The latest on electronics, appliances, & technology issues ... direct from the experts in our testing and research team.
18 June 2009
A Consumer member recently got in touch regarding missing text messages. After some ferreting, they found both Vodafone and Telecom allowed only 72 hours to pick up text messages before the messages were wiped from the servers. This isn’t very...more »
18 June 2009
It’s always the wrong time to buy technology, but some times are more wrong than others. Trust me, I know – when I bought my first iPod a friend suggested waiting two weeks. I responded by buying it there and...more »
16 June 2009
It’s just over a week since Telecom’s new network went live. We’ve got a BlackBerry Bold in the office at the moment, and we’re going to put it through its paces to see how XT shapes up. Hamish in particular...more »
26 May 2009
Whether you’re a conspiracy theorist or not, at some point you’ve probably suspected what any tech-loving man or woman would suspect – that products are designed to last as long as the warranty period, not a moment longer. A short...more »
14 May 2009
TelstraClear has come under fire for removing four channels from its basic cable TV package. Subscribers were shocked to receive a letter saying these channels – which had been available for years – had been given out “in error”, and...more »
30 April 2009
We recently received the outcome of a Disputes Tribunal hearing from a Consumer member, who stuck to his guns by forcing computer manufacturer Dell to pay for repair costs and new parts for his computer. Dell initially refused to service...more »
3 April 2009
Sky’s latest personal video recorder is a sexy black box called My Sky HDi. Through the console, you can pause and rewind live TV and record up to two shows simultaneously. You can also access high definition (HD) programmes for...more »
3 April 2009
After writing about the forthcoming Windows Seven a few blogs back, I thought I’d talk to someone at Microsoft NZ about Windows. Ben agreed to the interview below. If you have any further questions, stick them in the comments, and...more »
25 March 2009
Some of you will of heard of the phrase “section 92a” of the Copyright Act. Others might have no idea what it means, so I’m here to help. Last year, New Zealand’s copyright law was being updated and rewritten, to...more »
19 March 2009
Telco companies are constantly adding, removing and changing plans and deals, whether for mobile phones, fixed lines or the internet. This is good – prices are getting better all the time (although not as quickly as some would like). However,...more »