Consumer Reports tests popular products, reveals top picks

From tablets to TVs, Consumer Reports recommends specific brands and models

Consumer Reports said Apple sells more than twice as many iPads as all of its competitors combined.


The consumer product testing organization rated the tablets on the market.

Apple's iPad still scored high but Consumer Reports found that Amazon's Kindle Fire could challenge the iPad.

The price could be a big factor.  An iPad's starting price is $400-500 and a Kindle Fire is only $200.  It does have fewer features.  The Kindle Fire screen is only seven inches, it doesn't have a camera and is a Wi-Fi-only device.

When deciding which tablet is right for you, Consumer Reports said consider the following: 7-inch tablets are cheaper, more portable and easier to hold for a long time while 10-inch tablets have bigger screens for apps and movies and have a larger virtual key board.

Here are the top three tablets in the 9-10 inch category:
Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi, 3G, 32GB) $730
Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi, 32GB) $600
Samsung Galaxy Tab (Wi-Fi, 32GB) $600

In the 7-8 inch category:
Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi, 3G, 32GB) $730
Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi, 32GB) $600
Samsung Galaxy Tab (Wi-Fi, 32GB) $600

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For more information on Consumer Reports tablet ratings click here.

There are a lot of deals on TVs, but Consumer Reports said anyone buying one should consider two things: 3D and Internet connection.

Consumer Reports tested both plasma and LCD televisions.  It said LCD TVs offer more brands and screen sizes, they're ultra thin in design and have top energy efficiency.  Plasma TVs offer unlimited viewing angle, blur free motion and are more screen for your money.

Here are their best buys for LCDs:

52-55 Inch TVs: Vizio XVT553SV $1,450
40-42 Inch TVs: JVC JLC42BC3000 $550
37 Inch TVs: Vizio E370VP $550

For the 3D models, Consumer Reports recommended the Sony Bravia for $2,970

Consumer reports also tested 25 plasma TVs.  Here are some of their recommendations:

50-51 Inch TVs: Panasonic Viera TC-P50S30 $800 (Also a CR Best Buy)
42-46 Inch TVs: Panasonic Viera TC-P42S30 $630
3d Models: Samsung PN59D7000 $2,300

For more information on Consumer Reports ratings of TVs click here.

For coffee makers, tests by Consumer Reports show more money doesn't necessarily mean a better cup of coffee.

For drip models:
Cooks 780-2403 Energy Saving $50
Mr. Coffee BVMC-SJX33GT $40 (Also a CR Best Buy)

For brew and dispense models:

Hamilton Beach BrewStation 47454 $80
Mr. Coffee BVMC-ZH1B $50 (Also a CR Best Buy)

For grind and brew:

Krups Grinder & Brewer KM7000 $130  (Also a CR Best Buy)

To see other products tested by Consumer Reports click here.


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