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If you go here:
http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac/macbook_pro/17?mco=MjEwNzM3NjQ
You’ll find several apple refurb macbook pro 17” models for a good deal less than $2500. They come with a 1 year warranty (or used to) and you can get an Applecare extended warranty on them.
I’d get the cheapest one of them listed, and then max out its memory.