The Complete Laptop Buying Checklist for Online and In-Store Shoppers
Before paying for any laptop, new or used, check five things: the seal and serial number, the screen for dead pixels and bleed, the keyboard and ports, battery health, and the charger's authenticity. This checklist takes about 15 minutes in a shop and can save you from buying a refurbished unit sold as new.
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026
Before you go
- Write down the exact model and configuration you want, including processor generation.
- Look up the official specifications on the manufacturer's website.
- Bring a USB flash drive, earphones and your phone to test ports and audio.
In-shop inspection checklist
- 1
Box and seal
For a 'new' laptop, the box should be sealed. Check the serial number on the box matches the laptop's underside sticker and BIOS.
- 2
Warranty check
Enter the serial on the brand's warranty website. A warranty that started months ago suggests the laptop is not new.
- 3
Specs in the system
In Windows, open Settings > System > About to confirm processor and RAM. Check storage in File Explorer.
- 4
Screen test
Display full-screen white, black, red, green and blue images to spot dead pixels, backlight bleed or tint.
- 5
Keyboard and trackpad
Type every key in Notepad; test backlight and trackpad clicks and gestures.
- 6
Ports and connectivity
Test every USB port, HDMI, headphone jack, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- 7
Speakers, webcam and microphone
Record a short video in the Camera app and play it back.
- 8
Battery health
On Windows, run 'powercfg /batteryreport' in Command Prompt to compare design capacity with full charge capacity.
- 9
Charger
Check the charger's brand, wattage and model number match the laptop's requirements. Fake chargers are common.
- 10
Invoice
Get an invoice with the serial number, warranty terms and the shop's details.
Signs of a refurbished laptop sold as new
- Warranty already running or expired when you check the serial.
- Shiny keys, worn trackpad or scratches around ports.
- Battery report showing many charge cycles or reduced capacity.
- Generic charger instead of the brand's own.
- Windows already set up with someone else's account.
Refurbished isn't bad — mislabelling is
A clearly labelled refurbished laptop with a warranty can be good value. The problem is paying a new price for a used machine.
Buying online
If buying online with cash on delivery, record an unboxing video showing the sealed package, serial number and first boot. Check the seller's return policy before ordering. See our cash on delivery safety guide and returns guide.
Unsure what a spec means?
Open the tech glossary