How should I handle an online trade?

I put up a couple posts in a computer 4 sale news group, about trading my laptop for a desktop.  I got a shit load of responces (20 in about a day) and I\'m currently dealing with people, and trying to get the best rig possible.  I\'m nearing the selection point, but am faced with a problem, how am I gonna cover my ass when I\'m trading with someone I don\'t know.  I have no idea how I can do this safely with out a face to face transaction.  Any suggestions?

[Living-In-Clip]

I honestly do not know of a way to make it completely safe. I\'ve done some online trading with small things, but when dealing with something like a laptop, I\'ve got no clue.
Too be completely honest, I wouldn\'t probably even trade. Your best bet is to put it on Ebay or somewhere and get some money and than save up for a desktop if you need to, it is at least a safer way.

Edit: I was also thinking about the fact that if you do actually get the item in return, there is the chance that something is defective . or something will go wrong with it and you won\'t have a warranty on it. Personally, trading with something like a whole computer is way to risky in my humble opinion.

I was thinking of going through an escrow service, but I can\'t find one that handles trades.  They have escrow services that handle buying and selling (money for items), but none that handle item traded for another item.

ask for sending a cheque or transaction before you give him the laptop... then send it by agency. I would do that.

i would never do an online trade, too risky