Test real tasks
Products are evaluated in the settings and workflows they are designed for. A router is judged on setup clarity, coverage, recovery, and daily management; a laptop on sustained work, battery behavior, thermals, repairability, and port choices.
Make trade-offs visible
The verdict, score, advantages, and limitations appear before the detailed analysis. A high score is not a universal recommendation: price, support life, accessibility, and the reader’s existing equipment all matter.
Document the context
Reviews should state the tested configuration, relevant software version, test period, and whether the product was purchased, borrowed, or supplied by the manufacturer.
Revisit when needed
Major software changes, price shifts, reliability findings, or support-policy changes may require an update or a fresh review. Updates must preserve the original publication date and identify material changes.