Are the press supposed to return review units to their manufacters?
What is the proper ettiquete for product reviews?

A journalist friend of mine who supposedly reviews computer-related
products, mobile phones, etc. has so many review units that he has had
to rent extra space.

No, he never returns the units unless asked and he never gets asked.

And here's the funny thing, he rarely opens the boxes for the kit he
is supposed to review. He knows what is required of him and he is well
taken care of by the various PR people.

Hmmm.  "He knows what is required."  I thought that would be to review
the product and provide consumers with honest feedback.  Silly me.

It doesn't happen to motoring journalists does it ?

Hi Again Kleenloo

YES it also happens to motoring journalists.

A very good friend of mine who used to be a director of a well-known
motor manufacturer tells me of a product launch where one supposedly
reputable journalist didn't stay after lunch for the test drive, etc.
saying 'I've already written my review' BEFORE he had even seen or
test driven the car in question!

It's called the Power of Advertising.

Bryan 
  I still cant believe a journalist would be as dishonest as you describe. 
and he would still have to return the car surely.



( were you a journalist in one of your many incantations)
regards
KLEENEX

Kleenex, You've missed the point.

The journalist never even saw the car!