Laptop shopping is confusing on purpose: dozens of near-identical models, specs that sound impressive and mean little, and "deals" that aren't. Here's what I check when someone asks me to help them pick one, plus the Portuguese consumer rules that are worth knowing before you pay.
The specs that actually matter
- Storage: an SSD, always. Never buy a laptop with a mechanical hard drive as the main drive in 2026. 256 GB is the bare minimum, 512 GB is comfortable. Avoid "eMMC" storage on cheap models, which is slower and often can't be upgraded.
- Memory (RAM): 8 GB minimum, 16 GB if you want it to last. Windows 11 plus a browser with many tabs fills 8 GB faster than you'd think. Check whether the RAM is soldered or can be upgraded later.
- Processor: skip the very cheapest. Entry-level Celeron or Pentium chips are fine for a spare machine, but they make daily life slow. A recent Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 3/5 is the sweet spot for most people.
- Screen: Full HD (1920 x 1080) or better. Avoid 1366 x 768 screens. They look blurry and fit very little on screen. Look for "IPS" for better viewing angles.
- Battery: Manufacturers' hours are best-case. Read a few independent reviews for real figures.
- Keyboard layout. Check that it's a Portuguese layout (with ç and the ~ key). Models imported from other markets, or some online sellers, ship with Spanish or UK layouts, and living with the wrong one is annoying.
What matters less than the shop wants you to think
- A dedicated graphics card, unless you're gaming or doing video editing or 3D work.
- Thinness and looks, if it costs you ports, upgradability or battery life.
- Bundled "free" antivirus trials and extras. You can skip them.
Make sure it runs Windows 11
Windows 10 is no longer supported (here's what that means), so don't buy a laptop that only runs Windows 10, whatever the discount. Any new laptop today comes with Windows 11, but with second-hand or old stock, check it first. The free Windows 11 checker helps with that.
Your rights: guarantee in Portugal
- New laptop from a shop: a legal guarantee of at least 3 years, for contracts made since January 2022 (Decreto-Lei 84/2021). It's the seller's responsibility, not just the manufacturer's.
- Refurbished ("recondicionado") from a professional seller: also 3 years.
- Used from a shop: the guarantee can be reduced to 18 months if agreed with you. Ask what you're getting.
- From a private seller (OLX, Vinted, a friend): consumer law doesn't apply to private sales. There's no guarantee, so test it thoroughly in person before you pay.
- Buying online: you generally have 14 days to return it without giving a reason (with some exceptions).
Always keep the invoice (ask for it with your NIF), because without it, a guarantee is hard to prove. If a shop won't honour the guarantee, you can write in its Livro de Reclamações, physical or online.
Checklist for buying second-hand
- Check the battery's condition and that it charges.
- Test every key, every port, the camera, the speakers and the screen (look for dead pixels and uneven backlight).
- Make sure it isn't locked to someone else's account (Microsoft or Apple ID, or a company management lock).
- Ask for it to be reset to factory settings in front of you.
Still not sure?
Prices vary a lot, and a "good deal" is only good if it fits what you'll do with it. If you have a specific model in mind, get in touch and I'll give you an honest opinion before you pay. And if you're wondering whether to buy a new one at all, try the repair or replace calculator first.