Computer Hope

Greetings All,
I work as a consultant on-line and have just enrolled in school on-line.  Doing all this on an HP notebook 15.  Looking to get a desktop to split the load and have a back up.
I don't do any gaming but when working I can have as many as 10 windows open and several programs running.
Priorities are an SSD, around 16 gig ram and fastest processor I can afford.
1. question - refurbs in general.  Should I fork out some xtra $ for something new. Also I am shopping Amazon. I would think it would be as trusted as any other site for refurbs ?
2. question - Since I am looking at specs rather than brands most have been HP or Dell, but a Leveno ThinkCenter caught my eye.
Have not heard much about Leveno one way or the other - Any thoughts pro or con ?
I realize it's a crap shoot, especially with a refurbished, but any thoughts greatly appreciated.
Cheers !