I got a refurb'd Thinkpad on eBay. Didn't go into standby for some reason (and I suspect it's the reason it was returned).
Solved the problem by reformatting and magically it worked! No problems at all w/ the laptop, and wouldn't hesistate to get another New-Refurb'd one after this experience.
I estimate i saved ~500 on the list price for an identical Thinkpad.