Giving you the run down on the best products, the best services, the rip offs and the frauds … Our segment Why Buy It? will keep you informed of the pitfalls and the plusses of consumer life. http://freedigitalcontent.com Macquarie Radio Network en-au Tue, 07 Nov 2006 09:38:30 +1100 Thu, 28 Sep 2006 15:39:52 +1000 FeedForAll Mac v2.0 (2.0.0.4); http://www.FeedForAll.com/ Giving you the run down on the best products, the best services, the rip offs and the frauds … Our segment Why Buy It? will keep you informed of the pitfalls and the plusses of consumer life. Giving you the run down on the best products, the best services, the rip offs and the frauds … Our segment Why Buy It? will keep you informed of the pitfalls and the plusses of consumer life. free digital content, choice.com.au, why buy it, Macquarie Radio Network, Australian Consumers Association, products, household, retail, shopping, right buys, baby, computers, money, right's, food, cars, best buys, health, Identity theft, survey FreeDigitalContent.com rpalmer@2gb.com Macquarie Radio Network no http://podcasts.freedigitalcontent.com/images/choice.jpg http://podcasts.freedigitalcontent.com/images/choice.jpg 300 300 Fancy a cyber girlfriend or a mood collar for you pooch? What about roasting your chicken on a beer can? Gadgets, we love them. Toys for the boys, gizmos for the girls and cool stuff for the kids … Why Buy It gives you the latest in the weird and the whacky gifts for the person who has it all. http://freedigitalcontent.com Thu, 28 Sep 2006 15:39:16 +1000 Fancy a cyber girlfriend or a mood collar for you pooch? What about roasting your chicken on a beer can? Gadgets, we love them. Toys for the boys, gizmos for the girls and cool stuff for the kids Fancy a cyber girlfriend or a mood collar for you pooch? What about roasting your chicken on a beer can? Gadgets, we love them. Toys for the boys, gizmos for the girls and cool stuff for the kids … Why Buy It gives you the latest in the weird and the whacky gifts for the person who has it all. no Attention all gamers! Playstation3, the new X-Box 360 and the Nintendo Wii, the choice is there, but which one is ahead of the game? Why Buy It talks to an expert about all three, comparing cost, portability and performance. Let the games begin! http://freedigitalcontent.com Wed, 27 Sep 2006 07:35:25 +1000 Attention all gamers! Playstation3, the new X-Box 360 and the Nintendo Wii, the choice is there, but which one is ahead of the game? Why Buy It talks to an expert about all three, comparing cost, portability and performance. Let the games begin! Attention all gamers! Playstation3, the new X-Box 360 and the Nintendo Wii, the choice is there, but which one is ahead of the game? Why Buy It talks to an expert about all three, comparing cost, portability and performance. Let the games begin! no Every year thousands of Australians decide to renovate or even build their own homes. Owner builders can save big bucks by doing it themselves. But along with the benefits there are many pitfalls. Learn what to be wary of before you drive that first nail. http://freedigitalcontent.com Mon, 11 Sep 2006 12:15:25 +1000 Every year thousands of Australians decide to renovate or even build their own homes. Owner builders can save big bucks by doing it themselves. But along with the benefits there are many pitfalls. Every year thousands of Australians decide to renovate or even build their own homes. Owner builders can save big bucks by doing it themselves. But along with the benefits there are many pitfalls. Learn what to be wary of before you drive that first nail. no What are your rights in the rental market? Whether you're a landlord or a tenant there are things you can do and things you definitely can't. What are they? Of course they differ from state to state. This week find out what you can do in NSW as we talk with the NSW Office of Fair Trading. http://freedigitalcontent.com Thu, 24 Aug 2006 08:23:46 +1000 What are your rights in the rental market? Whether you're a landlord or a tenant there are things you can do and things you definitely can't. What are they? What are your rights in the rental market? Whether you're a landlord or a tenant there are things you can do and things you definitely can't. What are they? Of course they differ from state to state. This week find out what you can do in NSW as we talk with the NSW Office of Fair Trading. no With the cost of petrol set to hit $2.00 litre by the year’s end what are the alternatives? Leading motoring journalist, David Berthon, reports that demand will soon outstrip supply. And discusses all the viable alternatives. http://freedigitalcontent.com Tue, 15 Aug 2006 10:27:02 +1000 With the cost of petrol set to hit $2.00 litre by the year’s end what are the alternatives? Leading motoring journalist, David Berthon, reports that demand will soon outstrip supply. And discusses all the viable alternatives. With the cost of petrol set to hit $2.00 litre by the year’s end what are the alternatives? Leading motoring journalist, David Berthon, reports that demand will soon outstrip supply. And discusses all the viable alternatives. no Leading motoring journalist, David Berthon, compares Australia’s top family sedans – the all new VE Commodore, the 2007 Toyota Camry, the BF Falcon Mark II, and the Mitsubishi 380. They’re all good … but one of these locally produced vehicles is way out in front!!! http://freedigitalcontent.com Tue, 15 Aug 2006 10:25:59 +1000 Leading motoring journalist, David Berthon, compares Australia’s top family sedans – the all new VE Commodore, the 2007 Toyota Camry, the BF Falcon Mark II, and the Mitsubishi 380. They’re all good … Leading motoring journalist, David Berthon, compares Australia’s top family sedans – the all new VE Commodore, the 2007 Toyota Camry, the BF Falcon Mark II, and the Mitsubishi 380. They’re all good … but one of these locally produced vehicles is way out in front!!! no If comfort and support are so important when choosing a bra, why do so many women wear the wrong size? What makes a good bra? Which are the best? And why is getting fitted by a professional so important? New Idea’s Style Editor, Pip Cook explains all. http://freedigitalcontent.com Tue, 08 Aug 2006 12:52:57 +1000 If comfort and support are so important when choosing a bra, why do so many women wear the wrong size? What makes a good bra? Which are the best? If comfort and support are so important when choosing a bra, why do so many women wear the wrong size? What makes a good bra? Which are the best? And why is getting fitted by a professional so important? New Idea’s Style Editor, Pip Cook explains all. no With 97% of New South Wales in drought, the need to save water has never been greater. And with Australians rated amongst the world’s highest water users .. the water crisis is more than a reality. So, what can we do to conserve this most precious of resources? And what measures do and don’t work? Naomi Dumbrell, Director of the Sustainable Cities Unit of Environment & Heritage has some of the answers. http://freedigitalcontent.com Tue, 08 Aug 2006 12:52:57 +1000 With 97% of New South Wales in drought, the need to save water has never been greater. And with Australians rated amongst the world’s highest water users .. the water crisis is more than a reality. With 97% of New South Wales in drought, the need to save water has never been greater. And with Australians rated amongst the world’s highest water users .. the water crisis is more than a reality. So, what can we do to conserve this most precious of resources? And what measures do and don’t work? Naomi Dumbrell, Director of the Sustainable Cities Unit of Environment & Heritage has some of the answers. no Psst! Wanna save a bundle at the petrol pump? Get an eco-friendly car - they're more efficient, more affordable and more readily available than ever. With BIG savings to be made in fuel costs, going green is the smart choice. And you can help save the planet, too. Consumer expert Helen Wellings details which makes and models scored 5 stars. http://freedigitalcontent.com Thu, 27 Jul 2006 10:22:01 +1000 Psst! Wanna save a bundle at the petrol pump? Get an eco-friendly car - they're more efficient, more affordable and more readily available than ever. Psst! Wanna save a bundle at the petrol pump? Get an eco-friendly car - they're more efficient, more affordable and more readily available than ever. With BIG savings to be made in fuel costs, going green is the smart choice. And you can help save the planet, too. Consumer expert Helen Wellings details which makes and models scored 5 stars. no Crash test dummies are expensive, but try putting a price on you and your family's safety. Front airbags made a huge impact on auto safety, so now the Australian New Car Assessment Program has scored the effectiveness of side and head airbags in their latest crash test. How was it measured? Which vehicles were awarded four out of five stars? What's the extra cost on a new car? Chairman of the ANCAP management committee Lauchlan McIntosh knows the score. http://freedigitalcontent.com Thu, 20 Jul 2006 15:29:12 +1000 Crash test dummies are expensive, but try putting a price on you and your family's safety. Crash test dummies are expensive, but try putting a price on you and your family's safety. Front airbags made a huge impact on auto safety, so now the Australian New Car Assessment Program has scored the effectiveness of side and head airbags in their latest crash test. How was it measured? Which vehicles were awarded four out of five stars? What's the extra cost on a new car? Chairman of the ANCAP management committee Lauchlan McIntosh knows the score. no You get what you pay for. Sometimes you even get something you didn't pay for... or do you? Are the free trials and free gifts used as incentives to sell products really worth it? What are the hidden costs? Fortunately consumer expert Helen Wellings from New Idea Magazine was free to talk to us. http://freedigitalcontent.com Thu, 20 Jul 2006 15:28:03 +1000 You get what you pay for. Sometimes you even get something you didn't pay for... or do you? You get what you pay for. Sometimes you even get something you didn't pay for... or do you? Are the free trials and free gifts used as incentives to sell products really worth it? What are the hidden costs? Fortunately consumer expert Helen Wellings from New Idea Magazine was free to talk to us. no Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is what the computer geeks call a killer app (that's computer geek speak for "killer application" or "really good program"). Editor of Computer CHOICE Magazine, Georgina Swan explains how and why it's going to change the way you make and receive phone calls, sooner than you might think. http://freedigitalcontent.com Thu, 13 Jul 2006 12:24:02 +1000 Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is what the computer geeks call a killer app (that's computer geek speak Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is what the computer geeks call a killer app (that's computer geek speak for "killer application" or "really good program"). Editor of Computer CHOICE Magazine, Georgina Swan explains how and why it's going to change the way you make and receive phone calls, sooner than you might think. no Laser mouse… it may sound like a miniature cartoon superhero, but it's coming to a computer screen near you. Editor of Computer CHOICE Magazine, Georgina Swan says "Cheese". http://freedigitalcontent.com Thu, 13 Jul 2006 12:24:02 +1000 Laser mouse… it may sound like a miniature cartoon superhero, but it's coming to a computer screen near you. Editor of Computer CHOICE Magazine, Georgina Swan says "Cheese". Laser mouse… it may sound like a miniature cartoon superhero, but it's coming to a computer screen near you. Editor of Computer CHOICE Magazine, Georgina Swan says "Cheese". no Plug and Pray… er, I mean Plug and Play was an improvement… Bluetooth is a BIG improvement. How did it get its name? Is it secure? What is Bluejacking and is there a Bluetooth fairy? Editor of Computer CHOICE Magazine, Georgina Swan hooks us up. http://freedigitalcontent.com Thu, 13 Jul 2006 12:23:58 +1000 Plug and Pray… er, I mean Plug and Play was an improvement… Bluetooth is a BIG improvement. Plug and Pray… er, I mean Plug and Play was an improvement… Bluetooth is a BIG improvement. How did it get its name? Is it secure? What is Bluejacking and is there a Bluetooth fairy? Editor of Computer CHOICE Magazine, Georgina Swan hooks us up. no They're very cool and they’re the new must-have auto accessory, but are car navigation systems really that useful or are they just an expensive toy? And anyway, who needs one when you've got a wife or husband? CHOICE Magazine’s Indira Naidoo shows us the way. http://freedigitalcontent.com Wed, 05 Jul 2006 16:43:24 +1000 They're very cool and they’re the new must-have auto accessory, but are car navigation systems really that useful or are they just an expensive toy? They're very cool and they’re the new must-have auto accessory, but are car navigation systems really that useful or are they just an expensive toy? And anyway, who needs one when you've got a wife or husband? CHOICE Magazine’s Indira Naidoo shows us the way. no One of the most difficult and frustrating buying decisions we ever make, fraught with potentially expensive problems at every turn, is buying a used car. As cars become increasingly high-tech it’s vitally important to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Consumer expert Helen Wellings knows just what to do - in fact, she’s apples when you don’t want a lemon. http://freedigitalcontent.com Mon, 26 Jun 2006 10:13:57 +1000 One of the most difficult and frustrating buying decisions we ever make, fraught with potentially expensive problems at every turn, is buying a used car. One of the most difficult and frustrating buying decisions we ever make, fraught with potentially expensive problems at every turn, is buying a used car. As cars become increasingly high-tech it’s vitally important to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Consumer expert Helen Wellings knows just what to do - in fact, she’s apples when you don’t want a lemon. no Heaters http://freedigitalcontent.com Wed, 14 Jun 2006 14:05:07 +1000 Heaters Heaters no Smoke Alarms http://freedigitalcontent.com Wed, 14 Jun 2006 14:05:07 +1000 Smoke Alarms Smoke Alarms no When is a dummy not a dummy? When it’s being spat of course! And that’s exactly what Choice did when it discovered that dummies aren’t regulated by standard Australian safety regulations. Find out how dangerous some dummies can be, how they can disrupt sleep patterns, whether they cause dental problems and whether our kids should be using them at all. http://freedigitalcontent.com Wed, 14 Jun 2006 14:05:07 +1000 When is a dummy not a dummy? When it’s being spat of course! And that’s exactly what Choice did when it discovered that When is a dummy not a dummy? When it’s being spat of course! And that’s exactly what Choice did when it discovered that dummies aren’t regulated by standard Australian safety regulations. Find out how dangerous some dummies can be, how they can disrupt sleep patterns, whether they cause dental problems and whether our kids should be using them at all. no Aren’t kids fair game for junk food manufacturers? After all, they're only trying to sell candy to a baby. How do we make junk food manufacturers care? Should we be taking a carrot cake and celery stick approach? And what can parents do to win the hearts and minds and stomachs of their children? CHOICE Magazine's Clare Hughes has some helpful suggestions. http://freedigitalcontent.com Tue, 13 Jun 2006 07:48:38 +1000 Aren’t kids fair game for junk food manufacturers? After all, they're only trying to sell candy to a baby. How do we make junk food manufacturers care? Aren’t kids fair game for junk food manufacturers? After all, they're only trying to sell candy to a baby. How do we make junk food manufacturers care? Should we be taking a carrot cake and celery stick approach? And what can parents do to win the hearts and minds and stomachs of their children? CHOICE Magazine's Clare Hughes has some helpful suggestions. no Ironing and irons have come a long way, but are all the problems… ahem, ironed out. These and other pressing issues will be answered by John Ashes, Manager, Research & Test Centre, CHOICE Magazine. http://freedigitalcontent.com Tue, 13 Jun 2006 07:48:38 +1000 Ironing and irons have come a long way, but are all the problems… ahem, ironed out. These and other pressing issues will be answered by John Ashes, Manager, Research & Test Centre, CHOICE Magazine. Ironing and irons have come a long way, but are all the problems… ahem, ironed out. These and other pressing issues will be answered by John Ashes, Manager, Research & Test Centre, CHOICE Magazine. no When is a phone more than just a phone? When you’re talking mobiles, the answer’s pretty much always. And when you want to know anything about the latest in mobile phones who you gonna call? Georgina Swan, Editor of Computer CHOICE Magazine, that’s who... http://freedigitalcontent.com Tue, 13 Jun 2006 07:48:38 +1000 When is a phone more than just a phone? When you’re talking mobiles, the answer’s pretty much always. When is a phone more than just a phone? When you’re talking mobiles, the answer’s pretty much always. And when you want to know anything about the latest in mobile phones who you gonna call? Georgina Swan, Editor of Computer CHOICE Magazine, that’s who... no The first microwave oven was built in 1947 by Raytheon. It was almost 1.8 metres high, weighed 340 kg, was water-cooled and produced 3000 watts. As much as they’ve improved since then, don’t most of us only use them to reheat a cold cup of tea? Not so, says CHOICE Magazine’s John Ashes. http://freedigitalcontent.com Tue, 13 Jun 2006 07:48:38 +1000 The first microwave oven was built in 1947 by Raytheon. It was almost 1.8 metres high, weighed 340 kg, was water-cooled and produced 3000 watts. The first microwave oven was built in 1947 by Raytheon. It was almost 1.8 metres high, weighed 340 kg, was water-cooled and produced 3000 watts. As much as they’ve improved since then, don’t most of us only use them to reheat a cold cup of tea? Not so, says CHOICE Magazine’s John Ashes. no What do you need to look out for when buying a cheap laptop under $1,400? Obviously, the essential requirement is portability, but there are plenty of other factors such as screen size, keyboard and touch pad comfort, durability and warranty to take into account. Choice discovers which cheap laptops are the best value for money. http://freedigitalcontent.com Tue, 16 May 2006 11:13:11 +1000 What do you need to look out for when buying a cheap laptop under $1,400? What do you need to look out for when buying a cheap laptop under $1,400? Obviously, the essential requirement is portability, but there are plenty of other factors such as screen size, keyboard and touch pad comfort, durability and warranty to take into account. Choice discovers which cheap laptops are the best value for money. no Firewalls and anti-spyware - sounds like a war zone. And it is. It's all jargon for software designed to protect your computer from attacks from viruses. Learn about different anti-virus programs, what you can expect from them and what they'll do to prevent attacks. Find out also why free anti-virus programs may not offer the support you need. http://freedigitalcontent.com Tue, 16 May 2006 11:13:11 +1000 Firewalls and anti-spyware - sounds like a war zone. Firewalls and anti-spyware - sounds like a war zone. And it is. It's all jargon for software designed to protect your computer from attacks from viruses. Learn about different anti-virus programs, what you can expect from them and what they'll do to prevent attacks. Find out also why free anti-virus programs may not offer the support you need. no You've equipped yourself with the latest iPod, have all the latest songs, news and images on board …but do you have the right accessories? Choice fills you in on all the latest extras available for iPods. From transmitters to armbands, from earbuds to plug in massagers, find out how to get the best from your iPod. http://freedigitalcontent.com Tue, 16 May 2006 11:13:11 +1000 You've equipped yourself with the latest iPod, have all the latest songs, news and images on board …but do you have the right accessories? You've equipped yourself with the latest iPod, have all the latest songs, news and images on board …but do you have the right accessories? Choice fills you in on all the latest extras available for iPods. From transmitters to armbands, from earbuds to plug in massagers, find out how to get the best from your iPod. no Have you ever sent an angry email only to regret it the second you pressed the send button? <br> And on the receiving end, how do you tell the tone of the email? And when is an email too casual ..or too formal? <br> Email manners, or netiquette, are essential for modern day communicating and Choice gives you the rundown on how to message effectively and assertively without being offensive. http://freedigitalcontent.com Tue, 16 May 2006 11:13:11 +1000 Have you ever sent an angry email only to regret it the second you pressed the send button? Have you ever sent an angry email only to regret it the second you pressed the send button? And on the receiving end, how do you tell the tone of the email? And when is an email too casual ..or too formal? Email manners, or netiquette, are essential for modern day communicating and Choice gives you the rundown on how to message effectively and assertively without being offensive. no Meat pies, gotta love 'em. Who cares what's in them! Snout, blood vessels, intestines, ears and offal. Yummo! And who cares if theses choice bits come from camels, rabbits or pigs! The manufacturers certainly don't. As long as they fill our pies with 25 percent of "meat" they're in business! Discover just how much our Aussie icon, the great meat pie, is filled more with left over scraps than meat, just make sure you've got a strong stomach! http://freedigitalcontent.com Wed, 10 May 2006 11:10:39 +1000 Meat pies, gotta love 'em. Who cares what's in them! Snout, blood vessels, intestines, ears and offal. Meat pies, gotta love 'em. Who cares what's in them! Snout, blood vessels, intestines, ears and offal. Yummo! And who cares if theses choice bits come from camels, rabbits or pigs! The manufacturers certainly don't. As long as they fill our pies with 25 percent of "meat" they're in business! Discover just how much our Aussie icon, the great meat pie, is filled more with left over scraps than meat, just make sure you've got a strong stomach! no Huge holes are being burned into the back pockets of every Australian as they pay ridiculous fees for multiple super accounts. On average, each Australian worker supports 2.8 super accounts, potentially dwindling their nest egg by 25%. Choice looks at how you can cut down costs and keep your savings in tact more for those important twilight years http://freedigitalcontent.com Wed, 15 Mar 2006 10:23:32 +1100 Huge holes are being burned into the back pockets of every Australian as they pay ridiculous fees for multiple super accounts. Huge holes are being burned into the back pockets of every Australian as they pay ridiculous fees for multiple super accounts. On average, each Australian worker supports 2.8 super accounts, potentially dwindling their nest egg by 25%. Choice looks at how you can cut down costs and keep your savings in tact more for those important twilight years no They're sometimes as small as a matchbox but they often contain thousands of dollars worth of sound. Digital music players are the most finely tuned and efficient way to listen to endless hours of music. But what are they? How do they work? And do we need one? Choice explains the basics of digital music players, giving tips on what to buy and what to avoid and how you can fit your music collection into that one tiny little matchbox. http://freedigitalcontent.com Wed, 15 Mar 2006 10:23:32 +1100 They're sometimes as small as a matchbox but they often contain thousands of dollars worth of sound. They're sometimes as small as a matchbox but they often contain thousands of dollars worth of sound. Digital music players are the most finely tuned and efficient way to listen to endless hours of music. But what are they? How do they work? And do we need one? Choice explains the basics of digital music players, giving tips on what to buy and what to avoid and how you can fit your music collection into that one tiny little matchbox. no It causes tears and tantrums, sleepless nights and endless misery. We're talking snoring. In Choice, we look at a number of over the counter products available which promise to ease the roar and bring peace to the bedroom. http://freedigitalcontent.com Wed, 15 Mar 2006 10:23:32 +1100 It causes tears and tantrums, sleepless nights and endless misery. We're talking snoring. In Choice, we look at a number of over the counter products available which promise to ease the roar and bring peace to the bedroom. It causes tears and tantrums, sleepless nights and endless misery. We're talking snoring. In Choice, we look at a number of over the counter products available which promise to ease the roar and bring peace to the bedroom. no Fast Food = Healthy Food? Are they for real? http://freedigitalcontent.com Wed, 15 Mar 2006 10:23:32 +1100 Fast Food = Healthy Food? Are they for real? Fast Food = Healthy Food? Are they for real? no Choice Magazine compares the quality, price and economic impact of generic brands and brand name labels. http://freedigitalcontent.com Wed, 15 Mar 2006 10:23:32 +1100 Choice Magazine compares the quality, price and economic impact of generic brands and brand name labels. Choice Magazine compares the quality, price and economic impact of generic brands and brand name labels. no External hard drives - if you have more than one computer they're a must. But are they cost effective? And how durable are they? Do they perform as well as internal hard drives? Computer Choice looks at the pros and cons of internal hard drives. http://freedigitalcontent.com Wed, 15 Mar 2006 10:23:32 +1100 External hard drives - if you have more than one computer they're a must. But are they cost effective? External hard drives - if you have more than one computer they're a must. But are they cost effective? And how durable are they? Do they perform as well as internal hard drives? Computer Choice looks at the pros and cons of internal hard drives. no They used to be a luxury, but now computers are so much a part of life they are treated as merely another disposable - out with the old and in with the new, updated version. But what do you do with them? The latest 21st Century problem facing our environment is e-waste, Computer Choice magazine offers solutions for getting rid of all this computerised junk. http://freedigitalcontent.com Wed, 15 Mar 2006 10:23:32 +1100 They used to be a luxury, but now computers are so much a part of life they are treated as merely another disposable - out with the old and in with the new. They used to be a luxury, but now computers are so much a part of life they are treated as merely another disposable - out with the old and in with the new, updated version. But what do you do with them? The latest 21st Century problem facing our environment is e-waste, Computer Choice magazine offers solutions for getting rid of all this computerised junk. no Gordan Renouf - Manager of Policy and Campaigns - Identity Fraud http://2gb.com Thu, 23 Feb 2006 10:32:43 +1100 Gordan Renouf - Manager of Policy and Campaigns - Identity Fraud Gordan Renouf - Manager of Policy and Campaigns - Identity Fraud no Clare Hughes - Food Policy Officer - Do slimming products work???? http://2gb.com Tue, 21 Feb 2006 14:52:16 +1100 Clare Hughes - Food Policy Officer - Do slimming products work???? Clare Hughes - Food Policy Officer - Do slimming products work???? no