Laptop suggestion - should I go with refurbished?

[spacediver]

Looking for a laptop, and hoping to spend under $250.

I'll be using this mainly for display/tv calibration, and will be using windows XP. Additionally may be used for email when traveling. So will be running pretty non demanding software.

I've noticed some laptops have under-powered USB ports, and that's something I want to avoid, although a powered USB hub may solve this issue.

Small screen size is fine, even 11 inches, and would be nice (but not necessary) to have good viewing angles.

One thing I am wary of is pre-installed software on many laptops. I need something that I can format easily and install my own OS the way I want it, and not have to deal with software that's installed deep into the system.

A friend recommended I look into refurbished Dell latitude laptops, but having little to no experience with laptops, I'd like to get some more opinions.

For what it's worth, I live in Toronto, Canada.

 

[spacediver]

can a mod delete this please? I should've posted this in mobile computing.

 

[JedixJarf]

I've never had a problem with dell refurbs, it's all my company buys.

 

[wilson0416]

Go for new 1, if your budget very tight... try installments plan...

 

[Dreamerbydesign]

I've had zero issues with dell returbs. They are like new.