[TriLUG] sources of second hand laptops?

[Andy Random]

Hi,

I want to buy a laptop for a friend in NC and install Linux (most likely 
Ubuntu) to give her an introduction to Linux.

As noted before I'm in England, but will be visiting NC in April. I could 
buy a laptop here and take it with me, I know of several place in the UK 
that sell second hand/refurbished laptops at reasonable prices, but that 
would mean an English KB and paying UK sales tax (VAT) at 15%... so I was 
wondering if it might be better to arrange the purchase of the machine in 
the US, and just install Linux while I'm there.

However I don't have a clue where to start looking (google aside) or which 
sites might be reputable dealers and which ones might be rip off 
merchants.

Any recommendations for sellers of second user laptops? I'm looking for a 
machine somewhere in the 1.4-2.0GHz range with 512MB or 1GB RAM, at least 
a 30 GB HD and at least a CD (preferably DVD) drive.

All suggestions of sites to look at or even sites to avoid gratefully 
received.

Thanks,

   Andy