Newegg: Refurb ThinkPad T410 (2522EC8) Notebook Intel Core i5 520M(2.40GHz) 14.1" 8GB Memory 160GB SSD HDD CDRW/DVDRW Intel GMA 5700MHD $489.99 AR + FS

Good price but, again, the reviews of refurbed ThinkPads sold by Newegg paint a horror story of the abysmal, borderline disgusting quality of product from the refurbisher that for some reason Newegg sticks with. Regardless of what model, the story is the same - "refurbishing" seems to mean checking whether the machine boots and if so, simply throwing it in a box and sending it off. Getting a half-way decent unit is purely luck of the draw, and the odds are stacked against you. To know the feedback history of refurbed ThinkPads on newegg but buy one anyway reflects terrible consumer judgment.

If you really are inclined to buy a refurbed ThinkPad, sign up with IBM Global Financial Services. The price structure is higher but they send out top quality refurbs and if there are any cosmetic issues they tell you that up front. My support experience was very positive. They also occasionally have sales with 15% off and/or free shipping and/or free extended warranty. http://www.ibm.com/products/speci.../icue.html

Just read the few reviews on this model before buying. From the read of it, you will get a definitely used laptop and some wear and tear may be expected. These will be more than open box items more than likely. Performance seems to be pretty good from reviews but you will have to ask yourself whether it is worth over $500 for a worn laptop.

You're better off getting one off the Lenovo Outlet. Middle of last year I got a refurb T430 with 1600x900 screen, i5 ivy bridge processor, 4GB ram, 320GB HDD, DVD burner, 802.11n+bluetooth, win 7 pro, webcam, backlit keyboard, 6 cell batt, integrated and discrete graphics (Nvidia NVS 5400), and full 1 year warranty for about $440 after tax and I think free shipping. The standard 1 year warranty alone makes it worth it getting one off the outlet.

Quote from fl00b : You're better off getting one off the Lenovo Outlet. Middle of last year I got a refurb T430 with 1600x900 screen, i5 ivy bridge processor, 4GB ram, 320GB HDD, DVD burner, 802.11n+bluetooth, win 7 pro, webcam, backlit keyboard, 6 cell batt, integrated and discrete graphics (Nvidia NVS 5400), and full 1 year warranty for about $440 after tax and I think free shipping. The standard 1 year warranty alone makes it worth it getting one off the outlet.

Second that - i got a T420 for about that, though not as nice specs

This OP is not even sandybridge...