Answer Guide and Discussion Prompts

This is not a grading key. Use it to keep discussion anchored.

Product A

Likely decision: purchase or renew if it matches a real need.

Discussion prompts:

• Is the lower novelty actually a benefit?
• Does the export path reduce lock-in?
• Would a lower tier be enough?

Product B

Likely decision: test or use for low-risk creative work.

Discussion prompts:

• What should stay out of this product until it matures?
• What backup or export habit would make experimentation safer?
• What would need to be true before using it for paid work?

Product C

Likely decision: delay, test monthly if possible, or avoid annual commitment.

Discussion prompts:

• Which features are current value and which are future promise?
• What terms are too unclear for a large commitment?
• What would count as real evidence?

Product D

Likely decision: test compatibility before installation or delay.

Discussion prompts:

• What should be checked before purchase?
• Why is return policy part of compatibility?
• What does “state-of-the-art” fail to tell us?

Product E

Likely decision: pause before renewal and graduate or unwind the experiment.

Discussion prompts:

• When did the experiment become operational?
• What account and access risks exist?
• What export, backup, owner, and support steps are missing?

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Source: labs/consumer-reports-for-emerging-technology/materials/answer-guide.md