wow... those are some high spec t43p! that's definately a backup if i can't find anything used.
<edit>
in terms of gaming performance, what's the difference between a x1400, x1300, and FireGL v3200 128? Some of the high-end t43p 14s i'm seeing are very nice!
<edit2>
research adrenaline!
if i can find one for a good price and with a x1400, i think i've settled on a T60 14. On ebay (not to buy from there, but for a general price range), it seems that $1500 pulls in a 100gb 5400 and a gig of ram
<edit3>
Housten, we have a laptop!
My dad's a teacher, so i can probably get a huge discount and end up with this machine:
https://www-03.ibm.com/lenovo/shop/pers ... il_status=
<edit4> Final edit!
having some trouble deciding between a mid-range T60 vs a high-range T43P. Both can be had for about $1500, so it comes down to a choice: Core Duo vs a better graphics card.
Right now, i have a T40. The size is perfect, but i don't have a 15" to compare to. I was considering a z61 15.4", but it's quite large (albeit cheaper).
Here's a rough estimate for what i'd be able to get for $1500 on either
T60
Core Duo 2500/2600 (2.0/2.1GHz)
14.1" SXGA+ OR 15" UXGA IPS (a bit more expensive)
1gb RAM
100gb 5400
DVD+/-RW
ATI X1400 128mb
T43P (I can probably find some higher configs, but this is from IBM/lenovo outlet)
Pentium M 760/770 (2.0/2.1GHz)
15" UXGA IPS OR 14.1" SXGA+ (harder to find)
1gb RAM
100gb 5400
DVD+/-RW
ATI FireGL V3200 128mb