Pre-meet proof

Evidence to request before you spend time travelling.

01Request model code and system specificationsAsk for the underside model label plus Settings › System › About and Task Manager performance tabs showing CPU, installed RAM, GPU and drive capacity.
02Request a current Windows battery reportAsk for design capacity, full-charge capacity and cycle count if available. A screenshot of '100%' does not describe remaining battery health.
03Confirm BIOS access and reset permissionAgree that the seller will show firmware access, remove any supervisor password and allow a Windows reset or clean setup before payment.

Physical inspection

What to inspect under bright light before powering on.

01Inspect chassis, hinge mounts and battery areaLook for cracked hinge anchors, missing screws, a bowed base, raised trackpad, damaged vents and liquid indicators where visible without opening the machine.
02Check the panel at several brightness levelsUse solid colours to find pressure spots, backlight bleed, burn-in and dead pixels. Touch-test every edge if it is a touchscreen.
03Inspect power socket and each portCheck for a loose barrel jack or USB-C port, bent USB contacts, damaged card reader and ports pushed inward from impact.

Function test

A short, repeatable test of the device's expensive functions.

01Read drive health and identityUse Windows or the drive maker's reputable tool to confirm the SSD model, power-on hours and health status. Do not install unknown diagnostic bundles from the seller.
02Test keyboard, trackpad, ports and radiosType every key, test trackpad gestures, connect a known USB device and display if practical, then verify Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, webcam, mic and speakers.
03Run a short, observable workloadUse an installed offline task or vendor diagnostic for several minutes while connected to power. Stop for shutdowns, display corruption, grinding or abnormal heat.

Account & lock check

Confirm the next owner can activate and use the device normally.

01Enter firmware and check for passwordsRestart into BIOS/UEFI, confirm settings can be accessed and that there is no unknown administrator, supervisor or Computrace-style ownership state.
02Remove organisation and encryption tiesThe seller should remove work/school access and their Microsoft account, and make sure BitLocker recovery is not dependent on their account before reset.
03Start a clean Windows setupAfter reset, reject unexpected company branding, Autopilot enrollment or credentials belonging to an organisation. Verify Windows activation after setup.

Price proof

Comparable facts to record before negotiating or paying.

01Compare the full configuration, not the family nameMatch CPU suffix and generation, GPU wattage, RAM layout, screen resolution, storage and model year in sold listings.
02Check part availability and serviceabilityRecord local cost for a correct battery, charger and damaged hinge or screen. Soldered memory and storage reduce upgrade options.
03Do not value unverified software claimsTreat bundled paid software as zero unless its licence is legitimately transferable. Confirm Windows activation in Settings instead of relying on a desktop watermark.

STOP

Walk-away signals

Pause the transaction when one of these cannot be resolved with direct evidence.

BIOS/UEFI is protected by an unknown supervisor password.
Windows setup forces an unexpected company Autopilot enrollment.
The full-charge battery capacity is far below the seller's claim.
GPU artifacts, sudden shutdowns or storage warnings appear during a short test.

Safe-use boundary

Evidence helps. It does not certify the device.

DeviceProof is a general private-sale inspection aid, not an appraisal, authenticity certificate, electrical-repair guide or guarantee. Meet in a public place, keep personal passwords private, use only known-safe cables and accessories, and never bypass an owner, activation or organisation lock. Do not open mains-powered equipment or damaged batteries. Stop immediately for swelling, smoke, burning smell, exposed conductors, abnormal heat or threatening behaviour.