Best approach during evaluation period?

What's the best area to concentrate on during the first xx day evaluation of a notebook? I'm assuming hardware? I'm feeling very pushed to run the thing through the ringer with only 15 days (gateway) or 21 days (dell).

Of course I'll test all ports, use the burner, check for dead pixels. Anything else?

I'm assuming that a problem on the OS can be addressed after the evalution period??

 

I'd do everything you mentioned to test the actual hardware--make sure all of your applications run on the computer, but I'd also do some more subjective testing. Bring the computer with you wherever you'd usually carry it and be sure that it's light enough, offers a big enough screen, long enough battery life, that the keyboard/touchpad are up to your standards. In other words, make sure the computer is a good fit for you. I'd also try to use the computer as much as possible in the time period to see if any small quirks or issues stand out to you--loose pieces or other idiosyncrasies that will bother you. By using the computer as much as possible, hopefully the "new toy" feeling will wear off and you will be able to judge it more accurately.

 

I agree with vespoli, it is important to make sure everything is working properly, but it is equally important to make sure that the computer is what you want. There are few things worse then spending lots of money on a laptop, and hating the thing.

 

yes. software is software and shouldn't really be your focus.

focus on battery life, wifi quality, screen brightness, keyboard comfort, build quality, touchpad responsiveness, proper function of ports, screen quality.

A big one to test --> heat under heavy processing load (graphics and cpu, if separate)

good luck!