Earth without “art” is just “eh“: Apple’s new iPad Pro “Crush!” ad is … disturbing. It shows a hydraulic press squashing symbols of human creativity — musical instruments and art supplies. Then, voila — a new, super-thin iPad Pro appears. The message? Tech trumps all. Apple apologized: “We missed the mark … we’re sorry.” Ya think?
10 things you should never buy on Amazon
Amazon has been a source of essentials, hobbies, electronics and supplies during the pandemic, and business has been booming as a result. You can find just about anything on Amazon, which is both good and bad. Need an obscure replacement part for your dishwasher? You can probably find it on Amazon. But not all products are useful, and some can be downright dangerous.
Amazon recently pulled some weight loss products from its online store after being contacted by the Food and Drug Administration. The drugs contained unlisted ingredients that could interact with prescription medications. Tap or click here for the full story and some precautions.
Amazon’s inventory is growing and changing all the time, so while you’ll always find something new, you must exercise caution when making your purchases. Check out our rundown of things you should not buy from Amazon.
1. Costco-branded (Kirkland) products
There’s nothing wrong with Costco-branded products (which sell under the Kirkland name), but be careful where you get them. Kirkland products on Amazon can be marked up or counterfeit. A 2.5-pound jar of cashews, for example, is more than twice the price on Amazon as it would be directly through Costco.
Amazon is full of fake products, and you’ll likely find some labeled Kirkland in that group. Go to a Costco store in person or shop at the company’s official site at www.costco.com.
2. Cheap charging cables/adapters
You don’t need to spend a fortune on brand-name charging accessories for your tech, but make sure they’re certified. A cheap and poorly built charger can not only damage your device but can catch fire. Tap or click here to check out some safer options.
3. Cosmetics
How well do you trust a product that you apply to your face? Knockoff cosmetics are often not subjected to extensive testing, so the side effects are up in the air. The FBI previously found some counterfeit products to contain carcinogens like arsenic, beryllium and cadmium, in addition to high levels of aluminum and even bacteria.
4. Ikea products
Ikea’s affordable furniture and household products are quite popular, which is why resellers offer them at marked-up prices on Amazon. Understandably, you would browse these items if you don’t live near an Ikea location, but it’s not worth it. You can find many of the Swedish conglomerate’s wares at its official online store, www.ikea.com.
Help give COVID-19 masks and protective gear to first-responders
Finding certain supplies has been nearly impossible since the beginning of this pandemic. Going without things like toilet paper, flour and disinfectant wipes is difficult enough — but what about personal protective equipment like face masks?
The reason Amazon wants you to shop less (yes, really)
Of all the essential businesses still open during COVID-19, Amazon is the reigning king. With so many people indoors nowadays to protect themselves, online shopping has become the preferred option for stocking up on supplies. It makes sense when you consider how easily the novel coronavirus can spread.
Use this site to find any coronavirus supplies in stock
In March 2020, finding a simple roll of toilet paper became a herculean task in just a matter of weeks. The staple home good is now a scarcity, and it’s hardly alone in the retail wasteland of post-coronavirus America.