Refurb HP elitebook 8440p - worth it?

hondochica

Honorable
Nov 19, 2012
27
0
10,580
Greetings;

I'm looking for an inexpensive laptop - would like to stay below $350 - alot lower if I can . .

I ran across a HP elitebook 8440p refurbished for $320 - the retail site had few specs so here's the link from HP:
http://h20565.www2.hp.com/portal/site/hpsc/template.PAGE/public/kb/docDisplay/?spf_p.tpst=kbDocDisplay&spf_p.prp_kbDocDisplay=wsrp-navigationalState%3DdocId%253Demr_na-c02030597-3%257CdocLocale%253D%257CcalledBy%253D&javax.portlet.begCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken&javax.portlet.endCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken

(wow - that was a long link!)

the one I've found has:
4 GB Ram
500 GB HD - 7200 rpm
Intel i-5 processor - I cannot tell which one
dvd drive (pro)
display port (no hdmi - wanted - small con)
3 usb 2.0 ports
Win 7 Pro 64-bit (big pro - I really want to avoid win 8 if I can)
no warranty! (hmmmmm - big con?)

Not doing much w/ this computer: casual use generally, no gaming, internet browsing and videos (netflix); basic MS Office Suite tasks; may add Arc GIS - with only occasional use. not really hauling it around (e.g. coffee shops) - using in an RV - or hotel while travelling

Is this a reasonably good buy/deal?

thanks in advance

kelly
 

hondochica

Honorable
Nov 19, 2012
27
0
10,580


thanks for your comments. I had been looking at refurbs and off-lease laptops in the 200ish range, but they are older (obviously) and generally have ddr2 memory - not sure that it really matters, and memory if often not expandable beyond 4 g. I'm thinkin' I should at least find a laptop with min 8g in ram - capacity; and ddr3 memory. My last HP laptop is still working after 10+ years! It just can't keep up with newer software or surfing as the RAM is maxed at 512 mb - I think . . . . . don't think they had even 1G ram back in 2003 when I bought that baby!

anyway - as I anticipate keeping this laptop for at least half that time (5+years) and I want it to keep up as best as possible - w/i my budget, I'm now leaning toward a slightly newer model - more ram, better cpu etc.

anyway - thanks for your comments

kelly