Quality control

Our laptops should not cause frustration, but joy. That is why we place particularly high value on a clean check of the functionality of the laptops donated to us.

Components

After a device is registered in our system, the following parts of a laptop are checked:

• Processor
• Working memory
• Hard disk
• Battery power
• Input and output devices

Processor (CPU)

The processor (CPU for short) of a laptop contributes to a large extent to how fast your laptop can be. Since the processors in most devices can only be replaced very laboriously and expensively, we are already sorting out the first devices here.

The maximum processor power can be measured in two ranges:

• Single thread
• Mutli thread

Both of these values can be drawn directly from the laptop. We use a combination of these values to divide the laptops into different performance categories (A, B, C).

Category A and B devices are well suited for school and private purposes. However, we also keep category C devices for other uses, such as special distribution campaigns or for training on our part. If a device is not powerful enough, it does not leave our warehouse.

Single thread

Most programmes on a laptop work in a single process. This value thus tells (simply put) how well a laptop can handle simple work.

Multi-Thread

Unlike single-thread, this looks at the entire screen. The better the multi-thread value, the better a laptop can cope with multitasking; for example, when several programmes are running at the same time or you are visiting different websites at the same time.

Working memory (RAM)

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.

In our tests, we look at how much RAM is installed on the devices. The absolute minimum is 4GB, but most laptops already have 8/16GB of RAM.

If a unit can be equipped with more or better RAM sticks (modules), we do this in each case if the laptop is opened up anyway. In principle, low RAM can also be compensated for by a good processor and a fast hard drive.

Hard disk (HDD / SSD)

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.

During our check, we look at each laptop to see what type of hard drive is installed. If we find an HDD (hard disk drive) on the device, for example, we replace it with a faster SSD (solid state drive). This change alone can massively improve the speed of a device.

We delete the old hard drives afterwards and reuse them or destroy them directly. More information on this can be found on the following page:

Battery power

Even if a laptop can be operated with a defective battery, this is a hindrance if, for example, you are travelling on public transport or have no access to a power socket.

In addition to the current maximum capacity, measured in milliampere hours (mAh), we also read out the original maximum capacity. From these two values, we then derive how long the battery will last. If the current maximum capacity is less than 25% of the original value, the check fails and the device is not passed on.

Many of our laptops have much more than the guaranteed 30min runtime. If you do need a new battery, you can buy replacement batteries for little money (usually CHF 30-60.-) on various sites (e.g. https://subtel.ch).

Input and output devices

You communicate with your laptop via the input and output devices. The input devices allow you to send information to the computer, while the laptop tells you what is going on with output devices.

Typical input and output devices include, for example, the following components:

• Screen
• Camera
• Loudspeaker and microphone
• Keyboard
• TouchPad
• Touch screen (if available)

All things are checked by us during the set-up of the laptops. If we find corresponding defects, we will consider whether the laptop can still be used.

For example, a small scratch on a laptop does not mean that it cannot be used. The situation is different if there is major external damage to the device or if the screen is cracked or has colour defects.

If, for example, a TouchPad does not work, we add a mouse - the same goes for cameras. It should be said, however, that this procedure is the last option and we first send out all devices that are fully functional. So far, we have only had to deal with delivery bottlenecks in exceptional cases.