20-POINT LAPTOP CHECK FOR SAFE BUYING & SELECTING THE RIGHT CPU BASED ON YOUR USAGE:

1. Basic but important —  Switch On: Press the power button to check whether it is working or not. If there is any issue it will not boot or switch on.

2. Processor: It is a hardware within a computer that executes a program. Check for CPU clock speed, or clock rate, it is measured in Hertz — generally in gigahertz, or GHz. A CPU’s clock speed rate is a measure of how many clock cycles a CPU can perform per second. For example, a CPU with a clock rate of 1.8 GHz can perform 1,800,000,000 clock cycles per second.

3. RAM: RAM is a form of computer data storage. RAM devices are used in computer systems as the main memory. RAM is considered volatile memory, which means that the stored information is lost when there is no power. So, RAM is used by the central processing unit (CPU) when a computer is running to store information that needs to be used very quickly, but it does not store any information permanently. Check for installed RAM capacity.

4. Hard drive: A hard disk drive (HDD), hard disk, hard drive or fixed disk[b] is a data storage device used for storing and retrieving digital information using one or more rigid (“hard”) rapidly rotating disks (platters) coated with magnetic material. Check for installed hard drive storage capacity.

5. Operating System: An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is a component of the system software in a computer system.

6. Model: Every laptop has a manufacturer’s label usually on the bottom of the computer. This label will have a barcode or serial number along with the brand and model number or you can start the laptop and find the series and model under “System Information; click on the Start menu > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and click on System Information.

7. Age: Checking the BIOS information will give an approximate age of your laptop. You can find it under “System Information; click on the Start menu > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and click on System Information.

8. Keyboard: Type and check for keyboard functionality and for missing keys.

9. Touchpad: Switch on the laptop and check with your finger for its function.

10. USB ports: Insert a pendrive or any other USB device to check for effective working of the ports.

11. WIFI: Click on the bar signal located on the taskbar on the right lower side of your laptop to check whether your laptop is able to detect connections.

12. WIFI button switch: Check the effective function of the wifi switch by switching it on and off.

13. Speakers: Play any music and check whether speakers are working or not.

14. Headphone jack: Insert a headphone and check whether the port is working or not.

15. DVD drive: Insert a CD a check whether the drive is working or not.

16. Battery backup: It is very important to check for battery backup while buying an refurbished or used laptop. You can use BateryInfoView to check it. BatteryInfoView is a small utility for laptops and netbook computers that displays the current status and information about your battery.

17. Charger/Adapter: Connect the adapter to your laptop and check whether it is working or not.

18. Charging port: Check whether it the adapter fits snug or whether it is loose. Check for charging indication on the taskbar on the right lower side of your laptop.

19. Hinges/inner cables: Switch on your laptop and try moving the screening forward and backward to check for hinges. If there is any issue with the hinges or inner cables, the screen will flicker on doing this.

20. Examine for any major scratches on body/screen, loose or damaged power button.

Select your CPU/processor depending on your requirement:

 Purpose RAM (Memory) Processor (Speed)
Basic Use:  Web surfing, email, MS office, picture sharing, basic office duties, watching videos, movies, youtube videos, etc. 2 GB  1 GHz
Intermediate Use:  All of the above plus downloading/managing music, basic creative/designing software, advanced office duties. 4 GB 2 GHz
Advanced Use:  All of the above plus movie/photo/music editing, gaming, web hosting, web software development, advanced features. 8 GB 2.5 GHz to 3+ GHz