Technical tests
Various performance parameters and components are recorded for all laptops. During our test, we also read out the corresponding information for all components.
We pay particular attention to the following:
Processor
What is that?
The processor (CPU for short) of a laptop plays a major role in how fast your laptop can be. As a rule, the processor cannot be replaced.
How do we check this?
We run a performance test on our devices and read out how well the processor handles these tasks. This tells us which performance category the device is categorised in.
The processor (CPU for short) of a laptop plays a major role in how fast your laptop can be. As a rule, the processor cannot be replaced.
How do we check this?
We run a performance test on our devices and read out how well the processor handles these tasks. This tells us which performance category the device is categorised in.
Working memory (RAM)
What is that?
The main memory (RAM for short) is needed by the computer to process the information from programmes and applications. Together with the processor, it ensures that your computer can calculate effectively.
How do we check this?
The test looks at how much RAM is installed. We make sure that every device with Zorin OS has at least 4GB RAM and devices with Windows have at least 8GB RAM. However, most devices have more anyway.
The main memory (RAM for short) is needed by the computer to process the information from programmes and applications. Together with the processor, it ensures that your computer can calculate effectively.
How do we check this?
The test looks at how much RAM is installed. We make sure that every device with Zorin OS has at least 4GB RAM and devices with Windows have at least 8GB RAM. However, most devices have more anyway.
Hard disk
What is that?
All files are stored on the hard disk. For example, the operating system, created documents and videos/photos are on it. The faster the hard disk, the faster you can open, save and change large files.
How do we check this?
During the data erasure of the hard drives, the read and write speeds are also read out, as well as general health information about the hard drives. Our laptops are generally only equipped with SSDs.
All files are stored on the hard disk. For example, the operating system, created documents and videos/photos are on it. The faster the hard disk, the faster you can open, save and change large files.
How do we check this?
During the data erasure of the hard drives, the read and write speeds are also read out, as well as general health information about the hard drives. Our laptops are generally only equipped with SSDs.
Battery
What is that?
Without a battery, your laptop would only work on electricity. We don't want this, because otherwise a device is not really usable.
How do we check this?
We have developed our own battery check, during which a simulated load runs on the device. At the same time, the screen brightness and performance are set to maximum. This allows us to calculate approximately how long your laptop will run on power.
Without a battery, your laptop would only work on electricity. We don't want this, because otherwise a device is not really usable.
How do we check this?
We have developed our own battery check, during which a simulated load runs on the device. At the same time, the screen brightness and performance are set to maximum. This allows us to calculate approximately how long your laptop will run on power.
Device category
What is that?
The device category allows us to recognise which orders a particular device is suitable for. For example, we check whether a device has a valid Windows licence and whether a device has a touchscreen.
How do we check this?
The licence check is performed automatically by our test program. The touchscreen test is also performed. The touch sensitivity is also tested.
The device category allows us to recognise which orders a particular device is suitable for. For example, we check whether a device has a valid Windows licence and whether a device has a touchscreen.
How do we check this?
The licence check is performed automatically by our test program. The touchscreen test is also performed. The touch sensitivity is also tested.
Non-technical tests
In addition to components that we can check technically, there are also various others that require effective manual labour and good eyes.
Here is the overview of the extended test:
Keyboard
Each device is subjected to a keypad check. All keys are pressed and their function logged. The touchpad (mouse) is also tested here.
Screen
Our refurbishment team also takes a close look at the screens. We have very clear criteria as to when pixel errors, scratches or other damage to screens lead to exclusion.
Microphone, camera, loudspeaker
Without these components, it is difficult to take part in online meetings or watch videos. This is precisely why we are also testing these components.
Other connections
Many of the connections are tested automatically during the test process. However, HDMI or DisplayPort connections are not tested. However, many devices now have USB-C ports, which are also tested.
Housing and overall condition
The appliance is examined in its entirety in various steps. Are the hinges defective or is there damage that is really bad? If so, we will use the affected appliance as a spare parts store.
Cleanliness
Donated devices are often dirty. Before an appliance is sent out, it is carefully cleaned so that you can use it cleanly.
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