Needing to replace an old ThinkPad T480, a Hacker News user asked ChatGPT to narrow down which model suited their needs, then used it to find a listing and negotiate with the seller. They ended up with a newer ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 and were very happy with it.
I want to buy a second-hand laptop to replace my [CURRENT LAPTOP]. I mainly use it for [USES], my budget is [BUDGET] and I care most about [BATTERY / WEIGHT / KEYBOARD / REPAIRABILITY]. Suggest 3 models and years worth looking for, what spec to aim for and what to check before buying used. Then here's a listing I'm considering: [PASTE AD]. Is the price fair, and can you draft a polite, realistic offer message to the seller?
Replace the [PLACEHOLDERS] with your own details before you send it.
How to try it
- Ask ChatGPT for a shortlist of models that fit your needs and budget.
- Paste in real listings and ask what’s a fair price and what to check (battery health, charger, damage).
- Use its draft offer as a starting point, and inspect the laptop in person before you pay.
More shopping use cases
Get up to speed on an unfamiliar product with Perplexity before you buy
A MakeUseOf writer who knew little about coffee machines asked Perplexity to explain the different types, then to list the best drip machines on Amazon, and to pull together pros and cons from reviews across the web, before checking verified buyer reviews himself.
I know very little about [PRODUCT TYPE, E.G. COFFEE MACHINES]. Explain the main types in plain English, who each suits and rough price ranges in [COUNTRY]. I care most about [PRIORITIES]. Then shortlist [NUMBER] well-reviewed models of the type that fits me, with pros and cons from several review sources, and link each source.
Negotiate a car price with a dealer by text using ChatGPT
One buyer used ChatGPT to negotiate a car price over texts and emails, and found that the usual showroom pressure tactics carry much less weight when you have a calm adviser helping you word every reply.
I'm buying a [YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, TRIM] from a dealer in [TOWN/REGION]. Their quote is [PRICE, INCLUDING ANY FEES]. Similar cars I've found online are listed at [PRICES]. Help me negotiate by email or text: 1) list the questions I should ask about fees, warranty and add-ons, 2) write an opening message asking for their best on-the-road price, 3) suggest how to respond if they push me to come in or 'speak to a manager'.
Choose between products on the shop shelf with a photo and Claude
Needing a new beard trimmer and having done no research, a shopper photographed every option in the aisle, gave the photo to Claude with what he needed, and got a recommendation for the best value for his needs, leaving the shop in under five minutes.
Here's a photo of the [PRODUCT TYPE] options on the shelf, with prices. I need it for [HOW YOU'LL USE IT] and I care most about [E.G. BATTERY LIFE, EASE OF CLEANING, PRICE]. My budget is [AMOUNT]. Which one or two would you pick and why? Point out anything you can't read in the photo, and tell me what to check on the box before I buy.
Reference: Hacker News