What Laptop is the leading mobile computing magazine for laptops, netbooks and smartphones. Launched in 1999, it is the only mobile computing magazine in the UK to offer you independent reviews of the latest mobile computers on the market.
We test, review and rate every laptop and netbook available in the UK using our own dedicated testing labs. Each machine is tested by dedicated mobile computing staff, we don't allow anyone but trained members of staff to test or review our laptops. In this way, you can be sure that our findings are the most thorough and independent of any magazine today.
HOW WE TEST
We begin by examining a laptop’s design to see how strong it feels to the touch and whether it fulfils the role it was designed for. The overall build quality is important, so we go to great lengths to test the overall strength and durability of each system. We also assess the functionality of all ports, switches and latches.
The quality of the screen is also considered, with checks for brightness, evenness of tone, as well as any dead pixels identified. The final part of our initial tests deals with the weight of the machine and its relative portability of the laptop.
Next, we assess the overall usability of the machine, including the quality of the keyboard, touchpad and user interface.These tests have a direct effect on how we score each laptop.
Once the hands-on part of our testing has been dealt with, the laptop will spend up to 72 hours in our test labs being run through a series of benchmarks to check overall performance. Each machine is set at the same performance level first, so we can judge how effectively it will run in most situations. The software we use comes in two parts. The first, MobileMark 2007, tests the internal components, while 3DMark 2003 is specifically designed for testing the laptop’s graphics sub-system.
The What Laptop team consists of:
Alex Bentley (Editor): Alex has worked across many top music, gaming, home cinema and Hi-Fi titles, and has focussed on mobile computing in the past four and a half years.
Contact: alex.bentley@futurenet.com
Tommy Melville (Staff Writer): Since graduating from Leeds University, Tommy has found his way into technology journalism. He's worked on various technology and lifestyle titles, including T3, FHM, and iGIZMO, and has settled permanently at What Laptop.
Contact: tommy.melville@futurenet.com
Chris Barraclough (Staff Writer): Chris comes from a highly technical background, graduating from Durham University with a degree in Artificial Intelligence. He's worked on a number of lifestyle, gaming and film publications, and now writes full-time for What Laptop.
Contact: chris.barraclough@futurenet.com
Dean Gurden (Sub Editor): Dean has worked on What Laptop magazine for over four years, and is now also an active contributor to the website.
To advertise on What Laptop please contact:
Charles Said (Senior Advertising Manager)
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