My personal theory is to buy from the open box/refurb table for most electronics. New technology and features come out so quick paying top dollar for today's latest doesn't make much sense to me. Especially when I have to take it to a job site with other work going on. I recently sat and programmed a pronto while my boss drilled a stone mantle to hang a plasma. Dust everywhere. Then the homeowners kids came in and ran around the room narrowly avoiding electrical cords strung through the room. This is not where I want to take the latest $3K top notch computer. I recently bought a new laptop. I did look for one with a serial port and found a P4 with serial port cd-rom and 15" 1400x1050 resolution screen, for $1500 out the door. I visited three stores and drove about 60 miles.

Good luck
Derek