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$9.99
Promise: The directions make it sound almost too easy: "Push CD case all the way in. Pull CD case out." Do it right -- how could you not? -- and zip! A tiny hidden blade slices through the plastic wrapper and the annoying security sticker, so both peel right off.
Results: "A long-overdue instrument of necessity," raved one music lover. "No more hassles, broken nails or frustration." Music to our ears! And it's impossible to cut yourself. Even a pair of determined 8- and 10-year-old boys couldn't find the blade.
Salon Bronze
$19.99
Promise: Get a "natural-looking tan" that "lasts 7 to 10 days" -- all in the privacy of your own home, with this personal airbrush tanning gun. Its "EvenSpray Technology" means "no streaking," leaving a golden glow that's supposed to make you "look thinner and more toned!"
Results: Like the newest self-tanning lotions on the market, the Salon Bronze will turn you tan, not orange. But the EvenSpray concept is something none of our winter-white testers managed to master. One found it "impossible" to get consistent color, "especially hard-to-reach places." But another, who'd had a professional spray-tan application, found the privacy a real plus: "much less embarrassing than standing naked in front of a strange man holding an airbrush gun!" Teenage users especially loved this affordable tan in a can. Just one important warning: Get in the bathtub before you spray, or you'll end up with an orange floor.
Roll a Piano
$59.95
Promise: "Entertain your friends" with this portable electronic keyboard. It bends like rubber, so you can "roll it up" and "take it anywhere." Sound switches to imitate a guitar, violin, sax and more, plus 99 tempting tempos, including techno, salsa and hoedown. Suddenly you're a one-man band!
Results: Billy Joel, you've got nothing to worry about. This portable piano is no match for the real thing. It has just 37 keys, rather than the standard 88, which left our more experienced pianists unable to play their favorite songs. And the flat keys aren't very responsive, meaning you have to strike harder, and therefore play slower. Kids loved to hunt and peck, though, and the fun factor might prompt budding Beethovens to practice more often. Overall, "more like a toy than a real musical instrument."
ACA AutoPilot
[Best Name]$39.95
Promise: "Tired of arguing about which way to go? Don't want to rely on asking strangers for directions?" The handheld, battery-operated AutoPilot promises to give audible directions and even take you to a McDonald's, or another of the "over 80,000 traveler services" along the way.
Results: Can you get a portable GPS system for $40? Not surprisingly, no. The AutoPilot works only on the interstate, where mile markers and road signs make it the last place you need a navigator. Directions come in a "nagging" female voice, and there's no obvious shut up -- er, shut off -- button. Plus, you have to start over every time you want to find a new spot. So if you need a restaurant and a hotel, it's a two-step process. One good road sign will get you farther -- and let you keep your eyes on the road while you're driving.
Little Giant Ladder
[Best Seller] $360
Promise: "No job's too big for the Little Giant!" "One ladder does it all!" So says the infomercial for this flexible flip-folding ladder. If you haven't seen it, you must not watch much TV -- its half-hour tutorial is one of the top 10 most-aired programs. As demonstrated by its enthusiastic do-it-yourselfers, the Little Giant does the job of 24 ladders.
Results: Our own demo crew found it "cleverly designed," "versatile" and "easy to adjust." Some thought it was too heavy to carry, but agreed it wouldn't feel as stable without the heft. A former painter said he'd "feel confident spending all day" perched on the Little Giant, and loved the economy of owning "a small fleet of ladders" in one.
Chocolate Fondue Fountain
$59.95
Promise: Chocolate lovers -- and you know who you are -- haven't experienced the ultimate in decadence until you try this fountain that gushes "smooth, melted chocolate" designed for dipping.
Results: Who could resist "mouth-watering fun for any occasion"? Not us! The sheets of liquid chocolate were a real "sight to behold," and the strawberries, pretzels and other goodies we dipped were "yummy." The downside: Cleanup was no picnic. But everyone agreed it was gooey fun for the whole family.
OneSweep
[Best Value]$10
Promise: "Nothing stays behind!" raves the TV pitchman. He really looks like he's enjoying himself as he deftly sweeps up dirt and spills, squeegees a wet floor dry, then rakes pet hair from carpet. All in one sweep, of course. Must be those "indestructible space-age polymers with strategically placed bristle design."
Results: The OneSweep was nominated for the Electronic Retailing Association's best product of 2005. But in our home trials, this rubber broom didn't quite live up to its name. Staffers tried it on the usual suspects (dust, crumbs, pet hair) and some more unusual accumulations (dead leaves, snow). Most found it cleaned well, but "required more than one pass." And although they appreciated the versatility, the testers who flipped it over were disappointed by the squeegee action, which left floors "streaky" or still wet.
Shed Ender
[Worst Name] $11.95
Promise: Using "the same technology as professional groomers," the Shed Ender "works quickly and gently" to "reveal a healthier, shinier coat" on your dog or cat (or ferret? See Results). "Your pet will love it!"
Results: Animals -- and their owners -- loved or hated this tool. Remarks ranged from "Removed hard-to-get-at fur on my fluffy dog" to "My cats ran from me!" In another household, the Shed Ender turned a feisty feline into a "pussycat." Mittens' endorsement: "Two paws up!" The ferret owner found it "easy to use" and liked its "ergonomic" grip. But even the fans thought that brushing "took too long" with its "tiny teeth."
Trikke 8
$99.99
Promise: This funky human-powered vehicle is "not a scooter, not a bike, it's a three-wheeled amazing Trikke." But you don't push or pedal, you "rock to the left and rock to the right," then "watch the people stop and stare as you rock'n'roll everywhere!"
Results: It takes time to master the rock'n'roll motion, leaving less enthusiastic testers ready to hang up their helmets. But the daredevils on our staff loved it, and so did the kids who gave it a spin. Until they got to a hill. Our amateur Trikker gang agreed "it's good going down, but not up." With practice, and some strong thigh muscles, athletic riders could probably keep it going. The Trikke's biggest fan called it "a challenge" that proved "addicting" once he felt the wind in his hair.
The Eggcellent Cooker
$14.95
Promise: "Tired of boiling eggs? Not anymore!" Plug in The Eggcellent Cooker, add water, and you'll have "perfectly boiled" eggs in minutes.
Results: Stating the obvious, staffers pointed out that plopping eggs into a pot of water just isn't that hard. With this gadget, you poke a hole into each egg (the rack holds seven -- not enough for a picnic-sized batch of deviled eggs, one cook complained), and then wait for the water to boil away. But there's no timer, and the heat causes the plastic dome to fog up. So you've got to lift the lid to check the water level. One tester burned her hand (eggscruciating!). Eggs did cook quickly and thoroughly, but still, we think this is "another kitchen contraption you don't need."
Invisible Tummy Trimmer
[Biggest Bust] $9.99
Promise: "Look 10 pounds thinner -- instantly!" Men and women can flatten belly bulge and "unsightly back rolls." This "virtually undetectable" support garment is made from something called ElastaSlim Weave. "Try it today for a newer, sexier you"!
Results: This modern mini-girdle is "useless." Just ask two female staffers who couldn't even get into it. No instructions offered advice for stepping in or pulling it over their heads, and both were afraid of getting stuck. "Maybe someone several sizes smaller would have been able to slip into this, but she wouldn't need a tummy trimmer!" Those who did squeeze in said it "created odd bulges" as "the fat still has to go somewhere."
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