You might check the refurb/closeout section of the online Apple store. Big savings on whatever the latest technology was this time last year, or more recently than that. They have an April 2010 model 15" MacBook Pro, 4GB RAM, 500GB disk, and 2.53GHz Intel Core i5 processor for $1,439. Since it doesn't sound like you need the latest, fastest cpu, this might be a way to get more computer for less money. (Everything comes with current, not April 2010, software, and a full new-computer warranty.)