzzer, an extended tumble without heat prevents wrinkles if you don't remove clothes immediately.

Don't pay for unnecessary extras. Higher-priced dryers may offer a dozen or so choices, including specialty cycles such as "speed dry" (15 minutes of high heat, for example). These can usually be replicated with standard settings. A choice of heat level, timed and auto-dry, and a few fabric types (regular/cotton and permanent press/delicate) is usually plenty. Touchpads look impressive and may allow you to save custom settings but don't improve performance. Nor do stainless-steel tubs, unlike in washers.

Get a quiet dryer for living areas. If your dryer will be near the kitchen or a bedroom, look for a model judged very good or excellent for noise.

Most dryers consist of ___ rotating drum called ___ tumbler through which heat is circulated to evaporate ___ moisture from ___ load. ___ tumbler is rotated relatively slowly in order to maintain space between ___ articles in ___ load. In most cases, ___ tumbler is belt-driven by ___ induction motor.

Fuel types

There are two general classes of rotating dryers: electric and gas. Both of these refer to ___ method used to raise ___ temperature of ___ air flowing through ___ tumbler, since ___ tumbling action is usually electrically powered.

___ electric dryer generally uses ___ coiled wire that is heated with electric current. ___ amount of electric current is varied to adjust ___ air temperature. In ___ United States and other countries following USA wiring standards, electric dryers typically have ___ 4-wire NEMA 14-30 plug, rather than ___ 3-wire NEMA 5-15 plug used by most appliances, and need ___ 30-ampere, 240-volt centertapped single-phase circuit. Small \"portable\" clothes dryers, popular with urban dwellers, normally use conventional 110 volt connections.

___ gas dryer employs ___ gas burner that burns natural gas, propane, or butane to form ___ jet of hot gases that are directed into ___ venturi chamber, which uses Bernoulli\'s principle to pull in ambient air and raise its temperature. ___ air temperature can be altered by adjusting ___ size of ___ gas flame or, more commonly, by merely extinguishing it and relighting it. Gas dryers require electricity to spin ___ clothes, but ___ amount of electricity is much smaller than in ___ electric dryer removing ___ need for ___ special connection. ___ motors normally run on standard 110 volt electricity.

Traditional dryers

Traditional dryers continuously draw in ___ cool, dry, ambient air around them and heat it before passing it through ___ tumbler. Afterwards, ___ resulting hot, humid air is simply vented outside to make room for more dry air to continue ___ drying process.

___ traditional design makes no effort to recycle ___ heat put into ___ load, and so is quite inefficient. Nevertheless, ___ basic design is simple, reliable, and cheap.

Ventless dryers

Spin dryers

These machines simply spin their drums faster than ___ typical washer could in order to extract additional water from ___ load. They may remove more water in two minutes than ___ heated tumbler dryer can in twenty, thus saving significant amounts of time and energy. Although spinning alone will not completely dry clothing, this additional step saves ___ worthwhile amount of time and energy for large laundry operations such as those of hospitals or hotels.

Clothes dryer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A clothes dryer or tumble dryer is a household appliance that is used to remove
the residual moisture from a load of clothing and other textiles, ...
Small "portable" clothes dryers, popular with urban dwellers, normally use ... Just as in a normal dryer, condensation dryers pass heated air through the load. ...
A clothes dryer or tumble dryer is a major household appliance that is used to remove the residual moisture from clothing and other textiles, generally shortly after they are cleaned in a washing or ...
A clothes dryer or tumble dryer is a household appliance that is used to remove the residual moisture from a load of clothing and other ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothes_dryer

Clothes Dryers: Reviews, comparisons and prices
This is the gas version of the above Amana NED5800TQ clothes dryer. Features are
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Howstuffworks "How Clothes Dryers Work"
A dryer is actually an incredibly simple device once you get inside. ... A clothes dryer can be found in just about every house in the United States, and ...
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Gas Grills

Many people are choosing high-end models that do more than just grill. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to get solid performance from an outdoor gas grill

Getting a good grill has become easier--and cheaper--in the competitive marketplace; some of the best cookers we tested cost $200 or less. You’ll also find $500 grills with the added style, space, and convenience of models that are much more expensive.

Stainless steel tops the list of high-end features that are moving down the price spectrum. Many lower-priced models now have at least some stainless trim, while midpriced models typically feature more of it as manufacturers find ways to offer the shiny metal for less.

You’ll also find a greater number of grills that cost $1,000-plus as kitchen-appliance brands such as Frigidaire, Jenn-Air, and Viking have moved onto the patio. While we did not test any new-for-this-year small and portable grills, manufacturers continue to target the tailgating set with them.


WHAT’S AVAILABLE



Char-Broil, Coleman, Kenmore (Sears), and Weber account for more than 60 percent of gas-grill sales.

Basic grill. These grills are ideal for barbecuers who want a good small or medium-sized grill without the frills, for serving four to six people. Features include a painted cart and cast-aluminum firebox and hood; thin porcelain-steel grates; a side burner for some; more stainless trim as you spend more. But most of these grills lack premium, coated cast-iron or thick stainless grates; burners with long warranties; rotisseries; and trays that hold wood chips for smoking. Many carts have only two wheels and lack drawers and other features. Price range: $100 to $300

Midpriced grill. Grills in this price range are the best choice for most outdoor cooks. Options include medium-sized grills with more features and, increasingly, large models that can cook enough for 15 people. Features include longer-warranty burners; premium grates; higher-heat, recessed side burners; an electronic igniter; a rotisserie or smoker tray; more stainless; double doors. But some carts have only two wheels. Many midpriced models have premium grates or burners with long warranties, but few have both. Price range: $300 to $500

High-end grill. Best for those who want a more-stylish medium-sized or large grill that can serve up to 15 people. Features include those on midpriced grills plus mostly or all-stainless construction; lifetime burner warranties; more burners with more heat; a fully rolling cart; better storage space. Paying $1,000 or more often buys a toe-kick that hides the wheels. But based on our tests, paying more than $1,000 for a high-end model usually doesn’t buy you better grilling. Price range: $500 to $1,000-plus.


How to choose



Most gas grills should perform at least adequately at your next alfresco feast. As with indoor ranges, some models do so with more style and panache.

Consider your cooking. Grills with wide or thick stainless or cast-iron grates tend to be best at searing and browning quickly to seal in juices--essential for meats and fish. Wide grates also leave the wide grill marks barbecue buffs crave. But heavy grates can take longer to heat up.

Take a head count. If you often entertain large crowds, look for a large grill with lots of grilling, shelf, and storage space. You’ll find several capable choices.

Inspect the burners. These distribute the gas and flames. They’re also a gas grill’s most-replaced part. Main burners warranted for 10 years or more are likely to last longest. Recessed side burners are also a plus, since some can accept a griddle and others include one. If you don’t cover your grill, look for a side burner with its own cover.

Check the construction. Make sure the rolling cart that supports the firebox and lid doesn’t rattle when shaken. If you want a stainless-steel grill and you’re picky about stains, look for stainless fasteners and better, 300-series stainless (bring a magnet to the store). Or, consider buying a grill made with the cheaper, 400-series stainless and protecting it with a cover (about $40 to $50).

Many grill components can be replaced with new parts, adding to ___ useful life of ___ grill. Though charcoal grills can sometimes require new cooking grids and charcoal grates, gas grills are much more complex, and require additional components such as burners, valves, and heat shields.

Burners
Drawing of ___ \'H\' Style Dual Burner
Drawing of ___ \'H\' Style Dual Burner

___ gas grill\'s burner is ___ central source of heat for cooking food. Gas grill burners are typically constructed of

* stainless steel
* aluminized steel
* cast iron (occasionally porcelain-coated)

Burners are hollow with gas inlet holes and outlet \'ports\'. For each inlet is ___ separate control on ___ control panel of ___ grill. Most grills have just one burner. Common configurations are referred to as dual burners, with two gas inlets and two corresponding control knobs - right and left, and single burners, having only one inlet and control. ___ most common type of gas grill burners are called \'H\' burners and resemble ___ capital letter \'H\' turned on its side. Another popular shape is Oval. There are also \'Figure 8\', \'Bowtie\' and \'Bar\' burners.

Other grills (typically more expensive models) have ___ separate burner for each control, usually featuring three or four individual burners. These burners can be referred to as \'Pipe\', \'Tube\', or \'Rail\' burners. They are mostly straight since they are only required to heat one portion of ___ grill. For example ___ gas grill may have 3 pipe burners which run from ___ front to ___ back of ___ grill - ___ left burner, center burner, and right burner. This allows ___ user ___ flexibility to use any combination of ___ three depending on ___ amount of food being cooked and ___ desired temperature.

Burners are situated at ___ bottom of ___ grill. They can have \'legs\' or rest directly on ___ grill casting. Gas is supplied through venturi tubes or simply \'venturis\'. Venturis can be permanently attached to ___ burner or removable. At ___ other end of ___ venturi is ___ gas valve, which is connected to ___ control knob on ___ front of ___ grill. When ___ user turns ___ knob, ___ valve opens, allowing gas to flow through ___ venturi tube and into ___ burner. Some burners (usually pipe style) do not require venturis and connect directly to ___ valve.

Because burners operate at such high temperatures (typically 300 to 650 degrees fahrenheit) and are subject to drippings from cooking meat (corrosive due to their moisture content and acidity), these crucial components are usually ___ first to wear out. ___ gas grill burner can typically operate effectively for 1 to 5 years with average usage. When ___ burner becomes significantly corroded, or \'rusted out\', gas escapes through ___ corroded areas, creating \'hot spots\' and making it difficult or impossible to properly cook food.

When ___ new burner is required, there are several possible sources. Usually ___ original manufacturer of ___ grill offers ___ replacement which is identical or nearly identical to ___ original part. This is known as ___ OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part. This is ___ desirable option for many because ___ burner is known to work with their grill. However, sometimes grill manufacturers may go out of business, may not have ___ original replacement available (especially for older grills), or may charge ___ price which is deemed too high by ___ consumer.

Several companies manufacture \'after-market\' burners which can be ___ suitable replacement. Though they may not be exactly like ___ original, they have been tested and shown to work with ___ grill models for which they are sold. When choosing ___ after-market replacement burner, there are 3 main criteria which must be met for optimal operation:

1. ___ burner physically fits in ___ grill and rests evenly at ___ bottom of ___ grill
2. ___ burner is relatively close in size to ___ original
3. Gas can be supplied to ___ burner

Because of ___ wide variety of burner/venturi configurations, after-market parts manufacturers typically offer \'universal\' venturis, which can be bent and extended to reach from ___ burner to ___ valve in order to meet ___ 3rd requirement above.

Cooking Grids

Cooking grids, also known as cooking grates, are ___ surface on which ___ food is cooked in ___ grill. They are typically made of:

* Stainless steel (Usually ___ most expensive and longest-lasting option, may carry ___ lifetime warranty)
* Porcelain-coated cast iron (___ next best option after stainless, usually thick and good for searing meat)
* Porcelain-coated steel (Will typically last as long as porcelain-coated cast iron, but not as good for searing)
* Cast Iron (More commonly used for charcoal grills, cast iron must be constantly covered with oil to protect it from rusting)
* Chrome-plated steel (Usually ___ least expensive and shortest-lasting material)

Unless ___ grid is stainless steel, ___ protective coating will eventually wear off and ___ underlying metal will begin to rust. At this time it is time for ___ new grid. As with burners, replacement cooking grids can be obtained from ___ original grill manufacturer or ___ after-market parts dealer.

Many refer to ___ cooking grid\'s front to back dimension as \'width\' and ___ side to side dimension as \'length.\' Alternate terminology defines ___ \'depth\' of ___ cooking grid as measured from to front back and ___ \'width\' as measured from side to side. When looking for ___ replacement cooking grid, ___ grid\'s depth is ___ most crucial dimension. ___ typical rule of thumb is that ___ depth must be within 3/8\" of ___ depth of ___ original grid to fit properly. ___ width is less critical, and can be shorter that ___ original, simply reducing ___ amount of cooking area.

Rock Grates

Rock grates are placed directly above ___ burner and are designed to hold lava rock or ceramic briquettes. These materials serve ___ dual purpose - they protect ___ burner from drippings which can accelerate ___ deterioration of ___ burner, and they disperse ___ heat from ___ burner more evenly throughout ___ grill.

Rock grates are one of ___ least expensive replacement parts for ___ grill. Because they do not hold food, they do not need to be protected from rust like cooking grids. Therefore, they are typically constructed of carbon steel which will start to rust almost immediately. ___ rock grate is useful until it rusts completely through and no longer holds rock.

Heat Shields

Heat shields are also known as burner shields, heat plates, heat tents, radiation shields, or heat angles. They serve ___ same purpose as ___ rock grate + rock, protecting ___ burner from corrosive meat drippings and dispersing heat. They are more common in newer grills.

Some advantages of heat shields over rock:

* They do not harbor bacteria
* They are not as heavy
* They are easier to replace

Like lava rock or ceramic briquettes, heat shields also vaporize ___ meat drippings and \'infuse\' ___ meat with more flavor, though taste tests have shown that most people prefer ___ taste of meat cooked with rock or ceramic briquettes.

Valves

Valves can wear out or become rusted and too difficult to operate, thus requiring replacement. ___ valve is unlike ___ burner in that ___ replacement usually must match exactly to ___ original in order to fit properly. Therefore, many grills are disposed of when valves fail, due to ___ lack of available replacements.

If ___ valve seems to be moving properly, but no gas is getting to ___ burner, ___ most common cause for this is spider webs or other debris in ___ venturi. This impediment can be cleared by using ___ long flexible object.

Posts

With ___ exception of cast aluminum, all grill posts will eventually rust through and need to be replaced. If ___ exact replacement cannot be obtained, holes can sometimes be drilled in ___ post with ___ same diameter as ___ original where required to mount ___ grill head.

Other Parts

Grills contain many other less essential parts, such as handles, heat gauges, warming racks, condiment trays, and more. As ___ general rule, ___ less critical ___ part, ___ more likely that it will only be available from ___ original grill manufacturer.

How to Decide When to Replace ___ Grill

Each user will need to determine ___ most cost effective option for his or her situation. If ___ total of ___ replacement parts required is more than ___ new grill of comparable quality, by all means buying ___ new grill is ___ best option. If ___ casting (___ actual body of ___ grill) is corroded or significantly warped, buy ___ new grill. Almost all other parts can be replaced on most grills.

Grill Manufacturers

There are dozens of grill manufacturers. Some build grills designed to be kept for many years, and as such provide replacement parts and make ___ grills compatible with industry standards. Usually manufacturing their grills in ___ United States, some examples of these manufacturers are Weber-Stephen Products Co., barbecook®, Modern Home Products and Broilmaster. These grills are typically more expensive and not available at large home improvement warehouse stores or discount chains. However, they tend to last ___ very long time, sometimes as much as 30 years or more.

Canadian grill manufacturers include Onward Manufacturing Company Ltd. who produce ___ Broil King, Broil-Mate and Sterling brands.


Other grill companies sell models which may have many of ___ parts manufactured at low costs in Asia. This allows ___ grills to be sold for less, but can also mean that original replacement parts will be hard to find or not available at all. Examples of these manufacturers are Char-Broil and Vermont Castings.

Before you Buy a Gas Grills - Updated for 2007 - Best Gas Grills - Gas Grill Reviews - Gas Grills
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Grill (cooking) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
There are multiple varieties of grills, with most falling into one of two categories: gas-fueled and charcoal. There is a great debate over the merits of charcoal or gas for use as the cooking method ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grill_%28cooking%29

Child Car Seats

Match the seat with your child's weight and age and make sure that the seat is anchored securely in the car

A child car seat should be high on your to-buy list. You'll need one to bring your baby home from the hospital and for every car trip thereafter. In fact, hospitals and birthing centers generally won't let you leave by car with your newborn if you don't have one. Every state requires that kids up to 4 years of age ride in a car seat; many require booster seats for older children.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



The major brands of car seats you're likely to encounter are, in alphabetical order: Baby Trend, Britax, Chicco, Combi, Cosco, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Peg Perego, and Safety 1st. There are also car beds for preemies and other very small newborns if there's a concern that a car seat may not provide a secure fit or that it may exacerbate breathing problems. In addition, there are specially designed car seats for children with physical disabilities. Every model of car seat sold in the U.S. must meet federal safety standards. These are your basic choices:

Infant seats. These rear-facing seats are for babies up to 22 pounds. They allow infants to recline at an angle that doesn't interfere with breathing and protects them best in a crash. Many strollers are now designed to accommodate infant car seats. All infant car-seat models come with a handle, and nearly all have a base that secures to your vehicle with LATCH connections or a vehicle safety belt, a convenience that lets you remove the seat and use it as a carrier. You can strap most infant seats into a car without a base, using the vehicle safety belts, but most people don't use them that way.

Infant seats have either a three-point harness--two adjustable shoulder straps and a lock between the child's legs or--even better--an adjustable five-point system--two straps over the shoulders, two for the thighs, and a crotch strap. The handle usually swings from a position behind the seat's shell when in the car to an upright position for carrying. Remember to swing the handle to the vehicle position before each trip. Slots underneath most seats help them attach to the frame of a shopping cart. (The vast majority of infant car seats have five-point harnesses, but there are a few three-point models still around--though Consumer Reports recommends the five-point version.)

With an infant car seat, you also can move your baby from car to house or vice versa without waking him or her up--a plus for both of you. Note also that extra bases are available so you can keep a secured base in each of your vehicles. Your baby may outgrow an infant car seat quickly and become too heavy for you to use it as a carrier. As a result, you may find yourself having to buy a convertible car seat after your baby is 6 to 9 months old. However, our advice is still to start with an infant seat before moving up to a convertible seat.

Price range: $30 to $180.

Travel systems. Travel systems offer one-stop shopping: You get an infant car seat and a stroller all in one. Most car-seat manufacturers offer these combination strollers/infant car seats. And many stand-alone strollers are now designed to accommodate infant car seats. With these strollers, you create a carriage by snapping an infant car seat into a stroller. The car seats of travel systems also come with a base, which stays in the car. The snap-on car seat is generally positioned atop the stroller so the infant rides facing the person pushing. Your baby can also ride in the stroller seat alone when he or she is big enough.

Most travel-system strollers can be used only with a car seat from the same company. They can also be bulky, so if you're a city dweller who negotiates more subway stairs than highways or if the trunk of your car isn't too roomy, you may be better off with a separate car seat and a compact stroller that is appropriate for a newborn.

Price range: $40 (stroller frame only) to $400.

Convertible seats. With a convertible seat, the child faces rearward as an infant, then toward the front of the vehicle as a toddler. The seat can function as a rear-facing seat for infants up to 30 or 35 pounds, depending on the model, and as a front-facing seat for toddlers generally up to 40 pounds (a few have a 65-pound limit). Models typically have an adjustable five-point harness system--two straps over the shoulders, two for the thighs, and a crotch strap between the legs. Some models have a tray shield that lowers over the baby's head and fastens with a buckle between the legs. However, our tests show that children, especially small ones, are better restrained with a five-point harness.

A convertible car seat can be a money saver, taking your child from infancy to kindergarten and beyond. We advise starting with an infant seat first, though, as mentioned earlier. Keep in mind that convertible seats are not compatible with strollers, so you will have to transfer your baby from the convertible car seat to a carriage or stroller when you're ready to set out on foot. Such jostling can wake a sleeping baby, a problem if you need to take your child on frequent shopping expeditions or other errands.

Price range: $50 to $290.

Toddler/booster seats. Looking like large versions of convertible seats, these front-facing seats are used with an internal harness for toddlers 20 to 40 pounds. They're either LATCH-attached or can be secured using the vehicle belts and tethers. When kids reach 40 pounds, the seat becomes a belt-positioned booster seat, which children can use until they're 80 or 100 pounds. With a belt-positioned booster seat, the child is restrained using the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt system.

Booster seats. These are generally for children weighing 40 to 80 pounds. (A very tall child may begin using a booster seat at 30 pounds.) Booster seats use the vehicle's own safety belts to restrain the child.

Built-in seats. Some U.S. and foreign automakers offer on select cars and minivans an integrated, forward-facing child seat that has a harness and accommodates toddlers weighing more than 20 pounds. There are also some booster-seat versions. Built-in seats must meet the same performance standards as add-on child seats. However, they offer little or no side protection and they're usually located next to a door, instead of in the center--the safer position. You may also need a regular car seat for when your child travels in other vehicles.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Start with an infant seat for a newborn and pay close attention to the height and weight limits as your child grows. When your baby reaches the infant seat's limits for height and weight, or becomes too heavy for you to tote, use a convertible seat in the rear-facing orientation up to the seat's limits in that mode. Then use the convertible seat front-facing until your toddler reaches the next height and weight limits. After that, use a booster seat until your child is tall enough to use the car's safety belts, typically at least 57 inches. Buying three seats instead of two may cost more, but it can pay off in protection and peace of mind.

Make sure the seat is compatible with your car. One of the first things you should do in choosing a seat for your child is to check the fit of any models you're considering in your own car. Even before that, though, we suggest placing similar-looking models side by side in the store to compare features. (If you've already had your baby, place your child in the seat, to get a sense of the ease of buckling and unbuckling.) Then, if possible, bring the floor model to your car for a mock installation. Be aware that some vehicle seats are too short, indented, or excessively sloped to allow a good fit of a child car seat.

If you're considering a convertible car seat, try the floor model in both the rear- and front-facing positions. Check out the harness release button in the rear-facing position; in some models it may be too low to reach comfortably. If you're thinking about an infant car-seat/stroller combination, also known as a travel system, check to be sure that it fits in your trunk or vehicle cargo area. If the store won't let you take the seat out to your car to try it, make sure you can return any car seat you buy--or go to another store.

Insist on new. Although there are many baby items you can borrow or buy secondhand, don't make a car seat one of them if you can avoid it. A used seat may have been in a crash or recalled. The manufacturer's instructions may be missing. If, for some reason, you must use a secondhand seat, avoid those with an unknown history or that are older than six years. In the world of car seats, a six-year-old model is a relic--and risky. You'll also want to avoid recalled models.

Send in the registration card. You should be notified by the manufacturer if the car seat is recalled. To play it extra safe, you can also sign up for the Consumer Product Safety Commission's e-mail subscription list at www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Updated recall information will be sent directly to your e-mail in-box. Or check monthly reports in Consumer Reports or on this site. Other sources of information on car-seat recalls include NHTSA's Web site (www.nhtsa.gov) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission site (www.recalls.gov).

Check the store's return policy. If you're not happy with a particular car seat for whatever reason, it's important to know that you can return it and try again with another model. Be aware that a badly soiled or damaged seat may not be exchanged.

In ___ United States, more than 2,000 children under 14 years of age die each year in vehicle crashes. Not only are vehicle crashes ___ leading killers of children, in 1997 they also injured nearly 320,000 youngsters. Most of ___ fatalities happen because ___ children aren\'t secured in specially designed car seats. Instead, they are strapped in ___ wrong kinds of seats, such as adult seats that neither position ___ children\'s bodies properly nor cushion them against impact, or they aren\'t wearing any restraints at all. Children aged four to 14 are least likely to be restrained properly.

Most of ___ 50 states require that children under ___ age of four be secured in child safety seats or seat belts. Many states also mandate booster seats (or seat belts) for kids between four and 14 depending on their age, weight, and height. Up to 95% of ___ safety seats that are installed in vehicles may not be ___ right seat for ___ child, may be hooked so loosely with ___ incompatible belt in ___ car that ___ seat rotates or pitches forward, or may have harnesses incorrectly fastened in some way. Child seats are also often incorrectly placed rear-facing in front of air bags. In 1997, six out of 10 children who were killed in vehicle crashes were unbelted. Enormous energies and talents have produced child safety seats that, when used properly, have vastly improved ___ likelihood that ___ child can survive ___ serious vehicle crash without injury.

History

Car seats for children have been manufactured since 1933. ___ Bunny Bear Company made several designs of children\'s car seats, but their purpose was not to protect ___ child in ___ event of ___ accident. Instead, these seats confined ___ children, raised them above ___ level of ___ passenger seat, and made them more visible to adults from ___ front seat. ___ true safety seat for children was invented in England by Jean Ames in 1962. ___ Ames design had straps that held ___ padded seat against ___ rear passenger seat. Within ___ seat, ___ child was restrained by ___ Y-shaped harness that slipped over its head and both shoulders and fastened between ___ legs. Other designs to accommodate growing children followed quickly over ___ next several years.

From 1956-1970, lap-type seat belts were developed and became standard equipment for adults. Even though crash-test results proved that seat belts saved lives, in ___ 1960s seat belts were met with resistance. In 1966, Congress passed ___ Twin Highway Acts that empowered ___ Department of Transportation (DOT) to set standards for vehicle design; ___ separate states have ___ authority to enforce driver laws, which vary among ___ states. Shoulder harnesses, self-applying belts, and front- and side-impact air bags increased ___ level of protection for adults; these types of safety equipment became available from 1966-1995. During this period, child safety seats grew to include rear-facing seats for infants under 22 lb (10 kg), convertible seats that start as rear-facing infant seats and convert to face forward for toddlers weighing less than 40 lb (18.2 kgs), and booster seats that elevate ___ growing child weighing between 30-70 lb (13.6-31.8 kg) so ___ car\'s seat belt can be fastened around child and booster seat. Child safety seats are in ___ news almost daily, yet more than 30 years after their development, many of these news items focus on ___ inconvenience of ___ seats rather than ___ lives they save.
child safety seat


___ child safety seat, \"car seat\", or ___ \"child restraint system\", is ___ restraint which is secured to ___ seat of ___ automobile equipped with safety harnesses to hold ___ child in ___ event of ___ crash.

Introduction

One of ___ most important purchases that any parent can make their childs car seat. All countries should have laws regarding child passenger safety and in what manner ___ child must be restrained depending on their age and weight. It is important to note that these standards are often minimums and that for each graduation to ___ next kind of safety seat, there is ___ step down in ___ amount of protection ___ child has in ___ collision. There are many ways parents and caregivers can help to reduce ___ risk of injury and death to children who ride in vehicles. Car seats are one of ___ most important tools available to assist parents in this task.

Infant carriers
infant seat
Enlarge
infant seat

For young infants, ___ seat used is ___ infant carrier with typical weight recommendations of 5-20 lb. All infant seats made in ___ US can now be used to 22 lbs and 29 inches and ___ graco safe seat 1 can be used to 30 lbs and 32 inches. In ___ past most infant seats in ___ US went to 20 lbs and 26 inches. Infant carriers are often also called \"Bucket Seats\" as they resemble ___ bucket with ___ handle. Some (but not all) seats can be used with ___ base secured, or with ___ carrier strapped in alone. Some seats do not have bases. Infant carriers are mounted rear-facing, and are designed to \"cocoon\" against ___ back of ___ vehicle seat in ___ event of ___ collision, with ___ impact being absorbed in ___ outer shell of ___ restraint. Rear-facing seats are deemed ___ safest and children must remain in this position until at they are least 1 year of age AND at least 20 lb.

Infant carriers should be placed at no more ___ 45 degree angle, allowing appropriate neck and head support for ___ child. ___ harness straps should be threaded through ___ slots that are at or below ___ shoulder (North America), coming up and over as they push down to restrain ___ child. [1]

As previously mentioned, most bucket seats accommodate children up to 20 or 22 lbs. (depending on ___ seat). However, many children outgrow this weight before reaching one year of age. Therefore, they must remain rear facing in another seat.

Placing rear-facing child safety seats in ___ front seat of cars with passenger side airbags can cause injury to ___ child if ___ airbag were to go off. [2]

Convertible seats
rear-facing convertible
Enlarge
rear-facing convertible

Convertible seats can be used throughout many stages. Many convertible seats will transition from ___ rear facing seat, to ___ forward facing seat, and some then can be used as ___ booster seat. Many convertible seats allow for 5-35 lb. rear-facing, allowing you to keep your child in ___ safer rear-facing position up to 35 pounds.


Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families
Never place a child in a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of .....
The car safety seat your child will be using (whether supplied by you or by ...
Safety information provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Never place a child in a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger air bag.
www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm

Child Car Seats
Provides advice on purchasing, fitting and using child car restraints, along with
links to manufacturers, retailers and other relevant organisations.
Provides advice on purchasing, fitting and using child car restraints, along with links to manufacturers, retailers and other relevant organisations.
www.childcarseats.org.uk

Howstuffworks "How Child Car Seats Work"
Find out how child car seats save the lives of little ones. ... for children to travel by car is in a child seat that is suitable for their ...
The bottom line is that the safest way for children to travel by car is in a child seat that is suitable for their weight and size, and is fitted correctly.
"How Child Car Seats Work". July 04, 2003 http://auto.howstuffworks.com/child-car ...
auto.howstuffworks.com/child-car-seat.htm

2007 Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings
Remember, the best child safety seat is the one that fits your child properly,
is easy to use ... Infant Car Seat. 22-627-BYT (12-22-2006) Picture available ...
www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm

Child Car Seats : Carrying Children Safely
Provides advice from RoSPA on purchasing, fitting, and using child car restraints, along with links to manufacturers, retailers, and other relevant organisations.
www.childcarsafety.org.uk

Washing Machines

Front-loaders tend to give you the best of everything, but traditional top-loaders offer the best value

You'll find more variety in the washing-machine aisle when you visit an appliance store these days. Traditional top-loaders with agitators are going strong, but front-loading washers are gaining ground, thanks to their very good washing performance, large capacity, water and energy efficiency, and quiet operation.

Despite the advantages of front-loaders, many Americans still prefer a top-loading design. Manufacturers have responded with washers that promise some of the advantages of front-loaders in a top-loader. Models include the Calypso from Whirlpool and Kenmore, the GE Harmony, and the Maytag Neptune TL. This new breed of washer replaces the usual vertical agitator post with different mechanisms to circulate laundry. The design increases capacity and reduces water and energy usage.

Washing machines of all types are becoming more energy efficient. New, stricter Department of Energy standards regarding energy and hot-water use and water extraction became effective in January 2004, and standards will become even more stringent in 2007. Many front-loaders and some top-loaders already meet the 2007 requirements.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE

The top four brands--GE, Kenmore (Sears), Maytag, and Whirlpool--account for more than 80 percent of washing-machine sales. Other brands include Admiral and Amana (made by Maytag), Frigidaire (made by Electrolux), Hotpoint (made by GE), and KitchenAid and Roper (both made by Whirlpool). You may also run across smaller brands such as Crosley, Gibson, and White-Westinghouse, all of which are made by the larger brands. Asko, Bosch, Miele, and Siemens are European brands. Fisher-Paykel is imported from New Zealand, LG and Samsung from Korea, and Haier from China.

Traditional top-loaders. Traditional top-loaders fill the tub with water, then agitate the clothing. They use more water than other types of washers, and thus consume more energy to heat the hot water. They also extract less water from laundry during the spin cycle, which results in longer drying time and higher energy costs. Because they need to move the laundry around to ensure thorough cleaning, these machines hold about 12 to 16 pounds, which is less than large front-loaders and top-loaders without agitators in the center of the tub.

On the plus side, top-loaders make it easier to load laundry and to add items midcycle. You can also soak laundry easily. This type of machine has the shortest cycle times and is the only one that gives the best results with regular detergent. But most top-loaders are noisier than front-loaders, and there's a risk of loads getting unbalanced. Price range: $200 to $650.

High-efficiency (HE) top-loaders with new wash systems. The GE Harmony and the Calypso models from Kenmore and Whirlpool have a “wash plate,” rather than an agitator, to move clothes around. The Maytag Neptune TL has discs that lift and tumble laundry. Washing performance is usually better than with regular top-loaders, and capacity is generally larger as well.

These top-loaders work somewhat like front-loaders, filling partially with water and spinning at very high speeds. Most are more efficient with water and energy than regular top-loaders, but the high spin speeds that reduce drying time (and energy consumption) tend to make clothing more wrinkled. These machines work best with low-foaming, high-efficiency detergent. Price range: $900 to $1,300.

Front-loaders. Front-loaders get clothes clean by tumbling them in the water. Clothes are lifted to the top of the tub, then dropped into the water below. They fill only partially with water and then spin at high speed to extract it, which makes them more efficient with water and energy than regular top-loaders. Most handle between 12 and 20 pounds of laundry. Like HE top-loaders, front-loaders wash best with low-sudsing detergent. Many front-loaders can be stacked with a dryer to save floor space. Price range: $600 to $1,600.

Space-saving options. Compact models are typically 24 inches wide or less (compared with about 27 inches for full-sized washers of all types) and they can wash 8 to 12 pounds of laundry. A compact front-loading washer can be stacked with a compact dryer. Some compact washers can be stored in a closet and rolled out to be hooked up to the kitchen sink. Price range: $450 to $1,700.

Washer-dryer laundry centers combine a washer and dryer in one unit, with the dryer located above the washer. These can be full-sized (27 inches wide) or compact (24 inches wide). The full-sized models hold about 12 to 14 pounds, the compacts a few pounds less. Performance is generally comparable to that of full-sized machines. Price range: $700 to $1,900.


HOW TO CHOOSE

For best high-end performance, go with a front-loader. If you're willing to spend $1,000 or so, at this point we'd steer you to a front-loader. The best front-loaders offer very good washing, ample capacity, and quiet operation. The front-loading design has been around for a while, and Frigidaire, GE, and Kenmore front-loaders have a good track record for reliability. (Note that numerous readers have reported that their front-loading washers developed mold or a musty smell. Leaving the door ajar between uses and using chlorine bleach occasionally should help.)

Think twice about new-technology top-loaders. Even though some top-loaders have done well in our tests, they're not among our top picks. The Kenmore Calypso was one of the more repair-prone top-loaders, and it left garments tangled and wrinkled in our tests. The GE Profile Harmony and Maytag Neptune TL are too new to have reliability data, and neither was very gentle on clothes.

Get a conventional top-loader for good performance at a modest price. If you want a less expensive machine that's decent across the board, consider a familiar top-loader. Even though these machines aren't as exciting as newer types, they offer decent washing for as little as $500 or less, and there's a large selection of reliable brands. A model judged good or very good for washing should be fine for all but very soiled laundry and should satisfy most consumers.

Consider energy usage. Our tests for energy efficiency differ from those used to determine the government's Energy Star eligibility, giving more weight to performance with maximum loads. As a result, some Energy Star models haven't scored that well for energy efficiency in our Ratings.

Decide if noise is an issue. If you plan to install a washer in a laundry room near the kitchen or a bedroom, we strongly recommend one judged very good or excellent for noise. Front-loaders as a group tend to be very quiet; some top-loaders are as well.

Weigh the value of pricey extras. The more features a washer has, the more it usually costs. Don't buy an expensive model just to get four or more water levels, dozens of cycle and setting combinations, or dedicated cycles for fabrics such as silk. The basic cycles and settings can handle most washing needs, and you can replicate most special cycles with buttons or dials. An electronic touchpad may allow custom programming, but it can also be more confusing to use, especially at first. Unless you insist on the same style, there's no need to match a washer and a dryer. If your old dryer still works fine, don't think you have to replace it when you buy a new washer.

Use the proper detergent. Any washing machine will do a better job if you use a good detergent. For traditional top-loaders, regular detergent is fine, and that's what we used. With front-loaders and high-efficiency top-loaders, you'll get the cleanest clothes with special low-sudsing detergent; that's what we used for these machines. In fact, using regular detergent can cause excessive sudsing in HE washers. Not only is it hard to rinse clothing, but the foam can cause problems with the washer. There are fewer HE products to choose from than with regular detergent, and they cost about 5 to 10 cents more per load than regular detergent. Consider the cost and convenience of ongoing detergent purchases when you're buying a washer.

Modern washing machines are available in two main configurations: top loading and front loading. ___ top loading design, most popular in ___ United States, Canada, Australia and some parts of Europe, places ___ clothes in ___ vertically-mounted perforated basket that is contained within ___ water-retaining tub, with ___ propeller-like agitator in ___ center of ___ bottom of ___ basket. Clothes are loaded through ___ top of ___ machine, which is covered with ___ hinged door. During ___ wash cycle, ___ outer tub is filled with water sufficient to suspend ___ clothing freely in ___ basket, and ___ movement of ___ agitator pulls ___ clothing downward in ___ center towards ___ agitator paddles. ___ clothing then moves outward and up ___ sides of ___ basket to repeat ___ process. Top-loaders are not well-suited to cleaning large objects such as pillows or sleeping bags due to ___ tendency for them to just float on ___ surface of ___ water without circulating, and ___ aggressive agitator action can damage delicate fabrics.

In most top loading washers, if ___ motor spins in one direction, ___ gearbox drives ___ agitator; if ___ motor spins ___ other way, ___ gearbox locks ___ agitator and spins ___ basket and agitator together. Similarly if ___ pump motor rotates one way it recirculates ___ sudsy water; in ___ other direction it pumps water from ___ machine during ___ spin cycle. Because they usually incorporate ___ gearbox, clutch, crank, etc, top loading washers are mechanically more complex than front loading machines but are generally lower maintenance since there is no need for ___ complex door seal (described below).

___ front loading design, most popular in Europe and ___ Middle East, mounts ___ inner basket and outer tub horizontally, and loading is through ___ glass door at ___ front of ___ machine. Agitation is supplied by ___ back-and-forth rotation of ___ cylinder and by gravity. ___ clothes are lifted up by paddles on ___ inside wall of ___ drum and then dropped. This motion flexes ___ weave of ___ fabric and forces water and detergent solution through ___ clothes load. Because ___ wash action does not require ___ clothing be freely suspended in water, only enough water is needed to moisten ___ fabric. Because less water is required, front-loaders typically use less soap, and ___ aggressive dropping and folding action of ___ tumbling can easily produce large amounts of foam.

Front-loaders control water usage through ___ surface tension of water, and ___ capillary wicking action this creates in ___ fabric weave. ___ front-loader washer always fills to ___ same low water level, but ___ large pile of dry clothing standing in water will soak up ___ moisture, causing ___ water level to drop. ___ washer then refills to maintain ___ original water level. Because it takes time for this water absorption to occur with ___ motionless pile of fabric, nearly all front-loaders begin ___ washing process by slowly tumbling ___ clothing under ___ stream of water entering and filling ___ drum, to rapidly saturate ___ dry cloth with water.

Front loading washers are mechanically relatively simple compared to top-loaders, with ___ main motor normally being connected to ___ drum via ___ grooved pulley belt and large pulley wheel, without ___ need for ___ gearbox, clutch or crank. But front-load washers suffer from their own technical problems, due to ___ drum lying sideways. For example, ___ top loading washer keeps water inside ___ tub merely through ___ force of gravity pulling down on ___ water, while ___ front-loader must tightly seal ___ door shut with ___ gasket to prevent dripping water onto ___ floor during ___ wash cycle. This access door is locked shut during ___ entire wash cycle, since opening ___ door with ___ machine in use could result in water gushing out onto ___ floor. For front-loaders without viewing windows on ___ door, it is possible to accidentally pinch fabric between ___ door and ___ drum, resulting in tearing and damage to ___ pinched clothing during tumbling and spinning.

Nearly all front-loader washers for ___ consumer market must also use ___ folded flexible bellows assembly around ___ door opening, to keep clothing contained inside ___ basket during ___ tumbling wash cycle. If this bellows assembly were not used, small articles of clothing such as socks could slip out of ___ wash basket near ___ door, and fall down ___ narrow slot between ___ outer tub and basket, plugging ___ drain and possibly jamming rotation of ___ inner basket. Retrieving lost items from between ___ outer tub and inner basket can require complete disassembly of ___ front of ___ washer and pulling out ___ entire inner wash basket. Commercial and industrial front-loaders used by businesses (described below) usually do not use ___ bellows, and instead require all small objects to be placed in ___ mesh bag to prevent loss near ___ basket opening.

This bellows assembly around ___ door is ___ source of problems for ___ consumer front-loader. ___ bellows has ___ large number of flexible folds to permit ___ tub to move separately from ___ door during ___ high speed extraction cycle. These folds can collect lint, dirt, and moisture, resulting in mold and mildew growth and ___ foul odor. Some front-loading washer operating instructions say ___ bellows should be wiped down monthly with ___ strong bleach solution, while others offer ___ special freshening cycle where ___ machine is run empty with ___ strong dosing of bleach.

___ top-loading washer suffers from none of these continued maintenance problems and needs no regular freshening. During ___ spin cycle, ___ top-loading tub is free to move about inside ___ cabinet of ___ machine, using only ___ lip around ___ top of ___ inner basket and outer tub to keep ___ spinning water and clothing from spraying out over ___ edge.

There are many variations of these two general themes. Top loading machines in Asia use impellers instead of agitators. Impellers are similar to agitators except that they do not have ___ center post extending up in ___ middle of ___ wash tub basket. There is also ___ variant of ___ horizontal axis design that is designed by Staber Industries that is loaded from ___ top, through ___ small door in ___ circumference of ___ drum. These machines usually have ___ shorter cylinder and are therefore smaller, but offer ___ efficiency of ___ front-loader while eliminating ___ problems of ___ flexible bellows.

Front-loaded machines are ideal for fitted/finished kitchens, since they can be installed under ___ countertop/worktop. ___ front loading washing machine, in ___ fully-fitted kitchen, is often disguised as ___ ordinary base cabinet/unit. They are also ideal for small homes and apartments with limited space, because ___ dryer can be installed directly above ___ washer.
Top-loading machines in ___ Laundromat
Top-loading machines in ___ Laundromat

Many front loading machines have electrical heating elements to heat ___ wash bath to near boiling, if desired. Chemical action is supplied by ___ detergent and other laundry chemicals. Front loaders use special detergents that are designed to release different chemical ingredients at different temperatures. This is so that different type of stains and soils will be cleaned from ___ clothes as ___ wash water is heated up by ___ electrical heater. Front loaders also need to use low sudsing detergents because ___ tumbling action of ___ drum folds air into ___ clothes load that can cause over sudsing.

Tests comparing front loading and top loading machines have shown that, in general, front-loaders wash clothes more thoroughly, cause less wear, and use less water and energy than top-loaders. As ___ result of using less water, they require less detergent to be used, or conversely, they can use ___ same amount of detergent with less water, which increases detergent concentration and increases ___ amount of chemical action. They also allow ___ dryer to be more easily mounted directly above ___ washer.

Top-loaders have ___ advantage that they complete ___ washing cycle much faster and allow clothes to be removed at intermediate stages of ___ cycle (for instance, if some clothes within ___ wash are not to be spun). They also tend to be easier to load and unload, since reaching into ___ tub does not require stooping. ___ top loader\'s spin cycle between washing and rinsing allows ___ extremely simple fabric softener dispenser, which operates passively through centrifugal force and gravity. ___ same objective must be accomplished by ___ solenoid-operated valve on ___ front loader. Another advantage to ___ top loading design is ___ reliance on gravity to contain ___ water, rather than potentially trouble-prone or short-lived front door seals.

Traditionally, top loading machines have tended to be more complex mechanically than front loading washers, because ___ former generally require ___ gearbox, clutch, crank, etc to perform ___ wash cycle. However, ___ recent introduction of direct drive motors has greatly simplified some of ___ top loading washers on ___ market. Also, because of ___ introduction of electronics, modern machines are far less complex than ___ early automatic washers. Consequently, ___ price of automatic machines, in real terms, has fallen considerably.

Top Loading versus Front Loading

Washing machine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A washing machine is a machine designed to clean laundry, such as clothing, towels
and sheets. The term is mostly applied only to machines that use water as ...
All washing machines work by using mechanical energy, thermal ... 2 Washing Machine Milestones. 3 Modern machines. 3.1 Top Loading versus Front Loading ...
A washing machine is a machine designed to clean laundry, such as clothing, towels and sheets. The term is generally applied only to machines that use water as the primary cleaning solution, as ...
For the Sonic Youth album, see Washing Machine. ... Washing Machine Diagnostic and Repair Guide ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washing_machine

Howstuffworks "How Washing Machines Work"
A washing machine is actually an amazing device once you get inside. Learn about
the agitator, the pumps, the controller and much more!
Answers questions on each aspect of clothes washing machines.
The controls, the agitator, the timer, the pump, and other washing machine features.
www.howstuffworks.com/washer.htm

Washing Machines: Reviews, comparisons and prices
ConsumerSearch.com reviews washing machine reviews; best washing machines (clothes
washers) include the LG WM2032H ($1050), Frigidaire Gallery GLTF1670A ...
Reviews and research on Washing Machines. ConsumerSearch.com identifies top ... updates its washing machine guide, and has tested about 50 washing machines. ...
www.consumersearch.com/www/house_and_home/washing-machine-reviews/index.html

Washing Machine Help
Portal resource for buying spares and new washing machines by a repairman with
30 years experience. Help, advice and tips on all things UK washing machine ...
Help, advice and tips on UK washing machine purchases, repairs and spare parts, authored by a washing machine repair man.
www.washerhelp.co.uk

History of Washing Machines
The earliest washing machine the scrub board was invented in 1797 - the first electric powered washing machine in 1908.
inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blwashingmachines...

Printers

Inexpensive inkjets print color superbly, and they do it faster than ever. Laser printers excel at printing black-and-white text. Economical all-in-one models can scan, copy, and sometimes fax.

Inkjet printers have become the standard for home-computer use. They can turn out color photos nearly indistinguishable from lab-processed photos, along with banners, stickers, transparencies, T-shirt transfers, and greeting cards. Many produce excellent black-and-white text. With some very good models selling for less than $200, it’s no surprise that inkjets account for the vast majority of printers sold for home use.

Laser printers still have their place in home offices. If you print reams of black-and-white text documents, you probably need the quality, speed, and low per-copy cost of a laser printer. Printers use a computer’s microprocessor and memory to process data. The latest inkjets and lasers are so fast partly because computers have become more powerful and contain much more memory than before.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



The printer market is dominated by a handful of well-established brands. Hewlett-Packard is the market leader. Other major brands include Brother, Canon, Dell, Epson, and Lexmark. Printers designed for printing 4x6-inch snapshots are also sold by Kodak, Olympus, Samsung, and Sony.

The type of computer a printer can serve depends on its ports. The most common by far, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, lets a printer connect to Windows or Macintosh computers. Very few models also have a parallel port, which allows connections to older Windows computers. All these printers lack a serial port, which means they won’t work with older Macs.

Inkjet printers. Inkjets use droplets of ink to form letters, graphics, and photos. Some printers have one cartridge that holds the cyan (greenish-blue), magenta, and yellow inks, and a second cartridge for the black ink. Others have an individual cartridge for each color. For photos, many inkjets also have additional cartridges that contain lighter shades of cyan and magenta inks, or gray ink.

Most inkjet printers output black-and-white text at a speed of 1.5 to 12 pages per minute (ppm) but are much slower for color photos. Various models we tested took 2 to 11 minutes to print a single 8x10, depending on the complexity of the image. The cost of printing a black-and-white text page with an inkjet varies considerably from model to model, from 2 to 12 cents. The cost of printing a color 8x10 photo can range from 85 cents to $1.60. Printer price: $60 to $700. You can also get them with scanning, copying, and sometimes fax capability. These all-in-one models typically cost more than stand-alone inkjets. Price: $80 and up.

Specialty snapshot printers. For printing photos at home, a speedy snapshot printer can be more convenient than a full-sized model. Most are limited to 4x6-inch snapshots, but a few models can also print on 5x7 paper. These models use either inkjet or dye-sublimation technology. Like most full-sized inkjet printers, most of these models can hook up directly via cable to a digital camera through the PictBridge connection, so you can print without using a computer. This is the simplest and quickest way to print at home, provided you don’t want to edit the photos. Price: $90 to $240.

Laser printers. These work much like plain-paper copiers, forming images by transferring toner (powdered ink) to paper passing over an electrically charged drum. The process yields sharp black-and-white text. Laser printers usually outrun inkjets, cranking out black-and-white text at a rate of 9 to 24 ppm. Black-and-white laser printers generally cost about as much as midpriced inkjets, but they’re cheaper to operate. Laser cartridges, about $50 to $100, can print thousands of black-and-white pages for a per-page cost of 2 to 3 cents. Price: $100 and up.

All-in-one laser printers add scanning, copying, and sometimes fax capability. Price: $200 and up.

Color laser printers are also available, but they are considerably slower than black-and-white models, cost as much to use as the better inkjets models, and can’t print on glossy photo paper, so they’re not a good choice for printing photos. Price: $300 and up.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Be skeptical about advertised speeds. Print speed varies depending on what you’re printing and at what quality, but the speeds you see in ads are generally higher than you’re likely to achieve in normal use. You can’t reliably compare speeds for different brands because each company uses its own methods to measure speed. We run the same tests on all models, printing text pages and photos that are similar to what you might print. As a result, our print times are realistic and can be compared across brands.

Don’t get hung up on resolution. A printer’s resolution, expressed in dots per inch, is another potential source of confusion. All things being equal, the more ink dots a printer puts on the paper, the more detailed the image. But dot size, shape, and placement also affect quality, so don’t base your choice solely on resolution.

Consider supply costs as well as a printer’s price. High ink-cartridge costs can make a bargain-priced printer a bad deal in the long run. Shop around for the best cartridge prices, but be wary of off-brands. We have found brand-name cartridges that have better print quality and fade-resistance, and per-page costs are often comparable.

Glossy photo paper costs about 25 to 75 cents a sheet, so use plain paper for works in progress and save the good stuff for the final results. We got the best results using the recommended brand of paper. You might be tempted to buy a cheaper brand, but lower-grade paper can reduce photo quality and might not be as fade resistant.

Decide if you want to print photos without using a computer. Printing without a computer saves you an extra step and a little time. Features such as memory-card reader, PictBridge support (a standard that allows a compatible camera to be connected directly to the printer), or a wireless interface are convenient. But when you print directly from camera to printer, you compromise on what may have attracted you to digital photography in the first place--the ability to tweak size, color, brightness, and other image attributes, though you can do some editing on a printer with an LCD screen.

Weigh convenience features. Most printers can make borderless prints like those from a photo developer. This matters most if you’re printing to the full size of the paper, as you might with 4x6-inch sheets. Otherwise, you can trim the edges off.

If you plan to use 4x6-inch paper regularly, look for a printer with a 4x6-inch tray or a second paper tray, which makes it easier to feed paper of this size. With these small sheets, though, the cost per photo might be higher than combining a few images on 81⁄2 x11-inch paper.

With some models, if you want to use the photo inks to get the best picture quality, you have to remove the black-ink cartridge and replace it with the photo-ink cartridge. Then, to print text or graphics, you have to swap the black cartridge back in. This process can get tedious. The models that hold all the ink tanks simultaneously eliminate that hassle.

Consider connections. Printers with USB 2.0 ports are fairly common now. But they don’t enable much faster print speeds than plain USB. All new computers and printers have USB 2.0 ports, which are compatible with plain USB. Computers more than seven years old may have only a parallel port.

Decide whether you need scanning and copying. An all-in-one unit provides scanning and color copying (and often faxing) while saving space. But scanners in all-in-one units might be slower than stand-alone scanners. Stand-alone units are best for negatives and slides, although some all-in-one units now include a light in the lid and a holder to keep negatives and slides in place. And if one part of the unit breaks, the whole unit must be repaired or replaced.

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Laser Printer Reviews
A laser printer review helps one who decides to buy a laser printer. They are very helpful, especially for a layman who knows nothing about printers. Laser printer reviews come in a systematic format, so that comparisons can be made between different laser printers, which make it easy for the customer to decide the type of printer that will best suit his needs. In a crux, they not only guide us to buy a ‘suitable’ printer, but also one that will prove to be a good value for the money.

What is DPI – Dots Per Inch?
You have probably heard this term many times before especially in the context of printing your digital photos. DPI is sometimes used as a measurement of digital photo printing quality while the truth is that DPI is an indicator of the printer quality.

Understanding The Printer Toner
With a computer printer sitting on most office desks - both at home and at the office - most users have come to understand the role of the printer toner. But, in most cases, the extent of our knowledge is limited to knowing when and how the printer toner cartridge must be changed. And change it we do, without having any real understanding of how it functions within our printer.

Hewlett Packard Printers
Hewlett Packard is one the best provider of company's products on reasonable prices. Hewlett Packard is the premier worldwide technology solutions provider to businesses, consumers and institutions.

The Difference Of A Laser Printer
The choice between the purchases of many different types of printers can be a challenging one. As sophisticated technology continues to change the landscape of the office environment, it becomes more and more difficult to determine the best course of action when choosing an appropriate printer. The laser printer, one of the more popular types of printers, has a variety of benefits that sets it apart from its counterparts.

Tips On How To Compare Laser Printers
If you are in the quest for the best laser printers, then looking for reviews, ratings and comparisons are the best source where you will find all you must know about laser colour printers, multifunction laser printers, laser all in one printers and so on. If you are a tyro in laser printer or in printers in general, these sources will help you a lot to help you make a wise buy.

How To Buy A Good Printer?
Purchasing a printer can be a confusing task. The following is additional information that will help in your purchasing decisions.

HP Printers – All In One/Multifunction, Laser, Ink, and Photo Printers
Choose from a wide variety of dependable HP printers, including all in one /
multifunction printers, photo printers, laser and ink printers.
Official site for HPs line of photo printers, multifunction, and color laser and ink printers.
www.hp.com/united-states/consumer/gateway/printing_multifunction.html

Printers - Scanners - Toner - Monitors - Projectors & More at Super Warehouse
Online computer store.
Online retailer of color laser printers, laptops, hard drives, LCD monitors, and digital cameras.
www.superwarehouse.com

Reviews of Photo printers, laser printers, inkjet printers & more - CNET
Printer reviews and ratings, video reviews, user opinions, most popular printers,
printer buying guides, prices, and comparisons.
Printer reviews and ratings, video reviews, user opinions, most popular printers, printer buying guides, prices, and comparisons.
reviews.cnet.com/Printers/2001-3155_7-0.html

PC World - Photo Printer, Ink Jet, Laser Printer & All In One Printer Reviews, Pricing, Ratings & Buying Advice - PC...
Dell's new Color Laser Printer 1320c debuts at the top of our chart this month,
with a killer price and competent overall performance. ...
... HDTV Laptops Macs & iPods Monitors Printers Spyware & Security The PCW Test ... Top Multifunction Inkjet Printers ... Top 10 Color Laser Printers ...
www.pcworld.com/ic/printers

Printers - Reviews and Price Comparisons – from PC Magazine
PC Magazine provides up-to-date coverage and product reviews of printers.
www.pcmag.com/category2/0,1874,10,00.asp

Plasma TVs

More, and bigger, screens are adding variety to the category

Plasma TVs make a blockbuster first impression. A scant 6 inches thick or less, these sleek flat panels display bright images on screens measuring about 3 to 5 feet diagonally. With more models 50 inches and larger now available, plasma TVs have become a viable alternative to rear-projection sets for anyone seeking a jumbo screen.

A plasma screen is made up of thousands of pixels containing gas that's converted into "plasma" by an electrical charge. The plasma causes phosphors to glow red, green, or blue, as dictated by a video signal. Thanks to improvements in plasma technology, the best sets have excellent picture quality. They offer a wider viewing angle than most rear-projection sets and LCD TVs, along with deeper blacks and smoother motion than you get with LCD sets.

The picture isn't all rosy, however. Like projection TVs using CRT (cathode-ray tube) technology, plasma sets may be vulnerable to screen burn-in, although new screen-saving technologies minimize the risk. And because plasma sets are relatively new, their long-term reliability is still a question, although preliminary data are encouraging.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



When buying a plasma TV, you'll face a choice between HD (high-definition) and ED (enhanced- definition) sets, which cost less. The two types differ in native resolution, meaning the fixed number of pixels on the screen. In a spec like 852x480, note the second number. If it's 480, the set is ED; 720 or higher, it's HD. Most 42-inch plasma HDTVs have resolution of 1024x768; 50-inch sets typically have 1366x768. Some new plasma TVs coming on the market have a still-higher resolution of 1920x1080. These so-called 1080p TVs have the potential to display all 1,080 lines in the most common high-definition format, called 1080i. The improvement is most noticeable on large screens, say 50 inches and up.

Both HD and ED sets should be capable of up- or down-converting signals to match their native resolution. ED sets can display the full detail of 480p signals, such as those output by a DVD player. When connected to an HD tuner, many can down-convert HD TV signals, which are 720p or 1080i, to suit their lower-resolution screens. The picture quality can be very good, even though it's not true HD. If you sit too close to an ED set, though, images may appear coarser than on an HD set, as if you were looking through a screen door. ED sets are likely to become less common as HD prices continue to fall.

As of July 2006, all TVs with screens 25 inches and larger--a range encompassing all plasma TVs--must have a built-in ATSC digital tuner to comply with a government ruling. By March 2007, all new TVs sold in the U.S., regardless of size and type, must include a digital tuner. Some manufacturers are getting around that ruling, however, by introducing sets called "monitors," which have no tuner of any type. These require a cable box or satellite receiver to get any programming, not just HD content.

Among the leading brands in the plasma TV category are Panasonic, Hitachi, Philips, Pioneer, and Samsung. Sony recently stopped making plasma TVs to concentrate instead on LCD sets. Prices have dropped sharply over the past year or two. HD models with 40- to 44-inch screens, the best-selling size, cost $2,000 or more. TVs with screens 50 inches or larger cost $3,000 and up. Look for prices to fall further now that more brands of plasma TVs are available, many priced aggressively.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Decide whether you want true HD or the next best thing. HD sets generally perform better than ED sets with all types of signals. They're worth the higher cost if you're a purist who wants the best image quality. Most ED plasma sets can down-convert an HD signal to fit their lower resolution, so you can still enjoy HD programming. While it won't be true HD quality, it can be very good. For a main TV or one you'll watch often, we'd strongly recommend an HD set, which would have resolution of at least 1024x768. On screens 50 inches or so, 1366x768 has the potential to offer better quality, though native screen resolution in and of itself doesn't guarantee a certain level of picture quality. Note that the shiny surface of a plasma TV can produce annoying reflections, especially in brightly lighted rooms. Many of these sets look best in low light.

Weigh screen size against price. If you're buying a plasma TV, an important question is how much screen you can afford. All other things being equal, the bigger the screen, the bigger the price tag, and the greater the viewing distance you need to see optimal picture quality. You'll enjoy the best viewing experience if you sit at least 6 feet away from a 42-inch HD set, and a little farther from an ED set or larger screen.

Beware of burn-in and burnout. Plasma TVs may be prone to burn-in, much like CRT-based rear-projection TVs. Over time, static images displayed for long periods (such as a video game or a stock ticker) may leave permanent ghosted impressions onscreen, so minimize the risk as much as you can.

You may have seen reports, in print or online, suggesting that plasma TVs may not last as long as other types of TVs. Overall longevity and reliability are not yet proven because the technology is so new. Major manufacturers now tout 60,000 hours of use or more before a recent-model plasma screen loses half its brightness. Even in heavy use (40 hours a week), that's about 29 years.

Don't get hung up on specs. Ads touting high- contrast ratios and brightness (cd/m2, or candelas per square meter) may sway you to one set or another. But don't let this be the deciding factor. Manufacturers arrive at specs differently, so they may not be comparable. Try adjusting sets in the store yourself to compare contrast and brightness.

Determine what's included when comparing prices. Some plasmas are monitors only; they don't include speakers or a tuner for any type of TV signal. You won't have to pay for a tuner if you'll be using a cable box or satellite receiver, which will serve as the tuner for all programming. Otherwise, you'll need a set-top box to work with an antenna. If the plasma TV has no speakers, you'll have to buy them separately unless you plan to connect the set to your existing sound system.

Consider the logistics. Ads for plasma TVs might not show any wires, but you'll probably be connecting a cable box or satellite receiver and a DVD player, and possibly a DVR, DVD recorder, VCR and audio receiver. You can tuck wires behind the TV if you place it on a stand. With wall-mounting, you can run the wires behind the wall or through conduits, a task that might be best handled by a professional. Often weighing 100 pounds or more, plasma TVs need adequate support and ample ventilation because of the heat they can generate. Ask the retailer to recommend an installer or contact the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (800-669-5329 or www.cedia.net). Figure on paying $300 to $1,000 for labor, plus a few hundred dollars for mounting brackets.

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Which Plasma Television to Buy?
When choosing a Plasma Television there are many options. You'll find that you can shop online for a plasma and get a much better price than you would from your local TV store on the EXACT same plasma television.

Watching a television program showing HDTV programming on a plasma monitor makes you realize why so many people are switching to plasma televisions and the digital revolution. Plasma monitors and televisions have wonderful sharp, crisp images and are perfect for the HDTV standards that are becoming more and more widely used. After deciding that you cannot live without a plasma monitor or plasma television, do a little research so you purchase exactly what you wanted.

ViewSonic Plasma Consumer Reviews of the VPW4200 42 inch EDTV-ready Television
One glance at the ViewSonic VPW4200 42 inch plasma TV will send shivers down the average consumer’s spine. This fantastic plasma television has so many attributes that it is hard to fit them all in one small article. A collaboration of ViewSonic plasma consumer reviews will enlighten the reader to the many benefits related to the purchase of this plasma TV.

Fujitsu PDS6101 60-inch Plasma Flat Screen TV: Leading the Way in the 60-inch Segment
Claiming to be the ultimate can be a bit presumptuous. But when you are known to be an innovator it is hard not to say that you are the ultimate. Coming out with the first color 42-inch plasma TV in 1996 and producing the first high-definition plasma display in 1999 has made Fujitsu a

50 Inch Daewoo Plasma HDTV Reviewed
The Daewoo plasma hdtv is definitely a fantasy for alot of people, especially the Daewoo model DP-50SM because it is equipped with an advanced huge 50 inch screen. This Daewoo plasma hdtv provides

Plasma TV Screens – Pros, Cons, and Advice
Plasma TVs are widely popular, due to the advantages they offer. In this article, we'll go over a few of the pros and cons of Plasma screens, as well as tips for buying a plasma TV.

The Technology Behind the Coolest Flat Panel TVs Today
Is there any wonder why some consumers willingly spend their hard-earned money on Plasma TV? The technology that goes into creating and designing Plasma TV is simple to understand. Here’s a quick look at why Plasma TVs are capable of delivering such realistic pictures on screen and why Plasma TVs are so popular.

Pioneer Plasma 43 HDE PureVision TV
The PureVision Pioneer plasma 43 hde television has a wonderful 43 inch flat screen plasma display. It has a display resolution of 1024 x 728 pixels, plus hdtv technology. This Pioneer plasma

The Benefits of Buying a Flat Plasma Screen TV
As you go about considering what to include in your home entertainment center this year, you may be contemplating the purchase of a flat plasma screen TV. There are in fact a number of benefits that are associate with buying a flat plasma screen TV.

LG 42PM1 Plasma TV Display Brought to Us by the Leader in Plasma Technology
The increased popularity of Plasma TV's has soared so much in the recent years that fierce competition has been just that, fierce. But any new LG plasma display introduced in the market has their own distinct features that set them apart from the rest. The LG 42PM1 plasma TV display has continued

Plasma TV Comparisons - How to Find the Best Plasma TV
If you love television and you want a big-screen TV, then you've got to have a plasma TV! Here's an overview of plasma TVs and how to get the best TV at the best price.

Plasma TV Buying Guide: Offers Plasma Television, DLP TV and LCD TV Buying Tips
Browse the largest selection of plasma and flat screen tv models online and read
buying tips.
Offers advice, product specs, and more on plasma and flat TV models.
Browse the largest selection of plasma and flat screen tv models online and read buying tips...
www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com

Plasma TV Buying Guide: Flat Screen TV FAQs & Tips
Don't buy a flat screen plasma tv until you read our buying tips.
Don't buy a flat screen plasma tv until you read our buying tips ... Plasma TV Buying Guide Home How To Buy A Plasma TV in 10 Easy Steps ...
www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatv.html

Plasma TV Science
Learn about the science behind Plasma TV and Television Technology.
Learn about the science behind Plasma TV and Television Technology ... ... reality-if you've got the right TV to see it with...
www.plasmatvscience.org

PlasmaTVShopper: Resources for Plasma TV, Plasma Television Tips and ...
Plasma TV, Displays and Flat Screen TV Reviews, Advice & Educational Tips.
Plasma TV, Displays and Flat Screen TV Reviews, Advice & Educational Tips ... Plasma TV Shopper is your guide to buying the perfect Plasma TV Monitor. Just Getting Started?
www.plasmatvshopper.com

Plasma display - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Plasma vs LCD - A Comparison; Laser TVs Set to Take Down Plasma (from DailyTech) Plasma.com classroom main page Articles on Plasma TV technology and installation; Schematic drawing and explanation of a ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_tv

Refrigerators

Get ready for more choices as refrigerator manufacturers refine existing designs and reprise old ones in the name of style and convenience.

If you're shopping for a new refrigerator, you're probably considering models that are fancier than your current fridge. The trend is toward spacious models with flexible, more-efficiently-used storage space. Useful features such as spillproof, slide-out glass shelves and temperature-controlled compartments, once found only in expensive refrigerators, are now practically standard in midpriced models. Stainless-steel doors are stylish, but they add to the cost. Bottom freezer, French-door models offer the convenience of a full-width refrigerator at eye level with the style and narrow door swing of a side-by-side. Built-in refrigerators appeal to people who want to customize their kitchens and are willing to pay thousands of dollars for the custom look. Some mainstream cabinet-depth models offer a built-in-style look for less.

Replacing an aging refrigerator may save you in electric bills, since refrigerators are more energy efficient now than they were a decade ago. The Department of Energy toughened its rules in the early 1990s and imposed even stricter requirements in July 2001 for this appliance, which is among the top electricity users in the house.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Only a handful of companies actually manufacture refrigerators. The same or very similar units may be sold under several brand names. Frigidaire, General Electric, Kenmore, and Whirlpool account for about three-quarters of top-freezer sales. For side-by-side models, these brands and Maytag account for more than 80 percent of sales. Brands offering bottom-freezers include Amana, Fisher-Paykel, GE, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Whirlpool. Mainstream companies have introduced high-end brand lines such as Electrolux Icon, GE Monogram and Profile, and Kenmore Elite. These brands cover built-ins: GE (Monogram and Profile), Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, Sub-Zero, Thermador, and Viking. You can get built-in-style or "cabinet-depth" models from Amana, Electrolux, Frigidaire, GE, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, and Whirlpool.

Top-freezer models. These are generally less expensive to buy and more space efficient than comparably sized side-by-side models. Widths typically range from about 30 to 33 inches. The eye-level freezer offers easy access. Fairly wide refrigerator shelves make it easy to reach the back, but you have to bend to reach the bottom shelves and drawers. Claimed, labeled capacity ranges from about 10 to 25 cubic feet. With top-freezers, the usable capacity is typically about 80 percent of its nominal capacity, according to our measurements. Price range: Most cost $300 to $800.

Bottom-freezer models. A small but growing part of the market, these put frequently used items at eye level. Fairly wide refrigerator shelves provide easy access. Though you must bend to locate items in the freezer, even with models that have a pull-out drawer, you will probably do less bending overall because the main refrigerated compartment is at eye level. Bottom-freezers are a bit pricier than top-freezers and offer less capacity relative to their external dimensions because of the inefficiency of the pull-out bin. Widths typically range from 30 to 36 inches. Claimed capacity is up to 25 cubic feet, nominally, and usable space is a bit less than with top-freezers, but more than offered by side-by-sides. French-door models are increasingly available. Price range: Most cost $600 to $1,200; French-door type, $1,500 to $2,000.

Side-by-side models. These are by far the most fully featured fridges, most often equipped with through-the-door ice and water dispensers--among the most requested consumer features-as well as temperature-controlled bins and rapid ice-making cycles. Their narrow doors are handy in tight spaces. High, narrow compartments make finding stray items easy in front (harder in the back), but they may not hold wide items such as a sheet cake or a large turkey. Compared with top- and bottom-freezer models, a higher proportion of capacity goes to freezer space. Side-by-sides are typically large--32 to 36 inches wide, with claimed capacity of 20 to 30 cubic feet. About 65 percent of that space is usable. They're much more expensive than similar-sized top-freezer models and are less efficient in terms of energy use, as well as space. Price range: Most cost $800 to $2,000.

Built-in models. These are generally side-by-side and bottom-freezer models. They show their commercial heritage, often having fewer standard amenities and less soundproofing than lower-priced "home" models. Usually 25 to 26 inches front to back, they fit nearly flush with cabinets and counters. Their compressor is on top, making them about a foot taller than regular refrigerators-an issue if you have overhead cabinets. Most can accept extra-cost front panels that match the kitchen's décor. Side-by-side models in this style are available in 42-inch and 48-inch widths (vs. the more typical 36-inch width). You can even obtain a built-in pair: a separate refrigerator and freezer mounted together in a 72-inch opening. Price range: Most cost $4,000 to $6,000.

Cabinet-depth models. These freestanding refrigerators offer the look of a built-in for less money. They are available mostly in side-by-side styles, with some top- and bottom-freezers available. Many accept extra-cost panels for a custom look. Cabinet-depth models have less usable space than deeper freestanding models and cost more. Price range: $1,500 to $3,000.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Size is likely to be more important than style or price, since most new refrigerators must fit in the same space as the old one. So begin by measuring the available space, including the space you'll need to open the door wide enough to pull out bins and drawers if there's a wall on the hinge side of the door. Also measure doorways and halls through which the refrigerator must pass when delivered.

Then choose a type that fits your space, needs, and budget. Once you've decided on a type, keep these shopping tips in mind:

Look for space-stretching features. A fridge's claimed capacity lists raw volume, including space taken up by lights, hardware, and unreachable nooks. Top- and bottom-freezers give you more storage for their size than side-by-sides. Some 30-inch-wide, 18-cubic-foot top-freezers we tested have about 15 cubic feet of usable space--nearly as much as some 36-inch-wide, 25-cubic-foot side-by-sides. With any fridge, look for features that maximize space, such as split shelves and cranks for adjusting shelf height. Pull-out shelves provide access to the back of the fridge and freezer. In bottom-freezers, full-extension drawers help you find items in the rear.

Consider costs and reliability. Most new refrigerators cost about $40 to $70 a year to run, based on average energy rates, but up to twice as much in the priciest markets. Top- and bottom-freezers are typically more efficient than side-by-sides. To get the most bang for the buck, pick a model that scored well for energy efficiency in our tests.

Weigh the likelihood of repairs as well. Some brands have been more reliable than others, and an icemaker and ice-and-water dispenser increase the chance that a fridge will need repair. As a group, built-ins appear to have had higher repair rates than freestanding models.

Listen up. Any new refrigerator is likely to be quieter than an older one. If your kitchen is a gathering spot, look for a model that did very well in our noise tests.

Keep styles coordinated. If you want the fridge to blend in with cabinetry, consider a built-in or cabinet-depth model that accepts custom panels. If you're mixing stainless-steel and metallic look-alikes, make sure any difference in the finishes doesn't bother you.

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Do you clean under your refrigerator? Do you clean the condenser? Do you know pet hair can build up under your refrigerator and cause a fire? If you have answered yes or no to any of these questions, read on.

10 Tips To Reduce The Power Consumption Of The Refrigerator
Buy the refrigerator with an appropriate climatic class. When installing it, choose a cool place. The fridge should not be placed too close to any heat source (fireplace, stove, oven, radiator, direct sunlight). The back of the refrigerator must be at least 80 mm far from the wall to allow the hot air ventilation. If the refrigerator is built-in or undercounter, there must be also enough space above it so that the air ventilation is not restricted. Know what you have in your refrigerator. First think than take what you need. Do not open the door too often and do not leave it open too long.

An old, inefficient refrigerator can cost up to $280 a year to run; a new, efficient refrigerator can save more than $150 each year over a 20-year-old model. While the savings will be less if you are replacing a newer refrigerator, it still will save between $35 and $70 per year. Calculating for a 15-year period for a typical lifespan of a refrigerator, that’s $525 to $1,050.

Considerations for Selecting the Perfect Refrigerator
One of the most visible and most necessary household appliances is the refrigerator. It is said that the kitchen is the heart of every home. If that is true, the refrigerator is certainly the heart of the kitchen.

Compact Refrigerators
For frequent travelers who desire to keep their food hot or cold on the go, a compact refrigerator is just the thing. These miniature refrigeration units function both as a cooler and a food heater. They are usually plugged into a car's 12-volt cigarette lighter socket for the cooling power of a 10-pound block of ice. The foam insulation can keep food both cool and warm, depending on its needs. Compact refrigerators can also be used at home, in the office or in any other location where there is a power supply.

An Introduction To Refrigerators
From keeping our veggies fresh, to storing our favorite ice creams and juices, refrigerators have become essential for modern day living.

Refrigerator - It Is Necessary To Periodically Clean Underneath It To Keep It Running Efficiently
The refrigerator is a much un-noticed appliance as long as it is running well and no one really thinks about cleaning the cooling coils underneath it. With most refrigerators the cooling coils are underneath the unit completely out of site of the homeowner. So, quite naturally, no one ever thinks of cleaning the coils, nor do you ever see the dust and animal hair that builds up around them month after month reducing the air flow around the coils that is used to cool the refrigerant.

Refrigerator - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A refrigerator (often called a "fridge" for short) is a cooling appliance comprising
a thermally insulated compartment and a mechanism to transfer heat from ...
A refrigerator (often called a "fridge" for short) is a ... 4 The impact of the refrigerator on the home. 5 Features. 6 Temperature zones and ratings ...
A refrigerator (often called a fridge for short) is an appliance for the storage and preservation of perishable food; food kept in a refrigerator lasts longer than that left at room temperature as the ...
A refrigerator (often called a "fridge" for short) is a cooling appliance comprising a thermally insulated compartment and a mechanism to
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refrigerator

Howstuffworks "How Refrigerators Work"
Learn how refrigerators work, take apart a refrigerator, and read reviews of
built-in refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, and compact refrigerators.
Learn how refrigerators work, take apart a refrigerator, and read reviews of built-in refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, and compact refrigerators.
Learn how refrigerators work, take apart a refrigerator, and read reviews of built-in refrigerators ... Kitchen appliances make your life easier. Take a look inside the kitchen appliances you use all ...
Learn how refrigerators work, take apart a refrigerator, and read reviews of built-in refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, and compact ...
home.howstuffworks.com/refrigerator.htm

The History of the Refrigerator - and Freezer
The first known artificial refrigeration was demonstrated by William Cullen in 1748 - he did not use his discovery for any practical purpose - In 1805 an American ...
The first known artificial refrigeration was demonstrated by William Cullen in 1748 - he did not use ... Drawing: William Cullen's Design. Before mechanical refrigeration systems were introduced ...
inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blrefrigerator.htm

Refrigerators & Freezers : ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators require about half as much energy as models
manufactured before 1993. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators provide energy ...
Refrigerator FAQs. Savings Calculator — Consumer Residential Refrigerators (162KB) ... Bulk Purchasing Residential Refrigerator Savings Calculator (163KB) ...
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=refrig.pr_refrigerators

The History of the Refrigerator - and Freezer
The History of the Refrigerator and Freezers ... A refrigerator uses the evaporation of a liquid to absorb heat.
inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blrefrigerator.ht...

MP3 players

Newer models with color displays can show photos and videos

The MP3 player continues its evolution from simple audio player to complex multimedia device. Most players come with color displays and the ability to show digital photos transferred from your computer, sometimes with accompanying music. Many also play back movies, music videos, or TV shows, downloaded from the Web or videos taken with your camcorder.

As digital players morph, one thing remains constant: the brand name that’s on most of them. Apple’s iPod players account for more than three of four players sold. Hardware alone doesn’t explain Apple’s dominance. While iPods score well in our tests, so do players from other manufacturers, some of which offer capabilities and features that iPods lack.

Apple’s success rests in part on its creation of a self-contained digital-entertainment system. iTunes, its content-management software, works seamlessly--only with iPods. Its online iTunes store offers by far the largest library of online video content, supplementing its dominance over online music sales. It also offers comprehensive one-stop access to podcasts, the booming (and mostly free) online downloads that offer everything from National Public Radio broadcasts to music-preview shows to weekly self-help recordings.

And while you can play content obtained from the store (and use iTunes software) on virtually any computer, including Windows PCs and Macs, you need an iPod to enjoy it portably.

Not that all innovative content comes from Apple. Other legal online content sources include BuyMusic, MusicMatch, Napster, Real, Sony, URGE, Wal-Mart, and Yahoo. Unlike iTunes, some of these sites also offer subscription-based services that let you fill your PC or player with rented music for a flat $15 per month (the music stops playing if you don’t periodically dock your player an Internet-connected PC to confirm your account is in good standing). Downloaded songs from contemporary artists typically cost less than $1 per song, or $10 for an entire album; music videos, hit TV-show episodes, and short films cost $2 each. Players that support the copy-protected WMA formats, like those from Archos, Creative, RCA, and Samsung, allow access to the greatest number of online stores, and, because of the competition, cheaper music.

Before you buy any digital player, be sure your computer can handle it. New computers shouldn’t be a problem, but make sure any player you’re considering is compatible with your older Windows or Macintosh computer (including its operating system). Keep in mind that some operating-system upgrades can exceed the price of a player. Your computer must have a USB port. Consider high-speed Internet access if you plan to download much of your music. Also keep in mind that getting started can be tricky with some players. Even if compatible with the player, an older computer may not recognize it easily, so you might have to seek help from the manufacturer.


WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Major brands of digital music players include Apple, Archos, Cowon, Creative Labs, iRiver, Microsoft, Philips, RCA, SanDisk, Sony, and Toshiba. And MP3 playback has been incorporated into other handheld portable products, including CD players, cell phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

Flash-memory players. These are the smallest and lightest players, often no bigger than a pack of gum, and they weigh no more than 2 or 3 ounces. They’re solid-state, meaning they have no moving parts, and tend to have longer audio playback time than players that use hard-disk storage. Storage capacities range from 512 megabytes (MB) to 8 gigabytes (GB), or about 120 to 2,000 songs. Some flash-memory players also have expansion slots to add more memory via card slots on the player. Common expansion-memory formats include Compact Flash, MultiMedia, Secure Digital, and SmartMedia. Sony players can use a MagicGate MemoryStick, a copyright-protected version of Sony’s existing MemoryStick media. Memory-card capacities range from about 32MB to 2GB. Memory costs have dropped. Price: $40 to $280 for the player; $20 to $50 for a 1GB memory card.

Hard-disk players. There are two types: microdrive and standard hard-disk. The palm-sized microdrive players have a tiny hard drive with a storage capacity of 4GB to 8GB (about 1,000 to 2,000 songs). They weigh about a quarter-pound. Standard hard-disk players are about the size of a deck of cards, and they have a storage capacity of 20GB to 160GB (about 5,000 to 40,000 songs). They typically weigh less than half a pound. Some hard-disk players with video capability have relatively larger displays, and as a result tend to be the bulkiest models. Price: $140 and up.

CD players with “MP3” compatibility. Flash-memory and hard-disk portable players aren’t the only way to enjoy digital music. Many of today’s portable CD players can play digital music saved on discs and can support the copyright-protected formats from online music stores. Controls and displays are comparable to portable MP3 players, and you can group songs on each disc according to artist, genre, and other categories. A CD, with its 650MB to 800MB storage capacity, can hold more than 10 hours of MP3-formatted music at the standard CD-quality setting. You can create MP3 CDs using the proper software and your PC’s CD burner. Price: $25 and up for the players; 15 cents to 75 cents or so for blank CDs.

Cell phones. An increasing number of phones have built-in MP3 players, some with controls and features that rival stand-alone players. Sprint, Verizon, and other cell-phone providers let subscribers download music over their networks. But music phones are pricey and most store fewer than 150 songs. Price: 99 cents to $2.50 per song; $150 and up for a phone with a two-year contract or $500 without one.

Satellite radio. Some pocket-sized XM and Sirius receivers have built-in memory for recording up to 50 hours of satellite programming and might also let you add your own MP3 songs to the mix. Not all models let you listen to live programming on the go; some must be docked at home. Price: $175 to $400 for the receiver; about $13 a month for satellite service.


HOW TO CHOOSE



Decide whether to get an iPod. With Apple’s family of players so ubiquitous and so similar in many ways, it’s worth considering the advantages and shortcomings of iPods before considering other options. iPods are easy to use, thanks to their superb integration with the company’s iTunes software. The iTunes Store offers the largest selection of legal digital content on the Web, including almost all the available downloads of major TV shows. And with the use of iTunes software so widespread, it’s very likely that a friend or family member already uses it--so you’ll need an iPod to share their songs or videos.

As for drawbacks, iPods typically cost a little more than non-Apple players with comparable capacity. They also lack some of the features and accessories that adapter with many other players, such as an FM radio, voice recorder, and an AC charger. Equipping a new iPod with some of these options can add more than $100 to its price. And iPods have some special limitations, such as the inability to easily transfer music to any other device.

Weigh capacity vs. size. Consider a flash-memory model (4GB can hold about 1,000 songs) if a lower price, smaller size, and lighter weight are more important to you than a vast selection of tunes. Opt for the largest-capacity flash player you can afford. Look for models that can accept external memory cards if you want expanded song capacity.

If you have a large music collection that you want to keep with you, a hard-disk player might make more sense. Players with an 80GB capacity can can hold up to 20,000 songs and could serenade you for weeks without repeating a tune. However, a hard-disk player can be more complicated to manage than a flash-memory player. Hard-disk players vary in size, generally in step with capacity. Microdrive players are about the size of a credit card, and a 6GB model can hold about 1,500 songs, whereas models with 30GB hard disks are about the size of a deck of cards and can hold about 7,500 songs.

Consider download choices. Be aware that online music copy-protected sources are limited with some models. For example, Sony players work only with one online music store, while iPods are compatible with iTunes and Real.

Consider power consumption and battery type. With any portable device, batteries are a consideration. Our tests found a wide variation in battery life. Depending on the player settings, some will run out of power after only six hours of play, while others can play music for more than 150 hours before their batteries give out. Playing videos can run a battery down in a few hours.

Consider ergonomics and design. Whichever type of MP3 player you choose, make sure you’ll be comfortable using it. Look for a display and controls that are easy to read and that can be worked with one hand. Because sizes and shapes vary widely, check to see that the player fits comfortably in your pockets and is easy to access when you need to need to reach the controls.

iPod shuffle is an iPod digital audio player designed and marketed by Apple Inc. It was announced at the Macworld Conference & Expo on January 11, 2005, using the tagline "life is random." Instead of storing data on a hard disk, it was the first iPod to use flash memory. The current second generation model weighs about 15 grams (0.55 ounces). It was introduced in September 2006 along with the revamped fifth generation iPod and second generation iPod nano.

iPod is a brand of portable media players designed and marketed by Apple and launched in October 2001. Devices in the iPod range are primarily digital audio players, designed around a central click wheel — with the exception of the iPod shuffle, which uses buttons because of its small size. As of September 2006, the line-up consists of the video-capable fifth generation iPod, the smaller second generation iPod nano, and the display-less second generation iPod shuffle. The iPod line used to contain the iPod mini, until being discontinued for the introduction of the iPod nano. The full-sized model stores media on an internal hard drive, while the iPod nano and iPod shuffle use flash memory due to their smaller size. Like many digital music players, iPods can also serve as external data storage devices.

Apple's iTunes software is used to transfer music to the devices. As a free jukebox application, iTunes stores an entire music library on the user's computer and can play, burn, and rip music from a CD. It can also transfer photos, videos, games, and calendars to the models that support them. Apple focused its development on the iPod's unique user interface and its ease of use, rather than on technical capability. As of April 2007, the iPod had sold over 100 million units worldwide,[1] making it the best-selling digital audio player series in history.

Sony brand used to market its portable audio and video players, and is synonymously used to refer to the original Walkman portable personal stereo player and as a generic term for similar devices from other manufacturers. The original Walkman introduced a change in music listening habits, allowing people to carry their own choice of music with them.

MP3 CD is a term used to refer to compact discs (CD-R or CD-RW) that contain MP3 files. Discs are burned in data mode, as opposed to Red Book format as with standard audio CDs.

MP3 CDs are supported by several modern CD players. There are also CD players capable of playing wma and Vorbis files, and on Sony branded players, audio encoded to their ATRAC format.

A digital audio player (DAP) is a device that stores, organizes and plays audio files. It is more commonly referred to as an MP3 player because of the MP3 format's ubiquity, but DAPs often play many additional file formats. Some formats are proprietary, such as Windows Media Audio (WMA), and to a degree, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) and MP3. Some of these formats also may incorporate restrictive DRM technology, such as Janus and FairPlay, which are often part of certain paid download sites. Other formats are completely patent-free or otherwise open, such as Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, Speex (all part of the Ogg open multimedia project), and Module file formats. There are three main types of digital audio players:

* Flash-based Players - These are solid state devices that hold digital audio files on internal or external media, such as memory cards. Due to technological limitations, these are relatively low-storage devices, commercially ranging from 128MB to 16GB, such as the second generation iPod nano, the SanDisk Sansa series of players, and the iriver clix, which can often be extended with additional memory. As they are solid state and do not have moving parts, they are very resilient. In effect, they do not suffer limitations that owners of Hard Drive-based players face, such as fears of dropping their player or fragmentation. Such players are commonly integrated into USB keydrives.
* Hard Drive-based Players or Digital Jukeboxes - Devices that read digital audio files from a hard drive. These players have higher capacities, ranging from 1.5GB to 160GB, depending on the hard drive technology. At typical encoding rates, this means that thousands of songs — perhaps an entire music collection — can be stored on one player. Because of the storage capacity, devices that also display video and pictures are often hard-drive based.
* MP3 CD Players - Devices that can play audio files from a CD-ROM in addition to audio CDs.

MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, more commonly referred to as MP3, is an audio encoding format.

It uses a lossy compression algorithm that is designed to greatly reduce the amount of data required to represent the audio recording, yet still sound like a faithful reproduction of the original uncompressed audio to most listeners. It was invented by a team of European engineers at Philips, CCETT (Centre commun d'études de télévision et télécommunications), IRT and Fraunhofer Society, who worked in the framework of the EUREKA 147 DAB digital radio research program, and it became an ISO/IEC standard in 1991.

MP3 is an audio-specific format. The compression removes certain parts of sound that are outside the normal human hearing range so cannot be heard by the listener. It provides a representation of pulse-code modulation — encoded audio in much less space than straightforward methods, by using psychoacoustic models to discard components less audible to human hearing, and recording the remaining information in an efficient manner. Similar principles are used by JPEG, an image compression format.

MP3 Player Sales to Soar
Think the iPod and mp3 players are the big craze now? Analysts predict that the current massive numbers of mp3 player sales are merely a fraction of what they will be in four years. Although it is hard to think that these little gems could sell in even larger numbers, the fact is that mp3 players will soon be the primary way of listening to music no matter where you live in the world.

Sony MP3 Players
Sony Mp3 Players have earned the status of being one of the best players on the market. The Sony Mp3 Players are quite versatile for style, looks, and of course accessories.

Choosing An MP3 Player To Groove To
If you've decided that you want get yourself a portable MP3 player, or digital music player, you've probably discovered that there are myriads of choices to choose from. Not only that, you can easily spend fifty dollars or five hundred dollars on an MP3 player.

Best Place To Buy Discount MP3 Players
The best place to buy discount mp3 players and find mp3 players on sale is to shop at The number 1 spot on the Web.

MP3 Downloads
MP3 is a popular encoding and compression format for digital audio. The term MP3 is an acronym for MPEG-1 Layer 3. Using the MP3 format, larger digital audio files can be shrunk to a fraction of their size, losing a little of the sound quality in the process. Compared to the reduction in file size and ease of download, the reduction in quality is negligible and usually not very noticeable.

Compare MP3 Players for the Coolest Features and Sweetest Deals
How can you compare mp3 players to be sure you're getting the best features and price? Here's a great little checklist for your player comparison. Use these criteria to compare players and you'll have no problem choosing the right one.

The Evolution Of MP3 Players
In today’s world MP3 players are the fastest and easiest way to listen to music, they are very light and are easy to carry around especially those who are on the go.

Portable MP3 Players - MP3 Player Reviews - Best MP3 Players
Portable MP3 Players - MP3.com offers MP3 player reviews of the best MP3 players
available.
Portable MP3 Players - MP3.com offers MP3 player reviews of the best MP3 players available. ... Creative Zen Aurvana If you need lightweight and quality in-ear earphones for under $100, check ...
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Wikipedia: Digital Audio Players / MP3 Players
A digital audio player (DAP) is a device that stores, organizes and plays audio
files. It is more commonly referred to as an MP3 player because of the MP3 ...
... audio player (DAP) is a device that stores, organizes and plays audio files. It is more commonly referred to as an MP3 player because of ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_audio_player

MP3 players, digital music, CD players; portable audio reviews - CNET
MP3 players and digital audio reviews and ratings, video reviews, user opinions,
... "best mp3 flash player that records from fm radio and voice? ...
Buyer's guide to portable audio devices, with reviews, prices, shopping tips, and more.
reviews.cnet.com/Music/2001-6450_7-0.html

MP3 Players - Reviews and Price Comparisons – from PC Magazine
PC Magazine provides up-to-date coverage and MP3 Player reviews. ... PCMag.com's mp3
player reviews help you find the right, top-rated mp3 players for your ...
Includes reviews, news, and product specs for portable and component MP3 and digital music players.
www.pcmag.com/category2/0,1874,2359,00.asp

Mp3 Players at BestBuy.com
Offers hard drive as well as flash-based MP3 players and accessories, including the iPod.
www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat10200050001&type=category

Mowers

Practically any mower will cut your grass. But you'll get better results with less effort if you choose a machine based on your lawn size, mowing preferences, and budget

Mowing options range anywhere from $100 manual-reel mowers to tractors that cost $4,000 or more. If you have a small yard, a manual-reel or electric walk-behind mower is probably fine. Gasoline-powered walk-behind mowers are appropriate for most lawns up to about a half-acre. If your lawn is larger, you might appreciate the ease and speed of a ride-on lawn tractor.

Compared with cars, gasoline-powered lawn mowers produce a disproportionate amount of air pollution. Federal regulations aimed at reducing smog-producing mower emissions have made today's gas-powered mowers cleaner than old ones--something to consider if you're now using an older mower.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE



Manual-reel mowers are still made by a few companies. Major brands of electric mowers include Black & Decker and Craftsman (Sears). Of all brands, Craftsman sells the most gasoline-powered walk-behind mowers. Other less expensive, mass-market brands include Bolens, Murray, Yard Machines, and Yard-Man. Pricier brands, traditionally sold at outdoor power-equipment dealers, include Ariens, Cub Cadet, Honda, Husqvarna, John Deere, Lawn Boy, Snapper, and Toro. Several of those brands are now available at large retailers, including Home Depot and Lowe's.

Which type is best for your lawn? Here are the basics about each to help you decide:

Manual-reel mowers. Pushing these simple mowers turns a series of curved blades that spin with the wheels. Reel mowers are quiet, inexpensive, and nonpolluting. They're also relatively safe to operate and require little maintenance other than periodic blade adjustment and sharpening. On the downside, our tests have shown that cutting performance is typically mediocre, and most can't cut grass higher than 1 1/2 inches or trim closer than 3 inches around obstacles. Some models have cutting swaths just 14 to 18 inches wide--another drawback. Consider them for small, flat lawns a quarter-acre or less.

Price range: $100 to about $400.

Electric mowers. These push-type, walk-behind mowers use an electric motor to drive a rotating blade. Both corded and cordless versions start with the push of a button. They produce no exhaust emissions, and, like reel mowers, require little maintenance aside from sharpening. Most offer a side or rear grass catcher, and many can mulch--a process where clippings are recut until they're small enough to hide unobtrusively within the lawn. But electrics are less powerful than gas mowers and less adept at tackling tall or thick grass and weeds. What's more, their narrow, 18- to 19-inch swaths take a smaller bite than most gas-powered mowers at 21 inches. Both corded and cordless electrics have other significant drawbacks. Corded mowers limit your mowing to within 100 feet of a power outlet--the typical maximum length for extension cords. Cordless versions, while more versatile, weigh up to 30 pounds more than corded models and typically mow just one-quarter to one-third acre before their sealed, lead-acid batteries need recharging. Both types of electrics are mainly suitable for small, flat lawns of a quarter-acre or less.

Price range: corded, $125 to $250; cordless, $400 or more.

Gas-powered walk-behind mowers. These include push mowers and self-propelled models with driven wheels. Most have a 4.5- to 6.5-hp four-stroke engine and a cutting swath 21 or 22 inches wide, allowing you to cover more ground with each pass, and handle long or thick grass and weeds. All can mow as long as there's fuel in the tank. But gas mowers are relatively noisy and require regular maintenance.

Most gas mowers provide three cutting modes: bagging, which gathers clippings in a removable catcher; side-discharging, which spews clippings onto the lawn; and mulching, which cuts and recuts clippings until they're small enough to settle and decompose within the lawn.

Consider a push-type model for mowing relatively flat lawns of about a quarter-acre or for trimming larger lawns. Choose a self-propelled model for hilly lawns or lawns of a half-acre or more. You might also choose a self-propelled mower if you mostly bag clippings; a full bag can add 20 or 30 pounds to the mower's weight.

Price range: push-type, $150 to $400; self-propelled, $200 to $900.

How to Choose



You'll see lots of competent choices for mowing the typical quarter- to half-acre lawn. Here are the most critical points to consider as you shop:

Pick your power. Gasoline-powered mowers continue to perform best overall, especially in long or dense grass. Self-propelled models are best for larger or hillier terrain, while lighter push models are fine for smaller, flatter lawns or for trimming. On the downside, gas models of both types are relatively noisy, create exhaust emissions, and require periodic tune-ups. Most also require pull-starting.

Electric mowers are quieter and create no exhaust emissions. They also free you from fueling and engine maintenance, and start with the push of a button. But even the best corded electric mowers aren't as powerful as gas models. Cordless models free you from the tether and tangles of a power cord. But they're pricey and have limited run time before their batteries need recharging.

Manual reel mowers are another clean and quiet option, since they rely solely on people power to move their spiral-shaped mowing blades. Most models are relatively inexpensive (about $130 to $200). But some can be hard to push. And those in past tests couldn't match a power mower's cut quality.

Pick your mowing mode. Most walk-behind mowers can mulch, bag, or side-discharge clippings. But as the Ratings show, not all mowers handle all three modes equally well. Choose a model that scored well in the mowing mode you use most. If you bag most clippings, you'll probably prefer a self-propelled mower, since a full bag can make push types a handful, especially uphill.

Check the drive control. Most self-propelled mowers have two controls: a blade-engagement bail you must hold against the handlebar and a bail for adjusting the speed. Some new models now use a short lever that allows you to engage and vary ground speed by squeezing it with the right hand.

Those we tested worked well. But some levers can be stiffer than others--a potential problem for some users, since all require constant pressure to keep the machine moving. As with all controls, see if you can try such levers before buying.

Don't get bowled over by big names. You'll find a Honda engine on even more non-Honda walk-behind lawn mowers this year as Craftsman, Lawn-Boy, Yard-Man, and other brands use Honda's premium image to give their machines some added cachet. These newer engines aren't the commercial-grade versions that made Honda's reputation for durability, however. While those we tested performed well, so did the more-plebeian Briggs & Stratton and Tecumseh engines on many other machines.

Don't count horses. High horsepower is another rallying cry at the store and online. Many of the mowers we tested now have up to 7 hp on tap. But mowers with at least 5.5 hp performed just as well overall as higher-horsepower models.

A lawn mower, alternately spelled lawnmower, is a device which by means of one or more revolving blades is used to cut grass or other plants to uneven length.

Lawnmowers employing a blade that rotates about a vertical axis are known as rotary mowers, while those employing a blade assembly that rotates about a horizontal axis are known as cylinder or reel mowers.

Many different designs have been made, each suited to a particular purpose. The smallest types, pushed by a human, are suitable for small residential lawns and gardens, while larger, self-contained, ride-on mowers are suitable for large lawns, and the largest, multi-gang mowers pulled behind a tractor, are designed for large expanses of grass such as golf courses and municipal parks.

Lawns are a standard feature of ornamental private and public gardens and landscapes in much of the world today. Lawns are created for aesthetic use in gardens, and for recreational use, including sports. They are typically planted near homes, often as part of gardens, and are also used in other ornamental landscapes and gardens.

Lawns are frequently a feature of public parks and other spaces. They form the playing surface for many outdoor sports, reducing erosion and dust as well as providing a cushion for players in sports such as football, cricket, baseball, golf, tennis, bocce and stake. In sports venues, the word lawn is often replaced by turf or green.

Many different species of grass are used, often depending on the intended use of the lawn, with vigorous, coarse grasses used where active sports are played, and much finer, softer grasses on ornamental lawns, and partly on climate, with different grasses adapted to oceanic climates with cool summers, and tropical and continental climates with hot summers. It is also not uncommon to mix grass seeds. A 50/50 mixture of grass types can, for example, form a stronger lawn when one grass type does better in the warmer seasons and the other is more resistant to colder weather.

A lawn aerator is a garden tool designed to aerate the soil in which lawn grasses grow. Aeration improves soil drainage and encourages worms, microfauna and microflora which require oxygen.

[edit] Lawn problems

Lawn aeration constitutes two things, controlling lawn thatch and reducing soil compaction. Lawn thatch is a layer of dead organic tissue that deprives your lawn from much-needed oxygen. Soil compaction makes it difficult for your grass to root and it disturbs natural rainwater irrigation, therefore it is important to aerate your lawn. This is especially true for highly trafficked lawns. If people walk or even run over a lawn, the pressure generates compaction in your soil.

In the present age of abundant production, it is easy to come across an overabundance of lawn mower designs to select from. Lawn mowers can operate on gas or can be motorized, self-propelled or pushed. More often than not, an individual can possess a lawn mower but may also be contemplating a substitution, or alternate parts.

Secondly, as lawns tend to be mowed at the same time, this considerably incrases the amount of pollen in the atmostphere. Speak to anyone who suffers from hayfever, to find out how painful this can be.

For my part, there will be no need to push me to mow the lawn anymore - in view of the above, I shall be more that pleased to do my bit for the enviroment I live in, and at the sametime gain a beautiful garden.

These new style of push mowers are perfect for smaller lawns, excellent for the environment, easy to clean and inexpensive to operate. If you have a very large lawn, this style of walk-behind mower might not be the best for you, but if your lawn is of average size, electric mowers are a popular and smart choice.

An electric mower’s most significant selling point for most people is its benefit to the environment. According to experts, mowing your lawn for just one hour with a regular gas walk-behind mower causes more air pollution than driving a new car 150 miles. By using an electric mower, you simply plug and go. The only drain on resources is the energy it takes to power the mower, and that’s not a lot.

Riding lawn mowers are ideally suited for lawns that are large. The gadget makes lawn mowing less laborious. Generally a lawn exceeding 1,440 square yards is regarded as one where the use of riding mower is essential. These mowers can be maneuvered more flexibly around tight edges, but are quite costly.

A majority of these machines scythe the grass blade, making use of the horizontal rotating blade system with multiple blades. Prior to purchasing a riding lawn mower, it should be borne in mind that they are more costly in terms of both buying price and handling costs.

If you’re looking to purchase a popular mower that’s easy to find and relatively inexpensive, consider a gas mower. These walk-behind mowers are affordable, easy to care for, and effective. They are also in ready and abundant supply.

Gas push mowers are best for lawns less than an acre in size. This type of walk-behind mower is fairly easy to maintain and there are no cords to haul around; the mower itself generally won’t be too heavy when you’re hauling it around the yard. You do, however, have to keep it gassed.

There are two factors that primarily make the final decision: First, the size of the lawn. The bigger the lawn, the more speed and power from a modern lawn mower it requires. Second, the cost of the modern lawn mowers. This can be an obstacle too – it really depends on how much you can afford.

Decide whether you want a sit-on or walk behind type. These are two kinds of the modern lawn mower. Though the sit-on mowers have become relatively popular because it may be cheaper than the walk-behind mower but it gets the work done.

A lawn mower is an indispensable garden tool required for trimming grass on lawns. In order to keep a lawn in perfect condition, clipping grass is absolutely necessary. If grass is not mowed regularly, the unchecked growth will definitely spoil the appearance of the lawn and the hard work put behind the creation of a lawn will be made worthless. A lawn mower trims grass to a uniform length. Two types of mechanisms are generally used.

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Lawn mower - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lawn mowers became a more efficient alternative to simply relying on gardeners ... Rotary lawn mowers often allow the height of the lawn mower to be adjusted to ...
A lawn mower, alternately spelled lawnmower, is a device which by means of one or more revolving blades is used to cut grass or other plants to an even length. A late 19th century reel mower. History ...
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Lawn Mower Brands & Models of Lawn Mowers
Lawnmower guide with descriptions of brands and types, such as riding mowers,
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Lawnmower guide with descriptions of brands and types, such as riding mowers, robotic mowers and more ... Welcome to Lawn Mower Facts. New articles! Lawn Aerators Lawn Edgers. Lawn Mower Facts purpose ...
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Turns a weekend chore into a competitive sport!
Information, news, schedules on lawn mower racing.
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