• Hardware

  • buying used laptop, what should I test?

hello,
so I'm looking for a laptop for my girlfriend, she works a lot on 3d-max and Acad, and her current laptop is simply not keeping up. I found an add for a used laptop with good specs and nice price, and I wanted to check with you guys how do I properly test it if I am to buy it?
the laptop in question is an hp pavillion dv6t with 2nd gen core i7.
also this laptop comes with windows 7, if I want to install windows 8 on it, which seems the right thing to do considering that it has a touch screen, can I take it just to any computer shop and let them install it for me?
DO NOT buy that laptop. Those series were the absolute worse laptops ever made. A few members here had them and they got rid of them.
I personally have worked with them. They got tons of hardware issues, and especially heat issues, and taking them apart to fix them is even a bigger challenge because of the plastic being very easy to break.

Back to your question:
- Run MemTest86+ for 24 hours to check for RAM.
- Run HDTune for scanning the HDD for bad secors.
- Try to make the DVDRW read old copy and genuine disks.
- Move the screen up and down and see if there's any emptiness in the hinges. (HP's are known for having bad hinges)
- Make sure the licensed OS is installed.
- Use CoreTemp to check for temps.
- Fully charge the laptop and then use the battery until it dies, average battery life should be at least 2 hours.
- Test both speakers. Download a lossless (.wav) file of a really bassy song and check if the speakers stay clean sound wise.
- Check if the power adapter is the genuine adapter by feeling the build quality of the wire, plastic and also test its volts (If it over-volts by 0.5 it's ok)
- Check if the battery is genuine, The battery should have the manufactures logo on it.

Again, I really think you shouldn't buy that HP.

Can you give me your budget ? I can get you great prices.

Here's my list of laptops (Note that some are from PCandParts) Have a look a look at them. I'm sure you can find something.
between 700 and 900$
core i7 and dedicated graphic card are a must.
I'm with Avok95. Do not buy that laptop.
I'll check with the lady on this one;)
thanks for the help Avok
16 days later
I have a new question but I don't think that opening a new topic is needed so here it is:
I found hp dv6 with beats audio, 3rd generation core i7, Nvidia graphics etc
it is factory refurbished and seems of a really good quality: Does it fall under the Do not buy Category?
I don't know the model name forgot to ask, but I did take a picture for it if it helps.
edit: it is pre-installed with windows 7, but I want to use windows 8, will the touchpad gestures work fine on it? will I have any problems with drivers and such?
more questions might follow.