Synopsis: A short explanation of how we test each handheld computer we review. 

When you set out to create a site like MobileHardwareReviews.com, there are a lot of issues to be aware of, and one of them is consistent test procedures. When evaluating a mobile device for a review, we have a standard procedure for simulating a route day.

Battery Life Testing
Starting with a full charge, we enable all of the options the unit has: Bluetooth, cell phone, etc. We do an initial load via the available communications mode: GPRS, 802.11x or ActiveSync. Then every 45 minutes we create an order with 100 line items on it, scanning 100 times. This gives us 10 orders with a total of 1000 scans for the day. We also print a receipt for each order to test the Bluetooth draw on the battery. If the unit is also a cell phone, we transmit each order via GPRS. We also use the phone between each order for 1 minute. During the test the handheld remains off of the charger. At the end of the day we record the battery level as reported by the battery gauge in the operating system. At the end of the day if there is more than 30% left on the battery gauge we do an additional 10 orders for another 1000 scans, and print ten more receipts. Then we do one final communication session with all ten orders, and report the final battery levels. Should a battery drain completely, we will note the point in the test where the unit shut off and report that. 

Cell Phone Testing
We test the cell phone capabilities by using the phone in a variety of environments, from quiet indoor settings to noisy outdoor locations. We use a Cingular account for all cell phone testing to provide network consistency. We test call quality in both handset and speaker phone mode. We are looking for good sound quality from both the microphone and the speakers. We also test bluetooth headset connections.

Ruggedized Testing
We're not set up to do ruggedized testing, so we'll just report what the IP numbers mean. But if we think a design isn't going to pass muster in the field, we'll tell you so.

Any variance to these procedures will be noted in the review. From time to time we'll revise these procedures, and when we do, we'll keep you posted here.  If you have any suggestions for our procedures please feel free to post your comments in our forum area.

Brett Birdsong
Sr. Editor