17" laptop for accounting use

Thanks in advance for your help! I'm an accountant who works mostly from home. I use my laptop for work exclusively, so it gets carted around wherever I go. My 17" HP Pavilion dv7 is 4 years old and seems to be having problems, so it's probably time to get another laptop.

I don't understand microprocessors, but I was looking at the following computers as options:

HP Pavilion 15z 15.6" - does anyone have a feel for whether a 15.6" screen is vastly smaller than a 17"?
HP15t 15.6"
HP Envy 17t
Pavilion 17t

There is also the Envy 17t and Pavilion 17t. I currently have a 17 inch screen so it might be nice to keep it. I just don't know the difference in the processors and if I'm buying more than I need if I went with one of these.

I'm not opposed to looking at Dells, my head is just spinning with all these specs!

General Questions

1) What is your budget? Flexible but definitely under $1,000

2) What size notebook would you prefer?
a. Netbook; 10" screen or less
b. Ultraportable; 11" - 12" screen
c. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
d. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
e. Desktop Replacement; 17"+ screen
3) Where will you buying this notebook? You can select the flag of your country as an indicator. US

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
a. Like: Currently have an HP Pavilion dv7 - works fine, fan runs a little loud. Had it four years and it's slowing down. Volume sucks when I've tried watching movies (rarely). Would love a backlight keyboard.
b. Dislike:
5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed? Sure

6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook? Replacement PC - use Excel, Adobe, email, Quickbooks - frequently running multiple programs at a time. No gaming. Sometimes movies and music.

7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both? Both

8) Will you be playing games on your notebook? If so, please state which games or types of games? No

9) How many hours of battery life do you need? 3-4 hours, it's mostly plugged in when I work.

10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you're considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK? Prefer to buy online (live far from stores)

11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (Windows 7 / 8), Mac OS, Linux, etc. Currently using Windows 7 but am willing to consider Windows 10 if I have to. No 8!

Screen Specifics

12) From the choices below, what screen resolution(s) would you prefer? Keep in mind screen size in conjunction with resolution will play a large role in overall viewing comfort level. Everyone is different. Some like really small text, while others like their text big and easy to read. (Scroll down to see screen resolution information.) Prefer large text, easy to read. Graphics aren't as important.

13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen? (Scroll down to see explanations.) Non reflective! I can't work outside with my current screen's glare, even after adding a screen guard.

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you? No

15) When are you buying this laptop? ASAP

16) How long do you want this laptop to last? As long as possible, several years

Notebook Components

17) How much hard drive space do you need? Do you want a SSD drive? ? I store pictures and videos on my computer

18) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD Burner, Blu-ray Reader or Blu-Ray Burner? Don't think so

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17" laptop for accounting use