Before I start, I wanted to share that I'm the Director of Information Technologies and only buy Lenovo ThinkPads for Windows laptops - so I have a lot of experience with them. I only rated this two stars because the description says they are "This certified refurbished product has been tested and certified by a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher to look and work like new." - but they don't "look" new out, a first run and quick test they work like new. I've ordered two T420's from this seller - maybe part of the problem is what's considered refurbished? First machine right front corner where top and bottom at the Overlap headphone jack. This is because either the top or bottom case is not the right part to fit the other, the mold lines don't match. Last for this machine - It has a thin "Skin" sticker on the top deck of the keyboard area of the case. It gives the case the classic stipple texture that Lenovos have and I imagine covers any imperfections from previous use. This skin is located on the upper deck. although not very noticeable to the eye, but the skin is very noticeable to the touch. This skin will not last long as the edges are already starting to lift. First T420 right corner again, upper deck, skin not sticking as it's already been lifted so it doesn't take long to start peeling it off. I was hoping it would be in better shape on the second T420. First notable Problem is the screen and visible light distorted vertical lines that look like scratches but are imperceptible when touched. Lenovo screens are made of layers so this is some kind of scratch or imperfection in the layer. Notice on the picture that You can see the screen's pixel grid, but the vertical distortions appear as scratches to the eye. Back to the upper deck - the right rear corner, the upper deck and the lower deck are not together - this time the problem is not the wrong part is just not assembled correctly. This machine also as a skin that gives the case the classic stipple texture that the Lenovos have. This skin is on the top deck and while not very noticeable to the eye, the edges of the skin are very noticeable to the touch. If For example, if you use the touchpad and slide your fingers toward the mouse buttons, your fingers will cling to the edges of the skin placed on the mouse buttons. The skin actually makes the button higher than the mouse touchpad. This skin will not last long as the edges are already lifting. The lid or back of the screen also has the same skin which has a few air bubbles and the edge on the hinge side is raised. I checked the disk manufacture date which shows a 2011 DOM. I would expect the hard drive to be the most common failed part and one of the most critical on a newer DOM. So both machines run well, fast and have that solid Lenovo feel you'd expect. Keyboards on both look new. The hinges are tight and work like new and all other functions work as expected. For all it's worth I've got Lenovo laptops that are 10 years old. Dropped? No problem! Cracked case, yes, still running! Sure I've replaced the hard drive and upgraded the RAM but this machine is great. So - if you can get by with a good used laptop these are well worth the money.
