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Buying a laptop is a big decision. The right one will serve you for years. The wrong one can leave you with slow performance, a short battery life or no warranty support. This checklist walks you through what to check, in plain words, so you can buy with confidence. Keep it open on your phone when you shop, online or in the showroom. 1. Decide what you will use it for Start with your daily tasks, not the spec sheet. •           Study and office work: browsing, documents, video calls and online classes. •           Design and video editing: needs a stronger processor, more RAM and good storage. •           Gaming: needs a dedicated graphics card and good cooling. Write down your top three tasks. Every choice below depends on them. You can browse by type in the laptops collection or the gaming laptops collection. 2. Check the processor The processor (CPU) is the brain of the laptop. Common choices are Intel Core and AMD Ryzen. •           For everyday use, an entry or mid-range chip such as a Core i3 or Ryzen 3 is usually enough. •           For heavier multitasking, look at Core 5, Core i5 or Ryzen 5 and above. •           For gaming and editing, look at Core i7, Ryzen 7 or higher. Do not compare only the name. Check the model number and generation too, because a newer generation is often better than an older one with the same label. Examples on laptop.lk at the time of writing include the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 and the ASUS Vivobook 15, both in the laptops collection. Always confirm current specs and stock on the product page. 3. Choose enough RAM RAM decides how many things your laptop can handle at once. For smooth Windows use today, 16GB is a comfortable target for most people, and 8GB can work for light use. See our guides on whether 8GB is enough for Windows 11 and the best laptops with 16GB RAM for more detail. Also check whether the RAM is soldered or can be upgraded later. Some laptops let you add more RAM, and some do not. Ask before you buy. 4. Look at the storage type and size Storage is where your files and apps live. Look for an SSD, ideally an NVMe SSD. It makes startup and app loading much faster than an old hard drive. •           256GB: fine for light use and cloud storage. •           512GB: a good starting point for most people. •           1TB or more: better for photos, videos and games. Can’t decide? Our storage guide, SSD vs HDD: How to Choose and Upgrade Laptop Storage, explains this step by step. If you need more space later, browse the SSD collection or add an external drive. 5. Inspect the display You will look at the screen all day, so check it carefully. •           Size: 14 inch is easier to carry, 15.6 inch gives more room to work. •           Resolution: Full HD is the minimum we suggest. •           Brightness and panel type: brighter, better quality panels are easier on the eyes. •           Refresh rate: gamers should look for a higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz or more. 6. Think about battery and weight If you carry your laptop to campus or the office, weight matters. Check the weight and read real battery reviews, not only the claimed hours. Also ask what charger comes in the box. 7. Check the ports and connections Make sure the laptop has what you actually use: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, a headphone jack and Wi-Fi. If you use a mouse, printer or flash drive daily, count the ports. A few reliable flash drives are handy for moving files quickly. 8. Test the keyboard and trackpad You cannot judge these from a spec sheet. In the showroom, type a few lines and use the trackpad. Check that the keys feel comfortable and the layout suits you. If you work at night, ask whether the keyboard is backlit. 9. Confirm warranty and genuine stock This is the step many buyers skip, and it matters most in Sri Lanka. •           Ask for the warranty period and how claims are handled. •           Check that the laptop is a genuine, local-market product and not a grey import. •           Keep your invoice and warranty details in a safe place. Our guide on how to spot a fake or grey market laptop covers this in more detail. Buying from an authorised retailer like laptop.lk keeps this simple. 10. Plan for what you need after you buy Think about the extras that make the laptop useful from day one: •           A backup plan. Read how to back up your files and consider an external drive. •           A laptop bag and a mouse. •           A plan for future upgrades such as storage or RAM. Quick checklist to copy •           I know my top three uses •           Processor suits my work •           RAM is enough, and I know if it can be upgraded •           SSD storage with enough space •           Screen size and quality are right •           Battery and weight are comfortable •           Ports match my devices •           Keyboard and trackpad feel good •           Warranty and genuine stock confirmed •           Backup plan ready Ready to choose? Browse the full laptops collection, explore gaming laptops, or visit the showroom to try a few in person. If you are unsure, our team can help you match a laptop to your needs and budget.