We have just replaced our main switch with a refurbished 6509 with dual 720 sup modules. The switch modules are gigbit. The issue I have is the satellite switches we are running. They are fiber connected but they are 3524 catalyst switches that run at a meg. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced (refurbished) gig switch. There are 8 switches I need to replace. We are on a flat network and all switches are in the same VLAN. Thanks for any help you can offer.  

    On the lower end you have 2960's and a little higher would be the 3560 line .  Both can be had with gig interfaces.

To get all gig ports you would need to go with a 2960-S, so...

All prices are refurb/ebay/etc., brand new is 50-100% more in some cases.

48 Port 2960-S with LAN Base (WS-C2960S-48TS-L) - $1,800

24 Port 2960-S with LAN Base (WS-C2960S-24TS-L) $1,000

Now, 2960-S switches, if you want to stack them you also need the stacking module (one per switch) at $700 a piece. So for 8 switches (24 or 48 port, doesn't matter) you would pay $5,600 + cables to stack them, if you wanted to. PLUS, 2960 series has a max of 4 switches in a stack. So you would then need two stacks.

If you needed a larger stack, you could go to a 3750 (E or X), and get 9 switches per stack. Price goes up to $4k for a 48port or about $2k for a 24 port. All 10/100/1000 ports, includes stacking ports so no additional models. These are also layer3 switches (if you get the IP base software models).

So if you do not need to stack and do not need routing I would go with the 2960-S. That's also if you really need Gig on all ports.

If not then I would go with maybe a 2 3750's with IP base in a stack, and then connect regular 2960 switches to that. Then connect any Gig stuff (servers, etc) to the 3750's, and run the 3750's as your gateway.