Full title:
Freedonian Consumer Institute Product Research Division Consumer Guide Volume 1
From Introduction:
...Report on equipment and accessories.
The player's section is designed for easy reference. It gives the item name and technology level where the item first becomes available. Then it lists information about weigh, dimensions, and cost. Under this, is a paragraph explaining use of the item and other useful informaiton.
The referee's section gives the names of three manufacturers, how available their product is, and how reliable. It also explains some dangers or drawbacks the item can have. This allows the referee to choose the quality and price of the items made available to the players and possible things which could go wrong.