newbie buyer in need of some help/advice

[soccerjoe5]

hi, newbie here i'm looking into a T42 as my very first laptop i'm from the philippines and thinkpad's are so expensive here my uncle/aunt might be able to bring one home from the US for me. i was thinking of me or my aunt order one, then have it shipped in the US, then bring it home for me. i've read around this forum and there were a few things i wanted to ask you thinkpad experts

1. can i use this "shareholder program" and how does this work?
2. what's this "Global NLS Customization" option i see at the customization screen?
3. what else comes with the notebook that i need to be carrying around? is it only the unit and charger? i just want to be aware of what i'll be carrying around with me
4. i've looked around the forum and i've spotted some really attractive looking bags. i like something light and compact. the Blurr bag from

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_deta ... 6239320886

looks really nice. but i wanted to put a bit more things in it so i found the CRUMPLER "WEE BEE" or the "CRIPPY DUCK" from

http://www.crumpler.com.au/public/select/computer.html

has anyone had/seen any of these?
5. lastly, anything else i should know/consider before buying this? i'm looking into the 2378-FVU model i do programming/photoshop/web designing and a bit of gaming too

thank you so much and i'm looking forward to your responses
-diego

p.s. you can also email me at soccerjoe5@hotmail.com. thanks!