All products that are reviewed on the About PC Hardware / Reviews site go through a systematic evaluation based on several criteria compared to similar products available on the market. These areas of evaluation include:
Price
How much does this product cost in comparison of other similar products? While price is a key factor in evaluations, not all products have the same features so this comparison is done only for those that have similar features or if there is not a similar featured product, the closest match available taking price versus features into account.
Features
What features does the product have in comparison to similar products? How useful are these features to the consumer that will be using the product? This generally ties very closely to the product price as mentioned above.
Performance
How well does the product perform against similar products? This is generally a mix of benchmarks on the product if possible as well as subjective views when there is no method of getting objective numbers on the performance.
Ergonomics
This is highly a highly subjective category that takes into account items such as control layouts, product designs and any tangible function of the product that can not be classified in the previous categories.
When each of this categories is examined, a score is then generated for the product review based upon a 5 star rating scale. The relative performance of a product and the star ratings is broken down as follows:
- 5 Stars – Products with this rating have set themselves apart from the competition on several levels of performance, value and features that make it a highly recommended product.
- 4 Stars – Product has better than average features, performance or value than competing products on the market. This is a recommended product that should give a better value to the user.
- 3 Stars – Product works as intended and has an equivalent level of features, performance and value with other competing products. It doesn't have any major issues or outstanding features that sets it apart and user preference determines if it is really the right product.
- 2 Stars – The product in question functions as claimed but may have some problems with its usability or design that make it more difficult to use than it should be. It also could be the case that alternative products available have more features, better functionality or value than the product in question.
- 1 Star – This product has some major flaws in it that prevent the product from being used as it is intended. Users should be strongly cautioned against purchasing this product and look for alternatives.
