I would like a powerful unit, but nothing too big.

primary use for school work, wireless internet programming, school work, and occasional gaming.

My current PC is a desktop, 1.5 ghz, needs an update, and I need a laptop.

I'm seen some refurb'd HP's on ecost.com for good prices, but I don't know if I'd want a refurb'd unit without an additional warrenty.

recommend me something

I was looking at something like this:

http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=647034