Best buys/Consumer reviews (prices, online, purchasing, Amazon)

[Millipooh]

I noticed that several of these are paid websites, such as consumer reports, what free websites do you guys use when trying to get opinions on products, such as household items, computers, cars? or even apartments?

[southernlady5464]

For computers and almost anything related to technology, I use PC Mag. They have reviews and buying guides.

There is also CNET Reviews

But a very good guide based on opinions of the average user: Epinions

But remember, take all of them with a grain of salt. Best review is what your own experience is or your own friends and family can tell you. Liz

[missyM]

epinions. Just be careful, I bought an ice cream maker that has a good review and had to take it back to the store. I need to go over there and refute.

[ShadowCaver]

Have used the following - from my bookmarks:
Reviews from Epinions
Consumer World: Everything Consumer
Read Honest Consumer Reviews Compare Prices on thousands of products and services at www.reviewcentre.com
Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more

Consumer Complaints and Product Reviews @ pissedconsumer.com
Geek.com News: Reviews for Macs, Gaming, Mobile, Chip Technology & More
Product Reviews - Welcome to CNET Reviews - CNET.com
Product Reviews and Reports - Consumer Search.com - Reviewing the Reviewers

New Car Prices, Used Car Pricing, Car Reviews by Edmunds Car Buying Guide
Kelley Blue Book - Enter Your ZIP Code
Cars.com: Consumer Reviews: New & Used Cars, Trucks, SUVs

Consumer Reviews, Product Ratings & Comparison Shopping. Real User Reviews, Compare Reviews (broken link)
Squidoo Homepage

[nilssson]

epinions is interesting but some folks there are excited about a product and give a glowing review without it passing the test of time. I bought a dvd player that was recommended that went bad after a few months but a tv that is working out great.

[ShadowCaver]

Originally Posted by nilssson

epinions is interesting but some folks there are excited about a product and give a glowing review without it passing the test of time. I bought a dvd player that was recommended that went bad after a few months but a tv that is working out great.

True - but would not single out just epinions on that; have seen it in just about every review source. That is why I usually review multiple review sites before purchasing, esp. if its a major item. And usually look quite carefully at the negatives - can learn much from that at times... Of course, w/ all that said, lemons occur, even in the highest rated products [I'm a quality manager, and a Six Sigma Green Belt, so will warn that most companies are only at a 'sigma' level of 3 or 4, at best; meaning that they may have 6,000 to over 300,000 defects per million products Goal of companies that are performing Six Sigma is to have less than 3.4 defects per million].

[southernlady5464]

True - but would not single out just epinions on that; have seen it in just about every review source. That is why I usually review multiple review sites before purchasing, esp. if its a major item. And usually look quite carefully at the negatives - can learn much from that at times... Of course, w/ all that said, lemons occur, even in the highest rated products [I'm a quality manager, and a Six Sigma Green Belt, so will warn that most companies are only at a 'sigma' level of 3 or 4, at best; meaning that they may have 6,000 to over 300,000 defects per million products Goal of companies that are performing Six Sigma is to have less than 3.4 defects per million].

Shadow, that's why I said what I did...to "take all of them with a grain of salt".

How long have you been a Six Sigma Green Belt? I think that's great. Are you working on your Black Belt?

Liz

[ShadowCaver]

Originally Posted by southernlady5464

Shadow, that's why I said what I did...to "take all of them with a grain of salt".

How long have you been a Six Sigma Green Belt? I think that's great. Are you working on your Black Belt?

Liz

/semi-hijack: Thanks! Have had the actual belt for bit over 1 year; have worked/studied Sickme Suckma for ~5 years. Actually, the training have had falls somewhere in between green and black; but yes, will be taking the Black Belt training hopefully w/in next year when its offered. Have you worked with this quite some too? Hijack end/

[nilssson]

gee, taking all the grains of salt sure makes a fella thirsty.

[ShadowCaver]

Originally Posted by nilssson

gee, taking all the grains of salt sure makes a fella thirsty.

Well here then, let me have my beermaid wrench bring us all something to quench that, 'eh?