Long long ago, when I had a lot more money than I do now, I owned a fairly expensive stereo system. The centerpiece was the Carver Amazing Platinum Mark IV speakers. In polished black, they were truly imposing, with a 60-inch tall ribbon driver and four 12-inch subwoofers in each unit. I placed the electronics, […]

Even though the Mac-oriented blogs are still dealing with the implications of the less-favorable review of the HomePod from Consumer Reports, I thought I’d take a breather. But CR has clearly learned that putting Apple in the headlines generates lots of coverage, especially if it’s negative. Now then: There have been published reports that, beginning […]

Let me put this in perspective. Consumer Reports magazine, supposedly an incorruptible source of product reviews and advice, is often at odds with other product reviewers. CR more or less implies that they have the advantage over other publications by dint of the fact that they buy all the products they test, usually anonymously. That […]

Despite its pretensions of factual and technical accuracy, I’ve long had issues with the way Consumer Reports magazine manages its reviews. A notable example is the curious way in which notebook computer battery life is calculated. When CR first reviewed Apple’s 2016 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, it wasn’t recommended due to reported battery life […]