hi, I'm in the middle of shopping for a laptop for my sister. If it was for me I'd know exactly what I want, but since my sister has some different requirements I'm open to suggestions.

She says she wants a DVD reader, that 13" is probably a little small, and HD space is not that big of a concern. She'll use it for home (mostly internet browsing, media watching) and work (probably typing reports and spreadsheet stuff, she's in the Health field).

This is leading me to something like a T4xx. I'd like to get her an SSD. I've looked at some other 14" models but I'm wondering what some other good ones would be.

I don't think she'd mind the business look of the T4xx but probably would be happier with something with more mainstream appeal.

For folks who carry a 15" on their commute what do you think of this size?

Used is OK. I'd like to keep it under $800 if possible.

Any ideas?

A nice T60 with ATI or Intel graphics (or harder to find T61 with Intel graphics) with 14.1" SXGA+ LCD will be more modern (better hardware, native SATA) than the almost same-looking T4x.
15" is too big to lug around.
Alternative: T420S (that is the lightweight S-model of the T420) is another, newer, highly recommendable unit.

Media watching and spreadsheet applications are both arguments for wide screen.

ThinkPad Edge E320 (13.3") / E420 (14") ? Both have 1366x768 resolution only.

I know this a ThinkPad forum, but if you want something smaller with an optical drive, the Latitude E6320 from the Dell Outlet might be worth a look. I believe it's 3.5 pounds and Latitudes from the outlet have three year warranties standard. Plus the optical drive is modular. You could do another drive or battery if that floats your boat. They're expensive new, but start at $600ish in the outlet. Dell also offers coupons in the outlet with some regularity. If you can wait for those, you'll probably do even better.