Buying a Thinkpad

[Bob8953]

I'm most likely going to purchase a Thinkpad T43. Over the past decade my last three computers have been purchased online as there was not an outlet store in my state.

Have worked up an order on "IBM's" order site and then wondered, am I better of pricewise to order from a web reseller than direct? If so, are there several that could be suggested.

In scanning some posts I picked up an indication that waiting till Dec. may provide a better price? If so, are major discounts available (like Dell offers or used to offer). Or are they along the line of 5-10%?

I am saying "goodbye" to Dell, although I have a desktop and a six year old laptop of theirs. There support has just become not worth dealing with.

Thanks for any help.