LF: Any 1-3 Year Old laptop up to $400

[bonestonne]

I'm on the hunt for any current laptop, meaning dual core, reasonable sized hard drive, preferrably 2gb of RAM, 15" screen or so (resolution equal or higher than 1280x854 preferred), minor signs of wear.

I'm not looking for something brand new, but something for a college student. This isn't for me, I'm helping out a friend looking for a laptop for college.

I'm not picky about what dual core it is, the person getting this isn't the most tech savvy person, but Pentium Dual Core is just as good as a Core 2 Duo to be honest for this person. It doesn't need to still have the warranty, but if the LCD is showing any signs of going bad, I'm going to expect the price to reflect that.

Basic specs that I guess are a good reference model:

CPU: ~2.0ghz dual core, 1.8 is fine, higher than 2.0 is fine
GFX: Integrated Intel is fine, this isn't for heavy usage; 64 or 128mb ATI or nVidia is perfectly fine
RAM: 2gb is preferred, 3 is a bonus, but less than 2 and I'll expect the price to reflect it
HDD: 60gb minimum, 160 is a good size for it to come with, but again, bigger isn't a selling point for me
ODD: at the very least, it should be able to read and write CDs, and read DVDs, if it has a DVD burner, that's great, lightscribe is not needed, just an extra option
LCD: 14/15" is fine, 1024x768 resolution is considered too small at this point, widescreen is fine, but at least 1280x854.
Lenovo model: It doesn't matter, the T60 series might be a good sweet spot to look for, tablet's aside, as this is a basic use laptop.

Throw out some offers, but keep in mind, $400 is about the limit. If you could include shipping that would be great, shipping to northern NJ, Zip 07960. Guarantee against DOA would be much appreciated, but I anticipate that would be the case no matter what.

Thanks for looking, and the sooner the better.
-bonestonne

[RealBlackStuff]

Underclocker has the perfect candidate: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=82615

[AllTPedOut]

And I think most of the long(ahem, we're not old!)-timers here can vouch for Ed's Thinkpads. He's no-nonsense and upfront about the condition of the machines and you will be quite pleased with any purchases from him!

[Harryc]

for Ed's Thinkpads...top shelf.

[AllTPedOut]

And I would put you in the same category Harry!

[underclocker]

You guys are great, thank you. I also PM'd the OP with a 15.4" SXGA+ T60 option, that is really nice, too. I use one of these for my work and the 15.4" widescreen format is beginning to grow on me...I work in spreadsheets a lot.

[bonestonne]

I've looked over everything, and have let the buyer know the options. i can't tell you when i'll have an answer, so patience is what i can ask for right now.

thanks everyone