Raptor is right. Unless it is a complete giveaway, go for a new cheapie. Plenty of poke as they are nearly all classed as multi media capable these days and they are specced to cope with the "dragging anchor" of XP. Saw one today, a capable little notebook for under £500 and a refurb isn't going to save you anything, especially if they haven't replaced your £100 battery and leave it for you to do in month three or thereabouts.
signing off on my backup PC - a sub £600 all singing/dancing/crashing(oops - lets forget that bit, eh?) Wireless Acer Laptop