Cheap or Refurbished laptop with warranty

[discreet]

Im looking for a cheap laptop for basic internet and email use - no games. It can be refurbished just as long as it has some kind of warranty and looks at least halfway decent. Was looking at one from a company called Winbook, I really like the way the laptop looks - kinda imac'ish but dont think I need all that much power in their new models. Also was looking at the IBM Thinkpad T20 to give you an idea what Im searching for. Can you guys suggest any more brands for me to look at besides the usual Dell, HP, IBM, Sony?

Oh yeah, and how would a mobile Celeron perform compared to a pentium 3? I would run Win XP, Office XP, Photoshop to name a few, viewing divx and using winamp. All recommendations or experiences would be much appreciated.

~Would like to stay under $500 if possible since it will only be for basic usage. Im looking at a laptop for an extra pc around the house so I can add wifi.

[ArcticFox]

Originally posted by discreet
Oh yeah, and how would a mobile Celeron perform compared to a pentium 3?

Nope, Celerons are budget processors through and through, P3's were top-end at the time. I'm running a Gateway Solo 9300 Pro with a mobil P3-700, but you couldn't tell because it has 128mb RAM. Now it's my Linux box, hehe.

[SeanC]

It shouldn't be a problem to find one. Although the performance might not be that great. Although you could try upgrading the RAM and stuff after buying one. Worth a try.

Sean

[rastorize]

Just as an FYI - I would avoid the IBM T20 - there have been many issues with the displays on the T20 developing 'hotspots' or bright areas on the screen. My old T20 developed 8 within 6 months...try the T23 instead...or even a T30...they don't exhibit the same problems with the displays.

[pickel]

http://www.sotecglobal.com/us/produc...02&prodid=1002

This is more than you want to spend, but having the P4 model, I recommend this brand.

[enekomeg]

I have to desagree with rastorize.

The T20's together with the 600's where the best laptops, that IBM ever produced.

The T20 still a very capable machine, that would probably still is under warranty.

No doubt a T20 would be a buy under budget.

Go for it!!