PRESS RELEASE

Are you on a pre-Christmas diet? Consumer Choice has taken a look at alli, the new non-prescription weight loss pill. We find that pharmacists are failing to follow guidelines and selling alli to consumers who don't need to lose weight - is it safe?

We also get a start on the Christmas wish list, with brand new personal media players and a range of home cinema kits on test. For the more practical consumer, Choice Buy tumble dryers will make your life easier through the winter.

Health and safety are also on our minds this month, with investigations into toxic cosmetics, nanotechnology and radon gas. And not to forget financial safety - we've compared not only pet insurance and income protection insurance, but also compared the comparers - how helpful are price comparison websites when buying an insurance policy?

Other reports from this month's Consumer Choice look at micropayments and Islamic finance - a different way of dealing with money.

TEST: Media players
Consumer Choice brings you our Choice Buy music and video players and looks at multi-territory licensing of music online.

Pet insurance
It’s often said that the love of an animal is priceless – but that doesn’t mean it won’t cost you. Having your pet insured can protect you against being bitten by high vets’ bills. Consumer Choice walks you through the options.

Micropayments
They may become the next big method of payment online, but if you don’t watch the pennies, micropayments can quickly add up.

Toxic beauty
The cosmetics industry spends billions annually on convincing us that their products are necessary to look good. But are they safe?

Home cinema
Consumer Choice has tested 2.1 and 5.1 home cinema systems and found eight Choice Buys to help bring movies to life in your home.

Income protection insurance
A new survey shows that over one third of adults are losing sleep over financial worries. Could protecting your income insure a good night’s rest? Consumer Choice tells you all you need to know.

Guide to nanotechnology
Although still an emerging science, nanotechnology is already being used in many industries. So, what exactly is nanotechnology and what are the benefits and risks of its use?

Price comparison websites
These sites aim to reduce the legwork in finding the best quote – particularly for insurance. But do they always find the right policy at the right price? Radon risk Exposure to radon gas in the home is a health hazard that many people are unaware of. We examine the issue and
look at how your exposure can be reduced.

TEST: Tumble dryers Ireland's wet climate makes a tumble dryer an important piece of equipment in most households. Consumer Choice has eight Choice Buys to choose from.

Islamic finance

The world financial crisis has exposed the weaknesses of the Western banking system, so could the Islamic system of finance provide a more stable alternative? Consumer Choice explains.

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Enquiries:

The November issue of /Consumer Choice/ is available now from the Consumers’ Association of Ireland. To request copies of articles or for further information, please contact CAI on (01) 497 8600 or cai@consumerassociation.ie <blocked::mailto:cai@consumerassociation.ie>

Note to Editor:

Consumer Choice is published by the Consumers’ Association of Ireland, Consumer Choice magazine’s team of dedicated researchers use their expertise to provide subscribers with impartial reporting on household consumer goods, personal finance, automotive, health, safety and the environment as well as giving useful contacts and websites for each topic they report on.

Consumer Choice does not carry any advertising, for that reason they can offer readers an unbiased view of all the products and services they review.

Consumer Choice is published monthly by the Consumers’ Association of Ireland (CAI) limited, a wholly independent, non-government, non-profit making body.

Consumer Choice is available through a subscription of €24 per quarter direct from the Consumers’ Association of Ireland, - contact subscriptions at cai@consumerassociation.ie; www.thecai.ie or call Judy Dunne on 01-497 8811.

Reports in Consumer Choice are based on market research, laboratory tests or user surveys, all of which are independently and scientifically conducted. The non-test reports are produced in main by the editorial staff. Some material is occasionally drawn from other foreign independent consumer magazines.

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