I look mostly at consumer reviews, rather than the short-term-use reviews by professional reviewers. There are some electronics review sites that seem to try to get it right, however.
CR isn’t completely useless, though I agree that real-world use doesn’t always reflect their ratings. The reports generally have some good information.
Consumer reviews can be mixed, since it’s mostly the people who are very displeased who tend to reply. I saw one review of the TV we ultimately got (the review was at CR, coincidentally) where they completely missed the functionality of the remote and downgraded it because of that.
I love the reviews that show the person has obviously spent some time with the product and is putting a lot of info out there.
I forgot to mention my worst brand.
It is a take off on SONY-a (shite) brand called COBY.
Cheapest junk made.
Well for preferences in electronics:
TV: probably Sony would be the standard others are compared to
MP3 player: iPod
Laptop: Dell small business level or maybe Apple next time
Desktop: build my own or again maybe a Mac next time
GPS: Garmin
Automotive diagnostic: Snap-on. There really is a difference
Bluetooth: Jawbone
I have never problem with Philips. I also go for LG & Samsung for particular units. Thankfully I have no regrets yet!
Samsung and LG for about anything I can find.