The current model 2.5GHz i5 13" MBP is just a few bucks over $1k in the refurb section.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD101LL/A/refurbished-macbook-pro-25ghz-dual-core-intel-i5
I have a budget of 1,000 dollars and am looking into a refurb... trying to gather info about which type of macbook and how old I should go with each for the most bang for my buck... any suggestions?
My recomendation to you: No matter what model or size you get, get always a model with dedicated gpu.
For a 2009 model, look for the 9600 GT gpu, for a 2010 model, look for a Gforce 330M. This way you make sure to have a longer product live cycle and better balanced system. Since the damand on the used market for a 17' MBP is low compared to other models, you may watch out for an 17'er. They are the best machines anyways.
The current model 2.5GHz i5 13" MBP is just a few bucks over $1k in the refurb section.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FD101LL/A/refurbished-macbook-pro-25ghz-dual-core-intel-i5
I just looked on the Apple US refurb store and not a single MBP is offered for less than $1000. You may want to look in the used market.
I suggest getting a mid-2010 15" or early-2011 13". Use the remaining cash towards a SSD and/or 8GB RAM.
You could get something like:
MacBook Pro 13" Early-2011 (used):
Dual-core Core i5 2.3GHz
4GB RAM
Intel HD 3000
320GB hard drive
$800
+
128GB SSD for the optibay ($100)
+
2x4GB 1333MHz DDR3 RAM ($40)
Total: $940
OR
MacBook Pro 15" Mid-2010 (used):
Dual-core Core i5 2.4GHz
4GB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M
320GB hard drive
$900
+
128GB SSD for the optibay ($100)
+
2x4GB 1333MHz DDR3 RAM ($40)
Total: $1040
MacBook Pro 15" Mid-2010 (used):
Dual-core Core i5 2.4GHz
4GB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M
320GB hard drive
$900
+
128GB SSD for the optibay ($100)
+
2x4GB 1333MHz DDR3 RAM ($40)
Total: $1040