Any suggestions for my T42 config?

[noahweiss]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a first time ThinkPad buyer so I want to hear people's suggestions for my configuration. I made a custom built ThinkPad. Here it is:

60GB 7200RPM HDD CTO
09N4278
T42 INTEL PENTIUM M 1.8GHZ 15SXGA+ IPS 64VID CTO
2378EYU
512MB PC2700 DDR SDRAM CTO
31P9838
CTO TP 9 CELL HICAP LION BATT
31P9858
INTEL PRO WIRELES 2200 B/G MINI PCI ADAPTER
73P2805
CTO MODEM CDC CARD
73P2814
MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP HOME O/S SHIPGROUP
73P2890
CTO IBM MULTI BURNER ULTRABAY SLIM DRIVE
73P3295
3YR THINKPAD PROTECTION
IBM - 01N1575

My two main questoins:

I have a "base warranty," but I can't find out what that means. There's an option to extend to a depot warranty for 3yrs but is that worth it for $135? I think the ThinkPad PRotection for 3yr is very important though. That's bound to happen when I go to college next year.

I have my own copy of WindowsXP that I'll be using (I'm getting rid of my current computer and installation, so yes, it'll be legal) and wanted to save money by upgrading myself. Will this really mess stuff up?

Any other suggestions or comments are welcome!

Thanks
noah

[rhema83]

I think it will be pretty expensive to custom build everything. Try to find a model near your config and then upgrade your HDD and keep the old one as backup. RAM can be added cheaply too. So those two should be last on your list of consideration. The most important ones are of course CPU, GPU and screen. (Even the combo drive and battery can be bought if you have the cash.)

[Greg Gebhardt]

I would also suggest that you pick the unit that is closest to what you want and get it.