In a previous post I asked advice about the suitability of a 2011 HP EliteBook Mobile Workstation 8740w (17" WUXGA). They are occasionally offered on eBay for ~$400US.
Replies were almost unanimously against the purchase but I went ahead anyway as I need a mil-spec notebook for my photography work.
Don't have a SSD installed yet but am pleasantly surprised at the performance.
I know it won't hold a candle to a cryogenically-cooled overclocked desktop but it's good enough for this space cadet
You be the judge: https://youtu.be/IPHYUmI75iA
Specs: i7 3rd gen quad Intel Q740 2.67GHz - nVidea Quadro fx3800M 1920x1200 16:10 Dreamcolor® display - 12Gb RAM - W7PRO - OBS,0.657 recording software