For the Windows 95 application benchmarks, we ran scripts with 32-bit versions of Microsoft Word (7.0) and Excel (7.0) plus a 16-bit version of FoxPro (2.6). NSTL's low-level InterMark Multimedia PC tests exercise specific components of the notebook: CPU, hard drive, CD-ROM drive, and sound (percentage of CPU utilization). InterMark video benchmarks test how well a system can produce multiple Windows draws, bit-mapped images, and display screens generated by applications like PowerPoint and CorelDraw.
Battery Life
We measured battery life with our Thumper II battery run-down tester. Thumper II emulates a typical word processing session. It uses robotic arms and an optical screen sensor to detect and control each system's power management function. Before testing, we completely drained and recharged each notebook's battery twice, according to the vendors' instructions. People use their notebooks in different ways, so you will probably get different battery life with a given portable.
Features/Usability
We reward features that differentiate the notebooks. For instance, AMS, Compaq, Dell, Digital Equipment, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Impulse, NEC, and Toshiba back their systems with impressive three-year warranties, as opposed to one-year warranties with the other vendors. We asked the vendors to fill out a lengthy features questionnaire, and we verified the features in the labs. For usability, technicians worked extensively with each notebook to assess the quality of the keyboard, status ind
icators, and pointing device. We also evaluated the user's manuals and checked how easy it was to install modular components and upgrade the systems with memory.
Test Specs
