I've never had a problem with buying a refurbished item (From the main company)
Much cheaper and you know the item has been seen TWICE to make sure it is salesworthy.
I have bought pc's,Monitors,LCD tv's,laptops over the years and never a problem with a refurb.
When it comes time to upgrade as it has rapidly over the 90's/00's,a refurbished item is where I look first.