Contest Study Guide CONSUMER DECISON MAKING CONTEST
Louisiana 4-H University 2021 Edition
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment. Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Table of Contents
What is Consumer Decision Making? ...... 2 What is a Consumer Decision-making Contest? ...... 2 Contest Objectives ...... 3 Who May Participate? ...... 3 Contest Rules ...... 3 Definitions ...... 4 Contest Classes ...... 4 Situation Statement ...... 4 Judging Procedure ...... 5 Placing the Class ...... 5 Consumer Decision Making Placing Card ...... 5 Pairings ...... 6 Sample Reasons Scorecard ...... 6 2021 Classes ...... 9 Microwaves ...... 9 Credit Cards ...... 13 Luggage ...... 17 Garment Steamers ...... 21 Fitness Trackers ...... 24 Fitness Centers/Plans ...... 28 Computers ...... 37 Headphones ...... 47 Air Fryers ...... 51
Page 1 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 What is Consumer Decision Making? Everyone is a consumer. Being a consumer is a role that lasts a lifetime. We all make purchases to satisfy our basic human needs for food, clothing and shelter. As consumers, we also have a variety of wants—other goods and services we would like to have. So when we buy consumer goods and services, we are satisfying either a consumer need or a consumer want.
Although consumers have common needs and wants, every consumer is an individual. Age, gender, marital status, income, community and individual preferences influence what consumers buy. External influences, such as advertising promotions, peers, and parental or group standards, also influence what consumers buy. Young people may be interested in toys, sports equipment, CDs or baseball cards. Teen-agers may put more importance on cosmetics or grooming items, automobiles, electronic products, entertainment and clothing. As we get older, we have different wants and needs. Regardless of our stage in life, we continually make shopping decisions to try to satisfy our needs and wants.
We make consumer decisions nearly every day. The consumer decisions we feel best about are those based on a thorough knowledge of all possible facts about the consumer good or service we are about to purchase or use. Having good consumer life skills helps consumers make wise choices in today’s complex and diverse marketplace. Learning these skills early in life sharpens consumer decision making and results in a lifetime of benefits.
The 4-H Consumer Decision-making Contest provides youth the opportunity to demonstrate their consumer skills.
What is a Consumer Decision-making Contest? The Consumer Decision-making Contest is a competitive event that enables 4-H’ers to practice making decisions based on information about a situation and the marketplace options available. This contest is an opportunity to practice marketplace skills and compare decisions with a panel of judges who are knowledgeable about today’s marketplace and the goods and services available.
There are two parts to the Consumer Decision-making Contest. The first part is to place or rank the options. There will be four articles or options of one kind to rank. This group of items is called a class. Study guides and other resources provide research and factual information about the classes.
For each class, a buying problem—or situation—is presented. The situation describes a hypothetical set of circumstances. Contestants assume the role of consumers in the situation. Contestants will consider which item best fits the needs, wants and criteria provided in the situation described. Contestants will base their decisions on information learned through the study guide and other resources, other background knowledge and consumer experiences.
One product in each class will best meet the needs described in the situation; another will be almost as desirable, and the other two will meet standards to lesser degrees. Ranking four items in order, according to how well they meet the situation, is called placing.
Benefits from participating in a Consumer Decision-making Contest include gaining experience in: • Analyzing a situation • Gathering information • Observing carefully Page 2 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest • Identifying standards the product or service must meet to be acceptable to consumers • Recognizing quality products or workmanship • Exploring different alternatives for a consumer situation • Making decisions based on knowledge • Appreciating others’ (the “contest officials”) opinions
Contest Objectives As a result of participating, contestants will: • Demonstrate skill in making decisions based on facts • Apply knowledge and experience in consumer education by analyzing consumer situations • Experience making choices among selected marketplace options • Develop and strengthen their reasoning ability in consumer skills
Who May Participate? Participation in the Consumer Decision-making Contest is open to 4-H’ers. Contestants compete for contestant awards only.
Contest Rules 1. Contestants will work individually or in teams. 2. Contestants will work to: a. Place four consumer products or services (best to worst) in each of 5 classes using one survey per team. The survey will be similar to the traditional judging card used in the past (See judging card). The Hormel Judging System will be used for scoring. Each class will consist of a situation statement and four consumer products or services. Categories of consumer products or services may include: financial products or services, repeat purchase items, big ticket items, or contractual services. Items presented for judging may be actual products or specification sheets. Food and clothing items will not beincluded. b. Use criteria for judging all classes according to instructions given in each situation statement. Participants are allowed to take notes on their own. c. Give oral reasons for one of the classes as assigned comparing the top pair, the middle pair, and the bottom pair. (The reasons class will be the “mystery class.”) 3. Contestants/teams will be allowed 7 minutes for placing each class and 40 minutes to prepare for oral reasons for the sixth “mystery” class. 4. Five classes will be selected from the Consumer Decision-Making Study Guides available on the LSU AgCenter Intranet. The sixth class is a “mystery” class. The “mystery” class will be a class of items not examined in the study guides. For the sixth mystery class, the teams will be asked to prepare oral reasons. They will have 40 minutes to prepare for the oral reasons. 5. Contestants should not be using the study guide during the duration of the contest. If a contestant or team is found to be using the study guide during the contest, they will automatically be disqualified. 6. Contestants should have an understanding of product labels, warranties, product standards, materials, workmanship, cost, hidden costs, services, durability, maintenance, environmental impact, product disposal, product care, opportunity costs, and vendors. 7. Contestants will be awarded a maximum of 50 points per class for placings; an additional 50 points maximum will be awarded for reasons. The maximum possible score is 350 points. 8. In the event of a tie for the first place, the contestant with the highest oral reasons score will be declared the winner. Page 3 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021
Contest Guidelines Definitions Contestant: Contest participant
Class: This includes the group of articles of one kind to be judged. Four similar products make a class (for example: four credit cards, four cordless phones or four pairs of sunglasses).Items presented for judging may be actual products or specification sheets.
Cuts: A numerical rating given to the differences in how closely the pairs of products satisfy criteria. The smaller the difference between the products in a pairing, the smaller the cut. The greater the difference, the larger the cut.
Placing: The contestant examines articles in a class and decides which is best, second best, third best and poorest. This process is called placing.
Situation Statement: For each class, a buying problem is presented. This problem describes a hypothetical set of circumstances. As contestants place a class, consider which item is the “best” for the situation described.
Contest Classes Classes for the 2021 State Contest will be selected from those listed below: • Microwaves • Credit Cards • Luggage • Garment Steamers • Fitness Trackers • Fitness Centers/Plans • Desktop/Laptop/Notebook Computers • Headphones • Air fryers
Situation Statement Each class will have a hypothetical problem presented in a situation statement. The situation gives information that enables the 4-H’er to make a consumer decision. A situation statement should tell who is buying the product, the buyer’s age, budget allowance for the purchase, use of the product after purchase, user’s age if different from the buyer’s, and any specific product criteria.
A sample situation statement for a class of laundry detergent might be: John, 16, is going to basketball camp for two weeks. The camp is in a remote area in a neighboring state. He will be traveling to camp in a small car with several teammates and is limited to one piece of luggage. John will be housed in a dormitory that has laundry facilities and must buy laundry detergent to wash his own clothing and uniforms. He has $5.00 to spend. Which of the four detergents should John select?
Page 4 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Judging Procedure The judging activity involves combining your knowledge of consumer products with your decision-making skills.
The following steps will help you combine these two important types of knowledge: 1. Identify the Class—Follow a logical sequence, when judging a class. What is the class you are going to judge? As soon as you identify the class, consider the general characteristics of the item, its use and the service that might be expected. 2. Analyze the situation statement—Read the situation statement carefully. Pick out the standards. If cost and construction are not included in the statement, add them. Below are some things to look for as you read a situation statement. • WHO will use the item? • HOW and WHERE will the item be USED? • What CARE (or upkeep) will the item require? • What COST is involved? (Consider both purchase and upkeep of the item.) • How LONG will the item last? • What is the QUALITY of the item? (Is it well-made and durable?) • Are there any ENVIRONMENTAL or DISPOSAL concerns?
Placing the Class Before starting a contest, contestants will be given a sheet of placing cards. Each sheet will have six placing cards, one for each class. After judging all classes, give the completed answer sheet to the designated contest official.
The placing card has a listing of all possible combinations in which a class of four items can be placed. Find the placing you believe is correct, and Chris Clover then circle that placing. For example, if you place the items 3- 4-1-2, circle the placing Q - 3412 on 101 the card. See Illustration 1: below. This means you placed item number 3 first, item number 4 second, item number 1 third and item number 2 last. 4
The score for the ranking will be determined Microwave using the Hormel Computing Slide. This allows for differences in class placings to be taken into account. For example, if two items differ only in minor areas, fewer points will be deducted than if X major differences exist between the two items. A perfect score for rankings would be 50.
Illustration 1: Consumer Decision Making Placing Card
Page 5 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 Pairings It is easier to evaluate and compare two items at a time instead of comparing all four items at once. With four items, there are three pairs: top, middle and bottom. For example, suppose you ranked a class of backpacks 3-2- 4-1. TOP PAIR MIDDLE PAIR BOTTOM PAIR 3 2 2 4 4 1 This means 3 and 2 are your top pair, 2 and 4 are your middle pair, and 4 and 1 are your bottom pair.
When there is little difference between a pair, it is called a close pair. Items that are obviously different are referred to as an easy pair.
CONSUMER DECISION MAKING SAMPLE REASONS SCORECARD
TEAM NUMBER REASONS SCORE
We placed this class of
In our top pair, we place _____ over _____ because:
We grant that:
______
For our middle pair, we placed _____ over _____ because:
We grant that:
______
In our bottom pair, we place _____ over _____ because:
We grant that:
______
We placed _____ last because:
Page 6 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Contest Preparation Tips To assist in preparing 4-H’ers for the Consumer Decision-Making contest at 4-HU, review examples of some of the situation statements used in a previous contest listed below. Learn to read the situation thoroughly and think through the information given to determine the desired product features. Some desired criteria may be more obvious than others. See examples below:
Marcos, 16, is one of the three photographers for his school’s yearbook. The yearbook publisher is requiring that only digital photos be used for next year’s annual. The principal has given the yearbook sponsor permission to spend a total of $500 for a new camera, batteries and all accessories that will be needed for the year. The yearbook sponsor has asked Marcos to research and recommend a camera for taking 4x6 snapshots that will be user friendly, and cost efficient to operate. The camera will be used to take action shots, candid shots and still photos both indoors and outdoors. A good zoom will be important to capture sporting events. You know that you will need to purchase at least 256 mb of additional memory. • Cost Limit • Consider cost of required batteries • Total cost of all items must be considered • Auto focus • Multiple settings requires • Automatic exposure, makes camera more user friendly in different lighting • Optical vs. Digital zoom, total zoom, lens threading • Number of pixels influences print quality • Cost of additional memory must be added to purchase and stay within budget
LaTonya’s elderly grandmother is in a wheelchair and has limited vision. She has asked LaTonya to buy a new light bulb for her pantry. She lives on a fixed income and is concerned with stretching her income. Based on this information, which light bulb would best suit her needs. • Confinement to a wheelchair makes changing light bulbs difficult. Long bulb life is important • For better visibility, light output (determined by number of lumens) is important. • Cost per bulb and energy efficient operation impact cost • Pantry may be darker than other rooms with windows
Rusty, 16, has very fair skin, red hair, freckles and a family history of skin cancer. As a Junior Leader at 4H camp, he has been assigned pool duty. This will require him to spend several hours each day in the water and in the bright sun. Based on this information, which sunscreen would you recommend? • High SPF rating important • Active ingredient to prevent burning and protect from UVA rays important • Active ingredient to protect from UVA rays important to prevent skin cancer • Waterproof product important
Additional suggestions to help prepare for contest: • Review study materials and develop a bulleted list of features or other criteria for selecting each product. In most instances the list for each product should not be longer than one typewritten page. Use this list as a study guide. This process reduces the total amount of study materials and helps the 4-Hers focus on important criteria. • Do not attempt to memorize Consumer Reports product ratings--these ratings are not considered when
Page 7 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 preparing the contest. Instead, learn to read through the situation and think through the information given to determine the desired product features for the situation given. • To evaluate each class, consider developing a chart that identifies each appropriate product feature or criteria, such as the example for sunscreen given below. List specific information about each product in a cell for each item. Feature Item 1 Item 2 Item 3 Item 4 Active ingredient Oxybenzone Oxybenzone Oxybenzone Titanium dioxide Waterproof 80 minutes Waterproof Waterproof Up to 8 hours SPF 45 30 48 45+ Cost 6.94 8.47 7.86 6.94
Scoring Criteria for Reasons 1. Gives accurate comparison of each pair, top, middle and bottom. 2. Presents differences in an organized manner. Presents most important things first. 3. Uses positive approach to mention superior points of first choice in pair rather than weaknesses of second choice. Grants the lower‐placed choice and attribute whenever there is such an advantage. 4. After the three pairs are discussed, describes reasons for placing bottom choice last.
Page 8 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest MICROWAVES Article retrieved from: January 2009 — Consumer Reports Magazine issue: February 2009
How to choose In addition to saving time, microwave ovens can also save up to 80 percent of the energy used by a typical oven. Indeed, the Environmental Protection Agency is considering making microwaves eligible for Energy Star status. See our Ratings and Recommendations (available to subscribers) for best microwaves in terms of top performance and value. Then use these tips to narrow your choices:
Pick the right type: Large countertop models often have more capacity than over-the-range models, though they take up valuable counter space. Over-the-range models free up that space by nestling conveniently above your range. But they cost more to buy and install, and they don’t vent as well as most range hoods.
Focus on features: A sensor helps prevent under- or overcooking by automatically turning off the microwave when food is done. Shortcut keys take the guesswork out of cooking popular foods, and convection helps provide browning like a conventional oven does. Models with a mounting kit save counter space by hanging on the wall or beneath a wall cabinet.
Don’t buy capacity claims: What you see on the box isn’t what you’ll get in your kitchen because manufacturers measure space you usually can’t use. Some models delivered as little as half the space manufacturers promised. Check the usable- space column in our Ratings (available to subscribers) for our real-world measurements. And take your largest casserole to the store. Also consider models with a sliding tray, which can usually accommodate large or oblong plates.
Keep the kids safe: Microwave-related burns sent an estimated 2,000 children to the emergency room last year. A recent study by the University of Chicago Medical Center found that even toddlers could open microwaves and pull out hot foods and drinks, resulting in burns. All tested models except the Apollo Half Time include a child lock for the controls. To make your microwave safer, keep it out of reach of younger children. And be sure older kids use it properly and keep younger siblings away when handling hot foods and beverages from the microwave.
Microwave Oven Guide http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/kitchen-appliances/microwave-ovens/microwave-oven- buying- advice/microwave-oven-getting-started/microwave-oven-getting-started.htm
Getting started Speed and smarts now go hand in hand as more microwaves serve as second ovens. Many have sensors that automate cooking for more than just popcorn. More also include convection and even slow cooking for homeowners who want added cooking capability without having to add a wall oven or a second range.
You’ll find more automation as microwaves take on a growing list of cooking tasks. Browning and speed-cook modes, along with interactive recipe databases, are also on the menu as big brands push added capability for busy families. But as our tests have shown, you can pay a premium for those perks without getting the even heating and defrosting that are a microwave’s two top tasks. Our Ratings also show that some brands overstate usable space by as much as 50 to 60 percent.
Page 9 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 Pick a type and size Countertop models cost the least and are best for kitchens with lots of counter space. Compact models can cost very little but typically offer the least cooking space. Midsized and large models add capacity and features, with midsized models taking the biggest slice of the market. But because manufacturers often include unusable space in their capacity claims, be sure to bring a large platter to see whether it fits inside models on your shopping list. Two other key caveats: While some countertop microwaves can hang below a cabinet, you wind up with little working space below the oven. And while over-the-range models save counter space and add convenience, they don’t vent nearly as well as a dedicated range hood and may require an electrician to install.
Be realistic about extras Decide whether you’ll really use grilling and browning features, convection cooking, slow-cook, and other added functions before paying extra for them. Our tests have shown that you’ll still get better grilling in a capable oven-- and more-convenient slow cooking with a dedicated slow cooker. A sensor is a convenient feature, but think twice about shortcut and defrost settings for foods you don’t eat.
Types You’ll find three major types. Most microwave ovens still sit on the countertop, but more consumers are mounting them over the range, especially in kitchens where counter space is at a premium. Others are mounted within custom cabinetry, either over counters or in island or wall units.
Countertop Microwaves: Over-the-Range Microwaves:
These models are best for kitchens with lots of counter On Fitness: Among Health Clubs, Big Isn’t Better space and for avid cooks who use their range often-- and Often labeled as OTRs, these models are typically bought require the optimal venting of a range hood instead of an as replacements or when a kitchen is remodeled. While they can be vented to the outside, don’t expect an over-the- A new analysis finds that independent gyms and workout studios please their over-the-range microwave. You can hang some countertop models below a cabinet, though that often leaves little range microwave to vent as well as a capable range hood customers most. working space below, and some fit within microwave that extends over the front burners. cabinets, if your kitchen is so equipped. By Katherine Hobson, Contributor | Jan. 4, 2008, at 2:31 p.m. Pros: Pros: Countertop microwaves typically cost less than over-the- Over-the-range microwaves leave the counter workspace range models and simply plug into an ordinary outlet; no clear. installation required. Cons: Cons: They cost more, and installation might require an Midsized and large models we tested take roughly 3 square electrician. And even the best don’t vent as well as a feet of counter space, an issue in some kitchens. capable range hood.
Page 10 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Built-in Microwaves:
Often bought as replacements or when a kitchen is remodeled, built-in microwaves are installed within custom cabinets or over counters but flush with the bottoms of flanking cabinets. Typically, built-in models will not have finished sides, nor do they have vents, though some (over- the-counter types) do have finished sides and work lights.
Pros: Built-ins keep counters clear, and allow you to have a range hood, which works better at venting than over- the- range microwaves.
Cons: They’re relatively expensive. Installation adds to that cost and may require an electrician.
Things to keep in mind before you buy a microwave oven Namrata Dadwal, ET Bureau Oct 10, 2011, 01.31am IST
A microwave is no longer just a reheating device. A multi-tasker that can cook, bake and thaw, it can suit all your needs. Here’s how to pick one.
Features to consider: • Automatic sensors: An automatic sensor, also referred to as humidity sensor, determines if the food is cooked by measuring the steam (or humidity) in the oven. When the food is done, the oven shuts off automatically. The sensor fixes the cooking time, which prevents overcooking. Ensure that the sensor takes the food quantity into consideration without you having to calculate it. • Power rating: Microwaves generally have a power rating between 600 and 1,500 watts. More watts means more heat, while lower power means longer cooking time. If you cook larger quantities of food, opt for a microwave with higher power. However, a difference of 100 watts doesn’t matter much. Smallovens typically have 600-800 watts, mid-sized ones have 900-1,200 watts, while larger ovens can have even up to 1,650 watts. • Control panel: Mechanical controls are good for heavy and rough usage. They are also the easiest to
Page 11 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 repair. Opt for one with a dial that can be operated smoothly and precisely to the required temperature or timing. A benefit is that you can alter the settings without interrupting the cooking. However, exact timings can be best set by feather touch and electronic panels, though these need to be handled with care. • Multi-stage cooking: This is a very useful feature, which enables you to cook at different power settings and stages of the cooking cycle. So, instead of interrupting the process to monitor and change the power level (such as to simmer the food), you can program the microwave oven at the start of the cooking cycle to automatically change it after specified time intervals. • Short-cut keys: Most microwaves have automatic settings for cooking specific food items, such as popcorn and soup. Called auto menus, these are useful as they prompt you to take the next step or add more ingredients. They also choose the power level and cooking time automatically. A useful button is the 1-minute or 30-second key, which you can click multiple times to set the cooking schedule. • Auto defrost & steam cooking: All microwaves can defrost food, but it’s best to opt for one that has auto defrost, where you only need to select the type and weight of food. The gadget will automatically select the time and power levels to best defrost it. A new feature that has been added is steam cooking, wherein you fill a reservoir with water. As it evaporates, the steam heats the food and also adds moisture to it.
Additional features: • Child safety lock: This is very essential if you have kids. An electric lock (as a code) prevents them from misusing or accidentally operating the oven. • Speed-cook/combination mode: This mode uses microwave energy in addition to other heating (convection or halogen bulbs) to cook food faster than it would take in a traditional oven or skillet. • Bi-level cooking: Most microwave ovens come with racks that enable two items, or more, to be cooked at the same time. A rack can also improve baking by allowing heat under the dish.
Are microwave ovens harmful? Many people are wary of using microwave ovens because they believe that it changes the chemical nature of food or leads to tumors because of radiation. However, these facts have been refuted by many researchers. Radiation can only leak if the oven door is damaged or doesn’t seal properly. Even in such a case, the leakage will be too small to cause any health risk.
In fact, the food cooked in a microwave is considered healthier as it uses less oil. Also, a microwave oven is energy-efficient as it cooks food faster and uses 70-80% less energy than a traditional one. So, you can save on power bills and LPG gas.
Which microwave oven suits your needs? • Solo: These microwave ovens are usually small (19-23 liters), simple to operate and cheaper than the other two variants. They can perform all basic cooking functions besides defrosting and reheating. Most models come with a full suite of features mentioned above. It’s preferable to opt for one that has automatic sensors and multi-stage cooking. However, such microwave ovens cannot be used for grilling or baking. • Grill: The devices with this feature offer microwave cooking, as well as grilling, toasting and broiling. Their size varies from 18-28 liters. At times, they are incorrectly labelled as microwave/convection ovens, but a true convection oven has a heating element and a fan to push the heated air into the cavity. Also, don’t expect all grill ovens to work as fabulously as your barbeque or tandoor. You won’t get the same quality of roasting and certainly not the smoky flavor. • Convection: These products offer both microwave energy and heat. They are the most versatile and can perform all cooking functions, including baking. This is why they are more expensive than the other two variants. They combine a convection heat cycle with microwave energy for rapid baking, so baking time can be cut in half. You can opt only for the convection mode to bake, which takes as much time as a traditional oven, but allows you to use metal containers.
Page 12 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest CREDIT CARDS Choosing the right credit card can mean a ton of savings and rewards. There is currently a ton of value in plastic; here are some of the best choices in several categories. Odysseas Papadimitriou, New York Daily News
Everyone loves saving money, and most of us could really use the savings to expedite freedom from debt, considering the average household owes credit card companies more than $7,000.
The real question is, how?
Interestingly, the right credit card could be the answer. Credit is increasingly available due to the economic recovery, and the lucrative rewards offers and low interest rates that have been in evidence since the end of the Great Recession aren’t going anywhere.
There is currently a ton of value in plastic, as you can see at CardHub’s annual Best Credit Cards list. Here are some of the best choices in several categories.
Initial bonus: The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers 40,000 bonus points, redeemable for a $400 statement credit or $500 in travel, in return for spending at least $3,000 in the first three months.
If you’re going to spend that much anyway and you have the excellent credit required for approval, there’s really no reason not to score some free money, especially since the card’s $95 annual fee doesn’t kick in until the second year.
Ongoing rewards: The Blue Cash Preferred American Express Card offers 6% cash back on groceries, 3% on gas, 3% on department store purchases and 1% on everything else. You also stand to get a $150 initial bonus for spending $1,000 during the first three months - which pays the card’s annual fee for two years.
Zero-percent offer:Use a payoff calculator and the value of the Slate Card’s 15-month 0% introductory term and lack of fees will become clear. This free balance transfer offer can save the average consumer around $1,000 in finance charges and fees while helping the cardholder pay down what is owed months faster.
Students: The Journey Student Rewards Card from Capital One doesn’t have an annual fee, yet offers 1% cash back across all purchases as well as a 25% earnings bump in months you make an on-time payment. The payoff: Students can build credit for free while subsidizing their expenses.
Credit building: Despite its perhaps misleading branding, the Harley Davidson Secured Credit Card is a great option for people with limited credit history as well as those who have made financial mistakes. Its lack of an annual fee makes it a free credit-building tool as well as a rarity in this card segment, and the fact that you can also use it to earn rewards makes it more unique.
If you decide you’re in the market for a new credit card, keep these things in mind: Rewards are best for people who always pay their monthly bills in full, while low rates are preferable for those who don’t.
If you don’t have above-average credit standing, your top priorities should be finding a no-annual-fee credit card
Page 13 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 and paying your bill in full every month so you can effectively build credit for free.
Leveraging more than one credit card is a smart strategy, as it allows you to get the best possible collection of terms.
Papadimitriou is CEO of credit card comparison site CardHub.com and the personal finance social network WalletHub.com.
Choosing a credit card: Read the fine print Brenda Procter, M.S., State Specialist & Instructor, and Graham McCaulley, M.A., Extension Graduate Assistant, Personal Financial Planning, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri Extension
A credit card lets you buy things and pay for them over time. Using a credit card is like any borrowing — you have to pay the money back.
Credit card features vary from card to card and there are several types of cards to choose from. To get the best deal, compare fees, charges, interest rates and benefits. Some credit cards that look like a great deal at first may really be a bad deal when you read the terms and conditions of use and see how the fees could affect your available credit.
Credit card terms: Important terms of use must be disclosed in any credit card application or for cards that don’t require an application. Here are the terms to ask about when you consider credit offers.
Many credit cards charge membership or participation fees. These fees have a variety of names, like “annual,” “activation,” “acceptance,” “participation” and “monthly maintenance” fees. Fees may appear monthly, periodically or as one-time charges. They can have an immediate effect on your available credit; however, new credit card rules specify that fees, such as an annual fee or application fee, cannot total more than 25 percent of the initial credit limit.
Some credit cards add transaction fees and other charges if you use them to get a cash advance, if you make a late payment or if you go over your credit limit. The rule mentioned above regarding fees being less than 25 percent of the credit limit does not apply to these type of penalty fees.
Annual percentage rate (APR) is a measure of the cost of credit, expressed as a yearly rate. It must be disclosed before your account can be activated, and it must appear on your account statements.
The card issuer also must disclose the periodic rate. That’s the rate the issuer applies to your balance to determine the finance charge for each billing period.
Some credit card plans let the issuer change the APR when interest rates or other economic indicators — called indexes — change. The rate change is linked to the index’s performance and often varies. Rate changes can raise or lower the finance charge on your account. Before your account is activated, you must also be given information about any limits on how much and how often your rate may change.
If your card does not have a variable interest rate tied to an index, the credit card companies generally cannot raise your APR for the first 12 months after you open your account, and if the rate is going to be raised after that
Page 14 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest point, you should be given 45 days’ notice and the opportunity to cancel the card before the new rate takes effect.
A grace period, also called a “free period,” lets you avoid finance charges if you pay your balance in full before the date it is due. Knowing whether a card gives you a grace period is important if you plan to pay your account in full each month.
Balance computation method is how the card issuers calculate your finance charge. If you don’t have a grace period, it’s important to know this. Which balance computation method is used can make a big difference in how much of a finance charge you pay — even if the APR and your buying patterns stay the same.
Many credit card companies offer incentives for balance transfer offers — moving your debt from one credit card to another. All offers are not the same and the terms may be complicated.
Many credit card issuers offer transfers with low introductory rates. Some issuers also charge balance transfer fees. In addition, if you pay late or fail to pay off your transferred balance before the introductory period ends, the issuer may raise the introductory rate and/or charge you interest retroactively. When you make payments, they are to be directed to highest interest balances first.
Balance computation methods: The average daily balance method credits your account from the day the issuer receives your payment. To figure the balance due, the issuer totals the beginning balance for each day in the billing period and subtracts any credits made that day. Although new purchases may or may not be added to the balance, cash advances typically are included. The resulting daily balances are added for the billing cycle. The total is divided by the number of days in the billing cycle to get the average daily balance.
Adjusted balance is usually the most advantageous method for cardholders. The issuer determines your balance by subtracting payments or credits received during the current billing period from the balance at the end of the previous billing period. Purchases made during the billing period aren’t included.
The previous balance is the amount owed at the end of the previous billing period. Payments, credits and purchases made during the current billing period are not included. Some creditors exclude unpaid finance charges.
Credit card companies can only impose interest charges on balances in the current billing cycle (i.e., no two-cycle billing). If you don’t understand how your balance is calculated, ask your card issuer. An explanation also must appear on your billing statements.
Other costs and features Credit terms vary among issuers. When considering a credit card, think about how you plan to use it: • If you expect to pay your bills in full each month, the annual fee and other charges may be more important than the periodic rate and the APR. • If you use the cash advance feature, pay attention to the APR and balance computation method. • If you plan to pay for purchases over time, the APR and the balance computation method are major considerations. • You’ll also want to consider if the credit limit is enough, how widely the card is accepted and the plan’s services and features.
Your credit card agreement explains what may happen if you default on your account. For example, if you are one
Page 15 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 day late with your payment, your issuer may be able to take certain actions, including raising the interest rate on your card. Some issuers’ agreements even state that if you are in default on any financial account, those issuers’ will consider you in default for them as well. This is known as universal default.
Some cards with low rates for on-time payments apply a very high APR if you are late a certain number of times in any specified time period. This is a type of special delinquency rate.
Page 16 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest LUGGAGE Luggage Buying Guide https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/luggage/buying-guide/index.htm
Leading an adventurous and well-traveled life comes with baggage. Well, luggage at least. But figuring out which bag to take with you isn’t always easy. With countless styles, sizes, and prices to compare, shopping for luggage can be overwhelming. To help you find the right bag or bags, here are the factors about how you travel to consider, details on luggage types, luggage features to look for, and other shopping tips. Bon voyage!
Deciding What You Need How Do You Travel? Do you mostly fly, drive, or go on cruises? For airplane travel, familiarize yourself with the luggage rules of the airlines you plan to fly on. If you go on road trips, look for bags that are pliable enough to maximize your trunk space. For cruise ships—which stack baggage in the boat’s belly before departure—flat, rigid luggage is best.
How Will You Store Your Luggage? Once the luggage gets home, where will you put it? Hard-sided bags are the most unforgiving; you can’t squeeze them into a storage space. Soft-sided, structured bags have a little forgiveness on the front and back. If you have no place to store a stand-up suitcase, you may have to limit yourself to duffels or bags.
What Size Luggage Do You Need? This will depend mainly on the length of your trip and, if you are flying, airline luggage restrictions. It also depends on what you’ll need while you are away. If you mostly travel for business, you’ll need enough room for business attire; for vacations, you’ll have more leeway on what to bring.
Types of Luggage Take a look at the three main types of luggage.
Carry-On Luggage Carry-on bags are convenient for air travel because you can avoid having to check them in when you fly. But they must fit either under a seat or in the overhead bin. For domestic flights, your carry-on can be no larger than 22 inches high by 14 inches wide by 9 inches deep. (The maximum linear size is 45 inches, but none of the dimensions can exceed the aforementioned measurements.)
Measure the height of your luggage from the floor to the top of the handle in its lowered position. (If your luggage has wheels, they count toward the overall height.) Depth is measured from front to back, and width from side to side.
Some U.S. carriers permit larger carry-ons. For international flights, defined as those originating and ending outside the U.S., the size limit is generally smaller than for U.S. domestic flights. If you are a frequent flyer on different carriers, you’ll have to decide whether you want to buy several carry-on bags to conform to the various size restrictions or if you’ll use one carry-on that meets the most restrictive rules. But even rule-abiding luggage isn’t a guarantee that your bags won’t be relegated to the plane’s underbelly, because the flight crew can impose further restrictions, even after boarding has begun.
Page 17 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 Keep in mind that if you carry lithium batteries for recharging your electronic devices, federal airline safety rules require that you keep them in your carry-on. Just be sure to place them in their original packaging, or at least cover their contacts with nonmetallic tape, to prevent short circuits.
Personal Item Bag A personal item bag has to fit underneath the seat in front of you on a plane. This category includes briefcases, tote bags, camera bags, laptop bags, and small backpacks. But you can get the most out of your allowed personal item if you buy a bag specifically designed for this purpose.
Often these bags contain compartments for your passport, phone, pen, and wallet, as well as a padded section for a laptop and a main section for clothes and overnight essentials. Many of these underseat bags can serve you well for a one- to two-day jaunt.
There is no standard size for these bags. For U.S. domestic flights, the measurement rules range from a generous 18x8x14 inches (Spirit) to a meager 17x9x10 inches (United); some airlines don’t specify dimensions. Whether it fits under the seat can vary even within the same aircraft. Aisle seats are notorious for having the least room underneath. Before you shop, review the specifications for various airlines. You can also check the aircraft’s guidelines for onboard pet carriers—a reasonable proxy for the floor-to-underseat clearance.
Checked Luggage Any suitcase larger than carry-on size must be checked. The most common size options are 24 to 30 inches in height. You can find suitcases as large as 36 inches, but check with your carrier for size limits. There’s usually a weight limit, with extra fees applied for excess weight per bag.
Checked bag fees are common on major airlines’ domestic flights; they can run $30 for one bag, $40 for a second, and $150 for a third. (Southwest is unique in allowing two free checked bags.) Budget airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit also charge extra for carry-ons, with prices ranging from $10 to $75. You may get charged more if you wait to pay at the airport.
You may be able to avoid bag fees by purchasing your ticket with the airline’s branded credit card. Or, if you often fly on one airline, see whether it offers an annual subscription plan for checked bags.
Luggage Buying Guide https://www.consumersearch.com/luggage-reviews/how-to-buy-luggage What the best luggage has • Durable construction. The most common fabrics you’ll find in tough, soft-sided bags are thick polyesters with double-stitching that resists fraying, abrasions and tears. Hard-sided luggage is becoming more common, with light, yet tough, polycarbonate materials that also have some “give” for fitting into a tight overhead compartment. Many bags have reinforced corners. • Water resistance. Few thing are more dismaying than picking up a checked bag that has been tossed into a puddle by baggage handlers, or sat on the tarmac in a storm, causing the water to soak into your carefully packed belongings. Some bags are made with waterproof material, some are not. If that’s important to you, look for that feature in the description. The zipper should also be waterproof or have a cover to keep moisture from seeping through it. • Sturdy wheels and handles. Many manufacturers try to reduce bag weight by making handles thinner
Page 18 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest and wheels smaller. This can make a packed bag hard to pull, causing the wheels to collapse, the handle to wobble, and the whole unit to rock back and forth. That’s not worth the tradeoff. Be sure the wheels are large enough and sturdy enough to hold the bag’s weight -- especially the stems that support spinner wheels -- and that the handle does not feel flimsy. • Replaceable wheels. Some bags now feature wheels that are easy to replace -- just use a screwdriver to remove the old wheel and put on a new one. Since wheels are often the first thing to go, this is a very good way to extend the life of a quality bag. • Tough zippers. When you›re traveling there is no quick fix for a broken zipper. Zippers that catch or seem as if they›ll burst when your bag is packed to its limit can make your trip an exercise in frustration. If the zippers seem flimsy or don›t move smoothly, look elsewhere. • Grab handles for easy lifting. Also known as helper handles, these make it easier to maneuver bags into and out of luggage bins. Most suitcases have them on the top and sides, some have a bottom handle as well. • A good organization system. Yes, some people like duffels and their cavernous, single compartment vibe. But most people like to be able to separate their undies from their jeans, their shoes from their blouses and their personal care items from everything else. Look for a bag that gives you those options. Also, if you’re an ultra-organizer, look into packing cubes to give you even more options. • Front compartments. One of the biggest complaints we see about bags is the lack of front pockets. Likewise, those with front pockets often get the most praise for convenience. This is because when going through security you have to have quite a few things right at hand. You have to show your boarding pass and I.D. but then be ready to stow them immediately away since you can’t walk through the machine with them in your possession. You have to remove laptops and allowable liquid containers, then be able to quickly put them back so you’re not holding up the line. An accessible front compartment makes this all much easier. • Integral TSA-approved combination locks. TSA-approved combination locks are designed to keep potential thieves out of your luggage; they can only be opened via the combination -- which you set and control -- or keys controlled by TSA agents. Integral or built-in locks never go missing, and the best models are low-profile enough not to snag on clothes or other pieces of luggage. This is not a necessity, but it’s a nice extra.
Know before you go What types of trips do you take most often? This is an important consideration. If you just take weekend trips, all you’ll probably ever need is a 20- or 21-inch carry-on. If you take business trips that last several days, you’ll want a slightly larger bag that allows you to pack a mix of professional and leisure gear. If you only travel a couple of times a year, but it’s a mix of short and long distances, a luggage set may be your best bet.
What type of aircraft are you flying on? You may think your carry-on bag fits your airlines carry-on size restrictions, but that depends upon what type of plane they put you on. If you end up on a regional jet, you’ll probably have to check anything longer than 19 inches. And the chances of that happening are very good. More than half of all passenger flights are now completed by regional carriers, even on flights as long as four hours.
Can you lift your bag? Do not rely on the kindness of strangers. If you can›t wrangle your own bag -- which means lifting it in and out of the overhead bin -- without assistance and without clonking anyone on the head, either check it or pack a smaller bag.
Page 19 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 How much do you pack? Most airlines charge baggage fees by the bag, so it›s usually better to opt for one large checked bag instead of two smaller ones. The exception to this is if your bag goes over the usual checked bag weight allowance (typically 50 pounds for domestic flights) or exceeds the airline’s size restrictions. This will incur extra charges. Checking a second, smaller bag might be cheaper than paying extra fees for an oversize or overweight bag.
Can you try before you buy? We strongly recommend not purchasing a suitcase sight unseen. Most of the bags we review can be found at your local department store, sporting goods store or luggage store. This is particularly important since manufacturer’s warranties also don’t cover choosing the wrong bag. If you buy it, you may be stuck with it. Checking it out in person beforehand might reduce buyer’s remorse afterwards.
Warranty, schmarranty? Ah, the 10-year luggage warranty. There are few «guarantees» more misleading, and reading the list of restrictions is about as sobering as listening to the possible side-effects of the latest pharmaceutical. They don’t cover normal wear and tear, misuse, carrying unusual items, accidents, exposure to weather, scratches, dents, water damage or damage by the airlines. In other words, they don’t cover the things that actually break a suitcase. The only thing they cover is manufacturer’s defects, but no manufacture really defines exactly what that means. There are a couple of exceptions, such as Briggs & Riley and their “Simple As That” Lifetime Warranty that even covers airline damage and is held up as the industry standard. With most others, it’s not even worth the hassle to try. Just buy a new suitcase.
Some tips for saving your travel money It used to be that if you could travel with just a carry-on, you were free and clear as far as baggage fees are concerned, but that’s not the case any longer; some airlines are now charging for carry-ons. Many airlines also charge you a fee for making reservations by phone, seat selection fees (which you need to keep in mind if you’re traveling with children and want to be sure you sit with them), and steep fees for any ticket changes. Always double check your carrier’s site for the most up-to-date information.
One way to get some of those fees waived is to stick with one airline. Most offer frequent flyer or loyalty programs that give your first checked bag free, waive ticketing fees, and offer priority boarding or other discounts. The best of the loyalty programs are usually tied to a specific credit card that has the airline’s logo. The more you spend, the more points and perks you can earn. NerdWallet.com offers this comprehensive chart of the available travel- related credit cards and the perks they offer. However, if you don’t fly enough to make it worth your while to tie your spending to your travel, there are still ways to save money when flying. Good planning and learning how to pack smart can greatly reduce the amount of space you need, which may allow you to downsize to a carry-on sized suitcase.
Start by checking the weather where you’re going. That will help you decide what type of clothing you need. Pare it down to the bare minimum. Then, learn to pack your suitcase to maximize its space. Google “packing tips” and you’ll be able to find something for any situation. I, personally, am a huge fan of tips from flight attendants. In particular, this this slide show from the New York Times, which demonstrates how to pack for 10 days in a carry- on, got me through two weeks in England with just a 24-inch suitcase.
Page 20 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest GARMENT STEAMERS Clothes Steamer Buying Guide https://www.consumersearch.com/clothes-steamers/how-to-buy-a-clothes-steamer The best garment steamer has: • A good reach. Since steamers are used not just for clothing, but often for draperies as well, a long hose and/or a long power cord will reach high places without having to resort to a step stool, although you may need to use an extension cord with a handheld steamer. • Good water capacity. A larger steamer will have a larger reservoir, which results in longer periods of continuous steam. Even a small, handheld steamer, though, should be able to steam continuously for at least 10 minutes. • Automatic shut-off. If the machine runs dry, this feature shuts it off before any motor burnout occurs. It also ensures that if you walk away from the steamer, it won’t continue to run. • Wheels on a full-size steamer. Full-sized steamers can weigh close to 20 pounds; caster wheels make it easy to move the unit from room to room. • Hangers and racks or clips. These enable you to have full access to all sides of a garment and keeps the job close to the steamer. The best full-sized steamers will also have built-in hangers or racks as well as a hook for holding a hanger. • A removable water tank. This makes the garment steamer much easier to fill and clean.
Know before you go How much do you plan to use the garment steamer? If you need a steamer just for occasional use -- or to use in lots of spots around the home -- a smaller steamer could work just fine. Even a handheld steamer that only produces 15 minutes of steam per fill is sufficient for many tasks. If you engage in activities where quite a bit of steaming is needed -- or you’re usually steaming heavier fabrics -- a larger steamer is a better choice.
What types of fabrics will you use the steamer on? If you’re mainly steaming light, delicate fabrics, a handheld steamer with its lower steam output may be a better choice than a full-sized steamer. However, if you’re steaming thick, heavy fabrics, a full-sized steamer will be more effective and take less time for the de-wrinkling process.
Do you need it for travel? Travel steamers are a great way to quickly de-wrinkle suitcase-creased clothing. Be sure the one you choose is small enough and light enough to fit in your suitcase -- even a couple of pounds can add to the load of a fully-packed bag. Also, if you tend to run short on time, be sure you get one that does not leave water spots that may need time to dry.
Will you use your steamer abroad? If you travel internationally, you’ll need either a dual voltage garment steamer or one that comes with a dedicated converter. Stand-alone voltage converters that can handle the current load of a typical handheld/portable steamer are also available; check your steamer’s specifications and choose accordingly.
What feels comfortable? You need to hold the garment steamer in your hand to see how it fits. For handheld garment steamers, make sure that it is not too heavy and keep in mind that you will be adding water to it. If you have issues with your hands or wrists, the lighter the steamer, the better.
Do you need an iron? Garment steamers are great for just smoothing wrinkles out of fabric, but they don’t give the pressed look that ironing does and you can’t expect that result from a clothes steamer. If you need sharp
Page 21 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 creases in your pants or to you need to keep pleats crisp, see our separate report on steam irons.
Do you need a steam cleaner? One complaint we saw a number of times was that a garment steamer did not remove stains or odors, however, this type of steamer is not made to do either. If you need a steamer for cleaning fabrics, you need a steam cleaner instead, which we cover in a separate report. Steam cleaners are used for a variety of tasks, but many can be used on fabrics as well.
Best Handheld/Travel Steamers https://www.consumersearch.com/clothes-steamers/best-handheld-travel-steamers
Handheld steamers offer quick de-wrinkling Handheld or portable garment steamers are very handy to have around for light household duties like de-wrinkling clothing, curtains and items like bed skirts. They’re best for occasional use, though, because they don’t have super long steam times. For a garment steamer that can handle light-commercial duties or with longer steam times, see our picks for full-sized garment steamers elsewhere in this report.
Many users say that with a steamer like the Jiffy Esteam Personal Handheld Steamer (Est. $70) they don’t need an iron. The Esteam is easy to use -- simply fill it with water and plug it in to create steam. It heats in just a few minutes and the 8-ounce water reservoir produces enough steam to last about 15 minutes, which is plenty of time, most say, to press the wrinkles out of their chosen outfit for the day -- even if it is a heavier band or police uniform. Many also use it around the home for touching up anything that may need to be refreshed, such as draperies or shower curtains.
The Jiffy Esteam heats quickly, in under 2.5 minutes, and produces a steady stream of steam. It’s also reported as sturdy and durable. The Esteam is lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to store away and, at just two pounds, doesn’t cause fatigue even if you use it to the capacity of its steam time. The 9-foot power cord is ample for even taller jobs, but it’s not retractable, so it adds bulk to the unit when it’s stored. There is no on/off switch; the steamer must be plugged in and unplugged to turn it on and off. However, it has an automatic shut-off function if its water reservoir runs dry. Many use the Esteam for travel, saying it doesn’t take up much room in a suitcase; for about $30 more, you can also purchase the Esteam with a set of converter and adaptor plugs for international travel.
The Joy Mangano My Little Steamer (Est. $40) is also an easy to use handheld steamer -- simply fill it with tap water and plug it in to create steam. It heats in less than two minutes. However, we were not able to ascertain how long it steams for. Camille Perri, in testing the steamer for TheSweethome.com, doesn’t mention tank capacity or how long this particular garment steamer lasts on a fill-up, nor does the product’s website. However, we do know from Perri’s comments that it lasts at least nine minutes, and users indicate that it produces plenty of steam in one fill to refresh an entire outfit.
The My Little Steamer gets its best reviews at HSN.com, which makes sense since it is, basically, an As Seen on TV product. Owners at both HSN.com and Amazon love this little garment steamer and we saw a lot of comments from people who buy them as gifts for everyone they know. Owners say it does a great job of steaming out wrinkles, although, like most clothes steamers, it works best on lightly-wrinkled fabrics; it may take longer to get out deeper wrinkles. Users also appreciate the nice array of features, which include an on/off switch, wide mouth that’s easy to fill, retractable 8-foot cord and auto-shutoff. The My Little Steamer also comes with a matching storage bag that users adore.
The Rowenta X-Cel Steam Hand Steamer DR8080 (Est. $70) costs a bit more than the Jiffy Esteam, but it packs more power, with 1500 watts compared to the
Page 22 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Esteam’s 600 watts. Reviewers say it feels substantial and sturdy, and in addition to the standard, extra-large steam head, it also comes with three attachments including a fabric brush, lint pad and steam bonnet. The water tank, removable for easy filling, holds 6.76 ounces of water, producing 10 minutes of uninterrupted steam. It’s equipped with a hook, which allows you to hang it on a chair when you need two free hands to switch or adjust garments. Some users say it’s a bit bulky to hold for longer than a few minutes at a time, and it’s not ideal for travel, but it’s a powerful, convenient steamer for those who need to steam a few garments at a time.
If you’re looking for a cheaper handheld steamer, the URPOWER Garment Steamer (Est. $25) heats up in under 1.5 minutes and produces nine minutes of steam on a full tank, which holds about 4.4 ounces of water. It shuts off automatically when the water level is too low or the unit gets too hot, and it’s safe for use on all types of fabric. It’s compact and lightweight enough (at just 1.2 pounds) for easy travel, and reviewers say it does the job well, although it may take more than one pass to completely remove wrinkles from some fabrics. Travel steamers smooth out road wrinkles While any of the above handheld/portable clothes steamers can be used for travel, an even better option is the Conair Travel Smart Garment Steamer (Est. $25). At just one pound it’s super light, and the handle folds in for packing, then back out when it’s time to use the steamer -- a feature that earns high praise from reviewers. In spite of its diminutive size, owners say this Conair clothes steamer works very well, and is far preferable to hauling out the often low-end iron and ironing board at a hotel. Best of all, the Conair Travel Smart has dual voltage support, so it can be used even on international trips to countries that use a different voltage standard than the U.S.
The Conair Travel Smart heats up in minutes and runs continuously for about 10 minutes -- plenty of time, business travelers say, to refresh their suitcase-creased suits, plus it comes with a detachable bristle and lint brush. It’s also very popular with those in charge of organizing destination weddings, earning praise for taking up little space and gently steaming the delicate fabrics of the bridal party’s finery.
Page 23 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 FITNESS TRACKERS Fitness Electronics: How to Choose http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/fitness-monitors.html Want more efficient workouts? A fitness monitor—or “wearable tech”—such as an activity tracker, heart rate monitor or GPS watch can help anyone get more out of exercise. Features range from simple stopwatches and lap timers to sophisticated measures of speed, distance and heart rate that you can analyze, track and share on your smartphone or computer. An emerging trend is “tethering,” which wirelessly pairs your fitness device with your smartphone so that it also serves as a wrist-top extension of your phone’s functions. Of course, before initiating any exercise program, consult a physician to design a program that is well suited for your goals and current conditioning.
PEDOMETERS Best for general fitness; tracking steps. Geared to walkers and runners, apedometer is a pendulum-based unit that counts your steps and translates them to miles. This data can be used to track a workout or tally the distance you walk during a day. Some advanced pedometers can calculate calories burned, remember several days’ worth of data and offer easy downloading of saved information to your computer. Note that basic pedometers provide only estimates because your step/ stride will not be exactly the same each time.
ACTIVITY TRACKERS Best for general fitness, calorie and sleep tracking. An activity tracker isa moderately priced wristband or pocket device that has become increasingly popular. Activity trackers use accelerometers, which are considered the most accurate and reliable step-counting mechanism. Besides tracking your steps, distance and calories burned, an activity tracker can even monitor your sleep at night and gently wake you in the morning. Wristband models offer a comfortable fit for 24/7 monitoring of activity and sleep (and they’re waterproof soyou can even wear them in the shower). Many offer wireless connectivity to your smartphone or tablet and include a free mobile app to let you keep track of your targets, celebrate your successes and share your progress with friends.
RUNNING WATCHES Best for timing your workouts and counting laps. Running watches can be as simple as a digital watch with an alarm and stopwatch. Elaborate multifunction watches may also offer lap-counters, lap splits, countdown timers, interval timers and training logs. Running watches are ruggedly built with some degree of water resistance and typically feature large, easy-to- read displays. However, they offer limited training benefits, because you can’t track distance, speed or heart rate.
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GPS WATCHES Best for tracking speed, distance, altitude. GPS watches include the basic functions of running watches, but also measure how far and how fast you’ve trained during your workout. They may store the information right in the wristwatch data center and/or allow you to link the information to your smartphone or computer. Activity-specific models are aimed at runners or cyclists. They may come with a foot pod or bike cadence sensor to wirelessly send data to the wrist monitor. These devices allow you to continue monitoring data in areas where no satellite reception exists, such as indoor gyms or amid dense forests or tall buildings. Some advanced models can also be coupled with a wireless heart rate monitor chest strap, letting you capture detailed information about how your heart rate changes with activity. GPS watches are weatherproof, and you can even swim with some. However, keep in mind that GPS accuracy can be hampered by immersion in water.
HEART RATE MONITORS Best for monitoring optimum training levels. A heart rate monitor (HRM) measures your heart rate in real time. Most models include training watch features as well. (Note: There’s a good deal of feature overlap between HRMs and GPS sports watches. You may find some products listed in both categories.) Many models let you connect with digital devices and fitness apps so you can track, save and share your progress. There are two types of HRMs: chest-strap models and strapless models. Chest-Strap Models By far the most common style, these consist of a chest strap that fastens around your torso and wirelessly transmits continuous heart rate data to a receiver on your wrist. Basic models time your workout and give you continuous, average, high and low heart rate data. Many advanced models submit a coded signal to prevent other HRMs from interfering with your data. They can be partnered with a foot pod that attaches to your shoelaces to track your speed, distance and cadence. Some have GPS receiver capabilities to track speed, distance and elevation, mark/find locations and save previous course info. Strapless Models: With a strapless HRM, you can track real-time heart-rate data without the discomfort and wireless interference sometimes associated with chest-strap models. Worn on your wrist, a strapless HRM measures your heart rate using a sensor that’s built into the case back or wrist strap. Note that strapless models tend to be less accurate than chest-strap HRMs and do not pair with speed and distance sensors.
Four new body monitors track you 24-7 for fitness and wellness Consumer Reports News: January 14, 2013 02:08 PM
Personal devices that monitor your activity and vital signs and upload that information to your computer or mobile device were the hot health technology at this year’s CES. At the show’s Digital Health Zone, I saw a gaggle of new gadgets that track your body in multiple ways, even during sleep, and integrate that data into a comprehensive report on your overall wellness. Costing $50 to $200 or so, these gizmos attach to your wrist like a watch (some do double duty as watches, too). They monitor your
Page 25 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 movement, heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns, and sometimes more via sensors in contact with your skin. The continual-tracking feature of these devices distinguishes them from a previous generation of devices, such as the Fitbit, that mostly monitor only your movement to help guide fitness programs. Like the older gadgets, however, new body monitors sync wirelessly to your smart phone, tablet, or computer via Bluetooth (if you’re old-school, most also allow a USB connection to your computer) to transfer data and sometimes to receive fitness programming. The data, including information you add on what you’ve eaten, appears on the phone or computer screen as a kind of wellness dashboard that offers data analysis and sometimes plans based on them. That online component is usually included in the price of the device, though it sometimes requires a monthly fee. Most body monitors also include a social-media component that lets you compare your performance against friends who have the same device, and trade encouraging—or taunting—messages with them. Here are some of the most interesting body monitors:
The new Fitbit Flex ($100, photo above) is a narrow neoprene band that felt very comfortable—not a trivial issue for a gadget that’s always on your wrist. But the Flex itself offers little information, save an indicator of how far into the workout you are, and so might prompt you to check your phone or tablet more often than its competitors.
Confusingly similar in name to the Fitbit, the Fitbug (right) costs half as much, at $50. It looks like a large pebble and fits into a wristband as well as pendants and lanyards. Using those hanging options (one of each, plus a wristband, is included in the price) means you lose some vital-signs data, though, because the Fitbug won’t be contacting the skin.
The Basis, which currently costs $200, is fairly bulky (see the video below). But my brief look at it suggested it had the most sophisticated monitoring and programming. It tracks not only total sleep but its quality—it will rate your rest lower, for example, if you tossed and turned. The Basis also evolves goals in response to your progress; for example, it raises exercise goals if you consistently meet lower benchmarks.
Bodymedia currently offers several athletic-looking monitoring armbands, starting at $100. Later in the year, it will offer the most stylish monitor I saw, the bracelet model shown at right. Pricing wasn’t yet available for the device.
How to know if a digital fitness monitor is worth the money http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-know-if-a-digital-fitness-monitor-is-worth-the- money You can track calories, steps, and much more. But should you? The latest trend in high-tech health puts control in the palm of your hand. It’s called digital fitness monitoring, and it comes in the form of tiny gadgets that you wear or place in your pocket. “If you’re already motivated to exercise or eat differently, the monitor is a great tool to track your progress and help you understand where you need to make changes,” says Dr. Anne Thorndike, a preventive medicine researcher and assistant professor of medicine
Page 26 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest at Harvard Medical School. Types and features Digital fitness monitors (DFMs) come in wearable styles such as wristbands, watches, and pendants, as well as hand-held pieces you can clip onto a sleeve or slip into a pocket.
DFM features may be simple, such as sensors that track the amount of steps you take or calories you burn. Or they may be more sophisticated, with sensors that capture your heart rate, perspiration, skin temperature, and sleep patterns. Some DFMs have longer-lasting batteries, light- up screens, and alarms that vibrate or flash to remind you to be more active or announce that you’ve reached a goal. Others have satellite navigation, speed and pace sensors, and even weather gauges. Most have programs for a computer or smartphone that allow you to chart your progress.
What to look for DFM prices increase with the amount of bells and whistles available. You may see one gadget for $25 and another for $750. The majority, however, are in the $50–$200 range. How much you spend is a matter of personal preference. “Sophisticated monitors can be fun, but all you really need to know is how many steps you’re taking,” says Dr. Thorndike. She advises that you first determine what kind of information will help you reach your fitness goals, then consider if you’re going to wear a DFM on your wrist or clip it onto your clothes. “And look for something that’s easy to use and can be charged quickly,” she says.
Making the most of a DFM Before you set your fitness goals, wear the DFM to get a sense of how many steps you already take. “We tell people to shoot for 10,000 steps a day, but if you only take 2,000, you can set your first goal at 3,000,” says Dr. Thorndike. Then use the DFM to see how you’re doing throughout the day: if you’re low on steps by dinner, take a walk afterward.
And consider fitness competitions with others using DFMs. Dr. Thorndike just completed a study that found young adults who used DFMs and engaged in competitions had a small but statistically significant increase in activity levels.
Page 27 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 FITNESS CENTERS/PLANS
On Fitness: Among Health Clubs, Big Isn’t Better A new analysis finds that independent gyms and workout studios please their customers most. By Katherine Hobson, Contributor | Jan. 4, 2008, at 2:31 p.m.
For many people, the idea of a health club is totally unappealing; they hear the phrase and think of overcrowded facilities, sweaty equipment, sleight- of-hand membership sales techniques, and the grunting of weight room fanatics. But a new survey by Consumer Reports finds that those folks are overlooking some less flashy, but wonderful workout options: local independent facilities like work and school gyms, yoga studios, and the Y. The big health club chains, with the exception of Life Time Fitness, fell to the bottom of the ratings, which were based on survey responses from more than 10,000 subscribers to ConsumerReports.org. (The magazine also sent in secret shoppers to gauge how easy it was to join a particular facility.) Tops in overall satisfaction were independent yoga/dance/Pilates studios, followed by Life Time, the gym at work, community centers, the Jewish Community Center, school gyms, and the YM or YWCA. Chains such as Curves, Gold’s Gym, and LA Fitness were in the bottom half. At the way bottom was Bally Total Fitness, which emerged from bankruptcy in the fall. (A Bally spokeswoman, in an E-mailed statement, said that Bally has “many satisfied and loyal long- term members” and has invested almost $30 million in upgrades since the survey was conducted.)
I’ve always approached my health club memberships strategically, calculating exactly what I want to get out of them and what I’m willing to pay for that. (I joined the YMCA up the block as well as taking classes at a dance studio a few subway stops away.) Here’s how I—based on my own experience and what the experts say— would approach joining a gym.
Figure out your budget. In New York, where I live, monthly dues for a bells-and-whistles chain like Equinox can exceed $140. But if you find a pricey place you absolutely love, ask if there are reduced rates for using it less frequently, maybe every other day or during off-peak hours, suggests Jamie Hirsh, associate editor at Consumer Reports and author of the health club article.
Be brutally honest with yourself about what facilities you will actually use. I’m a regular swimmer, so finding a facility with a pool was a priority for me. And I knew I’d use the weights and, on occasion, the treadmill. I figured out how much I was willing to pay for that and landed at the Y, where the aerobics and other classes cost extra (i.e. I’m not paying for classes I don’t use—instead I pay per-class at the dance studio I attend).
Initiation fees are for suckers. This is my personal rule; at some places, a fee may well be nonnegotiable. But it Page 28 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest never hurts to try, and I’ve never met a gym that wouldn’t waive the fee during certain times of the year—say, right after New Year’s.
Look for discounts through other groups. My local triathlon club negotiated a 20 percent discount from the Y, and the $144 a year that saves me is many multiples of the triathlon club’s annual dues.
Understand the contract you’re signing. One of the reasons I love the Y is that I can quit anytime I want with only a month’s notice. Other places aren’t so generous; understand what you’re getting into. (CR’s article has a great rundown of the fine print of contracts).
It’s no bargain if you never go. Some people are fine with a bare-bones gym; others want daycare, a juice bar, and nice-smelling soap or they won’t ever make it there in the first place. Know thyself and buy accordingly. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2008/01/04/on-fitness-among-health-clubs-big-isnt-better
How to Choose a Health Club Things to consider: • Location: For your fitness program to be a success, exercising has to be convenient or it won’t become a realistic lifestyle change. The closer and easier it is to get to (and park your car), the better. Of course, you don’t want to join a health club that doesn’t suit you just because it’s close to your home or office, but if you’re joining a health club that isn’t convenient to get to, you’re a lot more likely to find an excuse to stop going. • Try Before You Buy: Sales staff are very good at selling the many benefits of their health club, but you need to spend some time trying the equipment and “feeling” the atmosphere. Ask for a day pass or trial membership--health clubs have nothing to lose and everything to gain by this. Be sure to try out the club at the time that you would normally workout--you’ll get a better feel for how crowded it is. Notice if there is much of a wait for equipment, how helpful the staff is, and if the equipment is well maintained.You may even ask a few members what they like about the club. • Make Sure They Have What You Want: Make a list of the things that are important to you, such as personal training, childcare, aerobics classes, etc., and make sure the health club has what you need. If classes help to motivate you and the health club doesn’t offer the classes you need, sticking with your exercise program won’t be realistic. Try the class and make sure it is enjoyable, challenging and educational. Just the same, if you have children, make sure the health club has childcare or it will be tough to make it to the club. • Member Profile: Find out what the members are like; see if the atmosphere is comfortable. If you’re a beginner, some clubs may be intimidating. Select a club where you feel comfortable and welcome. • Staff: Make sure there is always someone available to answer your questions, to show you a new exercise, or how to use a piece of equipment. Are they friendly, helpful and knowledgeable? • Costs and Contracts: Find out exactly what the membership fee includes; personal training, classes, pool, towel service, lockers, childcare, etc. Are there extra costs for additional services? This should play a big part in your decision to join a certain health club. Some health clubs have a one-time initiation fee and require Page 29 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 purchasing a minimum of three months up front. Depending on your budget, you may want to find a club that allows you to go on a month-to- month basis. In addition, find out if the health club debits the funds directly out of your Visa or checking account. This can make it easier to pay membership fees but make sure that it’s easy to cancel if you decide you don’t like the club. Be sure you read the contract before you sign so you’re not “locked” into paying even if you move out of town or change health clubs.
Also, have a clear idea of what you can afford to pay and stick to your budget no matter what sales incentives are offered. And don’t be afraid to bargain. If they’re asking $49 a month and all you can afford is $39, offer $39 (if they’ve met previous criteria) and let them know you’re prepared to join then and there.
Need help choosing a health club that will best suit your needs?
The health clubs in the Global Health & Fitness (GHF) directory offer outstanding services: a large selection of high-quality equipment, health and fitness knowledge, and other attractive amenities such as steam room/sauna, Jacuzzi, massage therapy, and more. However, health clubs vary greatly, not only in services and equipment available but also in pricing structure.
Many join a health club with great intentions and then windup unhappy and dissatisfied. Starting a health and fitness program is hard enough--don’t make it more difficult by joining a health club that doesn’t meet your needs.
How to Choose a Health Club Are you thinking of joining a health club? How many times have you skipped a workout because the gym is too far away or will be too crowded when you get there? If you’re like a lot of people, the answer is “too many.” Why give yourself an out? Cut the excuses by doing your homework and choosing a club that’s right for you. It’s no secret that picking a quality club is key to sticking with your program. But choosing a health club can rank high on the confusion meter. Sign-up specials scream in all forms of media, and it seems there’s a new club on every corner. Before you jump on the latest two-for-one membership deal, take the time to consider these helpful tips: • Location—For your fitness routine to be successful, exercise has to be convenient. You’re more likely to use a club if it is close to either your home or workplace. While you don’t want to choose a health club only because it is close to your home or work, joining a club that isn’t convenient will make you more likely to find an excuse to stop going. • Classes—If classes are what keep you motivated, make sure the club offers an eclectic mix of classes you like and that they are offered at a time of day that fits your schedule. • Staff—Staff members should be CPR and AED trained. Personal trainers and group fitness instructors should be certified through a certification organization accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies like the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Credible certification can assure you that the instructor meets the guidelines to provide a safe and efficient workout. ACE offers referrals to
Page 30 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest certified fitness professionals via its website—www.acefitness.org. • Hours—Lots of health clubs open early and stay open late. Before you join, though, make sure your club is open when you plan to go. Then visit the club at the times you intend to work out. Check whether the club is too crowded or if there are long lines for equipment at that time. • Try it before you buy it—Salespeople are trained to hype the benefits of their health club, but you need to actually try out some of the equipment and get a feel for the club’s atmosphere before you sign up. Request a day pass or a trial membership, which is a good way to ‘’test drive’’ the health club’s services. • Payments—Many clubs have a variety of payment options. Find a payment schedule that meets your budget needs and take advantage of any sign-up specials. Find out exactly what the membership fee is and what it includes. Will you have to pay extra for childcare and towels? Don’t forget to ask if they require an initiation fee. And if you are joining a new club that hasn’t opened yet, make sure that any deposits or payments are held in an escrow account until they officiallyopen. • Reputation—Before you join, talk to current members about their experiences with the club. The Better Business Bureau or state Attorney General’s office can tell you if the club is a member or if any complaints have been registered against it. Added security comes if the club is a member of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). IHRSA clubs must oblige by a code of ethics that protects the health and safety of their members, as well as protects consumers from unscrupulous business practices. To find an IHRSA club in your area, visit www.healthclubs.com. • Little details—As you tour the club, pay attention to details. How clean is the facility? Is the music too loud? Is most of the equipment in working order? Too many ‘’out of order’’ signs may indicate poor maintenance. Are new members provided with a club orientation and instruction on how to use equipment? Make sure the club is a place where you would enjoy spending time. With a little research and patience, you will be rewarded with a membership at a health club you can call “home.” More importantly, you will be reaping the long-term benefits of a structured exercise program that perfectly suits your lifestyle.
10 Things To Look For When Choosing A Gym. https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/sclark32.htm
What do you look for when trying to find a good gym? Here I will list 10 things to consider when taking the time to find a membership with qualities you are looking for. So you’ve finally decided to start a fitness program and are now on the lookout for the perfect gym to join.
Or maybe you’ve been working out at home religiously for the last little while and feel that the gym environment would help keep you motivated and offer you the social aspect of working out that you don’t receive while exercising alone at home. Regardless of your circumstance there are some key factors you should take into consideration when looking for a new fitness home.
1. Cost This is obviously going to be an important factor for most people. Many people out there today cannot afford the high priced memberships and personal training fees that some elite clubs offer. This does not mean you have to shy away altogether however. If you are smart about it, often you can find ways to lower the cost.
Page 31 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 Discount Seasons The first thing to do is consider the season when buying your membership. Most gyms will offer discounted rates at the peak joining times such as right after the New Year and in September when most students go back to school. This is when they anticipate a greater enrollment population as people are either trying to keep their New Year’s resolutions or are just getting back into the swing of things after taking the summer off.
If you can, try and hold off getting your membership until either of these times and your chance of paying a lower rate is greatly increased.
Avoid Extras Secondly, when you have found a gym that you feel comfortable with, don’t succumb to some of the pressures that the salespeople are going to try and get you to buy into. They are professionals at what they do and are trained to make you think you need things you don’t.
You may find yourself paying for extra privileges that you won’t ever use or might use only on a few occasions. It’s important when you are sitting down before signing the contract to have someone thoroughly go through the entire membership, explaining all the terms (ex. guest fees, payment methods - some gyms have payment plan options available, membership renewals, etc).
Avoid Long Term Agreements One thing that gyms are notorious for doing is trapping you into long term agreements where you sign to become a member for 1-3 year blocks. This is generally not the best approach as if you find yourself unhappy with the gym after a short period of time you are basically locked in and will be paying regardless of whether you go or not.
2. Member Profile More gyms these days are catering to only a specific group of people. There are gyms that are targeting women only, seniors, competitive athletes, or men. Women
This may be a particular concern if you are a woman. Many women feel slightly intimidated lifting weights among the stronger male population and will end up bypassing this part of their workout, which is something you definitely want to avoid. On The Other Hand, Some Men Might Be Intimidated By The Women Lifting More Than Them. Ha!
They may also feel uncomfortable going to a mixed gender gym as they find that they are constantly being objectified by the male population and would rather spend their time working out rather than worrying about what others are thinking of them.
Specialized Programs Another advantage of specialized population gyms is that they often will also offer programs that appeal more to the population they are targeting. For example, gyms targeting seniors may offer more aquasize classes, as this type of exercise is much easier on the joints and will cause a lot less stress for the older exercising crowd.
Page 32 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest How Many Members Finally, the last bit of information you might want to find out about the member profile is how many members there are and how busy it gets during the peak times.
You probably don’t want to spend your workout time standing around waiting for equipment so if you plan on working out right after work or in the morning before work (as when the majority of the population does) this would be a good bit of information to obtain.
It may be important to you to find a gym that offers more cardio equipment, as these seem to fill up the fastest during the peak hours, so you will have less worries of showing up only to find that you won’t be getting your workout in anytime soon.
3. Equipment When looking for a gym, one thing you should make sure you do is go inside and take a good walk around. There are so many different types of equipment out there today and you will want to be sure that the gym has the ones you most often use.
Dumbbells If you mostly use dumbbells for your workout, you will want to check and see that they have multiple sets so that you can easily continue your workout if someone is utilizing the weight you normally use.
Weight Machines When looking at weight machines, some of the higher end machines have options that you can change so that you are putting the emphasis of your lift on a certain phase of the exercise (for example the concentric (shorting of the muscle) phase). This may help you to vary your workout routine more and bust out of plateaus. Other factors to look for in free weight machines are that they have been maintained and don’t look as though they will fall apart anytime soon. Many of the older gyms you go into have machines that look like they’re from the dinosaur era and might not be the safest thing to be using.
Stretching Areas Another good factor to look for is the stretching area. Many gyms surprisingly don’t even have one, or only allow a small space for stretching. Stretching is an important part of your workout and should not be left out.
If the area only accommodates one or two people however, you likely won’t be spending much time on this aspect of your fitness routine.
Cardio Machines If you are heavy into the cardio exercise, check that the machines are in good condition and offer the latest features. The treadmills should have inclines and many also have heart rate readers so you can track how hard you are working.
Ensure that the bikes all have straps on the pedals as this seems to also be a popular problem in some gyms (people taking the straps off and them mysteriously going missing). If you really enjoy mixing upyour workouts, you may also want to see if they have alternate cardio machines such as ellipticals, rowers, and recumbent bikes.
Page 33 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 Check on the Crowd Finally, when walking around the gym, be sure that everything is not too crowded. Once it gets busy and people are all off doing their own thing, you don’t want to be distracted during your workout and feel like you have a limited space to work in. This may distract you and cause you to be less focused during your workout, thus setting yourself up for reduced progress and possibly even injury.
4. Extra Features Working Out With Children. Getting back in shape after having a baby requires excellent time management! The more you can work child’s play into your workout, the more time there is for everything else that needs to be taken care of during the day.
Some gyms will also offer added features to their members such as daycare, massage or physical therapy (usually at a cost), and a juice or snack bar.
If you have a young child that you have a hard time finding a babysitter for, this could be a very strong factor in your decision in choosing a gym.
You will want to enquire about the costs of daycare, whether it is worked into your membership or whether you will be charged extra for it.
The juice or snack bar is also a handy option to have for post-workout meals, but have a look and make sure they are offering a healthy selection and it’s not just a form of fast food for those on the go. Some gyms also have nutritionists working on board so if this is an aspect of your life you wish to get help with, you may want to make use of this as well.
What Is A Proper Pre, During, And Post Workout Nutrition Diet? The question this week is all about nutrition before, during, and after a workout. Learn what our forum members think works best.
5. Accessibility You will want to take into account where the gym is relative to your house. The farther away the gym is, the less likely you will find yourself going.
Another option would be to consider how close the gym is to your work. This may be more convenient for you, so you can stop at the gym in the morning on your way to work or after on your way home.
Since you already have to go out of the house (or are already out from working) at least you won’t have this hurdle to overcome.
6. Cleanliness This may not seem like that much of an important consideration to begin with, but once you are there and working out, if the gym has not been maintained and cleaned on a regular basis, you will find yourself uncomfortable using much of the equipment.
Check for things like fresh towels for people to use while they are working out, numerous spray bottles located around the gym to wipe equipment down after use, as well as ask about how often the gym brings in maintenance people.
Page 34 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest 7. Maintenance Nothing is more frustrating than going to the gym, finding a piece of equipment broken, notifying someone about it, and then going back in a few days for your next workout to find it is still broken.
Of course some problems require more time to repair, however little things that can be easily taken care of should be solved in a timely manner.
8. Hours Of Operation Everyone has a different preference for when they like to work out. Some people are early morning people where others would rather wait until the gym is empty and go late into the night.
Some gyms are open 24 hours for their members and this may be something you will want to look for. Inquire about their holiday gym hours. Are they closed on all statutory holidays? What about weekends? Do they have reduced hours on these days?
Depending on your dedication to working out, you may want to look for a place that stays open on most days of the year.
Many people use holidays as a time to workout, seeing how they have the day off of work and finally have a chance to spend a fair amount of time in the gym, so having a gym that remains open is most definitely beneficial.
9. Personal Training Options Gyms offer many different type of personal training options. Some offer plans that come right with your membership whereas with others you buy separately as a personal training package.
Often there are also deals, where the more sessions you book, the cheaper each session is.
Find out if there are discounts for group rates, and if you have a friend who trains at this gym as well, this might be a way to cut back on some costs and make working out more fun!
Ask about the qualifications of the personal trainers that are hired. Some trainers out there are nothing more than professional rep counters and you want to make sure you are giving your money to someone who is qualified and knows what they’re talking about.
Some certifications are relatively easy to obtain so you will want to look for someone who has an advanced degree/certification to ensure you get the help and support you need with your fitness goals.
10. Membership Privileges The last thing you will want to take into consideration is what privileges come with being a member. Some gyms offer discounts off of services such as tanning or fitness clothing shops (particularly if there is one located right in the gym).
Often too, if this is a chain gym you are joining, you will be allowed to have access to their sister gyms at no additional charge. This might come in very handy if you have a career where you find yourself traveling a lot.
Page 35 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 Which Is Most Important To You When Looking For A Gym? • Cost. • Member Profile. • Equipment. • Extra Features. • Accessibility. • Cleanliness. • Maintenance. • Hours of Operation. • Personal Training Options. Membership Privileges.
Conclusion: So before you go off and sign a 3 year contract at the first gym you walk into, shop around a bit, ask some questions, and even ask about what kind of trial memberships are available.
Often you can get a one week free pass to try out a gym before making any commitments, which is the perfect chance to see if a particular gym meets your needs.
If it is lacking some things, chances are there is another gym out there that isn’t, so keep it in mind, but move on to the next place. After enough looking, you are bound to find one that will match your workout personality perfectly!
Page 36 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest COMPUTERS Laptops vs. Tablets: The Ultimate Showdown By Brian Westover
Ever since the emergence of the iPad as a major technology product, the question has been asked: laptop or tablet? Is a laptop even necessary when tablets can perform so many of the same functions? Are we truly living in the post-PC era? The answer is, it depends. Every person uses their technology a bit differently, and some can indeed get by with a tablet alone. But don’t go assuming that the days of the laptop are numbered. While some can make do with a tablet, there are some compromises required for the tablet-only lifestyle that some users can’t make. To help you figure out which device is right for you, here are a few of the best features of each.
Laptops: Laptops, like desktop PCs before them, have a built-in benefit over tablets, and that benefit is power. As a rule, laptops have more powerful processing hardware, allowing for a wider range of uses, faster performance and better multitasking. Laptops can easily handle common tablet uses—like Web browsing and media streaming— and then go significantly further, with uses ranging from simple data entry to complex tasks like photo and video editing.
And while games may be a significant part of any app store, serious PC gaming is worlds away from Angry Birds and Cut the Rope, relying on faster processors and discrete graphics processing to crank out complex rendered environments at resolutions and frame rates that tablets can’t touch. Even a PC gaming tablet like the Razer Edge Pro can’t match the raw performance offered by the likes of the MSI GX70 3Be-007US, our Editors’ Choice for entry-level gaming.
Joining the processing hardware is storage. Where tablets may boast anywhere from 16 to 128GB of storage space, the average laptop offers 500GB or more. Even the slimmest laptops featuring smaller SSDs— like the Apple MacBook Air 11-inch (Mid 2013)—offer at least 128GB, starting where tablets top out. Add in features like optical drives for DVD or Blu-ray discs, card slots for full-size SD cards, and USB-connected flash drives and portable drives, and you can have mountains of data at your fingertips.
There’s also the question of form factor. Laptops have the benefit of having a keyboard and mouse built-in, allowing you to do all of the typing and mouse-related work you would do on a desktop. Touch screens don’t offer the same level of granular control that a mouse and cursor does, while on screen keyboards are really only fit for entering short bursts of text, such as a status update or a tweet. A physical keyboard is a must for entering long blocks of text, and a mouse is far more efficient than a touchscreen for frequent swapping of windows, clicking of links, and general moussing around. This is even more important in the workplace, where those very tasks may make up the bulk of your day.
Then there’s the question of ports and peripherals. While both laptops and tab lets have an ecosystem of accessories and devices around them, laptops—with their broadly compatible USB ports, HDMI outputs, and other features— work with a universe of accessories that don’t need to be tailored to a specific device, but will work with most any properly equipped PC. From mice and keyboards to webcams and storage devices, laptops are the easy choice.
Bottom line: If you need to do serious work, need powerful processing or multitasking, or need compatibility with
Page 37 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 a specific accessory or storage device, there’s no good alternative to the laptop. Tablets can fulfill some of these needs some of the time, but when it’s time to get things done, the laptop still reigns.
Tablets: On the other hand, considering that most laptops start at $500 and go up from there, tablets are, with few exceptions, more affordable. The Apple iPad (4th Generation, Wi-Fi) $179.95@ Walmart.com might start at $500, but there are dozens of competitors like the Google Nexus 7 and the Amazon Kindle Fire HD (7”, Wi-Fi) that cut that price in half, making tablets one of the most affordable options around when it comes to media, games and the Web. The exception to this pricing is the Windows tablet, which attempts to merge the PC operating system with the form-factor and touch screen of a tablet. Where tablets running on Android and iOS can be had for less than $300, the latest Windows 8 tablets start at $400 and many sell for over $1,000. Whether or not the tablet market will support laptop pricing is a question that’s largely unanswered, but if price is a consideration, you may want to steer clear of Windows tablets.
The design of the modern tablet—all touch screen—is also extremely intuitive, especially when paired with touch-friendly operating systems, be it Windows 8, Android, or iOS. The icon-heavy designs are very easy for tech-newcomers to figure out, and gestures like swiping from one screen to the next are far easier to grasp than tapping Windows keys or navigating a file tree. Many tablets support some level of multitasking, allowing you to run one or more apps in the background while working in another, but the full screen focus of most tablets is also seen as a distraction-free alternative to the multitasking of Windows.
The small size of tablets also make them more mobile. While laptops maybe be portable, easily packed along in a laptop bag, tablets are truly mobile, tailored for use while in motion instead of sitting stationary. The smaller form factor also makes it more comfort able to use the device casually. A tablet can be used at the library, but also on the subway, in the kitchen, on the couch, in bed, and everywhere in between. The small screens are also well suited to personal media consumption, whether it’s watching shows and movies or reading an eBook or website.
Tablets also offer excellent battery life. This efficiency is the flipside of the processing issue --smaller, less powerful mobile processors are also more battery efficient, sipping at a battery for hours longer than even a long-lived laptop. Where laptop PCs deal in software, tablets are all about apps, providing a user experience tailored to the use of a touch screen, and blending always-on data connectivity with the unique capabilities of a mobile device, taking advantage of touch input, motion sensors, GPS data, and built-in cameras. Apps are also generally less expensive than PC software, with a large selection available completely free.
While laptops offer all sorts of options for file support and available programs, the process of buying and consuming digital media is often simpler on a tablet than anywhere else. Broadcasters and movie studios are bending over backwards with apps and services that put their content into the hands of iOS and Android users, and digital distribution through iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play have supplanted many of the traditional outlets as the go to source for media.
If your daily computer use revolves around the internet and social media, streaming services like Spotify and Netflix, and only light productivity, then you may be able to make do with a tablet alone.
Hybrids: With all of this laptop-versus-tablet talk, it’s worth noting that companies are hard at work to bring you the best of both worlds. Intel has spent gobs of money promoting an array of two-in- one devices, with
Page 38 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest small laptops with detachable tablets, like the HP Envy X2 (11-g012nr) or the Lenovo ThinkPad Helix, and convertible designs that flip and fold between the two, like the Lenovo Idea Pad Yoga 11S or the Dell XPS 12. These laptop/tablet hybrids are made to close the gap between laptop capabilities and tablet convenience, and the new hybrid category will only get better over time as technologies improve and designs are refined.
Tablet users are also presented with a phalanx of accessories, like cases with built-in stands to prop up tablets, and keyboards to provide a better typing experience, all aimed at bringing the productive aspects of the laptop-to-tablet users who find themselves wishing they could do more.
As of now, these blended devices and cobbled-together collections of accessories tend to be hit- or-miss experiments in design, but designers and engineers are working out the bugs with every iteration, and soon the laptop vs. tablet question may disappear entirely.
Can’t We All Just Get Along? And though there are clear reasons to favor one device over the other for certain specific uses, the laptop versus tablet debate is a false one. In today’s connected world, there isn’t really an either-or decision to be made—laptops and tablets are best used together, as companion devices.
The ideal setup will vary from one person to the next, but many shoppers who make the decision to forgo a laptop or skip the whole tablet thing find themselves butting up against the simple reality that there is no one device that is best for everything. Tablets and laptops are really designed to be companion devices, sharing files via cloud storage and allowing you to take your Web-connected life everywhere.
Should You Buy Refurbished Electronics? Preowned electronics can be a great deal—if you follow these shopping tips By Consumer Reports Last updated: December 13, 2016
If you’re looking to save money on electronics, it is smart to consider a device that has been used—or at least opened—in exchange for a significant discount. Many manufacturers and retailers offer refurbished laptops, smartphones, and other electronics that have been returned, then repaired until they’re just like new, and finally put back on sale for less than list price.
Only a small number of refurbs—about 5 percent, according to a 2011 survey by technology consulting firm Accenture—are defective. Some haven’t even been touched by the original owner; they might have been returned because a delivery guy nicked the box during shipping.
In other cases, when there is a true defect, a retailer such as Best Buy sends the item to an authorized repair center or the manufacturer for inspection, repair, and repackaging. And, of course, repricing. For a consumer, the savings can be substantial. At Best Buy, for example, you can purchase a refurbished Xbox One console for $180, a substantial discount on the original price of $299.
On Nikon’s website, a DF SLR body sells for $2,300, a tidy savings on Amazon’s $2,746 price.
But not every refurbished item is a bargain, so it pays to do your homework. Target, for example, is selling the Samsung UN55JU6400F 55-inch smart TV for $720. When you see the original price of $1,200, you might think that’s a great deal.
Page 39 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 But a little online research reveals that the set in question is a 2015 model, and Walmart is selling the same set in non-refurbished condition for $649. What’s more, the 2016 model, the UN55KU6300, is available new for less than $800 at any number of outlets.
Apple presents refurb fans with an unusual opportunity. Because the company’s products are rarely discounted anywhere, savvy shoppers scan the company’s certified refurbished section hoping to take advantage of discounts of 10 to 25 percent. A recent 12-inch Macbook with a 1.1 Ghz Intel Core M3 processor and 256 gigs of flash storage sells for $1,099. The original price: $1,399.
Indeed, sites like Refurb Tracker monitor Apple’s refurb inventory, sending you an alert when the item you want pops up on the site. Refurb Tracker also provides a history section that informs you which configurations are currently available, when they were last in stock, and the most recent price.
That can help you determine whether you’re pursuing a rare machine—in which case you might want to set your alarm for the wee hours when Apple often adds new inventory—or a relatively common computer that is likely to be there in the morning.
Kyle Wiens, CEO of tech repair site iFixit, thinks buying refurbished can be smart, even if you don’t care about getting a deal. “Every computer I’ve ever bought has been a refurb,” he says.
He explains that refurbished electronics get a once-over from a technician, which doesn’t happen with most new products, so they might be more reliable. Refurbs are also environmentally friendly—it’s far less wasteful to repair and repackage an existing product than to manufacture a new one. “People have this fixation with new, and I don’t understand it,” Wiens says. “It’s a good buy. It’s better for everybody.” Tips for Buying Refurbished • Keep an eye on return policies. Apple offers a 14-day return policy for new and refurbished products. But printer manufacturer Epson follows a stricter policy, accepting returns only on defective merchandise. • Understand credit card protection—or lack thereof. Some cards offer purchase protection for items such as laptops or cameras but not if the products have been used. Check the fine print to see whether your card excludes refurbished goods. • Look for a long warranty period. On the low end, retailers offer 30 days, but you can often get 90. Apple provides a yearlong warranty. • Buy from brands you trust. Purchasing a refurbished laptop from Best Buy, which sends all refurbished products to authorized repair technicians, is most likely safer than purchasing the same laptop from your local repair shop. If you’re buying from a source that isn’t as well-known, do your research before handing over your cash. Where to Shop: Here’s a rundown on warranties and what’s offered at some of the major sellers of refurbished electronics. • Amazon: The huge online retailer sells refurbished, used, and open-box products under Amazon Warehouse. Be careful, though: The company doesn’t include warranties on these items. • Apple: All of Apple’s refurbished products come with a yearlong warranty, which is reassuring if you’re worried about the lifespan of your gadgets. The discounts aren’t steep, but $100 off an iPad Air 2 ain’t nothing to sneeze at. • Best Buy: The company’s Best Buy Outlet store sells open-box, preowned, and refurbished products, all under one online roof. Warranties range from 90 days to one year, depending on the product. Page 40 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest • GameStop: The video game store offers used games, tablets, and consoles. Preowned games and electronics are tested and repaired but come with a slim seven-day return window (probably to prevent customers from binge-playing, then returning them for a refund). If you’re looking to save a few bucks or get a deal on an older game or console, you can’t go wrong with this retailer.
Laptop vs. Tablet http://www.diffen.com/difference/Laptop_vs_Tablet_computer
Laptops are intended to be mobile desktop computers and are built with powerful enough hardware to accommodate productivity on the go. Tablets are handheld devices that are mainly used for watching videos and browsing the internet. A significant difference lies in its use; laptops are generally used for content creation, while tablets are more for content consumption.
Laptop versus Tablet computer comparison chart LAPTOP TABLET COMPUTER
Apple, Dell, Toshiba, Acer, Asus, Lenovo, Apple, Asus, Google, Lenovo, Panasonic, Main Manufacturers HP, Samsung, Sony, MSI, AlienWare, Samsung, Microsoft, Amazon, LG, Sony Microsoft Small and sleek to large and bulky. Screen Size sizes normally range from 10 to 20 inches 5 to 13 inches. across. Cannot handle difficult tasks, lack of The battery life of a regular laptop is lim- built- in keyboard and extra connection Constraints ited and deteriorates with age. ports can make a tablet less usable in certain situations. Primary usage is mobility and replicates Usage the usage of a personal computer with Used as a mobile alternative to the laptop extra durability.
Page 41 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 Laptop versus Tablet computer comparison chart
Laptop Tablet computer
Machines that are meant to be powerful A tablet computer, or simply tablet, is Introduction on the go—essentially, mobile desktop a mobile computer that has its display, computers. circuitry, and battery in a single unit. Primarily used for entertainment and “light” tasks—watching movies, browsing Primarily used for work or gaming. Can be Use the internet. Not very powerful, but useful powerful enough to handle difficult tasks. due to size, lightweight, and long battery life. Almost every laptop is capable of OS supporting any operating system. The most Several, but most common are Android, (Operating System) well known are Windows, OS X (Apple), iOS, and Windows. and Linux. Has fans and other system like in desktop None Cooling system adjusted to suit its use. Varies greatly. Some smaller laptops go for Varies by size and amount of storage. Price around $200. High- end, larger laptops can Typically between $200 and $500. cost well over $1,000. Varies by size, but generally 2 to 7lbs (1 to Varies by size, but generally .5 to 2lbs Weight 3kg). (225g to 1kg). HDD Normally between 500 GB to 1 TB or Usually 8 to 64GB with the option to add (Hard-disc capacity) larger. an SD card or similar extra storage.
Contents: Laptop vs Tablet Variations and Niches The lines have sometimes blurred between today’s high-end and low-end laptop and tablet models, meaning you should thoroughly research a laptop or tablet prior to purchase to ensure it can meet your needs. From bulky budget machines made with cheap plastic; to high-end notebooks with sleek profiles, aluminum shells, and powerful processors; to laptops and tablets with retina display, there is a device for every kind of user. In the mid to late 2000s, netbooks—lightweight, compact, low-powered laptops with a long battery life— became popular, ushering in the current era of greater mobility. Following in the netbook’s footsteps, some of today’s laptops, like Google’s lightweight Chromebook, are only intended for internet browsing, reading, and video watching. Similarly, many tablets, including some laptop-tablet hybrids, some of which run on Windows RT, are mainly intended for entertainment and are not high-powered enough to accommodate work outside of basic document creation and editing. There are even phablets, large smartphones that may or may not be as powerful as tablets, depending on the model. Notebooks (standard, lightweight laptops), ultrabooks (sleek, high-powered laptops that drop the optical drive and use solid state hard drives), and slate tablets, which aim to directly compete with laptops, are high-powered enough for more serious work, like detailed photo or video editing. With careful consideration of laptop specifications, you can even purchase a PC gaming laptop capable of playing the latest, graphic-intensive games.
Page 42 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Strengths Size: With the exception of laptops with large (>16 inch) screens, both laptops and tablets are small enough to carry around in small backpacks or bags.
The primary strength of tablets—in fact, the main reason for their existence—is portability and convenience. When Apple first released the iPad, many were skeptical about whether people would find it useful, but the public quickly displayed a massive appetite for the mobility and ease of use that tablets offer.
There is some overlap in terms of device size. There are large tablets, and there are small laptops. As such, size and subsequent portability are not the only factors you should consider when deciding between a laptop and tablet.
Hardware: Because of their hardware, laptops can perform more difficult tasks than tablets can. A laptop’s typically larger size also allows for a bigger screen, a more powerful processor, and more storage space, meaning laptops are better for graphic-intensive applications, such as gaming or processing photos and videos.
High-end laptops are becoming more compact while remaining powerful, and are therefore coming closer to bridging the gap between the portability of tablets and the processing power of desktop machines.
As they are handheld devices, tablets work well as e-readers. Another major benefit is the inclusion of front- and rear-facing cameras on most tablets, which allows tablets to function as digital cameras and can be useful for making video calls.
Where tablets really shine over laptops is when it comes to battery life: they can be used for seven to 12 hours straight, on average. One of the reasons tablets have this better, longer battery life is because they don’t perform difficult tasks that require lots of power.
Software: If you want the ability to edit high quality photos, video, or audio, a powerful laptop is capable of handling these applications (e.g., Adobe Photoshop). With their built-in keyboards and touchpad, laptops are much more suited to productivity than tablets. Creating documents, from word-processing to making spreadsheets or slideshows, is much easier on a laptop than a tablet. Laptops also have more USB ports and other input/output options for external displays, hard drives, and mice.
For many, the built-in keyboard of a laptop is superior to the touchscreens, external keyboards, and pen styluses of tablets. However, others find the touchscreen of a tablet more accessible and intuitive. If you are concerned about productivity, a laptop is more likely to meet your needs, but, depending on your work and personal preferences, you should not necessarily rule out a tablet.
Weaknesses: Size: Laptops are not as mobile as tablets, as they generally require a surface on which to work from. They are not handheld devices, and while laptops can certainly do everything that tablets can in terms of browsing and creating content, they cannot be used everywhere with ease.
Page 43 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 Hardware: Laptops have shorter battery lives, limiting their mobility, and are less suited to travel than tablets (although ultrabooks are increasingly small and lightweight). Their operating systems are more open and complicated, and therefore more vulnerable to malware and glitches in general.
Tablets lack a built-in keyboard or touchpad, so all input is usually accomplished through the touchscreen. Various external keyboards and other accessories are available, but these can diminish the main benefits of a tablet: mobility and convenience; moreover, external keyboards, which tend to be small, are generally not comfortable for long periods of use. Tablets also have smaller screens, and so are less immersive for viewing movies and playing games. Their less powerful processors are not suited to intensive photo or video editing. Tablets tend to have fewer available ports for plugging in external hard drives or connecting to an external monitor.
Many tablets are essentially large smartphones in terms of their hardware. They have less internal storage space (generally, 16-64GB) and less RAM (<1GB, compared to most modern laptops’ >4GB).
Software: While there are numerous apps for most tablet operating systems, their scope is limited due to hardware constraints. Most apps are usable, but simplistic. This is in direct and extreme contrast to software made for laptops and desktops, which can usually be as simple or as powerful as need be.
Price Although netbooks can still be found for around $200, they are less likely to fit the needs of either a laptop user or a tablet user. A more practical laptop starts around $400 for a capable budget machine, and laptops in the mid- range of $700 to $800 are generally powerful enough for most users, although Apple devices, like the MacBook, will cost more than this. Power users looking to perform intensive work with media files or play games will usually be looking at the $1000 range and above, with some top-of- the-line laptops priced at $3,000 or more.
Another recent option is a Chromebook, which starts at around $200. All software on the Chromebook is web- based using Google’s apps. As such, third-party software cannot be installed directly on these machines, so they are very limited, but do offer a serious budget option if basic productivity and web surfing is all you need.
A good budget tablet can be found for $200. Budget tablets tend to be fairly small, run on a Windows or Android operating system, and do not have a large amount of internal storage—usually less than 16GB. $350 to $500 will lead to mid-range devices with larger screens and better all-around performance. Apple products are also available in this price range. $900 will buy a large slate tablet, a high-powered tablet which aims to replace a laptop that can run a full version of the Windows operating system. Phablet prices vary with phone contract offers, but can generally be purchased with a contract for $200 to $300.
Where to Buy: • From a massive online warehouse like Amazon.com or Newegg: A site like Amazon is where you are most likely to find a deal on a new computer. • Buy online directly from a manufacturer, or to buy from a brick and mortar store: • Manufacturer websites are a good option if you’d like to customize a machine to suit your needs, and to have the peace of mind from ordering direct. • A physical store: The main benefit of brick and mortar stores is the ability to physically try out and interact with a device before purchasing it, but physical stores will have a smaller selection available on- hand, and one cannot expect to find a discount inside of an Apple store.
Page 44 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest • From a cell phone provider: Some tablets can be purchased through cell phone providers and include 4G/ LTE capabilities.
Choosing Between a Laptop and Tablet: When deciding between a laptop or a tablet, keep in mind that laptops are generally for content creation, while tablets are more for content consumption. The work of creating videos, managing photos, building a website, writing a book, and so on is much more easily accomplished on a laptop. Though tablets occasionally replace traditional paper and clipboard, they are generally less conducive to intensive work, even with a pen stylus or external keyboard. If you want need or want to create content, a laptop is almost certainly required.
Tablets are made to be quick and easy devices for content consumption: watching videos and movies, browsing the internet, reading the news, reading a book, listening to music, playing mobile games, etc. If you want a device that is easy to use casually or while on the go—while traveling or while lying on the couch—a tablet is the way to go. Similarly, tablets are also easier for small children and the elderly to become familiar with, as touchscreen interfaces are generally more intuitive.
A business traveler is probably most suited for the power and portability of a laptop, while a casual traveler might be better served by the lightweight applications of a tablet.
Choosing between tablet, desktop or laptop Marc Saltzman, Special for USA TODAY http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/personal/2015/03/21/shopping-tablet-pc/25012357/
Question is, what should you buy? If it’s a computer you need — or, want — there’s no shortage of form factors to choose from. As you probably know, the three main types are laptops, desktops and tablets — but it can be confusing as there are hybrids, too, such as “2-in-1” laptops that let you remove the screen to use like a tablet, along with portable “all-in-one” desktops with a similar detachable feature.
That said, the following are some obvious – and perhaps not so obvious – advantages and disadvantages for each the main form factors.
TABLETS Unlike a conventional laptop’s keyboard and trackpad, tablets are very easy to use because you navigate through all your content by simply tapping, swiping, flicking and pinching your fingertips. You can also use your voice to access info. Touch and voice are very natural ways to interface with devices.
Because they’re thin and light, tablets are more portable than laptops, plus they turn on right away, like a smartphone; therefore, there’s no waiting to boot up the operating system. An average laptop’s battery lasts five or six hours; a tablet is usually twice as long at 10 to 12 hours.
Some tablets offer cellular connectivity along with Wi-Fi, which isn’t as easy to find in a laptop. Tablets have GPS, so they’re ideal for navigation and location-based services, and many models have dual cameras.
Finally, some tasks are simply more conducive on a tablet, such as reading e-books, digital magazines and newspapers.
Tablet prices start at $49, which makes it the least expensive computer you can buy, but high-end ones could cost upwards of $799 if you want one with a ton of storage and cellular connectivity.
Page 45 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 LAPTOPS Though tablets offer numerous advantages over laptops, they can’t compete in other areas.
Perhaps most importantly — especially for those who do a lot of typing — a physical keyboard is more com- fortable, accurate and fast than a tablet’s “virtual” (on-screen) keyboard. Students who type up a lot of essays, workers who write lengthy documents and heavy e-mail users might prefer a laptop for this reason – though there are optional keyboard accessories for tablets, too.
A laptop gives you more screen real estate to work with your programs and multitask between them. Most laptops are 14 or 15 inches, which is much bigger than a 7- to 10-inch tablet. Watching a movie or playing a game is better on a bigger screen, which delivers a more immersive experience.
A few other considerations in favor of laptops: They tend to have 10 times the storage (at least 320GB hard drive compared with an average of 32GB of Flash memory); laptops have USB and SD card ports to easily get files on and off the computer (only a couple of tablets do, by comparison); and a laptop’s clamshell design helps protect the screen when not in use.
As for price, laptops typically start at $199 for a Windows 8 machine – but don’t expect decent power until you pay $399 to start – while a MacBook Air starts at $899 for an 11-inch model. A beefier MacBook Pro will set you back at least $1,099. Those on a tight budget might consider a Chromebook, as these Google-powered laptops start at just $129.
DESKTOPS Though not as popular as they once were, desktop computers are still around – and they do offer some advantages to laptops and tablets.
Since they’re designed for stationary use — that is, staying in one spot in the home or office — desktops are less prone to damage. After all, they aren’t being dropped or banged in a backpack or large purse like a laptop or tablet would. They’re also less likely to be stolen as they’re always in one place.
Desktop computers have larger screens than a laptop or tablet — up to 30 inches in some cases — so they’re better for entertainment lovers (movies, computer games) and more ideal for multitasking as you can have multiple windows open at the same time. Or you can easily add a second monitor. Perhaps influenced by the tablet craze, many desktops (and laptops) offer a touchscreen display, along with a keyboard and mouse (trackpad on a laptop).
Computer users who like to tinker prefer a desktop as they’re more “modular” – it’s much easier to upgrade components, such as a video card, hard drive or solid state drive (SSD) and system memory (RAM), on a tower- based desktop than a laptop. Note: Components on many “all-in-one” desktops aren’t that easy to change as they’re packed in behind the monitor.
Parents with young kids might consider a desktop in a central location in the home - such as a kitchen, family room or any other highly trafficked area — so Mom and Dad can keep an eye on where children go online and with whom they’re communicating.
Windows-based desktops typically start at $299 for an entry-level machine, or about $399 for a desktop with monitor. Most prices hover from $599 to $899, but you could spend many thousands on a high-end gaming rig. An “all-in-one” iMac starts at $1,099 for a 21.5-inch model.
Page 46 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest HEADPHONES Headphones come in all sizes and types, from tiny earbuds to bid, over –the-ear DJ style models. They’re indispensable for listening to music on the go, or for watching videos on a tablet, laptop or smartphone.
What to look for: 1. Clear, accurate sound with sufficient volume. 2. A comfortable fit 3. If you don’t want to be disturbed by outside noise, look for an isolating design that physically blocks sound or headphones with active noise-canceling. 4. Wireless headphones if you don’t want cords tangling or flapping. 5. A model that doubles as a headset if you want the ability to answer or place calls without taking you phone out of your pocket or backpack.
What to skip: Paying a high price just to get a big-brand name.
What you’ll pay: You can find decent earbuds for as little a s$20. Decent over-ear and on-ear models generally cost $100 and more. Expect to pay more for wireless headphones and models with active noise-cancellation.
Buying advice If you want the best sound, especially for serious music listening, we recommend one of the better-rated corded models in our ratings.
5 questions you should ask before buying headphones Don’t become overwhelmed. Use this list to narrow the field. By James K. Willcox
Shopping for a new set of headphones can be a daunting task, given the wide array of styles, types, and prices. But it doesn’t have to be—and we’re here to help. If you can answer these five questions, you’ll be well on your way to finding a set of headphones, earphones, or earbuds that should provide years of sonic enjoyment.
Before hitting the list below, here are a few things to consider. One is that there are great headphones for nearly every budget, so don’t give up on good sound because you think you can’t afford it. But also remember that you might not need a pricier set of ‘phones that can reveal every ounce of detail if you’re mainly listening to compressed mp3s or less-than-pristine YouTube videos.
Also, the model you choose has to be comfortable, especially if you tend to wear your headphones for extended periods of time. That may lead you to choose one type instead of another. For example, I personally can’t wear in- ear earphones for more than 15 or 20 minutes without them becoming excruciatingly painful, so even my portables are on-ear models. You may decide to own several sets of headphones, depending on whether you’re listening at home or on the go. My go-to cans at home are large, over-the-ear models that are really too large to lug around. Finally, for many of us headphones have become as much a fashion item as a piece of audio gear. That’s fine, but you don’t have to sacrifice decent sound for an eye-catching design, though you’re likely to pay a bit more cash for the extra flash.
Page 47 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 Enough said. Here’s our list of questions that should help narrow down your choices. 1. Will you be using the headphones primarily with a phone or tablet? If so, then pay attention to the headphone›s sensitivity and the controls built into the inline remote control. Sensitivity is a measure of how much power it takes to drive the headphones to satisfying volume levels. Since most portable devices have much less power than a home A/V receiver, you should look for a model with at least medium sensitivity, although a model with medium-high or high sensitivity will alleviate most concerns. If you want to use the headphones to receive and disconnect phone calls, make sure the headphone›s inline remote control has a built-in microphone and buttons that let you answer and disconnect calls without having to dig your phone out of a pocket, bag, or knapsack. You may also want to consider a wireless model that can connect to your phone via Bluetooth rather than a wire. 2. Will you be using them in a noisy environment? Then you’ll probably want a model that can either block out some external noise, or one with active noise cancellation. Most in-ear earphones, which are jammed into the ear canal, and closed, over-ear headphones (sometimes called circumaural headphones) do a decent job of blocking out external sounds. Models with active noise cancellation use tiny microphones that capture the frequencies of incoming noise, and use battery-powered electronic circuitry to create out-of-phase frequencies to “cancel” the noise. Our headphone Ratings for noise-canceling models include a rating for sound quality and noise reduction. 3. Will you be using them while working out or engaging in active sports? If you will, you’ll need earphones or earbuds that will stay in place during vigorous motion. Some models have special eartips or bands that provide a secure, snug fit, and more models now have water- and sweat- resistant materials or coatings that repel moisture and allow them to be washed after strenuous workouts. 4. Is fashion important? It seems to be for many of us these days. If so, choose a model that satisfies your fashion sense without sacrificing good sound. Just be aware that you’re likely pay a bit—or even a lot—more for a fashion- oriented or celebrity-endorsed model such as the ever-present Beats by Dre models. 5. Will I get more if I pay more? In some cases that’s true, although there are exceptions. If you look at our stereo headphone Ratings, many of the top models are high-priced. For example, among the home/studio models, the Grado Prestige 325i ($300), B&W P7 ($400), and HiFiMan HE-400 ($300) are all relatively expensive. But Grado›s SR80i and SR60i headphones cost $100 and $80, respectively, and are CR Best Buy recommendations. (These headphones are still on the market, but they have just been replaced by the newer SR80e and SR60e models—at the same prices—which are currently being testing in our headphone lab.) Among portable models, the Panasonic RP-TCM125 has very good sound—something many higher-priced models don›t achieve—and costs only $10. But the exception is noise-canceling models, where many of the models that have excellent or very good sound and noise reduction tend to cost cost more, typically between $280 and $400. But even there, you can find a model with very good sound and excellent noise cancellation—the Monoprice Noise-Canceling Headphone—for a little over $100. Just remember that comfort is going to be extremely important in your choice, especially if you tend to use your headphones or earphones for extended periods of time. It’s no good to love your headphones’ sound if you can’t stand wearing them for more than 10 minutes at a clip. When you have a chance, you should try all different types—in-ear, earbuds, on-ear, and over-the-ear models—to see which feel the best on your ears. And if you’re buying online, try to find a retailer that will at least let you exchange the model you purchase if you find that it’s just not comfortable enough to use regularly.
Page 48 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Best Wireless Headphones of 2020 https://www.consumerreports.org/headphones/best-wireless-headphones/ Millions of consumers who’ve picked up a new cell phone in the past few years have found themselves stranded without a headphone jack. If you don’t want to deal with USB-C or Lightning port adapters, wireless headphones are an obvious choice—but that’s just one reason to go with Bluetooth.
You can’t beat the feeling of freedom that comes from a great pair of wireless headphones, and there are models to suit almost any situation, whether you’re on a budget, you need something to keep you moving at the gym, or you’re looking for noise-canceling headphones to get some quiet on your next flight.
Using Bluetooth doesn’t mean you have to compromise on sound, either. CR’s technicians say audiophiles will still get the very best sound from the top-rated wired headphones, but our tests show that the top-performing wireless headphones have impressive audio quality as well.
If you’re a Consumer Reports member, you can find more headphone reviews in our ratings. The models featured here are the best headphones based on CR’s latest testing. We will update this article and our ratings throughout 2020.
Studio Style for Half the Price These days Marshall puts out more than iconic British guitar amps. The company makes some impressive headphones as well, starting with the Marshall Monitor Bluetooth. The headphones sound great, but what really sets them apart is the price.
They’re among the best-performing wireless home/studio-style headphones in our ratings, and though the price fluctuates, they often cost less than half of what you’d pay for some comparable models. If you want over-ear headphones with the convenience of Bluetooth, this pair is a steal. It comes with a detachable audio cable so that you can use your headphones without draining the battery, and the ear cups fold in for easy storage and travel.
True Wireless The Samsung Galaxy Buds are one of the best-scoring portable Bluetooth headphones Consumer Reports has ever tested. That’s all the more impressive, given their “true wireless” design, meaning the model doesn’t have a cord connecting the left earbud to the right. That’s the same design scheme popularized by Apple’s AirPods, but our testers say the Galaxy Buds sound dramatically better.
The Galaxy Buds produce exemplary audio quality packed into a pair of unobtrusive earpieces, complete with easy-to-use touch controls for playback, volume, and skipping tracks. According to Samsung, they have a 6-hour battery life and come with a powered carrying case that will recharge the earphones for up to 7 additional hours of playback on the go. The case itself can be charged with a wireless charging mat, and it’s particularly small compared with the cases that come with many true wireless models. Those perks combined with a price under $150 make the Samsung Galaxy Buds one of the best true wireless earphones on the market.
Top-Notch Noise Cancellation The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are the long-awaited successor to the company’s flagship QuietComfort 35 Series II headphones, and the two models are almost identical in performance: Both deliver superb sound quality and noise cancellation.
Page 49 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 However, the Bose 700 earphones have a much slimmer profile when folded up, and they have a few updated elements, including more integration with digital assistants, touch controls, and sensors for Bose’s “augmented reality” apps. Bose has kept some of the best-loved features from its older models as well, such as adjustable levels of noise cancellation, a monitoring mode to let in sound from your environment, and an advertised 20-hour battery life. According to Bose, call quality is improved as well, though CR doesn’t test calling on headphones. With all that in mind, the older QuietComfort 35 Series II headphones are great, and they’re still widely available. You can pick them up for less if you don’t mind forgoing the latest features.
Great Sound on the Go If you don’t want to compromise on sound quality—and you’re willing to pay for it—the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E6 may be for you. It doesn’t come cheap, but the Beoplay E6 is one of the best portable wireless models we’ve ever tested. In addition to sound quality, it has design perks including magnets that clip the earpieces together (and automatically turn the headphones off) for easy transport, a braided cable for added durability, and water resistance, according to the manufacturer.
There are some caveats. The proprietary charger could be expensive to replace, and the advertised battery life is only 5 hours. But for high-quality sound, critical listeners may be willing to overlook those shortcomings.
Portable Noise Cancellation Sony continues to make waves with its popular line of noise-canceling headphones, and the WF-1000XM3 is one of the best performing models yet. The XM3 has outstanding sound quality and top-of-the-line active noise reduction to match—and it does it all with a true wireless design.
These feature-rich earphones have variable noise cancellation, which you can adjust to let in more or less sound, including a “monitor” mode that actively pipes in audio from your surroundings. Those settings can be activated using integrated touch controls, which also operate playback and skipping tracks.
According to Sony, the XM3 has a 6-hour battery life, can be recharged up to three times on the go with the earphones’ portable charging case, and includes a quick charge feature. A free app adds functionality. One caveat to keep in mind is some users may feel the XM3 doesn’t fit securely, particularly those with larger ears.
Bluetooth for the Budget-Conscious Not all of the best wireless headphones are expensive. The JVC HA-FX9BT Gumy Wireless delivers dependable sound quality at an impulse-buy price. They retail for around $20 or even less, and they come with a carrying pouch and extra earpieces to help you find the best fit.
The E25BT didn’t score quite as high for audio quality as other models on this list, and it lacks some features you’ll find on certain other models, such as water resistance and extended battery life (JVC says this model has a 5-hour operating time). But if you want a pair of wireless headphones that provide decent sound at a fraction of the cost of its competitors, the E25BT is an appealing option.
Page 50 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest AIR FRYERS Air Fryer Buying Guide Last updated: December 10, 2020
Crispy fried food made with little or no oil is a deliciously tempting offer. That’s the golden promise of air fryers, and it helps to explain why sales continue to increase, making air fryers one of the hottest countertop appliances in the past year, according to the market research firm NPD Group.
Air fryers don’t fry food. Instead, a fan circulates hot air to quickly cook and crisp the food in the basket. They can also bake and reheat food. Consumer Reports bought and tested over two dozen air fryers from a wide range of brands, including Cuisinart, George Foreman, GoWise, Hamilton Beach, Instant Pot, Ninja, NuWave, and Philips to find out whether they’re worth making room for on your counter.
French fries and Buffalo wings are just the beginning. Air fryers do a terrific job cookinga range of foods, including fish and vegetables, such as asparagus, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale chips, according to CR staffers who tried cooking these in an air fryer.
Lab Tested for Your Kitchen We cooked batches of French fries, chicken wings, and chicken nuggets, popular foods that are recommended in the owner’s manuals, in many of the air fryers and, for comparison, a deep fryer. The air fryers needed just a few minutes to preheat, while our deep fryer took 15 minutes to get the oil hot. But the deep fryer cooks faster. All in all, when you factor in the time needed to preheat, the air fryers are slightly faster.
Staffers were not told which cooking method was used for each food, yet everybody could tell which foods were deep-fried. While none of the air fryers duplicated deep-fried results, the food was still delicious.
We cooked these same foods in all of the air fryers, and found that while instructions for cooking times and temperatures vary by manufacturer, there were minor differences in browning, and staffers didn’t notice any real differences in taste. “Even when we held cooking times and temperatures constant, the results were very similar, with no discernible differences in taste,” says Larry Ciufo, who leads CR’s tests of air fryers. “The real difference among air fryers comes down to convenience, so we designed our tests around that.”
Testers evaluated how easy it is to read and use the controls. We used a sound-level meter to do multiple measurements of how loud each air fryer gets during operation, noting the noise at its peak.
And no matter how well a countertop appliance does its job, if cleanup is a hassle, we want you to know. That›s why our testers judged how easy it is to clean each air fryer›s basket, interior, and exterior.
Beyond the Hot Air Our air fryer ratings provide a summary of each model, offering you a good look at each. But before you shop, consider the following. • Prices vary widely. The air fryers in our ratings sell for around $40 to $200, and we’ve seen ones for as much as $300. • Capacities vary too. Air fryers are designed to neatly fit on your counter, and most aren’t big enough to cook for a crowd, unless you cook in batches. We measured the capacities of the the air fryers we tested and found that they’re between 2 and 8.9 quarts. When cooking, do not overcrowd the basket. This can
Page 51 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest Revised 2021 block the hot air from reaching all the food. The result? Some food is cooked more than others. • Warranties differ. The shortest warranty of the air fryers we tested is 60 days—not exactly a confidence booster. Others in the air fryer ratings usually have a one or two-year warranty. You›ll see this mentioned on the summary page of each air fryer
Retrieved from: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/air-fryers/buying-guide/index.htm
The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Air Fryer Shopping for air fryers? Or maybe air fryer toaster ovens? Our air fryer buying guide will help you find the perfect appliance for your needs.
Air fryers have become a household staple for many people, thanks to their ability to replicate the crunchy taste of fried foods without all the unhealthy oil. (Here’s an in-depth explainer of how an air fryer works.)
But so many models are available today that it can be hard to choose one—do you want a no-frills model? An air fryer-toaster oven combo? One with presets for your favorite foods? Before you commit to buying an air fryer, use our buying guide to find the perfect model for your needs. We’ve rounded up our Test Kitchen’s favorites, plus the best-rated air fryers on the market.
Check out our complete guide to air fryers, including the best recipes, cooking tips and more.
What to Consider When Finding the Best Air Fryer for You Air fryers are still relative newcomers to the market—and there’s a lot to consider. We recommend starting with a budget. You’ll want to think about how much you have to spend on an air fryer. These appliances can cost anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars, so it’s important to balance your budget with the features you want.
Before you hit up the kitchen store, ask yourself: • How big of an air fryer do I need? • Do I want preset options? • What about additional features?
The answers to these questions—plus our Test Kitchen’s guidance and expertise—can help you pick the perfect model for your family.
The Ultimate Guide to Air Fryers Consider the Capacity Typically, these appliances have a capacity between two and seven quarts, and because it’s key not to overcrowd the basket when cooking, you’ll want to think about how much food you plan to make in it.
If you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, you’ll probably want a larger air fryer, while one- or two-person households can get by with a smaller model. However, keep in mind that the larger the capacity, the larger the appliance and the more counter space it will take up. Add on Presets for Popular Foods Looking forward to making lots of french fries with your air fryer? Or maybe huge batches of wings for game day?
If you plan on cooking specific dishes like( these air fryable-foods) with your new appliance, you may want to
Page 52 Revised 2021 4-H University Study Guide - Consumer Decision Making Contest look for a model with pre-programmed settings that will make the process easier. For instance, the Cosori air fryer has presets for 11 items from chicken and steak to vegetables and dessert. Check into Additional Features Some air fryers have additional functionality that will make them a more versatile tool in the kitchen. • Air fryer toaster ovens: One of the most popular combinations, these air fryers resemble a traditional toaster oven and can be used to bake, broil and toast. • Air fryer dehydrators: If you like dehydrated fruits or homemade beef jerky, an air fryer with dehydrating abilities might be a good option for you. • Air fryer rotisserie cookers: Many people love the flavor of a moist rotisserie chicken, and an air fryer rotisserie cooker combo allows you to make this delicious dish at home. • Instant Pot air fryer lid: Don’t have space for another appliance? This handy lid turns your trusty Instant Pot into an air fryer!
Retrieved from: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/guide-to-buying-air-fryers-and-air-fryer-toaster-ovens/
References: Granovsky, N. (2003). Texas Cooperative Extension 4-H Consumer Decision-Making Contest 2003-2004 Contest Guide.
Howell, B. (2001). Mississippi State University Extension Service 4-H Consumer Judging Activity. [Online]. Available: http://msucares.com/pubs/publications/p2008.pdf
CR Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2019 Available: http://Cr.ORG
Revised by: Developed by: Abigail McAlister Tina Goebel LSU AgCenter LSU AgCenter January 2021 March 2017
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