How to buy a laptop well: offers from shops and sellers
Start with the task, not the brand
A laptop for study and office work and a laptop for gaming or video editing are different machines at different prices. For documents and a browser a moderate processor, 8–16 GB of RAM and an SSD are enough. Gaming needs a separate graphics card, and editing needs a powerful processor, more memory and a good screen.
With BlaBlaPrice you don't have to compare dozens of shops yourself: you write your request in your own words, and sellers reply with offers in chat. It is free for buyers, and your phone stays hidden.
Where you can really save, and where not
- Storage. An SSD is a must: a laptop with an HDD will run noticeably slower today.
- RAM. 8 GB is the minimum for work; for comfort and headroom 16 GB is better. Check whether it can be upgraded, since in thin models the memory is often soldered.
- Screen. An IPS panel is nicer than a cheap TN. For colour work look at sRGB coverage.
- Battery. With a used one, ask about the real battery life, not just the condition of the body.
New or used
New gives you a warranty and a clean history. Used and refurbished ones are cheaper, but check them carefully: battery wear, the condition of the hinges and keyboard, and no locks on the device. Just ask the seller to write how long the battery lasts and to add photos of the screen and the body. If you buy a used MacBook, check that it is unlinked from someone else's account.
What to put in your request
- What it is for — office, study, games (which ones), editing, programming.
- Model — or the brand you prefer, if you are still choosing.
- Screen size and processor.
- RAM and storage, for example 16 GB and a 512 GB SSD.
- Graphics card — whether integrated graphics is enough.
- New or used and the warranty you need.
- Budget and the city for delivery.
Example: “Looking for a new laptop for study and programming: 15.6 inch, 12th generation Intel Core i5, 16 GB, 512 GB SSD, integrated graphics. Brand warranty, delivery to Sydney, budget up to $1,000.”
How to compare offers
Check the configuration down to the details: two models with the same name can have a different processor, memory or screen. Ask about the brand warranty, whether Windows is installed, and whether delivery is included in the price.
BlaBlaPrice shows the best-value offer first, with seller reviews next to it. Sellers can see where they stand among the others, so they improve the price and terms. More in How it works.
Before buying you may need laptop accessories, such as a bag or a mouse, and for an old device, laptop parts.
