I'll soon be purchasing a new MacBook Pro 17.

As I've read the newer Intel i-series processors may appear in the MacBook Pro units, I'm curious about when a refresh might take.

When did they refresh in 2009?

You can check out previous introduction dates in MacTracker's General tab (open an MBP window first).
Meanwhile, you might want to join Hal in the waiting room...

Hal Itosis is really anxious about seeing the next release.

...Apple is on their own time schedule.

I'll just lean back, put my feet up, and read a book while waiting.

Is that a characteristic of the freshly Matterhorned?

Yes, a bit.

But, I've expanded my patience by ordering an iPad today.