How do you decide on buying a product?

I also use Consumer Reports for the major items. For the smaller things I just do research on line and see what others have to say and I also speak to my family and friends to see if they can shed any info on whatever it is I am looking for.

I rarely use Consumer Reports as a research tool when deciding upon a product to buy. I research the web for a given product and form my own conclusions.

I ask about it to my friends.After that I read the product review on sites like cnet.com.

This would really depend on the type of product and whether I have a knowledge of the subject. I remember the first time that I bought a mobile phone. There were many models on the market and I knew virtually nothing about the subject, so I bought a few magazines that contained reviews and other relevant information. Whereas when I bought a digital camera I knew what it was that I required. That is the important factor to me, I need to know what I am buying and why.

Yeah, for big ticket items, I will ask around & get feedbacks from others before deciding on brands/models to buy... But sometimes, if I just like something very much, I will buy it, irregardless of the feedback :P

I do look through review websites for reviews on the product I am looking at. Check with friends for their views, especially those who are using the same products. If possible, borrow the product and play with it myself.

price and quality

quality and then price