Outside
- Case: cracks, signs of opening, stripped screws, a liquid-damaged keyboard (sticky keys, stains).
- Screen hinges: the lid does not wobble and stays in place.
- Screen: plain white, black and red backgrounds — look for dead pixels and lines.
- Charger: the original one, and the laptop actually charges.
Disk and memory
- Disk health: CrystalDiskInfo should show “Good”.
- Disk type: SSD or HDD. With an HDD the laptop will be slow — budget for an SSD.
- RAM: 8 GB is comfortable for Windows 11, 16 GB is better.
Battery
In Windows, open Terminal and run powercfg /batteryreport — the report shows design and current capacity. Under 60–70% means a new battery soon; factor that into the price.
Keyboard, ports, sound, network
- Every key and the touchpad.
- USB, HDMI and the headphone jack.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, webcam, microphone, speakers.
- Heat and noise: 10 minutes of video or load — the fan should not scream and the case should not burn.
Licence and locks
- Windows is activated: Settings → System → Activation.
- No BIOS password the seller “cannot remember”.
- For a MacBook — signed out of Apple ID with Find My Mac switched off, or it may be locked.
- The serial number on the sticker matches the one in the system.
FAQ
Questions and answers
Can you come with me and check it?
Yes: I will check the laptop or PC at the seller’s and tell you whether it is worth buying and at what price. It costs 50 GEL — the same as a standard call-out with diagnosis.
Used or new — which is better value?
It depends on budget and needs. A used business laptop with a new SSD is often the best deal. We can work it out together.