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=Consumer Research=

One of the best skills you can learn in school is how to be a wise consumer. The old saying, "You get what you pay for," will continue to be true, no matter what you are purchasing. We all want to get the most for our money and here are some resources to help you do exactly that!

Books
The Consumers Union publishes a monthly magazine (Consumer Reports) specializing in objective, unbiased product reviews and evaluations of all kinds. Their annual guides summarize these findings.

Consumer Reports Buying Guide
REF 640.73 CON Take a look at the first chapter entitled "Shop Smart", then browse the Table of Contents and Index to find indepth articles to guide your purchasing decisions. If a specific Consumer Reports monthly issue is referenced, you will be able to search for it online with EbscoHOST (see below).

Consumer Reports Electronics Buying Guide
REF 621.381 CON This volume contains today's best buys in televisions, laptop and desktop computers, audio and video gear, digital cameras and camcorders, cell phones and more.

Consumer Reports Cars: New Car Buying Guide
REF 629.222 CON Lots of relevant information to consider before you actually buy a car plus a Ratings & Reference section that includes data to make car to car comparisons easy.

Consumer Reports Cars: Used Car Buying Guide
REF 629.222 CON Did you know that millionaires frequently buy good condition, nearly new cars? This book will help you choose the best automobile for your purposes. Consult the Reference Section for profiles of specific models.

Magazines
Magazines can be a very helpful source of current consumer information, but where can you find them, how do you know which ones to trust and how can you find the specific articles you need?

The [|EbscoHOST] MAS Ultra database is a great source of periodical (magazine or newspaper) information. It contains full text for more than 500 popular, high school magazines. You can search for these articles using general keywords (like mp3 players) or specific terms (like Honda Accord). In addition, you can search for articles in particular magazines like Consumer Reports, Electronic Gaming Monthly or Motor Trend, to name just a few.

Additionally, EbscoHOST, like most of our other online databases, is accessible from home as well as from school. Be sure to ask your librarian for the sheet containing Home Use information for these programs.

Web Sites
[|Consumer Search] This site summarizes reviews found elsewhere. You can also use this service as a search engine to find product reviews and information.

[|How Stuff Works Consumer Guide] and [|How Stuff Works Consumer Guide Auto] Two sites that evaluate random as well as specific products. Look here for info on the sublime as well as the silly!

[|Buzzillions] Based on real buyer feedback, this site aims to help you //find//, //compare//, and //decide// on the right product for you!

[|My Product Advisor] Receive an unbiased list of product recommendations based on your individual preferences. No ads, no selling, no registration. Jumpstart your shopping process!

[|Epinions] Consumer-generated reviews, buying tips and advice, ratings, and price information. Searchable in a variety of ways from price to product type.

[|Consumer Review] User-generated buying advice

[|Kelley Blue Book] A trusted source of information about used and new cars. Scroll down to "Research & Explore" then click "Compare Vehicles."