Putting 'As Seen On TV' Products To The Test

You've seen them on TV, but now we're putting them to the test for you. Reader's Digest takes a look at four star ratings of the gadgets and gizmos sold on TV. Andy Simmons from Reader's Digest will walk us through the products.

For more details, pick up the November issue of Reader's Digest or go to www.rd.com.

PRODUCT DETAILS AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

1. Go Duster, $9.95
The Promise: The makers of this battery-operated spinning feather duster have gone way out on a limb with an audacious statement: "makes dusting faster, easier, and more fun than you ever imagined!"
The Reality: Fun? Well … yes, actually. "Takes the mundane task of removing dust from blinds, ceiling fans, etc., and makes it an adventure," said one easily amused tester. Although most would like to see an extension pole added for hard-to-reach places, the consensus was "easy to use." But more than one did notice that "it doesn't really remove the dust so much as move the dust around."

2. Hollywood Purse Hook, $9.95
The Promise: Instead of slinging your handbag (or umbrella) on any old icky, sticky floor, hang it on this "chic, elegant, and durable hook," says the company. You get a set of two hooks: one with a gold finish, one silver. This portable device uses the weight of the purse as a counterbalance to attach to a table or shelf.
The Reality: "It's an unnecessary gadget," said one tester. Added another, "Who cares if it's gold or silver?" But, gushed one martini drinker, "it's perfect for bars!" The obvious flaw of a purse hook: It's one more thing to cram into your purse.

3. Handyswitch, $14.95
The Promise: As if America isn't sedentary enough, the box screams, "Too lazy to get out of bed to turn the lights off? HandySwitch is the amazing remote-control light switch that turns on any lamp in any room!" Plug the receiver into an outlet, and plug the lamp into that. Then use the switch to operate the lamp remotely, from the far end of the room or even outside the house.
The Reality: Turns out, our staffers are a bunch of lazy bums.
Bum No. 1: "Very handy, especially when walking into a dark house."
Bum No. 2: "Excellent for a person with limited mobility."
Bum No. 3: "The signal was so strong, it worked two houses away."

4. Wonder Washer, $69.95
The Promise: Ever wanted to travel the world, just you and your washing machine? Good news! This portable, bucket-sized washer goes where you go, assuming you go to places that have electrical outlets.
The Reality: "I like that it agitates, similar to a real washing machine," said one tester. "I think the clothes get a little cleaner than a hand wash would get them." And another raved, "It was great for delicates." A third tester, though, had a better idea. "You could make a bunch of piña coladas in it," she said. "It's basically a giant blender."

5. Flat Fold Colander, $9.95
The Promise: In the competitive world of spaghetti drying, "a full-sized strainer that magically folds flat to store anywhere" would seem to hold the edge, right?
The Reality: Not according to our testers. They found this plastic offering too much of a strain. "Compared with an ordinary colander, it's wobbly," complained one. And another thought, "I guess it would be good for my yacht-if I had one."

6. Mighty Putty, $19.95
The Promise: This superpowered epoxy creates "an everlasting bond" that can support up to 350 pounds.
The Reality: Our testers agreed. They used it for tasks both mundane (plugging a leaky faucet, affixing a loose tile) and imaginative ("Mom, what's Tommy doing on the ceiling?"). Okay, we're kidding about Tommy. But we're not kidding about the reviews. "A little goes a long way," said one tester. The only complaint was an unpleasant vinegary odor, but it dissipates.