$800+/- Budget. HP Refurb?

[neonardo]

Alright guys here's the story.

I want to spend around $800 on a laptop that will be used mainly for coding, but I want the thing to last too. I am willing to splurge a little on price if I find something really really appealing that's a little higher.

I want atleast a 17" screen.
I will not own a Dell.

That's my only two big requirements.

The minimum processor I will go with would be an upper end C2D. I'm really after atleast an I5 ( or I7 if a nice deal pops up.)

RAM atleast 4 gigs, and HD I would prefer a 7200RPM but I can swap that out so I'm not too worried about it.

Here is the unit I have been looking at http://cgi.ebay.com/HP-DV7T-SE-I5-2...ptops_Nov05&hash=item53e55c564d#ht_3369wt_905
however, it is a refurb. Does anyone have any experience with HP refurbs? Or better yet have a laptop with these specs that they would like to sell me?

 

[W.Feather]

check the HP Refurb store, cant remember what they call it, for refurb Elitebooks, they will last you the longest.....and should be around your price range and your requirements

 

[neonardo]

The only thing in the refurb store right now is a 13-inch envy.

 

[stinger608]

I would personally try to stay away from Ebay when purchasing something that expensive IMO. Check the NewEgg open box deals, as many times one can get a great deal on an upper system like the one your looking for......And I don't blame ya for not owning a Dell LOLOL POS's in my opinion!

 

[neonardo]

Thanks for the Input. I ended up getting a new HP from their website.

Got the dv7tse with the following specs


• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-720QM Quad Core processor (1.6GHz, 6MB L3 Cache) with Turbo Boost up to 2.8 GHz
• 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5650 graphics [HDMI, VGA] - For Quad Core Processors
• FREE Upgrade to 8GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• 640GB 7200RPM Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• No Additional Office Software
• No additional security software
• 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard) - Up to 5.0 hours of battery life +++
• 17.3" diagonal HD+ High-Definition HP LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1600 x 900)
• FREE Upgrade to Blu-ray player & Lightscribe SuperMulti DVD burner
• HP TrueVision Webcam and Fingerprint Reader
• Intel Wireless-N Card

I got all that for $899 plus tax it was 989.

I went overbudget, but I think it was a very good deal, and it will last me for several years.