Abstract: A benchmarking apparatus includes an interface, storage medium containing software instructions that determine and report a performance result of a computer system. The benchmarking apparatus is a handheld device and can be provided to consumers to aid in determining the performance of one or more computer systems, for example, to aid in purchase decisions. The software instructions include a benchmark routine which is loaded onto and executed by the computer system to determine the performance result. The benchmarking apparatus can be removably coupled to a computer system, for example, through a standard computer interface such as a USB port.