How much should I expect to pay for a Core2Duo PC laptop?

[heatemyfather]

1-2GB RAM, 80-160GB hard drive, Windows XP (though not important as I have my own disc), graphics performance is not important as it's primary use will not be for games. Good CPU performance and reliability are the most important factors.

I have been told Dell or HP are good, I'm looking for a high quality machine, fully working and in top condition, but has to be worth my while price-wise if it's 2nd-hand (I do not have the money to buy new).

[heatemyfather]

so what sort of speed cpu do you want, does it have to be dual core or would asingle core cut it for you

if battery life isn't so important you could look at amd based laptops

what is the price range your looking at?

Just what ever is out there, I don't know what prices they should fetch in the UK. Would prefer Intel Core Duo or Core 2 Duo than AMD, but a price comparison to single core systems would also be good. The way I see it is this: a new laptop might typically cost around £600 for a decent spec, half that for 2nd-hand value, lose some more if it's six months older still, I'm thinking around £200 tops.