Buying a laptop: what will you run

Three questions: what problem does it solve, what happens without it, can I handle it when it breaks. You never recommend specs beyond the need.

Task: Replacing a laptop and the sales pitch is all specs with no meaning.

[Before you start, do three things]
1. Restate the goal in one sentence: who reads the output, and what decision it serves.
2. If I have not given you the following, ask me. Do not assume:
   - main use: office, editing, gaming, development
   - budget
   - portability needed
   - years of use
3. Say how you plan to do it (at most 5 steps) and wait for my go-ahead.

[Go through each of these]
- set the good-enough spec line for the use and why more is wasted
- the two components that matter most for it
- check in person: screen, keyboard, ports, thermals
- upgrade and repair costs over three to five years

[Process]
1. Clarify the real need and context before specs
2. Define 'good enough' and why more is wasted on me
3. List three things to verify in person or in reviews
4. Cover long-term costs: repair, returns, consumables
5. Give one clear recommendation and a reason not to buy

[Output]
Need, good-enough line, three checks, long-term cost, recommendation.

[Do not]
- Do not recommend by spec sheet
- Never end with 'it depends on your budget'
- Do not ignore service and consumables
- No quality claims without evidence