Laptop: Used or new?

Hello,
I have posted here previously requesting information regarding laptops. I got some pretty good answers. although I still haven't bought. My present question, whether to buy new or used, relates to my previous question requarding which brand would be best. Many people told me I should shun the low end dells, etc, and go towards IBM T series.

I took that to heart but, given that I only want to check email, do a lot of writing and some research, I have a hard time justifying the cost of an IBM. But, I believe you are right. So, I looked into second hand machines. I can buy an IBM T23 locally for $400 Canadian. Tiger Direct has what seems to be the same model for $674 plus shipping. It is a known and reputable store that is selling these.

But, even $400 seems a lot of money to spend for a laptop built in 2002, when the prices have fallen so much.

But, more importantly, would I be losing anything important by buying an older machine? What do you think, a used IBM T23 for $400, or a Dell Inspiron for $600? I'd appreciate any comments
Joe

I find this to be a rather tricky subject.

I think that older laptops have problems holding charges a lot of the time, which would be the reason they go for cheaper.

Personally I would just pick up the new Dell Inspiron B120

That's a fair deal for a celeron-m, and for a two hundred dollar difference you're getting the security of fully functional and laptop w/battery AND better hardware that will take longer to go out of date. As opposed to an old T series that might have a faulty battery, dead pixels, or other such calamities.

I find two hundred to be worth that, but that's just me though.

There is a very good reason why the T series is so recommended. T stands for Tough. T stands for Travel. You buy a laptop because you need to be mobile and still work effectively. It does not matter how cheap it is, how many features it has, how fast it is, or how shiny it looks if it does not work. It also does not matter how good the warranty is either. I don't care that the warranty is 5 years and whatever is broken will be fixed for free. I need my laptop in my lap, not in the shop. When you travel, the laptop will get bumped, dropped and knocked around in spite of your efforts to baby it. If your laptop cannot handle it then you just have a nice expensive paperweight. I have a T23 myself and will recommend it to anybody because I know it can take it. Don't just take my word for it though. Use Google and see what others say about it.

IBM T20 User myself.

take my word for it. IBM T series laptop are leagues above and beyond any other laptops in terms of quality and build. They are also extremely tough.
I would rather get a T23 than the crappy dell posted above.

"Once you go IBM you dont go back"
"Once you go T-Series nothing else matters"

-dj