T4x - Need help deciding

[tseries]

Hello, I think I am looking for the following (but can be persuaded otherwise):

CPU: preferably >= 2GHz, could go for 1.8 though
RAM: will upgrade from Crucial, eventually want at least 1GB
Display: 14.1" SXGA+
Bluetooth, WiFi, Modem
HDD: >= 60GB
Weight: As low as possible.
Availability: Soon.

- Should I get a 7200, 5400 or 4500 rpm HDD?

- I see some T43's listed as 3.8lb travel weight. Others that are similarly spec'ed show up as >5lb travel weight. Why is this? How can I get one of the lighter ones?

What is the best way for me to find and purchase such a model? Any other comments or suggestions?

[c333]

CPU: Unless you know you already have a need for a higher clocks (video encoding/ modeling) , the 1.86mHz Pentium M 750 will do fine.

I too would recommend getting memory elsewhere as you said. Cheaper and probably better.

Bluetooth might be tricky, it only comes on certain higher-priced configurations. Although many have the antenna and you can buy a Bluetooth card for $35.

I don't think any IBM come with a 4200 drive. 5400 is the standard. People here will recommend the 7200, but in reality your looking at a few less seconds on boot up and a little quicker elsewhere. I have 5400 and think its fine. You can always upgrade to a 7200 100gig drive when the prices come down.

The lightest thinkpad is with the 6 cell and no optical drive, I think it about 5 pounds. 6 cell and drive is about 5.4 pounds, 9 cell and drive is almost 6 pounds. I don't think you can get it down to 3.8 pounds.

[tseries]

Thank you for your response!

I just talked to Lenovo sales regarding a T-series and they tell me that the following features will all increase the wait to at least 3.5 weeks, and 4 - 5 weeks in some cases:

- IPS/Flexview screen
- greater than 1.86MHz processor
- bluetooth

I want to purchase a very good computer and given how much I use it, price is not the most significant issue. This leaves me in the unusual position of having money to spend, but not being able to get anything better ... unless I want to wait a month. Here's the model that I can supposedly get right away:

T-series 2686-DJU
M760 1.86GHz
XP Professional
512MB RAM
DVD-RW multi-burner
60GB 7200RPM HDD
14.1" SXGA+ with 64MB x300
1Gb Ethernet
802.11b/g
6-cell battery
Somewhere around $1800
Bluetooth will need to be added separately, in a few weeks.

Is this a good deal? I want:

High performance
Portability (that's why I think I want 14.1" not 15")

Any suggestions, recommendations?
I assume I can take the optical drive out to travel if I want?
What is a good carrying case for the 14.1" T-series?

Thank you.

PS: I will most likely add various accessories. What should I add to the list?
- scrollpoint mouse
- extra battery
- bluetooth (they are discontinued, need to wait a few weeks)
- extra charger

[tseries]

Correction: 2686-DGU
(the DJU is a 15" model)

[MDL]

Although you missed the great visa/mastercard deal on 2686 DGU for $1420, but you can now still get it for $1690. ANd for bluetooth, did you make sure that it gets antenna installed in this model?

[nirvana0001]

mine with 6 cell battery plus drive (full suit) = exactly 6 pounds.