How much computer performance can you get for under $2,000? We bought a souped-up Dell desktop to find out. We chose the Dell XPS 8700 Special Edition, for $1,850. It packs the latest Intel Core i7 3.4GHz processor, a crazy 24GB of memory, two 1TB hard drives, a Blu-ray player, a 1GB graphics card, and a 256GB solid-state drive for faster boot-up.

The result probably won't surprise you: This system earned the highest score in our performance tests of any desktop we've ever tested. Where this much power really shines, particularly thanks to the 24GB of memory, is when you’re editing very high-res photos or editing and converting video.

Find the best computer for your needs and budget with our computer buying guide and desktop and laptop Ratings.

You can save yourself a few hundred dollars by opting for the lower-priced Special Edition model for about $1,500. It comes with 16GB of memory.

If gaming is what you crave, the graphics card in this Dell should meet the demands of most titles. But to kick up the power a bit for playing really demanding games, opt for the next model up, which costs $2,205.

All this is way more than you need just for using Microsoft Office, browsing the Web, making Skype calls, and so on. But for those who need the power, the Dell XPS 8700 Special Edition really shone.

—Donna Tapellini

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Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

The start of a new college year is here, but a report on private student loans from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that highlights disturbing news about the problems students are having with lenders and loan servicers puts a damper on this exciting time for students nationwide.

When students try to get basic information about their private loan accounts, they often get the runaround: Payments may be credited late or unevenly, record keeping is poor, and customer service is lousy. The most frequent complaint from students is that they are given few options to refinance or modify repayment for a better deal. Those findings (PDF) by the CFPB, unfortunately, are similar to those in a fall 2012 report. 

Students’ frustrations with their loan servicers sound all too much like the problems we’ve seen in the mortgage servicing business, where borrowers often can’t get the straight answers and critical information they deserve.

Outstanding student debt in the U.S. is approaching $1.2 trillion, according to the CFPB. The total includes about $165 billion in outstanding private student loan debt.

That may seem like a small piece of the pie, but private student loans stand out because they can come with variable rates that may be significantly higher than federal loans. 

Plus, federal student loan borrowers who are struggling with low wages and other setbacks can seek deferrals and flexible repayment programs, while the private loan borrower doesn’t have the legal right to such choices.

To help struggling private student loan borrowers, Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy arm of Consumer Reports, is asking policymakers and regulators to put two key reforms in place:

Flexible repayment. Private lenders should offer income-based repayment plans to borrowers. Borrowers who demonstrate financial hardship, due to high debt balances and modest wages, should be allowed to repay a reasonable percentage of their income in order to stay current. 

Refinancing options. Lenders should develop refinancing options for private student loan borrowers. When borrowers demonstrate a pattern of responsible behavior, they should have the opportunity to shop around for lower interest rates as they become available. 

The proposals are part of the seven basic principles for fair student lending from Consumers Union.

Last year, Richard Cordray, director of the CFPB, said: “Graduates don’t have a fair chance to pay back their debts if they are faced with surprises, runarounds, and dead-ends by student loan servicers. These young consumers are facing serious challenges in dealing with their debt, which can hold them back from getting ahead in life.”

We agree. If you’re having problems with a student loan, private or federal, we want to hear from you. Sharing your story will help us bring some fairness and clarity to the confusion of student loans. Tell us your story.

This feature is part of a regular series by Consumers Union, the public-policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports. The nonprofit organization advocates for product safety, financial reform, safer food, health reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

Read other installments of our Policy & Action feature.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

For 2014, Harley-Davidson celebrates its 110th anniversary with the most comprehensive update to its line in history. Lead by a development program codenamed Project Rushmore, the updates are notable for a company known for product evolution at a pace akin to that national monument’s erosion.

Perhaps in a nod to increasing competition from big bike brands like Victory and recently reborn Indian, Harley has made updates across the board that bring more power, improved aerodynamics, enhanced braking, modern infotainment systems, and mild styling updates to many of its models. What it doesn’t bring are any truly new models or significant reinvention. These are still Harleys, just better.

A benefit to the commonality among the myriad bikes is that upgrades spread widely. The Twin Cam 103 engine has begotten two new variations, each tuned for more torque. The High Output Twin Cam 103 delivers five-percent more torque in a touring configuration and Harley cites a "dramatic improvement" in roll-on acceleration at highway speeds. A new airbox improves leg room.  The Twin-Cool High Output Twin Cam 103 used on the mighty Ultra Limited and Tri Glide boasts 10-percent more torque and improved cooling to help with the heavy loads.

Other bright ideas include new lighting. So-called "Daymaker" LED headlights and fog lamps promise increased visibility on 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Ultra Limited, and Tri Glide Ultra models. Dual halogen lights offer even more reach than the Daymakers on the Road King, Street Glide, and Street Glide Special. (See how Harley-Davidson measures up in motorcycle reliability and owner satisfaction.)

Find the best motorcycle for your needs and budget with our motorcycle & scooter buying guide.

Additional model range highlights include:

Sportster
The entry point into the HD line-up is the long-lived Sportster—a "small" bike with an 883cc engine and $8,249 starting price. Familiar models carry forward, including the SuperLow, Iron 883, Forty-Eight, Seventy-Two, and larger 1200XL. For the new model year, Sportsters benefit from improved braking, with larger front rotors, larger dual-piston calipers, revised brake hand control, and the availability of antilock brakes—a welcomed addition on a bike targeted toward less-experienced riders. The Sporties also come with a new electrical system that brings a redesigned analog speedometer, more ergonomic hand controls, restyled side cover and oil tank, and an updated exhaust system.

Dyna
At the mid-range, a standout is the Fat Bob. For 2014, the Fat Bob is treated to a Dark Custom makeover that brings numerous cosmetic details to make this machine look even more menacing.  The Twin Cam 103 engine is finished in black powdercoat, and the blackout treatment continues to several other elements, such as shock covers, battery box, and wheels. Other tweaks include a slash-cut rear fender, LED tail lamps, slim seat, and a stripe on the five-gallon fuel tank. The Fat Bob starts at $15,699. The Dyna line begins with the Street Bob at $13,349, which is upgraded to the Twin Cam 103 for the new model year.

Touring
Most of the updates are to be found on the big Touring bikes.  All Touring models gain new front suspension components, with fatter forks and retuned damping. Further, they also benefit from a linked brake system with ABS that optimizes front and rear brake force distribution above 20 mph. At lower speeds, the front and rear brakes work independently.

Select touring models feature Harley’s new infotainment system, known as Boom! Box. Offered with a 4.3- or 6.5-inch screen, the system is naturally tailored to motorcycle riders, with Bluetooth-connectivity, voice control, integrated iPod controls, electronic gauges, and USB port. All functions are controlled through thumb-operated joysticks, located on the left and right handle bar, which sounds potentially distracting. The version with the larger touchscreen also includes navigation and is satellite radio ready.  

These highway-eating models are further distinguished with new fairing, fenders, saddle bags, luggage box, and wheels.

—Jeff Bartlett

Learn more about riding in our motorcycle hub, buying guide, and in our reliability and owner satisfaction report.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

A blind-spot warning (BSW) system can reduce both stress and the risk of a crash by helping you keep tabs on vehicles lurking over your shoulder and out of sight. But until recently, the only way to get one was to invest in a new car.

Never ones to miss an opportunity, the ever-vigilant automotive aftermarket has risen to the occasion, and a handful of kits are now available to update almost any vehicle with the technology. And we purchased one to try.

The Goshers Blind Spot Detection system includes a sensor for each side of the rear bumper, a left and right side LED warning display, an audible alarm unit, a controller, and all the necessary wiring to link the whole thing together.

The suggested retail price is $250; we paid $200 from an online retailer. A Premium model with two more sensors for the front is available for $350.

Installation is somewhat complicated. It requires splicing into the car's wiring, holes in the rear bumper for the sensors, and removing and reinstalling various interior trim pieces to route the wires and keep them out of sight.

The company website stresses that professional installation is required, but it does not provide a list of installers or a cost estimate to do the job. Your local repair shop should be able to perform the installation, but get an estimate first if you decide to buy the kit. One of our staff certified automotive technicians needed about four hours to install the system in a Chevrolet Cruze test car.

Overall, we found that the Goshers system works as advertised; it consistently warned us of other cars in the Cruze's blind spots with both an audible and visual warning. If anything, the system was a little overzealous, at least until we set the adjustable sensitivity level to its lowest setting and it gives warnings only when a turn signal is switched on. Without making that adjustment, warnings were pretty much constant, as the Gosher system warned us of guardrails, roadside walls, tunnels, and other large objects.

What cannot be changed is that, unlike a built-in system that typically deactivates below a certain speed threshold, the Gosher kit operates at any speed.  

The Goshers system may not be perfect or have the built-in integration of one from the factory, but if you've been wishing for the added convenience and security of a blind-spot warning system, it might be worth a look. It's a lot less expensive than a new car. But even with this limited technology, these systems are not a replacement for common sense practices of glancing over your shoulder and checking your mirrors.

—Jim Travers

Updated: 8/23/13 based on further test findings.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

The 2014 model year brings updates to the Honda Odyssey, our current Top Pick minivan. We grabbed the first one we could at a local Honda dealership for our testing program.

Changes follow recent Honda/Acura trends. Styling changes are minor; the important stuff is all under the skin. All Odysseys now have a six-speed automatic transmission; the extra forward gear was previously only available in top-trim models. This should improve fuel economy a bit. Honda's claiming "best-in-class" efficiency and they might achieve that. Hopefully we won't get to test out the upgraded body structure, designed to score Good in the difficult IIHS small-offset front crash test.

Not all of the changes strike us as being for the better. Honda's declared war on the traditional dashboard button. Instead, EX-and-higher trim level Odysseys now have two dashboard screens: the previous huge display screen and a new, lower touchscreen that replaces most of the conventional radio controls. Some manufacturers do this well, while others struggle with providing intuitive screen logic. Honda falls in the later camp.

Despite all of these screens, displaying song information—artist, title—consumes the big center screen. Most modern cars provide that info automatically more space efficiently. Overall, the new audio controls aren’t an improvement. Rather telling was that one of the questions I got during the post-sale phone survey was, “Did the dealer set the presets for you?” Honda managed to make that normally simple process super complicated.

Our 2014 Odyssey EX-L is pretty well equipped, including a rear entertainment system. (We wonder how long expensive rear DVD players will remain popular, given the ubiquity of far-more-versatile Apple iPads.) Like many recent Hondas, uplevel models have standard forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems. That's good, but we'd much rather have a traditional blind-spot monitoring system over our van's LaneWatch right-blind-spot camera display. Regardless, kudos for Honda for making a rear camera standard in all Odysseys—not all minivans can make that claim. This is unfortunate given that minivans define family transportation.

Sticker price on our van was $38,055, but dealing with the Internet office of a big local dealer got nearly $3,000 knocked off of that—surprising for getting the first suitably-equipped 2014 I could find.

Having owned two Odysseys (a 2005 and a 2010), I was particularly eager to get behind the wheel of the updated van. So when a kayaking road trip to upstate NY came up, I grabbed the Odyssey's keys.

The sheer versatility of the package—six-foot-long whitewater kayaks slide right in, leaving plenty of room for changing clothes and hauling wet stinky paddling gear—proved very satisfying, as was the 27-28 mpg we averaged on the highway. Despite all of the changes, the Odyssey felt familiar, reminding me why we owned Odysseys for 100,000 miles of driving.

Still, it strikes me that no one has perfected the minivan recipe right now. I wish the Odyssey was a little quieter, a little more plush, with a slightly roomier driving position. The Nissan Quest is impressively plush, but it drives like a parade float. Previous Toyota Siennas felt like a Lexus with a really big trunk, but that was lost after the 2010 redesign. Chrysler's vans offer lots of clever features, but they have been unreliable and are feeling old-in-tooth. (A redesign is coming.) I guess most people who wanted those upmarket qualities moved on to a less-practical SUV—just like we did with a Dodge Durango, prompted by the need for more towing capacity.

We'll see if the Odyssey holds onto its Top Pick crown after we're done testing it.

—Tom Mutchler

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

Consumer Reports often gives glowing Ratings to used cars from manufacturers with high recall numbers. Shouldn’t recall statistics be factored in?—David Ramsay, Toronto

We don’t think recalls should be factored in. Though it would be great if cars could be designed without safety problems ever surfacing, we strongly encourage manufacturers to recall cars if need be.

There’s also a big difference in how an owner is affected by a reliability problem or a recall. Reliability problems require an unscheduled trip for repair or at worst, a tow truck. We encourage manufacturers to recall cars when safety issues are uncovered. A recall requires one planned trip to the dealer with no expense to the owner.

To find recalls for a used car you are considering purchasing, check out the latest car recalls, and to make sure you avoid a lemon, consult our used car buying guide.   

—Consumer Reports

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Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

I’ve heard that you’re not supposed to put LEDs in closed fixtures such as domes because they require airflow to cool them. Is this true? What about a dome that covers the bulb but is open on top, like a pendant? I’ve not seen such a warning on the manufacturers’ packaging.—Joe Cesa Cumming, GA

It’s generally true that LEDs last longer if they are kept relatively cool, and almost all LED bulbs have warnings on the bulb and packaging that indicate where the bulb can and can’t be used. If there isn’t a specific warning against using the bulb in certain conditions or fixtures, then it should be OK. But keep the packaging and receipt should the bulb burn out prematurely and you need to use the warranty.

—Consumer Reports

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Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

Have you ever tested the heat output of plasma vs. LCD TVs? Several stores have told me that plasmas are better for the money but they run hotter than LCDs. I’m leery of making a room hotter than necessary and upping the cost of my A/C.—Wayne Stramer San Antonio

We haven’t tested the temperature of  TV technologies, but plasmas generally get warmer than LCDs. If the room is small and not ventilated, and the TV is on for a long time, you might see a small change in temperature.

Get more information on the best TV for your needs and budget with our TV buying guide and Ratings.

—Consumer Reports

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Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

Is it safe to order checks via a newspaper circular, such as Designer Checks? My bank charges $25-plus to ship and handle two boxes of checks that cost $30.—Sau-Mei Leung Clinton, MA

Yes, it’s safe to buy checks from printers other than the one your bank uses. We actually recommend doing so. The company you mentioned is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. But its $43 price for two boxes of basic blue checks with standard trackable shipping and handling is still too pricey for our pocketbook.

Instead, buy from Costco, where $14.18 buys 500 basic checks for Gold Star members, plus $7.75 for standard trackable shipping. The total cost is only $22, a 60 percent savings over your bank’s heist.

—Consumer Reports

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Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

With each redesigned model that we purchase to test at our Auto Test Center, we’re eager to find out how significantly it ups its game. The most successful recent redesign is the Chevrolet Impala, a sedan that gained 32 points compared to its predecessor. It literally went from zero to hero, or from being a non-recommended outdated and outclassed car to one of the very best on the market. And the Impala isn’t alone.

We have seen many cars make notable gains through a redesign, just as we have seen some true disappointments.

Here, we celebrate those recent vehicles that have made a dramatic leap. Below are the most improved car redesigns, ranked by improvement in the overall test score, a combination of the results from more than 50 tests. The first figure listed is the old score, with the second number representing the current score. All 10 vehicles featured here made at least an 8-point improvement.  (Learn how we test cars.)

Chevrolet Impala (63 to 95)

Jumping up from a score of 63 in our tests to an impressive 95, the Impala went from being dated and inferior rental car option to contemporary, roomy, comfortable, and enjoyable to drive. In other words, one of the very best cars on the road today.

Hyundai Accent hatchback (52 to 72)

The 2012 redesign helped escalate the Accent to near the top of our subcompact Ratings. The hatchback has responsive handling, relatively roomy accommodations, decent refinement levels, and good fuel economy—32 mpg overall with the manual transmission.

Audi A6 (79 to 93)

The latest redesign of the A6 helped the vehicle jump from good to impressive in our Ratings. The A6 is agile, quiet, and quick with impeccable interior fit and finish, commendable fuel economy and a variety of high-tech features.

Land Rover LR4 (60 to 73)

The LR4 was an effective freshening of the LR3. The larger and more powerful V8 engine provides effortless acceleration and better fuel economy than before. Braking performance controls, and interior quality improved, as well.

Mazda6 (73 to 85)

Making a big leap, the redesigned 2014 Mazda6 made a number of noteworthy improvements that helped boost its test score. The 6 has class-leading fuel economy at 32 mpg and is a sporty alternative to conventional midsized sedans.

Ford Escape (64 to 75)

The latest redesign of the Escape helped propel it to the top tier of our small SUV Ratings, joining the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. The Escape is fun-to-drive, agile and quiet, plus it has an impressively supple and composed ride. But it isn’t cheap.

Honda Accord (80 to 90)

The four-cylinder Accord jumped up 10 points in our Ratings to take over the top spot among mainstream midsized sedans. The car is roomy, nice to drive, well equipped, and very fuel-efficient at 30 mpg overall.

Kia Rio hatchback (53 to 63)

The most recent update to the Rio brought more power, interior space, and improved handling, which helped it join the better cars in this segment. Plus, it has plenty of equipment for the price.

BMW 328i (77 to 86)

The BMW 3 Series has always been the quintessential sport sedan with agile, sporty handling and a smooth, quick, and refined powertrain. The redesign helped improve fuel economy to 28 mpg overall, and the rear seats picked up some breathing room.

Buick LaCrosse (70 to 78)

The latest LaCrosse is a sophisticated and thoroughly modern sedan. Quiet, roomy and luxurious, it offers responsive handling and a steady ride, qualities not normally associated with past Buicks.

Check out our model pages for more insights on how these vehicles perform in all our tests. Also, check out our list of top cars in our tests.

—Liza Barth

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Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

For a coming feature, we'd like to hear from you if you've been helping your aging parents with their finances. We would like to know the challenges you've faced, whether it's trying to get them to complete basic paperwork such as wills and powers of attorney, or you've had prickly dealings with siblings or other relatives, or any other matters.

We'd also like to hear about how you've (successfully or otherwise) navigated this issue. Any tips you can share with your fellow readers are especially appreciated.

Click on this online interview link to share your story and wisdom with us and other readers.

—Mandy Walker

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

Those big binders might be fine for extreme couponers, but for the rest of us, it’s no way to shop. So we love the idea of coupon apps that automate deals for you. We tried and liked these popular, free ones featured below.

They all can help you save, but some are easier to use than others. And some deliver bigger and better savings than others. Each app works a little differently but has advantages that depend on your shopping style and where you shop. They’re all worth a try. Here are a few things we learned after our reporter spent weeks using each of these apps.

The best app for you may depend on where you live. Different apps offer coupons at different stores, so your success using your smart phone to get coupons will depend on the supermarkets in your area and your shopping list.

Paper coupons still rule. Apps aren’t all about digital deals. Sometimes they point you to online or newspaper coupons that you have to print or clip.

Mobile coupons are similar to paper ones. Digital coupons will help you save on the same products as paper ones will—cereal, paper products, and yogurt are pretty standard.

It pays to be loyal. Digital offers work most seamlessly when they link with your store loyalty cards. You can link the coupon to your card and get the savings when you scan. Pretty cool, huh?

Check our new report on store brands to savor and supermarket buying guide for more ways to save.

Cellfire (Android, Apple, BlackBerry)

Best for: Instant savings

Description: Cellfire’s focus is to send coupons directly to your loyalty cards. (To add to a card, tap “My cards,” then tap the green bar.) Browse through the deals and tap the ones you want. Poof! They’re saved to your card to scan at checkout. Our only gripe: The list of stores is limited. But if there’s a store near you, it’s definitely worth downloading the app. We found 21 coupons for ShopRite, for example. You can use the app without registering, but members get access to bigger, better deals. Not sure whether you picked up the right item to get the savings? Use the UPC scanner (in “Saved coupons”) to check.

Don’t-miss feature: Enable store alerts and you’ll be reminded about coupons when you walk into a store.

Coupons.com (Android, Apple)

Best for: Tons of offers

Description: Coupons.com is a giant when it comes to offers for groceries and everyday items, and its app makes it easy to access the deals on the go. Coupon savings arrive in three ways: e-mail that’s printed from your computer, printed from your mobile device (works only with an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch and certain HP printers), or added to your store loyalty card to scan at checkout. It all depends on the deal.

Don’t-miss feature: When shopping for items other than daily basics, users of Apple devices can browse digital coupons from retailers such as Old Navy and Petco, add coupons to their Passbook app (Apple’s mobile wallet that stores rewards cards and gift cards in one place), and show their phone at checkout to get the savings. Easy!

Grocery IQ (Android, Apple)

Best for: List makers

Description: This app, also from Coupons.com, is best if you tend to stick to the same list week after week. Start by making your list (which is automatically saved) and the app will match items with applicable coupons. Add items to your list by typing them in, scrolling through the master list, scanning a bar code, or speaking them. The coupons come from the same giant inventory that’s used with the Coupons.com app, and you get them in the same ways: by printout and loyalty card. But be warned that it takes a little time to set up.

Saving Star (Android, Apple)

Best for: Big rewards

Description: The savings really add up here. Register your loyalty cards, then browse the list of exclusive offers. Some are really juicy; we found a good number of $5 offers. See something you want? Tap “I Want This!” then just scan your card at checkout. What’s unique is that the money doesn’t come off your bill; it adds up in your SavingStar account. When you get to $5, you can choose from four payout options: bank deposit, PayPal deposit, Amazon gift card, or donation to conservation group American Forests. The app generally has about 30 deals available at any time and works with lots of grocery chains, including A&P, Kroger, and Pathmark, as well as with CVS and Rite Aid.

Don’t-miss feature: "One or Many" deals let you buy items over multiple trips to hit the required quantities. The deals usually have a big payout, such as $5 off $30 spent on Charmin, Gillette, and Ivory products.

This article is adapted from Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

The Pebble smart watch ($150), one of the first wearable-computing devices, sounds futuristic and retro (as in Dick Tracy and Maxwell Smart). And beyond the novelty, it’s actually pretty useful. This gadget channels e-mails, texts, and other notifications from your smart phone or tablet and runs a variety of apps, including fitness apps for bikers, runners, and golfers, with lots more apps expected to follow.

The Pebble comes from a young entrepreneur who was unable to obtain enough financing through venture capitalism—so he turned to the crowd-funding site Kickstarter. There, he was able to raise more than $10 million. Bigger names are now developing similar products: Sony has a smart watch, and reports say Apple, Samsung, Google, and LG, among others, are working on their own versions.

Here’s my take on the Pebble.

Highs

To my surprise, the notifications turned out to be my favorite thing about the Pebble watch. It’s so much easier to glance at your wrist than to haul out your phone to see who’s on the line or whether you need to respond right away to an e-mail. (One caveat: When you get a few buzzes in a row, people may think you’re compulsively checking the time. I was asked more than once, "Are you running late for something?")

You can stop the buzzes and get just visual alerts by going into Settings, then Display, on the Pebble and disabling Vibration. If you want to stop getting notifications, just disconnect from Bluetooth on your phone. On my Motorola Droid Razr Maxx, reconnecting was as simple as turning Bluetooth back on.

Pebble’s online help is decent, but there’s a lively user forum on its website that’s a great place to get answers or to see what other users are doing with their Pebbles.

The watch is also water-resistant, always a nice plus. And if you’re not crazy about the plastic strap you can swap it for a standard-size watchband.

Find the right smart device with the help of our smart phone and tablet buying guides and Ratings.

Lows

My Pebble’s connection dropped once, though the phone thought it was still connected. I had to restart my phone to get things going again.

I used an Android phone to test (the aforementioned Droid Razr Maxx), but iPhone owners in Pebble’s forum reported problems I didn’t encounter. For one, if your iPhone's Bluetooth connection breaks, you may stop receiving certain types of notifications after you reconnect (though phone call and SMS notifications still work). The remedy has been dubbed "the finger dance," requiring numerous steps to get things working again.

Though battery life is about a week, there’s no way to tell on the watch how low your charge is getting; a low-battery icon appears only when the Pebble’s getting low on juice.

Details

As with most electronics devices, you need to charge the Pebble for several hours before you use it. Then download the Pebble app to your smart phone. Next, pair the Pebble with your smart phone via Bluetooth. With my Droid Razr Maxx, pairing went without a hitch.

You let the Pebble know what kinds of notifications you want by touching the gear icon in your phone’s Pebble app. Possibilities include one or all of your various e-mail accounts, SMS texts, Facebook messages, and Google Talk and Hangout messages.

The Pebble alerts you with a quick, nearly soundless vibration. Check the watch face to see who’s calling (and decline the call, if you want), the subject header and a few lines of an incoming e-mail, or a text. You can scroll down to read more and to see prior notifications. They disappear after a few moments.

From within the Pebble’s phone app, you can select from various watch faces to personalize your Pebble. You’ll find other Pebble-enabled apps in the Google Play or Apple App Store, most of them pretty basic.

One I tried was Glance for Pebble, an alternate watchface that shows time, day, date, and weather, and also lets you see detailed calendar entries and send preconfigured texts (for example, "I'm driving right now"). I also tried Pebble Bike, which sends speed, distance, and altitude data to your Pebble using your phone's GPS. It will be interesting to see what other kinds of apps developers will come up with.

You can also specify which music service you use and control what you’re listening to on your phone through the Pebble.

Battery life is about a week. The Pebble uses a magnetic charger; you can charge the watch on a computer or with a USB wall charger.

Bottom line

In recent years, many people have stopped wearing watches. The Pebble won’t change everyone’s mind about that—especially those who feel technology is already intruding a bit too much into their lives. But if you’re the type (like me) who would rather not have to find and look at your phone each time a call, text, or e-mail arrives, the Pebble is actually freeing. And it will be fun to see what new apps and uses developers come up with for this open-platform device.

—Carol Mangis

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Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

Choosing from the many capable smart phones now on the market might feel like a job for King Solomon. But several new phones we tested recently are notably better than others for handling certain situations. Perhaps one from this trio is just right for you. (All prices are with a two-year contract.)

For the sharpshooter

The Nokia Lumia 1020  ($300, AT&T) is essentially a high-resolution camera fused to a very capable smart phone with a dazzling 4.5-inch display. Its 38.2-megapixel camera takes the sharpest still pictures of any smart-phone camera we've tested, producing very good-quality pictures at ISO settings up to 3200.

The camera has plenty of advanced features, including half a dozen individual controls for manipulating exposure levels and other adjustments. Video performance was not that impressive, but it's adequate for casual use such as uploading to the Web.

Find the right smart phone with the help of our cell phone buying guide and Ratings.

For the adventurer

With its rugged, weather-resistant case, the Casio G'zOne Commando 4G LTE ($100, Verizon) should be able to survive what nature—or a rambunctious user—throws at it. This latest model tops its predecessor with a larger display and a better rear-facing camera, while adding a front-facing camera, NFC for easy wireless connections, global roaming, and speedy 4G LTE.

Cold-weather users will appreciate a display sensitive enough to be used with gloves. And the G'zOne Commando is brimming with features you can use in the wild, including a compass, thermometer, pedometer, and other applications.

For those who value style and substance

The Sony Xperia Z (no money down, monthly installments; T-Mobile) is an attractive phone with compelling features such as a large, brilliant display and top-shelf hardware wrapped in a deceptively sleek yet water-resistant case. It will work after being immersed in up to 1 meter (3.28 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. We did just that and it continued to work, with no visible signs of water intrusion or damage.

Another feature we liked: The Smart Connect application lets you program the phone to launch or shut down apps or features under certain conditions, such as launching the music app when you plug in headphones, or turning off Bluetooth and the phone's ringer after 10 p.m.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

There’s no telling whether the rest of this hurricane season will bring anything like Superstorm Sandy, which flooded more than 150,000 homes, killed more than 140 people, and left about 8.5 million homes in 20 states without power. A relatively minor storm can also cause major damage if it includes high winds, heavy rain, or tree-snapping ice or snow.

Even a simple blackout can happen at any time and last for days. More than a half-million New Jersey residents were still without power two weeks after Sandy. And if you think most home-insurance policies cover disasters, think again: Flood insurance is just one of the “extras,” assuming it’s available in your area.

This report lays out the essentials you’ll need to help protect your home and the people in it before disaster strikes. (Read "Lessons Learned From Superstorm Sandy" for more information on disaster preparedness.) Here’s where to start:

Check our buying guide and Ratings for generators, chain saws, car insurance, and homeowners insurance.

Cover windows properly. Experts used to recommend taping windows to limit breakage to a few large pieces, rather than many smaller ones. But small and large pieces can be equally deadly. A safer bet: Keep windows shut and close blinds, shades, and drapes. Longer-term, consider impact-resistant windows or hurricane shutters (about $40 per square foot), which might also net you an insurance discount.

Secure outdoor items. High winds can turn lawn chairs, potted plants, trash cans, and other outdoor items into deadly projectiles. Move whatever you can into a garage, a shed, or a basement.

Park cars on high ground. Two feet of floodwater can carry a car away. What’s more, driving in water just 8 inches deep can ruin the engine if the water seeps in through the air intake. Park at a high elevation or on a hill—but not beneath trees.

Protect your valuables. Move what you can to higher floors if you expect flooding. Also think ahead by documenting and photographing items you’d include in an insurance claim if lost or ruined.

Build an emergency kit. It should have a whistle to attract help, dust masks, duct tape, a wrench or pliers to turn off water if needed, flashlights and batteries, and local maps. Plan on 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Include moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation. Also consider changes of clothing and sleeping bags or blankets.

Be prepared for injuries. A first-aid kit should be stocked with bandages in various sizes, sterile dressings and gloves, hand sanitizer and antibiotic towelettes, a thermometer, pain medicines, tweezers, and scissors.

Fuel up. Fill all of your vehicles’ tanks, because gas stations could lose power. ­Remember that most gas generators ­require roughly 12 to 20 gallons of gas per day. Also figure on at least a gallon of gas for extensive chainsawing. Store all fuel away from the house.

Have the right phones. Keep at least one corded phone because cordless phones require AC power. Our post-Sandy survey also found that cell phones were more reliable than landline phones, though we lack data on differences for fiber and cable vs.older copper-wire systems. Be sure cell phones are charged. And have an out-of-town contact you can call, because long-distance phone service can be more reliable than local service during and after a storm.

Get the right foods. Frozen food may last two days without power, but refrigerated items can spoil after 4 hours. Keep at least a three-day supply of nonperishable foods such as crackers, whole-grain cereals, and canned foods. And don’t forget the manual can opener.

Check your fire extinguishers. You should have one with a minimum classification of “2-A:10-B:C” on each floor. Check the dial or pop-up pin for adequate pressure each month. Professionally repressurize extinguishers older than six years, and replace any older than 12 years.

Prepare for special needs. Tell your utility and local fire department before a storm if someone in your home uses an oxygen concentrator, ventilator, or medical bed; your power could be restored sooner. And keep a one-month supply of medication during hurricane season.

Tune in. A battery-powered or hand-cranked radio will keep you connected if your computer or the Internet is down. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radios are also handy for emergency information.

Have some ready cash. Banks and ATMs could be out of service, assuming you can get to them.

Find the safest place. Stay in a central room without windows. Have kids? Ease the fear factor with books, a toy or two, and if you have power or a generator, some movies and video games.

Avoid electrocution risks. Don’t use any plug-in device if flooding or wetness is nearby. Landline phones can also be a shock hazard in an electrical storm. If you must make a call during a storm, use a cell or cordless phone if possible—or use a land­line phone’s speaker mode to reduce contact with the handset. Avoid baths and showers until the storm passes. And watch out for downed power lines and live wires.

Use cars safely. Obey emergency crews and follow designated routes. If your vehicle stalls in water, shut off the ignition and seek higher ground; the leading cause of Sandy-related deaths was drowning.

Check our buying guide and Ratings for generators, chain saws, car insurance, and homeowners insurance.

Do a mold check. Mold can start in as little as 24 hours after a flood and will keep growing as long as relative humidity stays above 55 to 60 percent. Put soaked items outdoors and save what’s ruined for the insurance adjuster. Run a dehumidifier, and clean affected areas with detergent and water or a bleach solution. You’ll need a mask and protective gloves if you do that yourself. For serious mold, hire a pro.

Inspect heating equipment. If any part of your furnace, boiler, or gas heater was submerged, have a pro check and recondition the equipment before you switch it back on. Internal damage could cause a fire, explosion, or shock hazard.

Check your vehicle. Suspect flood damage? Don’t try to start it until it has been professionally inspected. Salt water is especially corrosive, but even freshwater that’s high enough to reach carpeting can damage computers and other electronics.

Try to make only one claim. One larger claim is better than two small ones because multiple claims within the same year are likelier to get you dropped or reassigned as high-risk.

Based on the ad slogans, you’d think home insurers were everything from good neighbors to lifelong friends sworn to be “on your side” come hell or high water. But of the more than 8,000 Consumer Reports subscribers we surveyed who endured Superstorm Sandy, just 54 percent of those who filed claims were highly satisfied with how they were handled. That’s just a notch above the 51 percent who told us that after Hurricane Katrina.

Knowing what is—and isn’t—covered before the next big storm can help you make sure you aren’t stuck for the bulk of any repairs. Here are some of the most common home-insurance myths, and steps that can help put you in good hands:

Check our buying guide and Ratings for generators, chain saws, car insurance, and homeowners insurance.

Here’s how to stay connected to late-breaking news and other essential data. All apps listed are compatible with at least the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (ready.gov). The site has storm-related tips. You can download a free app with tips and a map of FEMA Disaster Recovery Center locations and shelters.

American Red Cross (redcross.org). It assists families after storms and, at safeandwell.communityos.org/cms, helps family members reconnect after a storm. Hurricane by American Red Cross is one of several of its free apps with tips specific to storm type.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov). Its weather.gov website hosts weather alerts searchable by ZIP code. The $3 NOAA Weather Radar app can send weather alerts via push notifications directly to your device.

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (flash.org). Its $8 FlashWx Alerts app has GPS-guided weather warnings with notifications in English and Spanish.

Gas Buddy (gasbuddy.com). The site helped users find working stations after Superstorm Sandy. Its free Gas Buddy app lists stations by proximity and price.

You’ll want important documents handy, especially if your home is uninhabitable after a storm. Store the documents here in a waterproof bag in a locked file or a fireproof box (and have extra copies and backup disks in a safe-deposit box or with your lawyer):

• adoption papers;
• auto-insurance cards;
• birth certificate(s);
• health-insurance cards;
• Homeowners or renters insurance;
• life-insurance documents;
• marriage certificate;
• mortgage or real-estate deeds;
• passports or green cards;
• power(s) of attorney;
• Social Security card(s);
• vehicle registrations and titles; and
  
• will and living will.

This article appeared in the October 2013 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

If all chain saws were to cut quickly, safely, and easily, you could simply buy what’s left on the shelves after the next big storm. But the 20 gas and electric models in our chain saw reviews found that some clear driveway-blocking branches much more briskly than others. Weeks of slicing through dense oak beams also show that certain saws are more likely to kick back toward the operator—a major contributor to the about 30,000 chain-saw injuries each year. The details:

Two gas saws are top values. Gas-­powered saws cut quickest and work during a power failure. Speed and balance help make one $230 Stihl model a CR Best Buy and our top saw overall. Also good for less: a $150 Craftsman, which gives up some speed for a much lower price.

Corded electric beats cordless. Electric saws spare you from fueling, pull-starting, and tuneups. A $100 corded Worz model sawed as quickly as some gas models. Battery-powered saws add the mobility of a gas model. But a $400 Oregon and a $200 Ryobi were the slowest we tested. They’re also expensive for their performance. Neither got through more than eight cuts of our 10x10-inch beam before needing a recharge.

Some kick back. All of these saws have the narrow-tipped bar and less-aggressive chain teeth that most consumer models use to help keep the saw from kicking up and back toward the operator while cutting. A Poulan and and Remington, both gas models, snapped back more than the others when we rammed their tips into an oak beam to measure kickback. But like most we tested, both have a brake that stops the chain from spinning if kickback occurs.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

It's one thing to save money by buying store-brand paper towels or trash bags, but do you dare replace a name-brand favorite—Heinz ketchup, say—with a store brand? Sure. Our expert tasters judged 33 of 57 store-brand foods as good as or better than the national brand. (Check our supermarket buying guide for details on ways to save at the store.)

In categories such as ice cream, trail mix, mozzarella, mixed vegetables, and more, we found at least one store brand from the national grocers Costco, Kmart, Sam's Club, Target, Trader Joe's, Walmart, and Whole Foods that was equal in quality to the big name. Every store-brand jar of cashews was better than the national brand, for example; and among frozen shrimp, every store brand was at least as good. To be sure that our results weren't an anomaly, we tested two samples of each brand. (Note that products that are equal in quality don't necessarily taste the same: They may have different seasonings or a different mix of ingredients.)

When we pitted store brands against Heinz ketchup and Hellmann's mayonnaise, we found at least one near-twin for each: Market Pantry (Target) ketchup and Market Pantry, Great Value (Walmart), and Kirkland Signature (Costco) mayos. All are more than one-third cheaper than the name brand. Watch the video below for more details.

Moreover, when we had about 50 staffers who usually use Heinz or Hellmann's do a blind taste-off of their brand against the two Market Pantry brands, 45 percent of staffers preferred Market Pantry ketchup (13 percent had no preference) and 41 percent preferred Market Pantry mayo (4 percent had no preference).

Store brands account for about one of every four products in a supermarket— and they're branching into niches that lack national-brand competition: balsamic vinegar, for instance, or chocolate-covered raisins. Their popularity is understandable, considering that they typically cost 15 to 30 percent less than name-brand counterparts, according to an industry expert. As the table below shows, some of the store brands we tested were more than 30 percent cheaper. The name-brand premium is largely the result of advertising and promotional costs that are passed on to consumers.

Costco, Sam's Club, Target, or Walmart were among the low-price winners in every category. Most of the Sam's Club products were 50 percent or even 60 percent cheaper than the name brands, but you'll need to buy warehouse-size packages.

However, store brands aren't always a bargain. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods usually contended for most-expensive store brand. In fact, five of the 10 tested Whole Foods products—cranberry juice, trail mix, ice cream, shrimp, and nuts— actually cost more than the national brand. That's no surprise to Consumer Reports survey respondents, who have told us that Whole Foods has some of the highest prices of any major chain.

Rising commodity costs may ultimately lead to a narrowing of price gaps between store and name brands, says Neil Stern, senior partner with Chicago-based retail experts McMillanDoolittle. In the meantime, take advantage of the lower prices. After all, if you're not satisfied with a store brand, most supermarket chains will return your money. Based on our tests, though, that shouldn't be necessary.

Price comparison

Check our supermarket buying guide for more ways to save at the store.

Take-away: With nuts, freshness is key. Emerald fared worse than store brands because some of its cashews tasted slightly stale. The roast level varied slightly among products but not enough to matter. Let price be your guide. A serving of nuts contains about 160 calories and 14 grams of fat. Walmart, Costco, and Kmart have the most sodium, about 115 milligrams; Trader Joe’s the least, 60.

Also-rans: None.

Take-away: Ocean Spray has balanced sweet and tart flavors with some fresh notes; Kmart has good cranberry flavor and fresh notes, and is a touch less bitter—but it costs more. Walmart and Costco are decent and about 30 percent cheaper than Ocean Spray. It’s harder to make a case for the other also-rans, which taste watery, slightly bitter, or pruney. Nutritionally, most juices are similar, with 110 to 140 calories and 26 to 35 grams of sugars per cup. Trader Joe’s, which is sweetened with stevia, has just 40 calories and 10 grams of sugars per cup.

Also-rans: Whole Foods 100% Juice Cranberry Cocktail, Great Value (Walmart), Kirkland Signature (Costco), Market Pantry (Target), and Trader Joe’s Low Calorie.

Take-away: Heinz has a full flavor that balances sweetness, saltiness, and sourness. There’s also a hint of onion powder. Target is remarkably similar; Sam’s Club tastes a bit more cooked and a bit less spicy. Sam’s Club and Target are about half the price of Heinz. We’d steer clear of Whole Foods (thin and dark, with harsh flavors) and Trader Joe’s (low tomato taste, with unbalanced flavors). Per tablespoon, most products have 15 to 20 calories, about 160 milligrams of sodium, and 4 grams of sugar. Sam’s Club has a bit more sodium; Trader Joe’s, slightly less sugars.

Also-rans: Great Value (Walmart), Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s Low Calorie.

Take-away: All of the syrups (medium or dark amber Grade A) are very good and would be delicious over pancakes. But Maple Grove and Target are slightly thicker than others and have bigger, bolder, more complex flavors—caramel, vanilla, and roasted notes, with a hint of coffee. Pure maple syrup is expensive regardless of brand, so let price be your guide. Costco, costing 36 percent less than the name brand, is a good value. All of the syrups have 200 calories, 50 grams of sugars per quarter-cup, and negligible sodium.

Also-rans: Whole Foods 365 Everyday Organic, Great Value (Walmart), Kirkland Signature (Costco), and Trader Joe’s.

Take-away: Hellmann’s is well blended, creamy, slightly sweet and salty, and eggy, with a hint of vinegar. The better store brands are cheaper by at least 25 percent, and you’d be hard- pressed to taste a difference in a sandwich. The also-rans have a big pickle-relish taste or other drawbacks.

Also-rans: Sam’s Club Bakers & Chefs and Trader Joe’s.

Take-away: Birds Eye vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, and green beans) are crisp, with fresh notes; Trader Joe’s are even crisper and fresher, as if they’ve been quickly blanched in hot water. And they’re about 10 cents less per serving. The also-rans just tasted a little less fresh. The products have about 60 calories per serving and 20 to 70 milligrams of sodium. All are fat-free.

Also-rans: Whole Foods, Sam’s Club, and Great Value (Walmart).

Take-away: The Sargento is creamy and slightly sweet, with fresh dairy notes. Sam’s Club and Walmart cheeses also taste fresh. Sam’s Club is slightly firmer than Sargento, and Walmart is somewhat crumbly. When melted, even the also-rans are close to Sargento in quality. Sam’s Club and Costco are cheapest—less than half the price of Sargento per serving.

Also-rans: Whole Foods, Kirkland Signature (Costco), and Trader Joe’s.

Take-away: You’d be unlikely to mistake frozen shrimp for fresh, though neither is cheap. Per pound, prices range from about $6.50 (Walmart) to $15 (Whole Foods). Tastee shrimp are soft and watery; Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods shrimp have a firmer, chewier texture and aren’t waterlogged. At $7.25, Costco offers the best mix of price and quality. The products have 75 to 100 calories per 3-ounce serving and about 1 gram of fat. Costco and Whole Foods have the least sodium, about 175 milligrams.

Also-rans: None.

Take-away: The Planters is a flavorful mix of peanuts and some almonds, plus raisins and mild milk-chocolate pieces. The Whole Foods mix should attract lovers of dark chocolate. It also has raw almonds, toasted peanuts, white chocolate, chocolate-covered raisins, and dried cherries. Those as good as Planters tend to be flavorful, with peanuts, almonds, tender raisins, and tasty candy-coated chocolate pieces. Sam’s Club and Kirkland Signature (Costco) are the clear bargains—about half as expensive as Planters and Whole Foods. Per ounce, most products have 150 to 170 calories, 9 to 10 grams of fat, and 25 to 60 milligrams of sodium. Planters, which has no added salt, has just 5 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Also-rans: Kmart Smart Sense Chocolate & Nut and Trader Joe’s Rainbow’s End.

Take-away: Breyers melts cleanly in the mouth and is moderately sweet, with a strong vanilla-bean flavor. Walmart is closest in taste and costs almost 30 percent less. Costco has a host of problems: It’s overly sweet, tastes slightly medicinal, and is gummy. Most of the products have 130 to 160 calories and 7 to 8 grams of fat per half-cup. Trader Joe’s, a superpremium French vanilla, is denser and carries more nutritional baggage (260 calories, 16 grams fat, 23 grams sugars).

Also-rans: Whole Foods and Kirkland Signature (Costco).

This article appeared in the October 2013 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

Power-zapping storms like Superstorm Sandy have helped generators join hardwood floors and granite countertops on homeowners’ wish lists. Our tests of almost 30 generators include a 7,000-watt portable that can power most needs for just $600. But even this one can’t match a brawnier stationary model if you want it all.

Stationary generators install permanently and can switch on automatically when needed. That helps explain why stationary sales are growing fastest. A newly tested $3,700 Kohler topped two others that deliver more than 11,000 watts—enough for the usual essentials plus a central air conditioner and more.

Our tests also include a new Generac portable generator that isn’t affected by gasoline shortages, along with an ultra-quiet new Honda. But less noise and friendlier fueling can come at a hefty price. And one new Briggs & Stratton stationary generator could put appliances at risk when the lights go out. Subscribe to read the full report.   

How to choose

Stationary generators were a hit with subscribers we surveyed after Superstorm Sandy, especially for fueling: Only 9 percent who owned one complained about closed gas stations and long waits compared with nearly 70 percent of portable owners. Here’s what else to consider.

Include a transfer switch. About $500 to $900 installed, it safely connects a generator to your circuit panel (letting you power hard-wired appliances) and avoids the risk and hassle of extension cords.

Plan ahead for fuel. Most portables use about 12 to 20 gallons of gasoline a day or four to eight 20-pound propane tanks. For stationary models, figure on 8 to 15 days for a 250-gallon propane tank. And be sure any gasoline is stored away from the house and preserved with a fuel stabilizer.

Look for smart features. All but the portable Troy-Bilt 6000 and Briggs & Stratton 30468 turn themselves off when engine oil is low. A fuel shutoff on the gasoline models also makes it easier to run the engine dry before storage.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

Canon has announced nine new digital-imaging products, including point-and-shoot cameras and all-in-one printers, most of which use wireless technology to let you access the Internet, among other things. And the company has expanded various features to make access to and interaction with social networking sites faster and more versatile.

Of Canon's five new point-and-shoot digital cameras, four include built-in Wi-Fi. On the Canon PowerShot G16 advanced point-and-shoot ($550), the PowerShot SX510 HS superzoom ($250), and the PowerShot S120 subcompact ($450), you can use the built-in Wi-Fi to quickly transfer photos to a computer—or by downloading Canon's app to your smart phone or tablet, you can transfer them to a mobile device.

The new version of the Canon PowerShot N subcompact ($300), which also has built-in Wi-Fi, takes this a step further: It includes a dedicated Facebook Connect button that gives you a convenient way to share your photos and videos on the social-networking site.

To find the right model for your needs and budget, check our buying guide and Ratings for digital cameras.

Canon also introduced two new wireless all-in-one inkjet printers today: the Pixma MG7120 ($200) and the Pixma MG5520 (150), and a new cloud-based printing app. Once you have this app installed on your mobile phone or tablet (it's available for iOS and Android devices), you can print directly from a host of social networking, photo-sharing and cloud-storage websites including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Dropbox, Picasa Web Albums, and Evernote, to the two new wireless printers.

Canon has also included Airprint technology (an iOS-based feature that lets you print from iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch products) on these two new printers and three older all-in-ones, Pixma MX922, Pixma MX522 and MXPixma 452.

—Terry Sullivan

For more news and articles, subscribe to our electronics feed.

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.

When the power goes out, the Ascella LED, $15, automatically comes on thanks to a built-in battery. So you don’t have to stumble in the dark looking for a working flashlight. Simply remove the Ascella from the lamp (the bulb stays cool to the touch) and extend the base of the bulb so that it acts as a handle, and you’re good to go.

But the Ascella isn’t as bright as a typical LED flashlight, and its light fades over the three hours it stays illuminated. To have the light automatically come on when the power is out, you have to set the bulb's three-way switch to emergency mode, and the lamp it’s in must be turned on. When the fixture is on, the bulb charges itself. Recharging the Ascella takes three to four hours.

When the Ascella is recharging after being used in emergency mode, it doesn’t produce any light, so you can’t use the lamp for general light. Nor would you want to. The Ascella casts a very dim, bluish light. Although it met its brightness claim of 150 lumens, that’s less than half as bright as many 30-watt lightbulbs, which the Ascella is supposed to replace.

This LED's claimed life is about 18 years (based on usage of three hours a day), but here’s a brighter idea: Know where your flashlights are and check the batteries periodically.

The Ascella LED may be a novelty, but in Consumer Reports' lightbulb tests we found many reliable replacement lightbulbs for both indoor and outdoor fixtures. Seven of our top-rated lightbulbs scored a 99 out of 100, and many more did nearly as well.

—Kimberly Janeway

Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2007-2013 Consumers Union of U.S.