Used_MacBook Test before Purchasing. Step-by-Step Guide

Used_MacBook Test.md

Used_MacBook Test before Purchasing

Step-by-Step Guide

Things You May Want to Have with You

It is great to have another MacBook that you know about how it works (e. g. ask your friend who has MacBook to join you). It helps to avoid false-negative test-results.

E. g. if you hear something strange while testing the speakers, you can check the same audio track on your MacBook to understand if the problem is caused by laptop or by audio track itself.

1. USB stick with downloaded apps for running various tests:
   There are the following apps:

   • "Display Utility"
   • "coconutBattery"
   • "Simple Recorder"

2. Memory card with adapter to SD size (usually microSD -> SD adapter)

3. Thunderbolt to RJ45 adapter, patch cord

4. Headphones

5. HDMI wire, external monitor

6. Smartphone with working Bluetooth

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Production Information

Using MacBook's serial number you can check

1. Factory configuration:
   http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php This service allows only 2 requests per 24-hours-time-span. So, be attentive while entering the serial number.

2. Apple's guarantee status:
   https://checkcoverage.apple.com/

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Test Process

1. Check serial number printed at the bottom. It should match the number you can see in "About This Mac" window
   To open the window go to Apple icon -> About This Mac

2. Check that there are no

   • dents at the corners
   • any traces of rough interference at the top of any bolt at the bottom
   • charring in the power slot

3. Turn Mac OFF, plug-in power adapter, turn Mac ON holding D key. Expected: test starts and end with "No issues found" message Take a look at the if the power adapter is not damaged.

4. Turn Mac OFF, turn Mac ON holding Alt(Option) key Expected: no request for any password, menu to choose a disk to boot from appears. Choose the right disk and finish boot process.

Use the touch pad in all following tests to see if touch pad works fine.

5. Apple icon -> About This Mac
   Check that hardware characteristics match to what was declared

6. Apple icon -> system_preferences -> iCloud
   If there is any iCloud account attached, ask seller if he can Sign-out (password will be required).

7. Check Display

   • Use "Screen Utility" app
   • Open YouTube video, check in full screen mode, open and play several videos simultaneously to see if there is no lags

8. Check Keyboard

   1. System Preferences -> Keyboard -> Checkbox "Show Keyboard and Emoji viewers in menu bar"
   2. Close any open UI applications
   3. MenuBar -> Language_Switcher_Icon -> "Show Keyboard Viewer"
   4. Test every key, sure that "Keyboard Viewer" shows visual feedback on each press.

9. Check Battery (use "coconutBattery" app) View general status and number of recharging cycles

10. Check Peripherals

    • USB (2 ports): use your usb-stick to see if file-transfer works fine

    • HDMI (using external display, display should be available in owner's place)

    • Thunderbolt (2 ports): turn off WiFi and connect to the network using patch cord and Thunderbolt-to-RJ45 adapter

    • Audio: Test Built-in speakers and headphones, you can use any reach-sound content like this:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3iU9nsZYwM&pbjreload=10

    • Web Cam (use "Photo Booth" app, it should be pre-installed)

    • CardReader

    • Microphone (use "Simple Recorder" app: record and listen) 

    • Bluetooth (check if you can send file to your smartphone)

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Disclamer

This guide was originally composed for testing MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015). Therefore there may be details not relevant to computer of your choice.

Good luck.

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Author

Vlad Zamskoi
iOS and Android Developer
http://mobileAppSoft.com