I am looking for a laptop that has Wifi that I can take on vacation in our RV so I can look-up local things to do, get phone numbers, use Mapquest, that kind of thing. I don't need it for business or anything critical, but I might use it at home a bit as I think they use less power than a desktop computer.

So I see these deals on refurbished laptops that are basically half price. Here's an example

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3505764&CatId=1922

I have heard good things about the Toshiba as well.

Does refurbish=headache?

Peter

Where did Tiger find a relic that old?

"Refurbuished" generally means customer return for whatever reason if it's a relatively new model.

But, with the one you posted........out of manufacture for years.........I wouldn't hazard a guess where its been.

Actually a factory refurb. is less likely to have problems than a brand spanking new one. They have been individually tested and certified with a full warranty. Check out Dell's outlet, great buys.

__________________
Question Authority before it Questions you.

Thanks for pointing that out, I will make sure I don't buy an antique.

The local Walmart has some Dells for $599, not refurbished, just on sale. I was going to get one but my cheapness has gotten the better of me.

Yep, I'm in the same boat. I need one for the sole purpose of getting on the forum when I'm traveling. But, I don't want to dump $500. for the privilege.

E-bay has some decent used Dell's that are not too old for about $300. or so..........I might do that.

Considering your new duties maybe you can charge it back to Bill as an expense?

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

The best place to buy a good laptop is on Fujitsu's outlet site. I've bought many and every one came in brand new. They are great laptops and will last quite a while.

__________________
99 ML320
94 SL600
92 SL500
95 E320 Cabriolet
87 560SEC
86 300SDL Grease Car
80 380SLC Euro

13 Fiat Abarth
02 Maserati Spyder Cambiocorsa
00 BMW Z3
90 Rolls Royce Silver Spur
80 Ferrari 308 GTSI
88 Jaguar XJS12 H&E Edition
99 Land Rover Discovery

.........yeah...........wonder if he'd go for that...........hmmm..........

Give it a try!

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I usually go on ebay and find a 'refurbished' Lenovo/IBM Thinkpad. Look for what appears to be a company with several for sale. They are generally devices that just came off lease and have been cleaned and tested. These companies generally guarantee their products so it is pretty safe.

The Thinkpads are pretty rugged and have great features.

__________________
02 S500
92 500SL
92 400E (Sold)
87 300E (Sold)
83 300D Turbo (Sold)
75 300D (Sold)
74 240D (Sold after 20 years)

x2 on the Thinkpad.



I have one, and its one tough little bastard.


I spilled Spaten on it, and it didnt even phase it.

__________________
-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I just looked at the example in your link.

RUN FROM IT!

First, it is a Pentium-3 - you should at least strive for a P4 (avoid Celeron because they are slow)
It is a 1 Ghz machine. You should seek at least a 2.3ghz
It has 256 Mb of RAM - 384Mb is MINIMUM for Windows XP 512Mb is minimum in my book. 1Gb of RAM is pretty good.
It has Windows 2000 operating system - Way too old and quirky! XP Pro is still pretty good. Vista is not significantly better than XP Pro.
It has a 10 Gb Hard Drive - 20 Gb is the bare minimum for a basic Laptop.
Go for 40 to 60 Gb on the hard drive.

__________________
02 S500
92 500SL
92 400E (Sold)
87 300E (Sold)
83 300D Turbo (Sold)
75 300D (Sold)
74 240D (Sold after 20 years)

Speace

Thanks for that, there are a lot of options out there. It's good to have some numbers as a guide.

Follow sPeace's advice.

as far as referb'd, many are corp lease returns.

I wouldn't object if you get a reasonable warranty (90days min) and it was for off purposes as you mentioned.

__________________
KLK, MCSE

1990 500SL

I was always taught to respect my elders.
I don't have to respect too many people anymore.