I have purchased both my laptops off of eBay. I look for a high power seller with a good rating and feedback, free shipping and all the specs I want. Both laptops have been Dells and we have been very happy with them. The first one was under $350 used and lasted us nearly three years. Our second one we just bought in Dec. or Jan. It's a refurbished one with a 9 month warranty still on it, which is due to expire here pretty soon.

Always use discretion when buying online though.

I had a friend a couple of years ago spend nearly $1000 or was it $2000 on a brand new Toshiba? And she had trouble from the beginning!

Until I try a MAC, I think my favorite Laptop brand is DELL. We do have an HP for our PC.