This whole website has been contructed from a refurbished IBM Thinkpad T43.  The laptop was purchased from IBM's refurbished laptop website.
IBM cleans the computer inside and out to make them look new.  You won't be able to tell the difference between a new computer and a refurbished computer.  IBM also makes sure that all the parts are working.  This includes every piece of hardware and software.  If you should have a problem with it there are some gaurantees as well.  The price for a new one was almost $2,000 when we searched www.pcworld.com.  The price for a refurbished was under $700 (including the shipping cost).  The prices will flucuate for both used and new computers.  So be patient and wait for a good deal.  If you are looking to buy a refurbished computer from Dell, Apple, HP, Compaq, or any other reputable source check with them about their refurbished computers.  To date I have had no computer problems.