Used laptop checklist: what to check before you pay
Before paying for a used laptop, check nine things: the exact model and processor, the body and hinges, the screen for dead pixels and flicker, every key, the battery report (Full Charge vs Design Capacity), all ports, the RAM and SSD against the ad, BIOS and iCloud locks, and get a written receipt. It takes about 20 minutes.
From nnlaptops.com/used-laptop-checklist · NN Laptops, Shop 66A, 3rd Floor, Hafeez Center, Lahore · WhatsApp 0314 4000131
1. Before you meet
Most bad deals can be spotted on chat, before you travel.
2. Body and hinges
Damage here often means a drop, and drops break other things too.
3. Screen
A screen is one of the most expensive parts to replace.
4. Keyboard and touchpad
Spill damage usually shows up as dead keys first.
5. Battery and charging
A worn battery is the most common hidden cost in a used laptop.
6. Ports, sound, camera and wireless
Small faults, but they add up and are easy to miss.
7. Processor, RAM and storage
Make sure you get the spec you are paying for.
8. Locks and software
A locked laptop can be useless, however good the hardware.
9. Paperwork
Protects you if the laptop turns out to be stolen or faulty.
Found a fault? What the part costs
Typical part prices from the NN Laptops spare-parts list (the middle half of our prices for each part, so the cheapest and dearest models are left out). These are part prices only, not fitting. Use them to agree a fair discount, or to walk away.
| If you find | Typical part price | Parts listed |
|---|---|---|
| Worn or swollen battery | Rs. 4,660 to Rs. 9,160 | 605 parts |
| Missing or fake charger | Rs. 3,340 to Rs. 6,340 | 91 parts |
| Dead keys or spill-damaged keyboard | Rs. 2,590 to Rs. 4,800 | 704 parts |
| Lines, dead pixels or cracked screen (panel only) | Rs. 19,160 to Rs. 27,850 | 165 parts |
| Loose or broken hinges | Rs. 1,440 to Rs. 1,750 | 175 parts |
| Loose charging port | Rs. 1,240 to Rs. 1,430 | 319 parts |
| Loud or failing fan | Rs. 1,920 to Rs. 3,350 | 551 parts |
| Faulty touchpad | Rs. 4,760 to Rs. 7,820 | 33 parts |
| Failing SSD (or replacing a hard disk) | Rs. 9,690 to Rs. 19,780 | 24 parts |
Tools that make the checks easier
- Laptop Spec Decoder: what the model and processor code mean, and Windows 11 support.
- Battery Health Analyzer: upload the battery report to read it in plain English.
- Used Laptop Deal Checker: paste the ad to compare the price with ours.
- How to safely buy a used laptop in Pakistan: the full guide, including scams to avoid.
- How we test our laptops: the checks every laptop at our shop goes through.
Questions about checking a used laptop
How long does it take to check a used laptop?
About 20 minutes for the full list. The battery report, the screen colour test, typing every key and checking the BIOS for a password are the parts not to skip.
What battery health is acceptable on a used laptop?
Divide Full Charge Capacity by Design Capacity in the battery report. Around 80% or more is good. Between about 60% and 80% the battery works but runs out sooner, so budget for a replacement. Below about 60%, treat the battery as worn and ask for the price to come down by the cost of a new one; the table on this page shows our battery prices.
How do I check a laptop for a BIOS password?
Restart the laptop and press the BIOS key as it starts: F2 on most Dell and Acer laptops, F1 or Enter on Lenovo ThinkPads, Esc then F10 on HP, and F2 or Del on ASUS. If it asks for a password, ask the seller to remove it in front of you. A supervisor password left by a company can block resets and upgrades.
How do I check if a used MacBook is locked?
Ask the seller to sign out of their Apple ID and turn off Find My in front of you. Then check System Settings > General > Device Management (or Profiles on older macOS) for any company profile. A Mac with Activation Lock or a Remote Management (MDM) profile may be unusable for you.
Can I print this checklist?
Yes. Press "Print or save as PDF" on this page. The page prints as the checklist only, with all 35 checks and tick boxes, so you can take it with you or save it on your phone as a PDF.
Free tools that help
- Battery Health AnalyzerPaste your battery report — see wear, life left and replacement cost.
- Used Laptop Deal CheckerPaste an OLX or Facebook ad — get a price check, red flags and a checklist.
- Laptop Price CheckerCheck a price you were quoted against our real price for the same model.
- Windows 11 Compatibility CheckerSee if a used laptop's processor can run Windows 11 properly.