Some Toshibas are great, but I also bought one that was terrible. It was a P4 M (S1100?) system that performed at about 70% of similarly clocked competitors. The only thing I could figure was the chipset (early ATI) was the culprit. Store units were the same so back it went.
Refurbs are usually better than used since they have a better chance of being almost new. As a rule, cheap models are generally less durable so consider that vs. how you'll use it. With refurbs, make sure there isn't a huge supply with funny limitations on the warranty. That often indicates there was a problem with that model and the company is washing its hands.
No matter how much a friend loves their model XXX, don't put much into brand loyalty. (But maybe buy the same model.) Recall that none of the mainstream notebooks are actually made by the company with a name stamped on the front. They buy from multiple sources, usually by product line, and every brand has lemons. You're buying a recipe of commodity parts from a Pac-rim designer, and support that's outsourced, offshored, and will probably change more than once during your warranty period. There are exceptions, but not among standard warranties on any sub-$1000 system.
Both HP and Dell telephone support drive people to tears. (Hint: Use online chat instead. You may not get a better tech but at least the information is logged properly.) One advantage to a Dell is they offer some optional extended warranties with US call centers. Still, I've seen their $300 on-site next-business-day extended warranties turn a newly delivered system into two weeks of repetitive calling and techs who replace the wrong parts multiple times. Granted, I see good experiences too, but not enough of them.
Buy at Staples or Costco or similar and you at least get seat-time before purchase, and you can take it back or trade it in within two weeks (Costco is longer).
Someone, please tell me I'm too cynical.
