Anyone experience Sony's Refurbished models?

Hey I am new here,

I am looking to buy a Sony SZ. My biggest limiting factor is price, I do not want to pay more than $1700 and get at least a 2.00ghz Core 2 Duo. Anyways so I found the models that I like on the SonyStyle outlet store. However I do not know what Sony's criteria for refurbished models, and what condition my laptop would come in. So that said, has anyone bought a refurbished laptop from Sony? How is the cosmetic condition? Lotsa scratches? Or like new? Would you reccomend me to buy my SZ from the outlet store or from other place?

Another question I have is this, if I get an SZ without a fingerprint sensor, would the tracker pad buttons be bigger or would there just be a gap in between them?

Also are the models with black keyboards built differently?

 

The Core 2 Duos are just being released as new. If you found one refurb'd already, color me impressed. I would guess you saw the SZ Core Duo, not the Core 2 Duo.

 

The buttons are bigger. Mine has no fingerprint sensor.

The models are built the same. The color keyboard is just cosmetic.

 

Yeah my bad. I meant a Core Duo model.

 

you may want to hold tight for a couple weeks.bestbuy and compusa have slashed the price on there old sz stock.you may very well be able to get the prize within your budget brand new.im not to hot on the sony refurb thing.

 

yo I got a TX refurb and it was not as described, didn't boot, and was sketch sketch sketch. It was very difficult to return and was a pain in the ass. If I think of all the hours of BS i spent and the fear of losing close to 2000 bucks it was NOT worth it. You can score an sz-260 premium new for around 1700-1900.

 

I have a refurbished SZ from sonystyle UK and it has been great for the 4 months i've owned it. No problems at all, and physically it looks brand new.