# Device purchase checklist Compare two options using the same requirements. Use this for a new or refurbished device, a repair quote, or a decision to keep what you already have. The worksheet contains questions, not product assessments. No option is marked as passed in advance. ## Set the comparison - Option A: exact model or repair scope, seller or repairer, quote date. - Option B: exact model, repair scope or keep-current-device plan, provider, quote date. - Intended work: applications, files, accessories and people using the device. - Essential requirements: tests that must pass before you commit. - Timing: usable-by date, delivery or repair time, and fallback. - Common basis: currency, period considered and items included in the cost. ## Keep evidence and assumptions separate Put your observation in each option column. Record the source or document and the day you checked it. For each question use Unresolved, Meets, Does not meet or Not applicable, with a reason. A blank answer is unresolved. If the options have different outcomes, record that in their individual cells; do not let the shared status hide the difference. Label your own cost and useful-life estimates as assumptions. A quote, a seller promise and your own test result are different kinds of evidence. Keep essential failures visible even if one option is cheaper. ## Compare the options ### DP-01: Need Which task must the device complete and by when? Evidence to collect: Your application and a usable-by date. - Option A: - Option B: - Source and check date: - Status: Unresolved - Owner and next step: ### DP-02: Configuration What is the exact model and configuration? Evidence to collect: Model identifier; memory; storage; screen; keyboard layout. - Option A: - Option B: - Source and check date: - Status: Unresolved - Owner and next step: ### DP-03: Condition What faults or cosmetic defects are disclosed? Evidence to collect: Actual-unit evidence and seller grading definition. - Option A: - Option B: - Source and check date: - Status: Unresolved - Owner and next step: ### DP-04: Battery What battery evidence is available and what runtime do you need? Evidence to collect: Measurement; date; seller standard; your workload test. - Option A: - Option B: - Source and check date: - Status: Unresolved - Owner and next step: ### DP-05: Included items Which charger and accessories are included or required? Evidence to collect: Written item list and required specifications. - Option A: - Option B: - Source and check date: - Status: Unresolved - Owner and next step: ### DP-06: Support What hardware service and software support are documented? Evidence to collect: Separate official sources and check dates; no assumed future support. - Option A: - Option B: - Source and check date: - Status: Unresolved - Owner and next step: ### DP-07: Ownership Can you complete setup under your own account? Evidence to collect: Confirmation that previous ownership and management ties are removed. - Option A: - Option B: - Source and check date: - Status: Unresolved - Owner and next step: ### DP-08: Complete cost What will this option cost on the same basis as the alternative? Evidence to collect: Purchase or repair; delivery; accessories; setup; temporary device; currency. - Option A: - Option B: - Source and check date: - Status: Unresolved - Owner and next step: ### DP-09: Timing What are the delivery or repair dates and fallback? Evidence to collect: Written timing; your deadline; cost of waiting. - Option A: - Option B: - Source and check date: - Status: Unresolved - Owner and next step: ### DP-10: Seller terms How are faults and returns handled for this offer? Evidence to collect: Seller process; deadlines; shipping cost; exclusions; written promises. - Option A: - Option B: - Source and check date: - Status: Unresolved - Owner and next step: ### DP-11: Arrival or repair test Do the essential tasks work on the delivered or repaired device? Evidence to collect: Repeatable steps; configuration; observed result; unresolved issues. - Option A: - Option B: - Source and check date: - Status: Unresolved - Owner and next step: ### DP-12: Decision What do you choose and what remains open? Evidence to collect: Reason; accepted trade-offs; owner; next review date. - Option A: - Option B: - Source and check date: - Status: Unresolved - Owner and next step: ## Cost working Compare future outlay on the same basis. For repair, include the quote, shipping and temporary setup. For replacement, include purchase, delivery, required accessories and migration. Deduct resale only as an explicit estimate or an available offer. Record what is excluded and avoid counting an item twice. If you compare cost per useful month, write down the assumed months for each option and try a shorter-life scenario. This is an assumption check, not a reliability forecast. Check the total over the period that matters to you as well. ## Arrival test record Record the test date, delivered configuration, task, steps, observed result and any follow-up. Test with non-sensitive sample data before moving your full setup. Include the required ports, peripherals, network, charging, unplugged work and essential applications. Keep the listing and receipt with the results. ## Record the decision - Outcome: buy, repair, keep using, or investigate further. - Reason: which requirements and evidence decide it? - Trade-offs accepted: - Unresolved essentials and owner: - Next action and review date: ## Work through the decision - [Buy now or wait?](/buying-guides/buy-now-or-wait) - [Repair or replace your laptop?](/buying-guides/laptop-repair-or-replace) - [Refurbished laptop buying checklist](/buying-guides/refurbished-laptop-checklist) - [Compare documented products](/compare) The CSV is an editable version of these twelve questions. Checkmarks on a guide page are temporary; download this worksheet or print your completed notes to keep a copy.