We expose a number of untrained operators aiming lasers at the public's body parts.
19 Oct 2011 |
A lack of regulation has led to a rise in untrained laser and IPL operators.
They cost up to twice as much as supermarket products, but are health store hair dyes any healthier?
29 Jul 2011 |
They have a higher price tag, but is there any benefit to buying “natural” or “organic” hair dyes? CHOICE investigates the ingredients.
Hair loss affects more than half of all men and some women. We separate the successful treatments from the snake oils.
7 Oct 2010 |
Hair loss powers an industry with more than its fair share of sharks, so caveat emptor!
One of the most expensive brands on test rated worst overall with triallists. So think twice before purchasing your 'salon style' shampoo.
14 Jul 2010 |
Our 41 volunteer testers tried 11 supermarket brands, costing between $5 and $16 per bottle.
Do new technologies such as ceramic and ionic make a difference to the way your hair feels?
2 Jul 2010 |
CHOICE conducted a user trial of 14 hair dryers to find out if a hefty price tag or new technological features make a difference.
A good hair straightener will give you smooth, sleek and dead-straight hair at home, without the expense of professional styling.
27 Nov 2007 |
You can’t change the genes that make your hair straight or curly, but now you can easily wear your wavy mane straight once in a while.
Which products are most effective at dealing with this perennial childhood problem?
21 Aug 2007 |
Tenacious parasites are becoming increasingly resistant to conventional insecticide treatments.
Which home hair colour did trialists prefer?
2 May 2007 |
113 women trialled the 100% grey coverage, permanent hair dyes for us.
Wax on, wax off? What type of hair removal product is the easiest and best to use?
2 May 2007 |
We sent out wax kits, wax strips, depilatories and epilators to 141 voluntarily hairy-legged trialists.
Permanent hair removal sounds appealing — but the results aren’t guaranteed.
27 Feb 2007 |
Whether you choose to pluck, shave, wax or zap it, getting rid of unwanted hair can be a time-consuming and often expensive and painful process.
You could save hundreds of dollars a year. Our top shampoos were all from supermarkets.
29 Jun 2006 |
Over 500 CHOICE Home Testers (80% women and 20% men) each tried out four different shampoos.
Scan your way to healthier food choices.
19 Jan 2012 |
Consumers can now use their iPhones to scan food barcodes and instantly see traffic light information thanks to an app developed by The George Institute and BUPA.
Are you getting enough vitamin D?
18 Jan 2012 |
Vitamin D deficiency has been described as a pandemic. We explain if you're at risk, and what you can do to get enough.
We look at how to meet your new year goals while avoiding the traps.
4 Jan 2012 |
We look at common New Year resolutions such as joining the gym, giving up smoking or saving money.
The results are a mixed bag.
13 Dec 2011 |
Ministers have handed down their decisions on the future of food labelling, and the menu contains mixed results for consumers.
Over 3700 consumers joined the call for traffic light labels.
9 Dec 2011 |
More than 3700 signatures and CHOICE’s open letter were sent to food and health ministers from around Australia.
Over 3700 consumers joined the call for traffic light labels.
9 Dec 2011 |
More than 3700 signatures and CHOICE’s open letter were sent to food and health ministers from around Australia.
A new report finds the front-of-pack labelling system is too confusing for consumers to understand.
28 Nov 2011 |
Research has confirmed CHOICE's long-held belief that Percentage Daily Intake labels are confusing and based on inconsistent serving sizes.
The recall of the product is due to high levels of naturally occurring iodine.
16 Nov 2011 |
Regular consumption of these products may cause health problems in some people including pregnant and breastfeeding women.
We expose a number of untrained operators aiming lasers at the public's body parts.
19 Oct 2011 |
A lack of regulation has led to a rise in untrained laser and IPL operators.
Some Systems are giving repeated 'error 2' warning messages when used in conditions of high temperature and/or humidity.
23 Sep 2011 |
Johnson & Johnson Pty Ltd has recalled some its Life Scan One Touch Verio Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems, as some are giving repeated 'error 2' warning messages when used in conditions of high temperature and/or humidity.
The National Heart Foundation is ending its Tick licensing program in the takeaway food industry.
22 Sep 2011 |
The National Heart Foundation has announced it is scrapping its Tick licensing program in the takeaway food industry, citing its desire to broaden its work across the takeaway and catering sector.
CooperVision Australia has received complaints of temporary hazy or blurry vision and discomfort from wearers.
7 Sep 2011 |
Laboratory tests have found that these symptoms were caused by a small amount of residue on the lenses. In all reported cases the symptoms were temporary and reversed after the contact lenses were removed.
What can we do to boost brain health?
1 Sep 2011 |
Dementia is the single greatest cause of disability in Australians aged 65 years or older. It's predicted that by 2050 it will affect one million Australians.
Wearing some kinds of goggles may increase intraocular pressure
11 Aug 2011 |
Researchers have found that some goggles can cause increased fluid pressure in the eye, which may increase the risk of glaucoma.
Sleep deprivation could be adversely impacting your life in many ways.
11 Aug 2011 |
As Australians adopt busier lifestyles, we’re also becoming more sleep deprived. CHOICE outlines why you may need more zzzzs.
They cost up to twice as much as supermarket products, but are health store hair dyes any healthier?
29 Jul 2011 |
They have a higher price tag, but is there any benefit to buying “natural” or “organic” hair dyes? CHOICE investigates the ingredients.
We clarify the over-the-counter and natural remedies and outline effective strategies for treatment.
21 Jul 2011 |
Pharmacy shelves are stacked with remedies for winter colds, coughs and flu. Which – if any – will work for your particular symptoms?
We explore the risks, myths and gap payments of medical imaging.
7 Jul 2011 |
From radiation risks to gap payments, CHOICE explores answers the questions about imaging technologies, including x-rays and CTs.
Consumers are embracing the benefits of "good" bacteria with open arms and purses.
6 Jul 2011 |
"Good" bacteria, long used as starter cultures for yoghurts and fermented dairy drinks, are now in high consumer demand, particularly probiotics.
Some alternative diagnostic tests aren’t all they’re quacked up to be.
29 Jun 2011 |
Some diagnostic tests offered by natural therapists are unreliable or just plain nonsense. CHOICE investigates some common ones.
Our health insurance reviews are a prescription for painless health cover.
28 Jun 2011 |
A health insurance comparison that is easy to understand. See our recommendations on what to buy.
Believe it or not, Kraft introduces cheese products that can actually help lower cholesterol levels.
5 Apr 2011 |
One of the main things people with high cholesterol cut down on is cheese. These new Kraft products could be a welcome addition to some fridges.
Be proactive about your New Year's fitness resolution with this round-up of tips and recommended products.
20 Jan 2011 |
We've put together the CHOICE summer guide to help you get the best start to 2011.
Australians are consuming up to 10 times the amount of sodium we need for good health.
11 Oct 2010 |
Australia’s salt habit is costing the nation much more than the in-store price tag. But will binning our salt shakers solve the problem?
Essential for children's development and our ongoing brain, heart and joint health. Are you getting enough?
6 Oct 2010 |
Omega-3s in our diet can prevent cardiovascular disease and may even protect against arthritis, mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Like to exercise in private rather than in a gym? A treadmill could be for you.
3 Sep 2010 |
We all know we need to exercise, but few of us have the time, or the motivation to fit it into our lives. That's where the home treadmill comes in.
This so-called exercise-assisting “hologram” is nothing more than a pricey placebo.
26 Aug 2010 |
Power Balance claims its products work with, and optimise, your body’s energy field.
Painkillers offer fast and effective relief, but taken too often they can actually cause more headaches.
24 Aug 2010 |
If you’re concerned about overusing painkillers, there are some effective alternatives.
Cockroach killers are an effective short-term solution but in the long term, prevention is best.
21 Jul 2010 |
CHOICE tested three types of chemical control: knockdown sprays, surface sprays and baits and traps, to find out which ones are the most effective.
Do you need one and do they work?
7 Jul 2010 |
One in seven Australian adults suffer from some form of high blood pressure. If you’re one of them, monitoring your condition regularly at home with a blood pressure monitor can be useful.
Many people support the idea of organ donation, but their wishes may go unfulfilled unless they take appropriate steps.
15 Jun 2010 |
It's not enough to sign a register or a tick a box to signal your intent, talk to your family about your wishes.
Early testing can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
25 May 2010 |
If you’re aged over 45, it’s time to get your cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk checked. We outline an action plan for cardiovascular health.
We look at the major screening programs for bowel, breast and prostate cancer.
31 Mar 2010 |
To help decide which tests are worth taking, it's helpful to understand the criteria the public health system uses to assess possible screening tests. Many tests detect diseases before your symptoms occur.
Good nutrition messages or just good marketing?
21 Dec 2009 |
Health claims are most likely to be used on highly processed foods rather that the fresh foods we should all be eating more of.
A few CHOICE buys will give you an effective home gym that costs less than $100.
25 Nov 2009 |
Think you need lots of space and money to set up an effective home gym? CHOICE's shopping list of equipment comes in at about $100.
Whether you’re an athlete or just keeping an eye on your health when exercising, what can you expect from a heart rate monitor?
12 Nov 2009 |
Choice tested 19 heart rate monitors for ease of use and performance, priced between $30 and $399.
Green tea has long been prized for its antioxidants, but recent research suggests even short-term storage drastically reduces its health benefits.
2 Jul 2009 |
Just six months in the pantry could be enough to destroy nearly 90% of antioxidants in some tea, according to a recent US study.
A new treatment for varicose veins looks promising but there’s a danger unqualified operators could benefit at the expense of patients.
26 May 2009 |
Varicose veins can be painful, uncomfortable and lead to serious health consequences if left untreated.
CHOICE is campaigning for citizen engagement in healthcare reform
5 May 2009 |
The key problems with the health system is an insufficient focus on prevention and primary care, the inefficient and inequitable allocation of resources and the lack of commitment from government to undertake reform.
Find out how to find a better policy and save.
28 Jan 2009 |
Broadly speaking, you can choose hospital cover and extras/ancillary cover. These are available separately or combined.
Negative publicity about HRT led to a flood of alternatives. Do they work?
20 Jan 2009 |
In 2002, a major American study involving hormone replacement therapy was stopped early because researchers were concerned by increased incidence of breast cancer, heart disease and blood clots in participants.
How to counter the risk of hearing loss but not miss out on entertainment.
3 Dec 2008 |
Excessively loud music or video can damage your hearing.
Complementary medicines make a range of claims about their effectiveness, but these claims are not always backed up with sound evidence.
2 Dec 2008 |
In some cases, complementary medicines can harm consumers’ health. Current regulatory action does not do enough to protect consumers.
Transparency about the quality and safety of the health care system will empower consumers to make better choices.
6 Dec 2007 |
Most people receive excellent care in Australia’s hospitals but as many as 10% of people may suffer harm as a direct result of the care they receive.
We run through the top five numbers and what you should be aiming for as a healthy adult.
28 Nov 2007 |
There are lots of numbers and measurements used to describe health. We explain what they all mean.
Don't let avoidable illness ruin your long-planned holiday.
27 Nov 2007 |
The last thing you need to worry about on a trip is illness. Here's how to keep safe and healthy while you're travelling.
Is fluoride good for your teeth, or a slow poison? We look at the most recent evidence.
23 Feb 2007 |
There’s now solid scientific evidence that fluoride added to drinking water helps to protect your teeth from decay.
Seven ways to make sure you don't pay more than you have to
3 Aug 2006 |
It’s bad enough having a condition that requires you to use the healthcare system, without feeling the pain in your wallet too. Here are seven ways to save yourself some cash, and make the health system work for you.
Is there any evidence to support claims for over-the-counter anti-snoring products?
27 Apr 2006 |
According to the Guiness Book of Records, the loudest snores recorded reached 93 decibels — about the volume of a business engine.
Some "healthy" fast-food options aren't much better than a Big Mac.
3 Jan 2006 |
Three "healthy" options out-Mac a Big Mac when it comes to fat and salt and seven more come close and all 10 are fattier than a KFC Original Fillet Burger.
Been burning the candle at both ends?
5 Oct 2005 |
A week or two on a detox program won’t absolve you from a year of unhealthy eating, smoking or drinking too much alcohol.
Keep your bones strong - calcium is a must have.
28 Apr 2005 |
Up to early adulthood your body is building up the calcium in your bones. As you grow older, gradual calcium loss from your bones is inevitable - but there are things you can do to slow it down.
Do you really need to take one?
6 Jan 2005 |
Research shows that a balanced diet is still the best way to get your vitamins and minerals, and that diets high in whole grains, vegetables and fruit reduce the risk of cancers and other diseases.
It’s a jungle out there and our gym survey discovered plenty of pitfalls for the unwary.
12 Jul 2004 |
Interested in discovering the scope and prevalence of consumer issues with regard to gyms, CHOICE conducted an Australia-wide online survey.
CHOICE investigates why some consumers are going overseas to save money on their dental treatment.
21 Nov 2011 |
Australian consumers are increasingly looking to overseas dental treatment in order to save money on their dental bills.
Sleep deprivation could be adversely impacting your life in many ways.
11 Aug 2011 |
As Australians adopt busier lifestyles, we’re also becoming more sleep deprived. CHOICE outlines why you may need more zzzzs.
We explore the risks, myths and gap payments of medical imaging.
7 Jul 2011 |
From radiation risks to gap payments, CHOICE explores answers the questions about imaging technologies, including x-rays and CTs.
Our health insurance reviews are a prescription for painless health cover.
28 Jun 2011 |
A health insurance comparison that is easy to understand. See our recommendations on what to buy.
Protect against diseases and conditions commonly associated with ageing by taking an active role in your health care.
27 Apr 2011 |
The key to independent living and quality of life is good health and it’s never too soon to start thinking about it.
Consumers can face large gap payments for pathology, but a public provider may be able to provide a gap-free alternative.
30 Aug 2010 |
It pays to ask your GP to request bulk billing wherever possible or to use a public provider.
Do you need one and do they work?
7 Jul 2010 |
One in seven Australian adults suffer from some form of high blood pressure. If you’re one of them, monitoring your condition regularly at home with a blood pressure monitor can be useful.
CHOICE is campaigning for citizen engagement in healthcare reform
5 May 2009 |
The key problems with the health system is an insufficient focus on prevention and primary care, the inefficient and inequitable allocation of resources and the lack of commitment from government to undertake reform.
Find out how to find a better policy and save.
28 Jan 2009 |
Broadly speaking, you can choose hospital cover and extras/ancillary cover. These are available separately or combined.
Transparency about the quality and safety of the health care system will empower consumers to make better choices.
6 Dec 2007 |
Most people receive excellent care in Australia’s hospitals but as many as 10% of people may suffer harm as a direct result of the care they receive.
We run through the top five numbers and what you should be aiming for as a healthy adult.
28 Nov 2007 |
There are lots of numbers and measurements used to describe health. We explain what they all mean.
Private health insurance premiums are rising and consumers are finding their policies have hidden exclusions and high gaps.
20 Sep 2007 |
Premiums have increased 33% since 2001 even though the Government promised stable premiums when it introduced 30% rebate & Lifetime health cover.
Is fluoride good for your teeth, or a slow poison? We look at the most recent evidence.
23 Feb 2007 |
There’s now solid scientific evidence that fluoride added to drinking water helps to protect your teeth from decay.
Seven ways to make sure you don't pay more than you have to
3 Aug 2006 |
It’s bad enough having a condition that requires you to use the healthcare system, without feeling the pain in your wallet too. Here are seven ways to save yourself some cash, and make the health system work for you.
Looking for doctor right.
6 Feb 2006 |
The relationship you have with your doctor can be one of the most crucial in your life, particularly if you have a chronic condition or develop a serious illness.
CHOICE's awards for the shoddiest services and the shonkiest products.
24 Oct 2011 |
CHOICE's annual showcase of the worst of the worst consumer products and services.
In today’s world of over-consumption and health issues, can the industry really justify ‘better for you’ sugar?
22 Apr 2010 |
In the past half-century we’ve increasingly sweetened our food supply. But are we eating too much sugar and is it affecting our health?
We look beyond the catchy logos to tell you which endorsement schemes you can really trust.
2 Mar 2010 |
CHOICE reviews the programs behind the top 10 health and sustainability endorsement logos you see on foods.
Electric food steamers do what they claim, but which do it best?
7 Sep 2009 |
Are steamers any healthier than other ways to steam food? CHOICE tested 15, looking at their ease of use and performace.
They’re marketed as a healthy way to cook, but do you really need one?
17 Sep 2008 |
Health grills, which started to appear on the kitchen scene in the '90s, generally make claims to reduce both cooking time and the amount of fat and oil in your food.
There are five good reasons to include more wholegrains in your diet.
7 Aug 2008 |
Wholegrains have become a marketing tool food companies use to convince us to buy one product over another.
CHOICE’s expert dietitian puts our volunteers' diets to test. Find out how they measured up.
24 Jun 2008 |
The most common problems in our volunteers’ diets were too much salt and not enough calcium, fibre and water.
Grabbing a quick muesli or muffin bar may not be the healthy fix you’re after.
9 Jan 2006 |
Cereal bars, muesli bars and breakfast bars may have a healthy image but most of them are more than 20% sugar, and some deliver more saturated fat than a packet of chips.
Some "healthy" fast-food options aren't much better than a Big Mac.
3 Jan 2006 |
Three "healthy" options out-Mac a Big Mac when it comes to fat and salt and seven more come close and all 10 are fattier than a KFC Original Fillet Burger.
It’s a jungle out there and our gym survey discovered plenty of pitfalls for the unwary.
12 Jul 2004 |
Interested in discovering the scope and prevalence of consumer issues with regard to gyms, CHOICE conducted an Australia-wide online survey.
Our updated report looks at the latest HD plasma and LCD televisions.
2 Feb 2012 |
CHOICE puts the latest 102-107cm HD plasma and LCD televisions through their paces.
Our update reviews the latest models and newest technology.
31 Jan 2012 |
Get unbiased test results for the latest 81cm LCD televisions, priced from $497 to $1399.
Don’t be swayed by the latest tech-speak when shopping for a new TV – just look at the picture.
31 Oct 2011 |
CHOICE reviews the latest 117cm LCD and plasma TVs, priced $1199 to $3799.
CHOICE takes a look at an internet-based alternative to pay TV.
26 Oct 2011 |
FetchTV provides another alternative to cable, with your Internet provider delivering a host of channels and rental movies to your television.
A high-definition set-top box is an inexpensive way to upgrade to digital TV.
13 Oct 2011 |
We put 14 set-top boxes, priced from $80 to $150, through their paces, and find out which ones come out on top.
If you can part with $2000 or more, you can get an exciting listening experience.
7 Sep 2011 |
CHOICE reviews home theatre speakers valued from $2000 to $3000.
Use the motion controller in the latest consoles to keep fit at home.
14 Apr 2011 |
We asked 17 people to try out a selection of fitness, party games and multi-player titles on three consoles.
Mini and midi hi-fi systems can deliver good sound for your iPod without breaking the bank.
17 Mar 2011 |
Some of these mini and midi hi-fi systems punch well above their weight when it comes to sound quality.
A large-screen TV may look impressive, but it might not be ideal for your room.
15 Mar 2011 |
The top peformers in this test deliver a quality picture - and prove that performance needn't come at a cost.
Use good quality speakers and you can expect a better sound experience than average all-in-one home theatre systems.
28 Sep 2010 |
CHOICE tests nine models priced from $499 to $1199.
Cut through the sales talk. Watch part 2 of our video series on the basics of home theatre.
25 Aug 2010 |
Our expert reveals more of the mistakes that are made setting up home theatre systems.
Don't get duped by the sales hype. See part one of our video series on the basics of home theatre.
6 Aug 2010 |
Our expert talks you through some of the more common mistakes you could make when setting up your home theatre.
BASE music system with direct encoding TT-186WWEA
19 Jul 2010 |
This system can convert your old vinyl records to MP3 files.
Electronic program guides (EPGs) are supposed to help Australians record their weekly TV fix, but how reliable are they?
2 May 2010 |
CHOICE explains why electronic program guides fall short of the mark.
Digital radios, while expensive, allow you to listen to internet radio or music stored on your home network.
17 Mar 2010 |
We test 10 digital radios, priced from $170 to $1000.
If you're disappointed with the sound from your TV, this could be a neat solution.
1 Feb 2010 |
This audio device attaches to the back of your TV and can fit 81cm-106cm screen sizes.
This add-on device for PlayStation3 owners has its limitations.
3 Dec 2009 |
The Sony PlayTV struggles to provide an effective two-in-one games console and personal video recorder machine.
A DVD recorder with a 160GB hard drive gives you hundreds of hours of recording capacity.
26 Nov 2009 |
Test results for four DVD/hard disc recorders with a capacity of 160GB, priced from $440 to $659.
Freeview products deliver HD Digital TV, but so do many other non-Freeview branded products.
19 Oct 2009 |
CHOICE looks at Freeview, what it's offering and what it means, as well as what you gain, or lose, when compared to an identical non-Freeview product.
What’s an electronic program guide (EPG) and do you need one?
11 Aug 2009 |
An electronic program guide is just a TV guide by another name. More than that, it's a useful tool for planning and organising your TV watching.
For a real home theatre experience, you can’t match an HD projector.
10 Aug 2009 |
High-definition TV screens are all the rage these days and seem to be getting bigger by the month, but if you want a real home theatre experience even the biggest LCD and plasma screens can’t hold a candle to an HD projector.
Nintendo’s latest childish diversion may hook some adults as well.
23 Jun 2009 |
CHOICE enlisted the most expert tester available – a 10-year-old schoolboy – to evaluate Nintendo’s latest handheld gaming console and discover what’s new with one of the most popular gaming devices on the planet.
Digital radio has hit the airwaves.
19 Jan 2009 |
If you're keen to experience the difference digital technology makes to the radio waves you will have to open your wallet along with your eyes and ears.
The Samsung HT-BD2 is the first of a new category: the Blu-ray home theatre system.
17 Jul 2008 |
CHOICE tested it alongside several other models that were Blu-ray players only to see how it would rate as a player.
AV receivers sell the idea of turning your living room into a cinema. How much should you spend?
3 Jul 2008 |
When you buy a home theatre in a box the AV receiver and DVD player are often combined. However, there's good reasons to buy separate components.
Can all those bits and pieces of electrical gear go into one box?
12 Jun 2008 |
In this article we’re looking at the relatively cheap option of using one system to manage sound and video, along with internet and computer gaming throughout your house.
Is the latest games console a must-have or mere novelty?
1 May 2008 |
Nintendo’s Wii introduced a new era of gaming by eschewing the path taken by the other games console manufacturers and produced something a little innovative.
Take a bus ride these days or walk down the street and nearly everyone you pass is tuned in to a portable music player.
18 Apr 2008 |
These speaker docks let you listen to your music aloud, but don’t expect too much in terms of sound quality.
Knowing your cables will be a big help when setting up your home entertainment system.
8 Feb 2007 |
Knowing the difference between cables will help you work out how to connect your devices.
Digital projectors bring the movies to your lounge room.
3 Jan 2007 |
A projector may not be the most suitable display for watching television or playing games as the lamps can be expensive to replace.
26 Sep 2011 |
CHOICE says that One Big Switch (OBS) is ready to put mortgage offers to the 40,000 people who registered their interest in the Big Bank Switch.
We uncover the path to finding the best mortgage and making the most of your money.
16 Sep 2011 |
Switch and save and take a fresh look at the interest rates on your home loan. We take you through the basics and present some easy options to put you on the fast track to a better deal.
A creative proposal to make mortgage statements more consumer-friendly
23 Aug 2011 |
Do bank statements make your eyes glaze over? Two creative types from Brisbane are tackling the complexity of the banking sector with an interesting proposal to “fix” mortgage statements.
New law is a victory for consumers and for CHOICE
24 Mar 2011 |
A reverse mortgage can help fund your retirement. CHOICE outlines the risks.
2 Nov 2010 |
Reverse mortgages target homeowners aged 60 and older who want to borrow money against the value of their property.
Can you be sure brokers are working for you and not their own sales targets?
8 Oct 2009 |
The CBA now requires mortgage brokers to submit a minimum of four loan applications and settle a minimum of three every six months, which presents an obvious conflict of interest.
Home owners who locked in their loans 12 months ago now pay about 30% more interest than those on variable rates.
6 Feb 2009 |
Fixed rates have now come down to about their lowest point in the past 10 years.
Are tougher economic times squeezing your household budget? Know your options and rights if you're struggling to make mortgage repayments.
3 Feb 2009 |
In this report, we explain a range of options available if you’re experiencing mortgage difficulties.
Find the best mortgage. Here's how to save thousands on your home loan.
2 Oct 2008 |
The best savings were achieved by switching to a credit union or an online subsidiary of a major bank – and you can’t get any of those loans through mortgage brokers.
Use our tips to negotiate the mortgage maze.
19 May 2008 |
For some people, flexibility and peace of mind are important, and there are a range of home loan options that offer such benefits.
How to avoid the traps and get the most from a mortgage broker when shopping around for a home loan.
21 Apr 2008 |
If brokers’ advertisements and claims are to be believed, they’re the answer for anyone seeking a loan to suit their circumstances.
The best way to own your home sooner is to get a cheap loan and make higher payments, more often.
1 Mar 2008 |
Extra repayments can have a huge effect. Our case studies were amazed at how modest extra payments could save tens of thousands in interest.
We expose the traps of new types of loans, including 40-year mortgages and no-deposit home loans.
5 Jan 2008 |
With first homes averaging $430,000 and housing affordability at a record low, new types of loan may seem tempting — but are they safe?
Our shadow shop revealed poor advice and information from reverse mortgage sellers.
27 Feb 2007 |
Originally reverse mortgages were sold directly by the lender, but in the last few years mortgage brokers have started to offer these products.
CHOICE puts large HD plasma and LCD televisions to the test.
3 Feb 2012 |
Not all big HD TVs are 1920 x 1080, but that doesn't mean you can't get a good picture on a slightly lower resolution.
Our update reviews the latest models and newest technology.
31 Jan 2012 |
Get unbiased test results for the latest 81cm LCD televisions, priced from $497 to $1399.
Our testing reveals whether 22 Blu-ray players live up to the hype.
13 Dec 2011 |
Blu-ray players are the next step up from the DVD player, but how effective is the evolution?
Gadgets and gizmos always make great presents for the tech-savvy and tech-curious.
23 Nov 2011 |
We round up the best technology buys, from tablets, to televisions, to MP3 players, to eBook readers.
If you can part with $2000 or more, you can get an exciting listening experience.
7 Sep 2011 |
CHOICE reviews home theatre speakers valued from $2000 to $3000.
Large screen HD plasma and LCD televisions on test. Review and compare models to find the best TV.
1 Feb 2011 |
We take the guesswork out of buying the major television brands by putting them through their paces in our specialised laboratories.
Don't expect the full cinema experience, but most movie buffs will get a thrill from the best of these.
11 Nov 2010 |
We test the latest all-in-one home theatre systems.
What will it mean for you?
8 Oct 2010 |
Your normal analogue TV will go blank if you haven’t invested in a set-top-box or digital ready TV by 2013. So, what is digital TV and why have it?
Cut through the sales talk. Watch part 2 of our video series on the basics of home theatre.
25 Aug 2010 |
Our expert reveals more of the mistakes that are made setting up home theatre systems.
Don't get duped by the sales hype. See part one of our video series on the basics of home theatre.
6 Aug 2010 |
Our expert talks you through some of the more common mistakes you could make when setting up your home theatre.
If you're disappointed with the sound from your TV, this could be a neat solution.
1 Feb 2010 |
This audio device attaches to the back of your TV and can fit 81cm-106cm screen sizes.
This add-on device for PlayStation3 owners has its limitations.
3 Dec 2009 |
The Sony PlayTV struggles to provide an effective two-in-one games console and personal video recorder machine.
Freeview products deliver HD Digital TV, but so do many other non-Freeview branded products.
19 Oct 2009 |
CHOICE looks at Freeview, what it's offering and what it means, as well as what you gain, or lose, when compared to an identical non-Freeview product.
What’s an electronic program guide (EPG) and do you need one?
11 Aug 2009 |
An electronic program guide is just a TV guide by another name. More than that, it's a useful tool for planning and organising your TV watching.
For a real home theatre experience, you can’t match an HD projector.
10 Aug 2009 |
High-definition TV screens are all the rage these days and seem to be getting bigger by the month, but if you want a real home theatre experience even the biggest LCD and plasma screens can’t hold a candle to an HD projector.
Two energy savers claim to help navigate your path to power salvation.
7 Jul 2009 |
These two devices save you reaching behind your audio-visual gear or all the peripherals around your computer to turn off the power switch, in turn saving you money on your energy bill.
Fewer boxes, easier connections, compromised sound.
24 Mar 2009 |
A sound bar is a box with a number of speakers in it. It's designed to sit just below your TV screen, and uses clever technology to approximate some of the effects of having speakers placed around the room.
More stars on your new TV mean greater efficiency.
1 Jan 2009 |
The federal government mandated that all TVs must have energy ratings by April 2009 and any with a one-star rating or less will be banned from sale after October 2009.
High-definition set-top boxes on test – should you buy one?
1 Dec 2008 |
High definition set-top boxes are designed to replace your existing television’s tuner.
The Samsung HT-BD2 is the first of a new category: the Blu-ray home theatre system.
17 Jul 2008 |
CHOICE tested it alongside several other models that were Blu-ray players only to see how it would rate as a player.
Can all those bits and pieces of electrical gear go into one box?
12 Jun 2008 |
In this article we’re looking at the relatively cheap option of using one system to manage sound and video, along with internet and computer gaming throughout your house.
Digital projectors bring the movies to your lounge room.
3 Jan 2007 |
A projector may not be the most suitable display for watching television or playing games as the lamps can be expensive to replace.
There are many things to consider when choosing a washing machine. CHOICE runs through the main factors for you.
11 Jan 2012 |
In our updated test we put 45 washing machines through their paces in our labs to give you independent buying advice.
We test high-end vacuum cleaners priced from $600 to $1099.
24 Nov 2011 |
CHOICE reveals which expensive vacuum cleaners earn their keep, and whether it's necessary to spend up to $1000 on a model.
Our test rates 50 dishwashers on washing and drying performance, energy and water efficiency.
10 Oct 2011 |
We take the guesswork out of buying the major dishwasher brands by testing them in our specialised independent laboratories.
Our latest test of mid-price vacuums finds bag models take the lead over bins.
4 May 2011 |
Mid-priced vacuum cleaners offer some of the best value for their price.
Our 2010 update reveals how our members rate common technology products and appliances for reliability.
1 Feb 2011 |
CHOICE regularly surveys its members, asking them to share their experiences of reliability for a number of appliances.
You don’t need to spend big bucks to get a good iron – but steer clear of the really cheap ones.
2 Dec 2010 |
CHOICE tests 11 steam irons, priced $14 to $140.
Has your vacuum cleaner bitten the dust? Before you buy a new one, check out our quick guide.
6 Jul 2010 |
You can’t go past a vacuum cleaner that is light, quiet, easy to manoeuvre, has a long cord and has a neat compact design for easy storage.
It steams, bakes and microwaves with surprising efficiency. This newcomer from Sharp gets the thumbs up from CHOICE.
18 Jan 2010 |
The Sharp Supersteam combines healthy multi-function cooking with a space-saving design.
Use our tools to insist on your rights when products don’t work as they should. And help us pressure retailers to sign our Fair Warranty Charter.
3 Dec 2009 |
You have a legal right to ask your retailer to repair or replace faulty goods – or give you a refund.
Save dough by baking more pizzas, cakes and biscuits at home with a benchtop mixer. We tell you which ones are best.
7 Jul 2009 |
Baking cakes, cookies, breads and pizza dough from scratch with a good benchtop mixer is fast, easy, and costs less.
Do you really need an air conditioner?
22 Apr 2009 |
A cool home’s important for many Australians, and an air conditioner is the only appliance that can really cool down a hot room effectively — but there are other, ways to keep the heat out of your home in the first place.
These handheld vacuum cleaners are handy for cleaning up small messes.
1 Feb 2009 |
Handheld vacuum cleaners have come a long way since CHOICE last tested them in 2000.
If you’ve got a messy workshop or patio — and plenty of time — the Dirt Dog might be your new best friend.
14 Aug 2008 |
We put the Dirt Dog to the test on a workshop floor scattered with sawdust, small nails, screws, nuts and washers.