Buying a laptop in Lebanon: what to check before you pay
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Laptop specifications are designed to be compared on the wrong things. Here is what actually matters when you are buying one locally.
RAM decides how long it lasts
Processor generation matters less than people think; memory is what makes a machine feel old. On most modern laptops the RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded later, so the number you buy is the number you keep. 16GB is the sensible floor for a machine you want to use for several years.
Check the keyboard layout
Laptops arrive from different regions with different layouts. If you need Arabic, check whether the keys are printed - adding them afterwards with stickers works, but it is better to know before you buy.
Check how it charges
Many current laptops charge over USB-C, which means one charger for the laptop and the phone and a much easier replacement if it is lost. Others still use a proprietary barrel connector, where a replacement is model-specific and harder to find.
Ask what the warranty actually covers
International warranty and local warranty are different things. Ask specifically who handles a repair, where the machine goes, and roughly how long it takes - the answer varies a lot by brand.
Storage is the cheap upgrade
Unlike RAM, storage is often replaceable, and an external SSD is always an option. Do not overpay for a large internal drive at purchase if the money is better spent on memory.