How many of you out there reach for your copy of Consumer Reports, or at least check them out on the Web, before you purchase anything? As a consumer columnist, I value them personally and professionally.

When I write a column, they are one of the sources I tap on subjects ranging from finance to consumer scams. Personally, I've used them in my research to figure out which car, computer or any other product I want to buy for myself. They're always one of the many sources I check for all my research. Between the Web's many offerings of consumer advocacy sites, the Attorney General's Office, the Better Business Bureau and CR, we consumers have a lot of help available at our fingertips.

It's not an easy job that CR does. I don't do reviews here because it takes too much time, money and expertise. Read this Wired story to find out how CR tells you which condom, car or ice cream to buy. Pretty cool, fascinating stuff.