June 2008 cover


Departments


Up Front

• Coffee drinks

• Claim Check: Food-bag sealers

• Advocates help with patient care

• You want chicken with that broth?

• Veggie burgers that taste good

• Add-ons for a new laptop add up

• A snappier Toyota Prius

• Shavers on the cutting edge

Recalls & safety alerts

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contents
June 2008

      

 

Computer

Illustration of hand holding Rx drug bottle

Grill with vegetables on it

Hatchback
COVER REPORT
  


BEST & WORST COMPUTERS
The smallest laptops and the fastest desktops we've ever tested are among the 44 machines in our exclusive Ratings of the latest models.
MONITORS
Flat-screen LCDs for your computer are getting wider and cheaper than ever, with great selections for as little as $200.

TECH SUPPORT
About 60 percent of readers who tried technical assistance report that it solved their computer problems.


FEATURE REPORTS

TOCbullet.gifDRUGSTORES
Consumers rate the service, price, and advice in pharmacies. Plus, don't leave the store without asking these questions.

TOCbullet.gifGPS NAVIGATORS
Avoid getting lost with our tests of 39 models. Some can even find the cheapest gas prices. Plus, when a cell phone map is enough.

TOCbullet.gifGAS GRILLS
Our report finds five CR Best Buys, but also one that began to melt.

TOCbullet.gifPAINTS & STAINS
It doesn't pay to scrimp when deciding on a new exterior finish.

TOCbullet.gifDEHUMIDIFIERS
Big differences in the accuracy and energy efficiency of models emerge in our tests.



AUTO REPORT

TOCbullet.gif HATCHBACKS maple leaf
Road tests of the Mini Cooper Clubman, Saturn Astra, Scion xD, Subaru Outback Sport, Toyota Matrix, and Volkswagen Rabbit.



Coming soon

Digital cameras Ratings of the latest models, from pocket-sized compacts to professional-style SLRs, plus the best photo printers.

Decking New materials are put to the test, and the top stains for finishing.

Cooling You can make staying comfortable this summer a breeze with the right air conditioners and ceiling fans.

Autos Road tests of the Chevrolet Aveo and Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Impreza, and Toyota Corolla.

BY THE NUMBERS

GPS Screen size in inches of largest navigation devices rated.

5.0

GRILLS Pounds of rib-eye steak used in evaluations.

110

COMPUTERS Number of machines reported on in reliability survey.

139,284

DEHUMIDIFIERS Pints of water collected in testing.

270