Kyle Kucharski of ZDNET conducts thorough testing on a variety of laptops every year. The testing process includes both benchmarking programs to gather system data and metrics, as well as a consumer-focused approach that considers factors like ease of use, durability, and battery life. While data is important, the human element and personal experience with the laptops are also taken into account in the reviews.
When testing a new laptop, initial impressions are noted before diving into the data. The setup process, including connecting to Wi-Fi and logging in, is observed to determine the smoothness of the startup. All devices are tested with the most recent updates to the operating system and drivers to ensure optimal performance.
Key components like the processor, RAM, storage, GPU, display, port selection, and physical form factor are analyzed during the testing process. Factors like performance, value, and excellence are considered to determine if a laptop is recommended by ZDNET. Benchmarking programs like SiSoftware Sandra, GPU-Z, Cinebench, PCMark 10, and Geekbench are used to gather detailed information about the hardware and software of the laptops.
Battery life testing involves running the laptop under a medium load to determine how long it can last. The display brightness and audio are set at 50%, and a livestream on YouTube is played to test the battery life. Overall, the testing process aims to provide consumers with comprehensive information to make informed decisions when purchasing a laptop.