By John E. Moore
Refrigerators with French doors and bottom freezers combine style with function. While this style typically comes with a higher price tag, it also provides the advantage of arraying your food selection at eye-level. As we looked at various French door, bottom freezer refrigerators, we considered the following qualities while making our top 10 selections:

1. Effective storage
2. Good organization
3. Temperature control
4. Pleasing design
5. Convenient features
6. Price and value

John E. Moore has been reviewing kitchen goods and refrigerators for 8 years as the leader of cookswarehouse.com. Cooks Warehouse sells more than 400 kitchen items and accessories. John is also a self-described computer tech geek…. See more about John

Featured Refrigerator Articles

GE GFSF6KKY vs. Electrolux EI23BC36I: Comparing Two French Door, Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Both the GE GFSF6KKY and the Electrolux EI23BC36I are refrigerators in the popular modern style with French doors and the freezer on the bottom. This arrangement makes it easy to see and grab the foods you use most without having to lean … [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Refrigerators

Looking for the best refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the refrigerator comparison and ratings below with a … [more]

Top 10 Counter Depth Refrigerators

Looking for the best counter depth refrigerators? Below you will find the top 10 counter depth refrigerators as rated by our experts. We rate the units on effective storage (The usable amount of storage compared to the actual amount), temperature control, energy efficiency, price and convenience features. Taking these into account we think you will find the best refrigerator for you, see the counter depth … [more]

Top 10 Side by Side Refrigerators

Looking for the best side by side fridges of 2012? Look no further, here is our top 10 side by side refrigerators list … [more]

By S. Dee Davis

Following are some of the factors that we felt are most important in evaluating the top 10 golf club iron selections. Clubs were tested at a testing facility and loosely measured for the below quality points:

1. Comfort at Setup (Instilling Confidence)
2. Solid Feel at Impact
3. Workable Ball Flight
4. Consistency of Distance
5. Pure Distance
6. Shaft Quality and Consistency, Standard included shaft
7. Ability to Spin the Ball
8. Spin Control
9. Grip Feel and Quality

As an avid golfer and tennis player for most of his life, he enjoys researching the latest in golf and tennis technology as well as analyzing his own game. He has been a writer and reviewer for a dozen years and his work has appeared in numerous publications including CBS, the San Fransisco Chronicle… See more about S. Dee Davis

Beginners Golf Club

Tommy Armour Silver Spot – Beginners Golf Club

This is a great set for the beginner made by a venerable and well-respected club manufacturer so you can feel comfortable about your clubs no matter who you are playing with. They will never know the clubs cost so little with the Tommy Armour name on them. The set comes with 4 metal … [more]

How to Choose the Right Golf Club

Guide to finding the right golf club

Confidence, feel, contact, consistency, spin control – our iron game can pretty much be summed up by those words. If we make good contact, distance takes care of itself as high quality steel on cast urethane produces the crushing blow that launches the ball. The heavy blade makes a punishing … [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Golf Putters

Although some of selecting a putter is about “feel” there is more to it than that. We rate the best putters below on the following criteria: Appearance, “feel”, how well the ball rolls off the putter face, alignment characteristics, weighting balance and price/value. See the putter comparison … [more]

Top 10 Golf Drivers

We tested many of the drivers that are out there in the market today and came up with our top 10 list. There are a couple holdovers from last year. Testing and consideration were given based on distance and accuracy with the same neutral swing speed (110) in a controlled distance … [more]

Top 10 Golf Balls

The following list of the best top ten golf balls was determined from the authors opinion using the following criteria: Consistency in length off the tee, spin control and the ability to hold greens, “feel” of the ball around greens for chipping and putting, durability, and price/value. Combining … [more]

Top 10 Golf Wedges

A club class of its own, the wedges have high lofts, the short shafts, and the heavy clubheads. Out of all the irons wedges take all of these to the extreme. The purpose of a wedge is to aid players in making accurate short-distance “lob” shots, to get the ball onto the green and out of hazards….[more]

Top 10 Golf Bags

The following are our top 10 Golf Bag choices based on the following criteria: Durability, Price, Stability of Stand, Access and Organization, Extra Pockets for Accessories, Comfort of Harness strap… [more]

Top 10 Golf Rangefinders

Following are our choices for the top 10 golf rangefinders for the year after some testing and research. We’ve taken price, quality, and value into account when developing these ratings. Rangefinders were tested based on the following factors… [more]

More Top Irons

By S. Dee Davis

We tested many of the drivers that are out there in the market today and came up with our top 10 list. There are a couple holdovers from last year. Testing and consideration were given based on distance and accuracy with the same neutral swing speed (110) in a controlled distance environment (testing facility). Otherwise the golf drivers were rated based on the following factors:

1 Comfort on setup
2 Grip comfort and control
3 Shaft response and control (stiff shafts were used)
4 Distance at 110 swing speed
5 Ball trajectory
6 Accuracy to center line
7 Ball control in flight (indicating a spinning or no spin ball flight)

Golf Driver Buying Guide

Choosing the Right Driver
Steps for Finding the Right Driver to put in your bag

• A) First Narrow your Choices by knowing your handicap or level. Obviously, the best driver on the market for top tour pros may be different than the driver a high handicap golfer needs. If you are a high handicap golfer consider drivers that have:
  1. A larger sweet spot
  2. Drivers designed with high handicap golfers in mind

  If you are a low handicap golfer consider:

  1. The shaft flex and control for your swing speed (have your swing speed tested)
  2. The club head position at set up and whether you need an adjustable face and loft

• B) If possible test clubs at a course, golf shop, or golf testing center to determine what club feels best to you. This is really one of the only ways to find out which club you like best.

• C) Play with various shaft combinations, lengths and grips to determine what is best for you. For example, to avoid hooking the ball, I elongated my shaft with a plug and changed out my grip for a bigger more full feel. Some hit a graphite shaft better and some an aluminum composite shaft.

• D) Consider whether you have a tendency to hook or slice the ball off the tee and purchase your driver to avoid this outcome. Makes common sense, but worth pointing out, do not purchase a driver that promotes the same bad shot shape.

As an avid golfer and tennis player for most of his life, he enjoys researching the latest in golf and tennis technology as well as analyzing his own game. He has been a writer and reviewer for a dozen years and his work has appeared in numerous publications including CBS, the San Fransisco Chronicle… See more about S. Dee Davis

Featured Golf Balls Articles

Buy the Right Golf Ball to Lower Your Golf Handicap

Many golf balls these days contain a rating for various optimum swing speed ranges. Look for it on the packaging or the manufacturer web site to find out. It’s easy to find your average swing speed. Most high end golf stores have speed reading meters on their simulated driving ranges. It … [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Golf Putters

Although some of selecting a putter is about “feel” there is more to it than that. We rate the best putters below on the following criteria: Appearance, “feel”, how well the ball rolls off the putter face, alignment characteristics, weighting balance and price/value. See the putter comparison … [more]

Top 10 Golf Wedges

A club class of its own, the wedges have high lofts, the short shafts, and the heavy clubheads. Out of all the irons wedges take all of these to the extreme. The purpose of a wedge is to aid players in making accurate short-distance “lob” shots, to get the ball onto the green and out of hazards….[more]

Top 10 Golf Balls

The following list of the best top ten golf balls was determined from the authors opinion using the following criteria: Consistency in length off the tee, spin control and the ability to hold greens, “feel” of the ball around greens for chipping and putting, durability, and price/value. Combining … [more]

Top 10 Golf Clubs

Following are some of the factors that we felt are most important in evaluating the top 10 golf club iron selections. Clubs were tested at a testing facility and loosely measured for the below quality points: 1. Comfort at Setup (Instilling Confidence), 2. Solid Feel at Impact, 3. Workable Ball Flight … [more]

Top 10 Golf Bags

The following are our top 10 Golf Bag choices based on the following criteria: Durability, Price, Stability of Stand, Access and Organization, Extra Pockets for Accessories, Comfort of Harness strap… [more]

Top 10 Golf Rangefinders

Following are our choices for the top 10 golf rangefinders for the year after some testing and research. We’ve taken price, quality, and value into account when developing these ratings. Rangefinders were tested based on the following factors… [more]

More Golf Drivers

By Steve Holdgren

Blu-Ray players are becoming increasingly more advanced while not surging to ridiculously high prices. Several new models coming out in 2015 offer smart TV viewing options, with the ability to search for movies, apps, and entertainment sites. We selected 10 of the best Blu-Ray players that showed the greatest technological advances and connectivity options. Other features we considered:

1. User-friendly interface
2. Sleek, compact design
3. Stunning full HD 1080p video
4. Ability to access personal photos, videos, and files on USB storage devices
5. Fast streaming capabilities
6. Rich audio that enables surround sound
7. Quick boot-up and loading
8. Built-in Wi-Fi
9. Multiple HDMI inputs

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Featured Blu-Ray Player Articles

Blu Ray Home Theater Systems: The Pros and Cons

Many home theater in a box audio systems today come with a built-in DVD or Blu-ray player. This simplifies things if you don’t already own one of these players, but what are some other benefits or perks to this feature? If the home theater in a box you select doesn’t have an integrated Blu-ray or DVD player, it’s not the end of the world….[more]

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Top 10 LED TVs

Following are the models our electronics category editors JB Burden and Bob Wiley think are great mid-range LED TV choices in terms of the quality/value/price/features equation. We have reviewed these or similar offerings from the manufacturers and we recommend and rated these models …[more]

Top 10 32″- 42″ LCD TVs

The small LCD TV category is still very important to the average North American consumer. We’ve included a solid list of the Best LCD TVs for 2012 based on the following qualitative and value criteria: Solid Picture Quality based on…[more]

Top 10 HDTVs

Our expert TV editors pull together the Top 10 most impressive best quality HDTVs for 2012. Editors noted several factors in helping them decide which HDTVs to include in the list including: 1. Black Level Depth 2. Side Angle Viewing Quality 3. Clarity and Clearness of Images on Screen…[more]

Top 10 Home Theater Systems

Today more and more families are picking up home theater systems, or “home theaters in a box.” It’s no wonder why—these systems conveniently link surround sound to the TV, sometimes with a built-in DVD or Blu-ray player. As we surveyed the vast selection of home theater systems, including some Panasonic models…. [more]

Best TV Series

This simple list shows off some of the best TV shows of the past few years that have a box set available. With the popularity of HBO/Showtime type shows you can get lost in finding the next great TV show (or last great)…. [more]

By S. Dee Davis

Following are some of the primary factors we considered when selecting our top 10 backpacks (for men) list. Please see our complete backpack buying guide for more information on how we chose, and you should choose the right backpack for your hiking or camping adventure.

1. Comfort and Wearability
2. Volume Capacity
3. Weight Efficiency
4. Compartmental Features
5. Hydration Capabilities
6. External Straps and Stability Features
7. Frame Support
8. Cost/Value

Backpack Buying Guide

How to Choose the Right Backpack for your Hiking/Camping Trip

There’s a reason why backpacking and hiking are considered two separate disciplines by outdoors junkies: The backpack. A day hiker can carry everything they need to get from trailhead to destination and back in the same pack that a fourth grader carries to school every day. But when it comes to multi-day trips with everything needed for human survival on your back, the pack becomes the integral piece of equipment that allows you to enjoy all your time away from the comforts of civilization.

With that in mind, it’s vitally important that you choose the right backpack for you and the expeditions you’re planning on taking. The right pack filled with the right equipment can be the difference between a comfortable, exciting trip and a miserable one (or the difference between a safe trip and a hazardous one). Use these rules when considering the pack you’re going to buy, and always be sure to put on a few packs at your local retailer as well to get a feel for their features.

The most important factor to consider when choosing a pack? Comfort, comfort, comfort. You’re going to be carrying everything you need to survive on your back; depending on the nature of your gear, you could have as much as 90 pounds in that bag. While every spine is unique in the way it interacts with a pack, one backpack fact is universal: The more points of contact between the load and your body, the less pressure on each individual point. Try lifting a loaded grocery bag with one finger sometime, then do so again using your whole hand. Much easier, right? Extend the same concept to a backpack. A multi-day pack will have a hip belt, which encircles your waist and transfers the weight of the load onto your hips; the ubiquitous shoulder straps and a sternum strap, which crosses from one shoulder strap to the other across your chest and takes pressure off your shoulder muscles.

Make sure you check those points of contact when you’re shopping around for a pack. Do the shoulder straps sit comfortably? Where on your chest does the sternum strap cross, and is that a spot that won’t chafe when you’re wearing the pack eight hours a day? And most of all, the hip belt. Backpacks are designed with a frame system to help transfer weight down the side closest to your body (hereafter referred to as the front), and eventually that weight is transferred onto the hip belt. This is good – the muscles in your legs and the bones in your pelvis and thighs are much stronger than your back and shoulders, and they are much better-equipped to bear weight for a long day of hiking. The hip belt should be able to fit snugly, resting just atop your hip bones on both sides. Again, test the belt for chafe points (although any good backpack is designed with ample padding in the hip area) and be sure that it doesn’t slide down below the crest of your hips (which will render its load-transfer feature worthless). All the straps should be adjustable; test the straps for the ease of adjustment as well.

Next, the frame. The front of the backpack can be shaped to the intricacies of your spine, which will further the comfort when carrying a load. If you’re buying from a retailer, be sure to ask them to help you custom-fit the pack. Some packs have flexible metal rods that run vertically down the front and can be bent to mimic the curves of your spine; some have removable pads that can actually be heated in an oven and then formed to your lumbar region.

Now that we’ve covered comfort, let’s turn to more of the bells and whistles of a multi-day backpack. Before you start looking at the features of individual packs, though, consider what you’ll be using your pack for. Where you go, what you do when you get there and how long you plan on staying out will have a vast impact on what you need your pack to do. You’re going to need a lot more gear for a week-long expedition in the Canadian Rockies than you will for a traverse of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the summer; select a pack accordingly. Here are a few of the key factors to consider once you know where you might be taking your pack:

Volume

The more space inside of your pack, the more stuff you can carry. Again, refer to the wide variance in gear you’ll need based on where you travel. A pack with 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches is considered appropriate for a trip of five to seven days under summer conditions (bear in mind that in the mountains, it can get cold any time of the year).

Weight

You have to decide for yourself how much you want to carry. A larger pack with more bells and whistles can allow you to carry additional gear for a mountaineering expedition or a two-week backpacking epic, but that’s more weight on your back. Even the best load-transfer system can’t hide the fact that you’re carrying 30 to 40 percent of your own body weight on your back.

The Compartments

Some packs have a large aperture at the top through which all gear must pass; some are compartmentalized with a separate space at the bottom that opens onto the back side of the pack. Usually this compartment is designed to hold a sleeping bag. Many packs have side zippers in this area even if the pack has just one large compartment. There are also smaller pockets on the sides as well as pockets in the “brain” (a smaller component that covers the top of the main compartment).

Hydration capabilities

You won’t survive on a backpacking trip without ample water, so make sure that your pack can carry it. Packs typically have water bottle pouches on each side just above the hip belt; make sure that these pouches are large enough to carry your bottles. Also, many newer packs are designed to carry a water bladder on the interior, with a hose that hangs around your neck area for easy drinking while walking.

External Straps

Whether you’re carrying a bulky sleeping pad, extra pair of shoes or sandals or a bulky cookpot that doesn’t readily fit inside your pack, it’s helpful to have numerous tie-down straps on the back side of your pack. In addition to allowing you to carry more gear than the internal volume would suggest, these straps can also be tightened down to stabilize your load.

Remember, always keep in mind what you’re using the pack for. Also consider that extra features are generally easier to live with than live without; generally, the trade-off for additional features is extra weight and increased cost.

As an avid golfer and tennis player for most of his life, he enjoys researching the latest in golf and tennis technology as well as analyzing his own game. He has been a writer and reviewer for a dozen years… See more about S. Dee Davis

Featured Backpacks Articles

What to Take on a Backpacking Trip

As stated already in the buying guide, how much gear you’re carrying will have a huge impact on what kind of bag you use. Here is a rough list of essential things you’ll want with you on a backpacking trip. Depending on … [more]

More Backpacks Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Women’s Backpacks

Following are some of the primary factors we considered when selecting our top 10 women’s backpacks list. These packs vary slightly in construction to benefit a women’s different build. Please see our complete backpack buying guide for more information on how we chose, and you should choose the right backpack for your hiking or camping adventure… [more]

By Steve Holdgren

Today more and more families are picking up home theater systems, or “home theaters in a box.” It’s no wonder why—these systems conveniently link surround sound to the TV, sometimes with a built-in DVD or Blu-ray player. As we surveyed the vast selection of home theater systems, including some Panasonic models coming out this year, we looked at the following qualities in choosing our top ten:

1. Crisp, pure sound quality
2. For DVD models, upscaling to near HD quality
3. Straightforward setup process
4. Flexibility in speaker arrangement
5. Wireless subwoofer
6. Audio Return Channel (ARC)
7. Bluetooth or USB port for playing music
8. Comprehensive system for media streaming
9. Easy-to-navigate interface
10. Attractive design
11. Value

Home Theater System Buying Guide

How to pick the best home theater

So you want to simplify your home entertainment system and enjoy a cinematic experience from the comfort of your living room. Buying a home theater in a box is an affordable option that provides high quality surround sound and sometimes other special features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

What you need to know beforehand

Choosing a home theater in a box can be tricky if you don’t know what would best suit your home. The first thing you need to consider is what you already have—TV, DVD or Blu-ray player, game console, HDMI cables, etc. Even consider practical factors. Do you have the furniture for a TV stand arrangement, or do you favor a wall mount setup?

Also think about the size of your room, which may determine how many speakers you need. Home theater systems classify themselves with a number such as 7.1, 5.1, 2.0, and so on. These numbers let you know how many speakers come in a system (designated by the first digit) and whether it has a subwoofer for low frequency bass (shown by either a 0 or a 1 after the decimal point). So how do you know which number is right for your home? Let’s break it down.

• The bigger the room, the more speakers you’ll want to get the richest sound. Think 3.1 at the minimum. Smaller rooms can make do with smaller systems—2.1 or 1.1, for instance.
• If ease of setup and cost are major concerns, then be aware that the more speakers you have, the higher the price and the trickier it will be to set them up and adjust them to optimize the sound.
• For an audio experience closest to a movie theater, spring for the extra speakers. The deep bass provided by subwoofers contribute to this effect, making you feel the rumble of special effects as well as see and hear them. If, however, you don’t want that ground-shaking bass (say you live in an apartment), then avoid systems with a subwoofer.

Figuring out inputs and outputs

If you already have special components such as a Blu-ray player, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, etc., then make sure the home theater in a box you choose has an adequate number of inputs and outputs to connect these components to the audio system. These include HDMI, digital audio, USB, headphone jack, and docking port for smartphones/tablets. Based on the components you have (or plan to have), look for a home theater in a box that won’t limit you in the number of sources you can connect to it.

Other special features

Once you know the number of speakers and input/output ports to look for, then it’s time to consider other special features that can make your home theater experience more immersive and fun. Like playing music? Bluetooth lets you wirelessly stream music and other media from your iPod or iPad. Other systems have a docking station or USB dongle to connect these devices.

With the rising popularity of Blu-ray, you may wish to consider a home theater system that’s compatible with 3D Blu-ray. Some systems come with a built-in Blu-ray player, which is handy if you don’t already have one. Additionally, many of these systems also give you access to various apps and streaming services like Netflix, Vudu, Pandora, and more.

Think about the features you most desire, and shop around for prices. Obviously, the more you pay, the more you get, but quality home theater systems are available for less than $1000, some at half that price. Budget models give you the basics for an affordable price and suit those who don’t need a lot of bells and whistles. Once you know what you’re looking for, you’ll be better prepared to find it at a great value.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Featured Home Theater System Articles

Blu Ray Home Theater Systems: The Pros and Cons

Many home theater in a box audio systems today come with a built-in DVD or Blu-ray player. This simplifies things if you don’t already own one of these players, but what are some other benefits or perks to this feature? If the home theater in a box you select doesn’t have an integrated Blu-ray or DVD player, it’s not the end of the world….[more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Blu-Ray Players

Blu-Ray players are becoming increasingly more advanced while not surging to ridiculously high prices. Several new models coming out in 2012 offer smart TV viewing options, with the ability to search for movies, apps, and entertainment sites. We selected 10 of the best Blu-Ray players…. [more]

Top 10 HDTVs

Our expert TV editors pull together the Top 10 most impressive best quality HDTVs for 2012. Editors noted several factors in helping them decide which HDTVs to include in the list including: 1. Black Level Depth 2. Side Angle Viewing Quality 3. Clarity and Clearness of Images on Screen…[more]

Top 10 LED TVs

Following are the models our electronics category editors JB Burden and Bob Wiley think are great mid-range LED TV choices in terms of the quality/value/price/features equation. We have reviewed these or similar offerings from the manufacturers and we recommend and rated these models …[more]

Top 10 32″- 42″ LCD TVs

The small LCD TV category is still very important to the average North American consumer. We’ve included a solid list of the Best LCD TVs for 2012 based on the following qualitative and value criteria: Solid Picture Quality based on…[more]

Best TV Series

This simple list shows off some of the best TV shows of the past few years that have a box set available. With the popularity of HBO/Showtime type shows you can get lost in finding the next great TV show (or last great)…. [more]

More Home Theater Systems

By Valerie Baldowski

Picking out the right booster seat involves making multiple decisions based on what you’re looking for in a child restraint system. We reviewed a number of boosters and selected our favorites based on what parents and caregivers value the most.

1. Lightweight and easy to transfer from one car to another
2. A compact fit to make it easy to put as many as three boosters in the back seat
3. A snap to install, with clear instructions and diagrams that are easy to understand
4. A safe seat that passes government safety tests and automotive crash tests
5. Affordability, so working families won’t break the bank to buy one
6. Good quality workmanship with enough safety features to provide extra protection in a crash
7. The ability to convert into a larger, or even backless, seat to accommodate growing kids

Related Articles

5 Benefits of Play for Children

Children learn about the world around them and develop mentally and physically through play. Researchers have found that unstructured play not only keeps kids occupied and entertained, but it’s key to a children’s natural development. It’s so important, in fact, that in 1989 the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights… [more]

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Top 10 Car Seats

Parents looking for a safe infant car seat have the daunting task of wading through dozens of brands and models to find the one seat right for their child. We compared the seats on the market and chose which ones are the best ones based on safety and … [more]

Best Baby Monitors

As we surveyed the wide selection of baby monitors available on the market, we kept the following important qualities in mind: Wide range, Secure, interference-free channels, Clear reception Low battery/out of range indicators… [more]

Best Baby Stroller

Parents faced with picking just one stroller out of the hundreds of brands and styles on the marketplace have a daunting task. Whether it’s a lightweight, umbrella, standard, jogging or double stroller, the factors to consider include price range, features and options, and if there’s a recall history. See the stroller comparison… [more]

Best Jogging Stroller

As a parent there are many reasons why a jogging stroller would be a necessary addition to your life. You want to stay fit, but don’t have anyone to watch your baby for an hour every day. Taking your baby on a jog might be a good change… [more]

Best Baby Cribs

There are oodles of infant cribs out on the market and the sheer number of brands and styles can boggle the mind. Many of them are fairly homogenous with similar or identical features, but close scrutiny reveals a few key differences which make some brands a better bargain than others…. [more]

By Valerie Baldowski

Parents faced with picking just one stroller out of the hundreds of brands and styles on the marketplace have a daunting task. Whether it’s a lightweight, umbrella, standard, jogging or double stroller, the factors to consider include price range, features and options, and if there’s a recall history. See the stroller comparison and ratings below with a link to the full review of each.

Jogging Strollers Buying Guide

Good Quality Jogging Strollers Exist in All Price Ranges

The evolution of the “perfect” stroller has come a long way over the years, and now active parents have another choice in addition to the traditional four-wheeler. A number of manufacturers have jogging strollers on the market in varying price ranges. Compared to other types of strollers they’re not cheap, but many families have embraced them as a convenient way of combining the daily jog with taking the little one out for a stroll.

Baby Jogger, Schwinn, Jeep, InStep and BOB were brave enough to radically redesign strollers and create their own versions of single, double and even triple jogging strollers with only one wheel in the front. The changes resulted in dramatically different handling and increased mobility. Wheeling around more than one little one at a time can get expensive. These strollers fall in the price range of less than $150 to more than $900, plus extra for the accessories. In addition to these top five, there are more than a dozen other jogging stroller manufacturers.

Baby Jogger , billed as “the original all-terrain strollers,” first came out with a jogging stroller in the early 1980s, opening the door for other stroller manufacturers to follow. The idea came from newspaper journalist and runner Phil Baechler, who founded the company to be able to spend more time with his infant son without cutting back on his jogging. He quickly learned four-wheeled strollers couldn’t strand up to the strains of jogging on various terrains, so designing a three-wheeled version filled a need in the running community.

Schwinn has gained named recognition over time through its bicycles. Its line of jogging strollers, with its large, spoked wheels resembling bike wheels, was a logical progression. Initially InStep made strollers for Schwinn, but then both companies were sold to Pacific Cycle. Despite the brand name, Schwinn jogging strollers bear a close resemblance to other InStep models.

InStep has affordable strollers slightly lower in quality than BOB or Baby Jogger, but still providing a good value for the money. Its line of seven fixed-wheel and swivel wheel jogging strollers runs for between $53 and $185. Some of the accessories available include trailer couplers, bug screens, weather shields and lambskin seat covers. The similarities between Schwinn and InStep’s jogging strollers are so close, some accessories fit both brands of stroller. The InStep and Schwinn Safari TT and Suburban Safari Mall Cruiser Single stroller sun cover is an example.

Similar to Schwinn, Jeep gained named recognition through its line of rugged automobiles, so branching out into jogging strollers made it easier to compete. Jeep makes several different models of strollers, which include single, double and lightweight. Many of its jogging strollers cost hundreds, but it does have one model which is an inexpensive traditional four-wheel stroller costing less then $75. One of its most popular jogging strollers, the Overland Limited, received a Best Budget Jogging Stroller award. This model is equipped with a speedometer, odometer and speakers for an MP3 player.

BOB was founded in 1994 by a group of outdoor enthusiasts in California, and grew into a company making top of the line jogging strollers for fitness-minded parents. The name “BOB” evolved from the company’s original name, Beast of Burden. The company makes it strollers with lightweight, durable aircraft aluminum frames. With styles sporting names like the Ironman Stroller, the Sport Utility Stroller, the Revolution Stroller and the Stroller Strides Fitness Stroller, it’s easy to see where the company values lie.

The highly popular jogging stroller will no doubt spur more changes in the industry, so be sure to keep up with the latest breakthroughs in the field. With so many companies competing for sales, it’s a consumer’s market in terms of the vast number of choices. At the very least, parents looking to enjoy sharing their love of running with their young children can find a high quality stroller to fit their family’s lifestyle.

Brands of Jogging Strollers:

Featured Jogging Stroller Articles

Stroller Recalls – Overreaction or Necessary Evil?

One upon a time parenting was simpler, but recently moms and dads have more reason to be extra vigilant. The upswing in the number of baby product recalls forces parents and caregivers to be more cautious about what their young children sleep or ride in. The recall … [more]

5 Benefits of Play for Children

Children learn about the world around them and develop mentally and physically through play. Researchers have found that unstructured play not only keeps kids occupied and entertained, but it’s key to a children’s natural development. It’s so important, in fact, that in 1989 the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights… [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Best Jogging Stroller

As a parent there are many reasons why a jogging stroller would be a necessary addition to your life. You want to stay fit, but don’t have anyone to watch your baby for an hour every day. Taking your baby on a jog might be a good change… [more]

Best Baby Car Seats

Parents looking for a safe infant car seat have the daunting task of wading through dozens of brands and models to find the one seat right for their child. We compared the seats on the market and chose which ones are the best ones based on safety and … [more]

Best Booster Car Seats

Picking out the right booster seat involves making multiple decisions based on what you’re looking for in a child restraint system. We reviewed a number of boosters and selected our favorites based on what parents and caregivers value the most…. [more]

Best Baby Cribs

There are oodles of infant cribs out on the market and the sheer number of brands and styles can boggle the mind. Many of them are fairly homogenous with similar or identical features, but close scrutiny reveals a few key differences which make some brands a better bargain than others…. [more]

More Baby Strollers

By Valerie Baldowski

Parents looking for a safe infant car seat have the daunting task of wading through dozens of brands and models to find the one seat right for their child. We compared the seats on the market and chose which ones are the best ones based on safety and workmanship.

1. Endorsements and certifications from the government and consumer advocate groups
2. Well-made car seats that have withstood the test of time, with no recalls
3. Seats that are light enough to tote around without pulling your arm out of the socket
4. Ergonomically designed car seats with handles easy to grip without twisting the arm
5. Seats that can readily convert from rear-facing to forward-facing
6. Affordable car seats for families on a budget
7. Units with easy-to-follow installation instructions and diagrams
8. Seats that can extend to accommodate taller children
9. Extra foam padding to provide more protection in an accident

Featured Baby Car Seat Articles

Some Car Seats are Less Intimidating to Use than Others

There are oodles of car seats on the market but not all of them are user-friendly. Some are pretty expensive, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re easy to install quickly when you’re in a hurry to travel with your baby… [more]

Car Seat LATCH System

Once upon a time the rules for installing infant car seats were informal and left up to individual families, but now the rules are much more stringent. In 2002 the government mandated the LATCH restraint system, (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) which is a standardized system… [more]

When on the go, Give your Arm a Break with a Light Car Seat

Traveling and taking vacations can be fun, but parents with infants and young kids in tow usually have some extra baggage in the form of car seats. They can be rented, but bringing your own removes the guesswork… [more]

Need a Car Seat when Travelling? Make Plans in Advance

When traveling with babies or young children, finding a car rental agency willing to make the extra effort to find an infant car seat can be a hassle. No doubt parents have a long list of questions. How easy is it to find a reliable rental agency, and how safe are the car seats they have… [more]

New Baby Trend Convertible Car Seat

Parents shopping for child safety seats at Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us are probably just now noticing another brand of seat on the shelves.Baby Trend, Inc. has launched its new trendz FastBack 3-in-1 car seat nationwide…[more]

5 Benefits of Play for Children

Children learn about the world around them and develop mentally and physically through play. Researchers have found that unstructured play not only keeps kids occupied and entertained, but it’s key to a children’s natural development. It’s so important, in fact, that in 1989 the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights… [more]

Related Top 10 Lists

Best Booster Car Seats

Picking out the right booster seat involves making multiple decisions based on what you’re looking for in a child restraint system. We reviewed a number of boosters and selected our favorites based on what parents and caregivers value the most…. [more]

Best Baby Cribs

There are oodles of infant cribs out on the market and the sheer number of brands and styles can boggle the mind. Many of them are fairly homogenous with similar or identical features, but close scrutiny reveals a few key differences which make some brands a better bargain than others…. [more]

Best Baby Stroller

Parents faced with picking just one stroller out of the hundreds of brands and styles on the marketplace have a daunting task. Whether it’s a lightweight, umbrella, standard, jogging or double stroller, the factors to consider include price range, features and options, and if there’s a recall history. See the stroller comparison… [more]

Best Jogging Stroller

As a parent there are many reasons why a jogging stroller would be a necessary addition to your life. You want to stay fit, but don’t have anyone to watch your baby for an hour every day. Taking your baby on a jog might be a good change… [more]

Best Baby Monitors

As we surveyed the wide selection of baby monitors available on the market, we kept the following important qualities in mind: Wide range, Secure, interference-free channels, Clear reception Low battery/out of range indicators… [more]

More Car Seats

By Brittany Rowland

As we surveyed the wide selection of baby monitors available on the market, we kept the following important qualities in mind:

1. Wide range
2. Secure, interference-free channels
3. Clear reception
4. Low battery/out of range indicators
5. Ample battery life
6. Minimal static
7. Two-way audio communication
8. Adjustable volume and sensitivity
9. Bonuses like nightlight, camera, or lullabies

Baby Monitor Buying Guide

A Baby Monitor Buying Guide

A baby monitor gives parents some freedom to do tasks around the home while their child sleeps, all the while letting them monitor their child’s noises so they know when he or she awakes. If you’re looking for a baby monitor, you first need to decide if you want digital video in addition to audio. Video monitors are generally more expensive than traditional audio monitors, but some parents like the peace of mind that comes from being able to see their baby at any time, day or night. With the frightening reports of SIDS deaths, some parents are also springing for monitors that detect movement and sound an alarm if the baby stops breathing.

Whichever type of monitor you choose, keep the following aspects in mind as you shop:

Range

A baby monitor with a long range gives you greater mobility, but it can also pick up more interference the farther you stray from the transmitter. Look for models that include an out of range signal.

Analog vs. Digital

Analog monitors are less expensive, but the sound quality can suffer, and nearly anyone can pick up the radio signal. Digital monitors generally have better sound quality and are more secure, giving you privacy.

Video

If you spring for a video monitor, consider models that allow you to pan and zoom, letting you view the nursery as well as the baby. Most video monitors have night vision. Some include perks like a nightlight, a camera, and preloaded lullabies.

Sound lights
No matter how clearly a monitor receiver picks up sounds from the nursery, you may not be able to hear it if you’re vacuuming or running the dishwasher. Look for models that feature LED sound lights, which show you the noise level in your baby’s room. Some baby monitors also vibrate, so you’ll be sure to notice when your baby needs you.

Low battery indicator

You don’t want your batteries to run out, leaving you under the illusion that your little one is sleeping peacefully when he may be crying frantically. A good monitor should include a low battery indicator that lets you know when it’s time to charge it.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Baby Monitors Articles

Baby Monitor Apps for iPad and iPhone

Parents no longer have to be confined to the house to monitor their young children. The BabyPing kit, due February 2012, includes a digital camera with 640X840 resolution and Wi-Fi connectivity. Parents can pull up video of their babies on their iPad, iPhone or … [more]

5 Benefits of Play for Children

Children learn about the world around them and develop mentally and physically through play. Researchers have found that unstructured play not only keeps kids occupied and entertained, but it’s key to a children’s natural development. It’s so important, in fact, that in 1989 the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights… [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Best Baby Car Seats

Parents looking for a safe infant car seat have the daunting task of wading through dozens of brands and models to find the one seat right for their child. We compared the seats on the market and chose which ones are the best ones based on safety and … [more]

Best Booster Car Seats

Picking out the right booster seat involves making multiple decisions based on what you’re looking for in a child restraint system. We reviewed a number of boosters and selected our favorites based on what parents and caregivers value the most…. [more]

Best Baby Cribs

There are oodles of infant cribs out on the market and the sheer number of brands and styles can boggle the mind. Many of them are fairly homogenous with similar or identical features, but close scrutiny reveals a few key differences which make some brands a better bargain than others…. [more]

Best Baby Stroller

Parents faced with picking just one stroller out of the hundreds of brands and styles on the marketplace have a daunting task. Whether it’s a lightweight, umbrella, standard, jogging or double stroller, the factors to consider include price range, features and options, and if there’s a recall history. See the stroller comparison… [more]

Best Jogging Stroller

As a parent there are many reasons why a jogging stroller would be a necessary addition to your life. You want to stay fit, but don’t have anyone to watch your baby for an hour every day. Taking your baby on a jog might be a good change… [more]

By Brittany Rowland

For school kids ages 5 to 7, the best educational toys disguise learning as fun and games. We found the following 10 toys to be exceptional for such qualities as:

Reinforcing reading and math skills
Interactive design that encourages hands-on learning
Involved enough for kids to enjoy for years
Sparking interest in science, reading, history, math, and other subjects
Improving problem solving, logic, critical thinking, strategy, and spatial awareness
Durability and quality of construction
Encouraging social interaction

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

More Articles

10 Best Children’s eBooks

Children have always loved storybooks, and today’s e-readers and tablets take advantage of children’s natural affinity for technology. You and your kids will enjoy reading stories together on an iPad or Kindle Fire with all the brilliantly colored illustrations… [more]

Should Children Play with Smartphones?

More and more parents today are handing over their smart phones and tablets to their children. Kids are little pros when it comes to pulling up videos, downloading apps, and navigating…[more]

5 Benefits of Play for Children

Children learn about the world around them and develop mentally and physically through play. Researchers have found that unstructured play not only keeps kids occupied and entertained, but it’s key to a children’s natural development. It’s so important, in fact, that in 1989 the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights… [more]

Knowing What Toy Materials Aren’t Safe for Children

In recent years, parents have become increasingly aware of dangerous materials found in common children’s toys, often those made overseas. We now have regulations on what materials are safe and which ones should be avoided in children’s toys and other consumer products. BPA, or Bisphenol A, is an organic compound found in many plastics…[more]

Toys That Help Kids Read

If your children are just learning how to read, then you understand how important it is to encourage them to practice and develop reading skills. It’s helpful to look for ways to incorporate reading lessons into everyday situations—for instance, asking kids to sound out words on billboards as you’re driving… [more]

A Child’s Development level from Ages 5-7

Once your child reaches early school age, he or she will have already become fairly self-sufficient and will only become more so. Each day provides new opportunities to learn, explore, and discover more about the world. The educational toys that kids at this developmental stage play with enhance the skills that they’re learning in school…. [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Educational Toys for Children Ages 2-4

Toys for tots ages 2 to 4 are not only entertaining but educational, helping them develop fine motor skills, concentration, dexterity, problem solving, creative play, and imagination. As we looked at a number of toys for children in this age range, we looked for a number of important factors, including: 1. Educational value, 2. Durability, 3. Easy storage and … [more]

Top 10 Educational Toys for Kids Ages 8-12

As children advance from the 3rd grade to preparing for middle school, they learn even more complex subjects in school: history, science, social studies, health, etc. We looked for educational toys that not only enhanced the skills kids possess from ages 8 to 12, but made learning and discovering new things fun and entertaining. Our top 10 toys involve: 1. Fun for … [more]

As children advance from the 3rd grade to preparing for middle school, they learn even more complex subjects in school: history, science, social studies, health, etc. We looked for educational toys that not only enhanced the skills kids possess from ages 8 to 12, but made learning and discovering new things fun and entertaining.

Our top 10 toys involve:

1. Fun for the whole family
2. Creativity, imagination, and working out puzzles
3. Social interaction
4. Strategy, logic, and problem solving
5. An advanced appreciation for science, engineering, and creating models
6. Games that encourage competition and teamwork

Educational Toys Buying Guide

Playing Board Games with the Family: The Advantages for Kids

Having a game night is not only a fun, inexpensive way for the family to spend time together, it’s also an opportunity for children to learn important skills. Children young and old benefit from the time you spend together playing cards or board games, much more so than from plugging in to electronic devices or watching TV.

Consider what children learn from these interactive experiences:

• A healthy sense of competition and the importance of teamwork
• Recognizing different shapes, numbers, and words
• Grouping, counting, and sorting items
• Social skills, such as waiting for other players to take their turns
• Fine motor skills, such as handling cards and game pieces
• Problem solving, strategy, and logic
• A chance to improve and excel
• Winning and losing gracefully

Games don’t even have to be specifically educational. Classic games like Jenga foster concentration, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills as players try to extract the pieces of a tower without knocking it over.

Card games require kids to think ahead about their plays, so they learn strategy. With only so many cards in a traditional deck, they also learn about the laws of probability, an advanced concept for children.

Monopoly is a classic board game, but one that takes a long time to play—something difficult for young kids and parents alike. Monopoly Junior uses smaller denominations and takes less time to play, making it more accessible to young kids as they learn the basics of adding, reading, and color recognition.

Many board games have different levels of difficulty, or you can adapt the rules yourself to accommodate younger players. You’ll love seeing brothers and sisters getting along, helping the youngest members with the complicated aspects of the game. For the entertainment it provides the whole family and the benefits to your kids’ cognitive development, consider adding game night to your weekly routine.

Featured Educational Toys Articles

10 Best Children’s eBooks

Children have always loved storybooks, and today’s e-readers and tablets take advantage of children’s natural affinity for technology. You and your kids will enjoy reading stories together on an iPad or Kindle Fire with all the brilliantly colored illustrations… [more]

Should Children Play with Smartphones?

More and more parents today are handing over their smart phones and tablets to their children. Kids are little pros when it comes to pulling up videos, downloading apps, and navigating…[more]

5 Benefits of Play for Children

Children learn about the world around them and develop mentally and physically through play. Researchers have found that unstructured play not only keeps kids occupied and entertained, but it’s key to a children’s natural development. It’s so important, in fact, that in 1989 the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights… [more]

Knowing What Toy Materials Aren’t Safe for Children

In recent years, parents have become increasingly aware of dangerous materials found in common children’s toys, often those made overseas. We now have regulations on what materials are safe and which ones should be avoided in children’s toys and other consumer products. BPA, or Bisphenol A, is an organic compound found in many plastics…[more]

5 Educational Apps for Children

Kids naturally clamor for your smart phone or tablet because they like the fun games. You yourself probably enjoy a few mindless, addicting apps when you have time to kill. Fortunately, there are also several apps that serve an educational purpose, and kids will still find them entertaining. 1. Word Book and Puzzle Box HD: For preschoolers to first-graders, Aids with … [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Educational Toys for Children Ages 2-4

Toys for tots ages 2 to 4 are not only entertaining but educational, helping them develop fine motor skills, concentration, dexterity, problem solving, creative play, and imagination. As we looked at a number of toys for children in this age range, we looked for a number of important factors, including: 1. Educational value, 2. Durability, 3. Easy storage and … [more]

More Toys for Kids 8-11

By Brittany Rowland

Toys for tots ages 2 to 4 are not only entertaining but educational, helping them develop fine motor skills, concentration, dexterity, problem solving, creative play, and imagination. As we looked at a number of toys for children in this age range, we looked for a number of important factors, including:

1. Educational value
2. Durability
3. Easy storage and cleaning
4. Long-lasting play
5. No dangerous parts
6. Fun colors, sounds, and textures
7. Suitability for boys and girls
8. Value for the price

Toys for Children Ages 2-4 Buying Guide

Picking Toys that Help 2- to 4-Year-Old Children Learn and Develop Skills

Toddlerhood is a fun, important stage for your kids. Not only are they walking and talking, but they’re learning new things every day, imitating everything they see, exploring, and developing unique personalities.

Kids of all ages love toys, and toddlers aged two to four are no exception. Not only should toys for tots be safe and entertaining, but they should help kids develop new skills, such as:

• Fine motor skills, like being able to pick up, stack, and balance blocks;
• Dexterity in the hands and fingers;
• Hand-eye coordination as they throw and catch balls;
• Creative play and imagination;
• Recognizing colors, shapes, letters, and numbers;
• Imitating real life as they play make-believe and mimic adult actions;
• Problem solving as they work out puzzles.

There are currently so many toys on the market that it can be overwhelming for parents to know what to buy. Also, you run the risk of overwhelming your kids with too many toys that only get a couple hours of playtime before being forgotten. However, there are some sure-fire toy categories that almost certainly grab and hold toddlers’ attention and allow them to learn as they play.

Toys for the outdoors

As you know, little kids love to run around, and they have seemingly endless energy. Outdoor toys let them work off some of that energy and help them learn balance, coordination, and sports skills. Look for balls they can roll, bounce, and toss. Sports sets made specifically for toddlers will foster a love for popular games like T-ball, soccer, golf, and basketball.

Board games

Toddlers can pick up the basic rules of simple games like Candyland and Chutes and Ladders. With a little parental help, they’ll learn to love working out puzzles, identifying and matching shapes and colors, and taking turns with siblings. Games also help young children’s brain development.

Imitating real-life and make-believe

Toddlers are always observing the world around them, imitating adult actions and behaviors (with mixed reactions from their parents). Many toys let kids pretend to be grown-ups, such as playhouses, kitchen sets, miniature cars, tools, and musical instruments. Not only do your kids love acting like miniature versions of mom or dad, they also develop their imaginations. Creative play makes toddlers ready for learning about the real world when they enter school.

Building and creating toys

Stackable blocks have remained an age-old classic toy for the simple reason that kids love to create and destroy their own towers. Playing with blocks, be they simple wooden pieces or interlocking LEGO blocks, helps toddlers develop dexterity in their fingers, fine motor skills, balance, and hand-eye coordination. Plus, when they knock their cities over, it’s no big deal—they can simply start all over again.

Similarly, artistic toys help children grow creatively. Toddlers love to color, paint, and play with clay, and many new art sets are easy for parents to clean up afterward.

Reading

Toddlers aged two to four have a firmer grasp on language and love being read to. At this age, they’re ready for longer, more engaging storybooks. You can share classic books from your own childhood, such as Goodnight Moon, Where the Wild Things Are, and Dr. Seuss stories. Children will learn to identify the basic components of the story, such as characters and plot, and they’ll begin to understand the lessons imparted from classic fables and fairy tales. Illustrations also help spark their imaginations.

Brittany Rowland researches new developments in Appliances, Kitchen and CE products features with a vigor to which few would aspire… but someone has to do it. See more about Brittany

Featured Educational Toys Articles

Should Children Play with Smartphones?

More and more parents today are handing over their smart phones and tablets to their children. Kids are little pros when it comes to pulling up videos, downloading apps, and navigating…[more]

Knowing What Toy Materials Aren’t Safe for Children

In recent years, parents have become increasingly aware of dangerous materials found in common children’s toys, often those made overseas. We now have regulations on what materials are safe and which ones should be avoided in children’s toys and other consumer products. BPA, or Bisphenol A, is an organic compound found in many plastics…[more]

5 Educational Apps for Children

Kids naturally clamor for your smart phone or tablet because they like the fun games. You yourself probably enjoy a few mindless, addicting apps when you have time to kill. Fortunately, there are also several apps that serve an educational purpose, and kids will still find them entertaining. 1. Word Book and Puzzle Box HD: For preschoolers to first-graders, Aids with … [more]

5 Benefits of Play for Children

Children learn about the world around them and develop mentally and physically through play. Researchers have found that unstructured play not only keeps kids occupied and entertained, but it’s key to a children’s natural development. It’s so important, in fact, that in 1989 the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights… [more]

10 Best Children’s eBooks

Children have always loved storybooks, and today’s e-readers and tablets take advantage of children’s natural affinity for technology. You and your kids will enjoy reading stories together on an iPad or Kindle Fire with all the brilliantly colored illustrations… [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Educational Toys for Kids Ages 8-12

As children advance from the 3rd grade to preparing for middle school, they learn even more complex subjects in school: history, science, social studies, health, etc. We looked for educational toys that not only enhanced the skills kids possess from ages 8 to 12, but made learning and discovering new things fun and entertaining. Our top 10 toys involve: 1. Fun for … [more]

Apple iPads and other tablets are all the rage, and owners are always looking for accessories that make the tablet experience even greater. We examined several accessories—from protective cases and stylus pens to card readers and cleaning cloths—and picked our top 10 based on the following qualities:

1. High quality construction
2. Durability
3. Good value
4. Works as advertised
5. Long-lasting performance
6. Enhances the tablet experience

Featured iPad and Tablet Articles

5 Tips for Choosing an iPad Case

Are you a student or a professional that needs a slim, lightweight yet functional case for your iPad 2? Consider a folio-style case which opens like a book and automatically powers up the device. This style case typically folds back to form a stand for viewing media or comfortable typing….[more]

Cleaning a Touchscreen with a Microfiber Cloth

The touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet lets you operate the gadget with ease, but it also picks up unattractive fingerprints and smudges that can be difficult to wipe off with a basic cloth. Microfiber cloths are designed to lift off these oily marks and leave the screen clear and polished…[more]

The Benefits of a Touchscreen Stylus

Why do you need a stylus if your smartphone or tablet screen responds to your finger? Well, there are several benefits to using a stylus, the most notable one being that it cuts down on the fingerprint smudges. You’ll definitely appreciate making your high tech gadget look…[more]

Cosmos vs. Bluecell Stylus Pens

Styluses come in handy whether you’re using a tablet, smartphone, e-reader, or other device with a touchscreen. Some people even carry around their styluses to use on public ATMs or kiosks. A good stylus works on capacitive and resistive screens. … [more]

Resistive and Capacitive Touchscreens: Understanding the Difference

Most of our gadgets today feature touchscreens. We’ve long hand touchscreens on ATMs, supermarket check-out lines, and other public places. But you’ve probably noticed that the touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet works differently than the touchscreen … [more]

HDE AD-GCPD22-7C vs. Arkon IPM-TAB1: Comparing Two Tablet Stands

The 7-inch tablet stand and carrying case from HDE and the Arkon portable fold-up tablet stand are two popular options for viewing the iPad or other tablet in an upright position. The HDE stand also functions as a protective carrying case and … [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Tablets

Top 10 tablets for 2012 … [more]
 
 
 

Best Budget Tablets

Some people just dont understand the Tablet craze, and can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on something they might not use. Or maybe your a college student, or just don’t have much to spend on tech gizmos in general…. [more]

Top 10 iPad 2 Cases

The ideal iPad 2 case protects your valuable possession from everyday wear and tear and allows you to use it in comfort and style. We looked for cases with the following qualities: 1. A built-in stand for holding it upright and/or a slanted typing … [more]

Top 10 Waterproof iPad Cases

As iPads and other tablets become more commonly used in our day-to-day activities, we need a reliable protective case that safeguards the iPad from water splashes. Whether you want to enjoy your tablet at the pool or beach, or you have a messy kid … [more]

Best Android Tablet

The iPad is no longer the boss in the tablet arena – the increasing popular Android OS tablet is a huge competitor that is taking over the market. With a super sleek interface, frequent updates, a plethora of apps, unlimited customization, and more – this makes any tablet running Android a very good alternative the stale Apple OS on the iPad… [more]

Best 7″ Tablets

Saving in price but not sacrificing features – 7” tablets allow a more portable experience. Hold your tablet with one hand, put it in your back pocket, bring it every where. Pay less too. They’re some hot hitters this year and these are our top 10 – 7” tablets of 2012…. [more]

Best Budget Tablets

Some people just dont understand the Tablet craze, and can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on something they might not use. Or maybe your a college student, or just don’t have much to spend on tech gizmos in general…. [more]

By Steve Holdgren

Following are the models our electronics category editors JB Burden and Bob Wiley think are great mid-range LED TV choices in terms of the quality/value/price/features equation. We have reviewed these or similar offerings from the manufacturers and we recommend and rated these models based on the following:

1. Mid-Grade Features Set Value Proposition LED Television
2. 2D Picture Quality – Strong Black Levels, contrast, color, clarity,
3. LED TVs without the highest end most expensive features but still the most essential
4. Some Extra Features that make sense and add to value and work well
5. Side Angle- off center viewing quality (a difficult metric for LED TVs)
6. Sound Quality
7. Internet/Smart TV Functionality
8. Appearance and Design Elements

Mid-Value LED TV Buying Guide

Factors to Consider when Purchasing an LED TV (at least a mid-range one)

Resolution

Since almost all mid-range LED Televisions are 1080p resolution this is not really much of a factor any more.

Picture Quality Features to Pass On

In a Mid-Priced LED TV you want good but not over the top picture quality features. You save significant money by not having to have the fanciest most current features. Today those include 960Hz enhanced refresh rate, full array local dimming backlighting rather than edge lit LED, and true 240Hz panels.

Some Picture Quality Features You Want to Keep For Sure

1) Clear Coat Screens
For me, clear coat screens are important. We have in our list here a few TVs that do have a matte screen finish, but we prefer clear coat (otherwise called ultra clear) screen LCD panels due to better light flow in the screen and brightness. Contrast and side angle viewing may also be much better depending on the screen.

2) Video Processing
Processing is important no matter what price level you are choosing from, so we recommend strong processing engines from good manufacturers. This makes a huge difference with 480i or 480p standard definition signals up-converting to the native resolution (1080p) of the panel.

3) 120Hz vs. 240Hz Native Panel
To my eyes 120Hz panel refresh rate speed is probably good enough. Both 120Hz and 240Hz have issues when it comes to some negative unintended consequences. Both are good for fast action programming such as sports. But it’s much more difficult to see the difference between 120Hz to 240hz than the larger step up which is 60Hz to 120Hz. You will see much more judder – jerky motion effects with at 60Hz screen – so we recommend 120Hz for this price category LED TVs.

Other LED TV Features to Take a Pass On (in the Mid-Range Price Category)
Some people could give a hoot about 3D capability and that is why we have included TVs in this list that are not 3D compatible. If 3D is included – active or passive is fine for this category unless you are a 3D connoisseur – in which case you probably want active shutter 3D quality. Super fancy remote controls with QWERTY keyboards or touch pads are nice to have but not extremely necessary. 4K resolution is out of reach in this price range and may not help you that much anyway right now with such limited programming. The highest end appearance packages with the thinnest depths add too much cost and are not included in this categories recommendations (with the exception of the LGs).

Features to Not Take a Pass On

In my mind, the way Internet TV (also called Smart TV) options are expanding you might want that feature more than 3D for now. Built in Wifi is a nice feature to have to access the Internet – not having to purchase a Wifi Dongle or hard wire for the Internet. A full web browser is sometimes reserved for higher end TVs, but it’s a feature I like a lot because you can access and watch programming directly off the Web without having to use only the available Internet TV Apps built in.

Sound Quality

Though much overlooked – sound quality is mucho important if you do not plan on using a home theater system.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

More Top Ten Lists

Top 10 32″- 42″ LCD TVs

The small LCD TV category is still very important to the average North American consumer. We’ve included a solid list of the Best LCD TVs for 2012 based on the following qualitative and value criteria: Solid Picture Quality based on…[more]

Top 10 HDTVs

Our expert TV editors pull together the Top 10 most impressive best quality HDTVs for 2012. Editors noted several factors in helping them decide which HDTVs to include in the list including: 1. Black Level Depth 2. Side Angle Viewing Quality 3. Clarity and Clearness of Images on Screen…[more]

Top 10 Blu-ray Players

Blu-Ray players are becoming increasingly more advanced while not surging to ridiculously high prices. Several new models coming out in 2012 offer smart TV viewing options, with the ability to search for movies, apps, and entertainment sites. We selected 10 of the best Blu-Ray players that showed the greatest technological advances and connectivity options. Other features we considered…[more]

LG UDTV Review

LG has introduced a new macdaddy, spanking hot $22,000 84 inch UDTV (ultra high definition TV) that will be shipped fall of 2012. It will not only be one of the larges TVs on the market but is also the highest definition at 3,820 X 2,160. The abreviation for this resolution is 4K to differentiate it from 1080 or let you know that it is 4 times the 1080p resolution…[more]

Best TV Series

This simple list shows off some of the best TV shows of the past few years that have a box set available. With the popularity of HBO/Showtime type shows you can get lost in finding the next great TV show (or last great)…. [more]

By Steve Holdgren

The small LED TV category is still very important to the average North American consumer. We’ve included a solid list of the Best LED TVs for 2012 based on the following qualitative and value criteria:

• 1)Solid Picture Quality based on:
• A) Not too much motion lag
• B) Somewhat decent side angle viewing
• C) Color saturation and realism
• 2)Features Set (Internet, menu, remote, function)
• 3)Plenty of HDMI inputs
• 4)Appearance
• 5)Price/Value per size and quality
• 6) Sound Quality
• 7) Consistent Long Lasting with 1 year warranty

LED/LCD TV Buying Guide / Articles

Budget 32” to 42” LCD TV Buying Guide

What features and performance attributes to look for in a discount small LCD or LED TV

Picture Quality
No matter what, you can never overlook the #1 top feature in a TV and that is picture quality. Black levels, off-center viewing angle contrast, picture brightness, clean image edges. These are all attributes to look for in choosing an LCD TV.

Sound Quality
This often overlooked feature is super important if you will not be using an external surround sound system with your TV. Lately, some of the manufacturers have come around to improving sound quality with new systems and speakers.

Inputs
HDMI inputs and USB inputs are increasingly important in todays TVs. Make sure yours has these in abundance.

Menu/Remote Control Function
This should be easy and simple to use. Two clicks should put you on the picture settings controls or wherever you want to be. It should also be intuitive to use without having to look at the manual.

Consistent Long Lasting Performance
This is another often overlooked category with some of the lesser 2nd and 3rd tier brands. The price might seem right until a year down the road when the TV stops working due to a power supply problem or video board issue.

Parts Availability/ Warranty
The top tier manufacturers stand by their products better and they are easier to have repaired. They also come with a 1 year warranty as opposed to the 90 day warranty some of the lesser brands have. All the TVs in this list have a 1 year warranty. For a good solid TV warranty extension see dtvexpress.com.

Price and Features
When it comes to price, you have to know the features you can live without. Is 3D important – you will pay more. Is a high Hz rate important – you will pay more. Smart TV, same situation. Great HD picture, same. Know what features you really do want and what you can live without if you want to save money.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

More Top Ten Lists

Top 10 HDTVs

Our expert TV editors pull together the Top 10 most impressive best quality HDTVs for 2012. Editors noted several factors in helping them decide which HDTVs to include in the list including: 1. Black Level Depth 2. Side Angle Viewing Quality 3. Clarity and Clearness of Images on Screen…[more]

Best LED TV’s

Following are the models our electronics category editors JB Burden and Bob Wiley think are great mid-range LED TV choices in terms of the quality/value/price/features equation. We have reviewed these or similar offerings from the manufacturers and we recommend and rated these models based on the following…[more]

Top 10 Blu-ray Players

Blu-Ray players are becoming increasingly more advanced while not surging to ridiculously high prices. Several new models coming out in 2012 offer smart TV viewing options, with the ability to search for movies, apps, and entertainment sites. We selected 10 of the best Blu-Ray players that showed the greatest technological advances and connectivity options. Other features we considered…[more]

Best TV Series

This simple list shows off some of the best TV shows of the past few years that have a box set available. With the popularity of HBO/Showtime type shows you can get lost in finding the next great TV show (or last great)…. [more]