Vostro 1400 questions

i'm now looking for a replacement for my 4-yr old T42 and after playing for 2 months with my company issued T61 i'm not buying Thinkpad again. my T42 still runs like a champ but i need a "new" computer. i've seen vostro next door and had the chance to open and close the lid and type for few seconds. keyboard isn't as good as a thinkpad but the build quality is definitely thinkpadlike or better comparing to T61. few questions:

1) does the hinge becommes lose after few months? my T42 is as tight the first time i bought it.
2) 9-cell battery lasts for how long?
3) does the screen reflects too much of the background?
4) top, bottom, palmrest made of what material?

 

1. No(I'm using mine since the end of September)
2. from 3 to 7 hours
3. Yes - if you buy truelife. (I love my matte LCD)
4. It's quality material, some kind of magnesium alloy, but the build quality isn't that great.

 

What's Wrong with T61? that's my dream Laptop... I couldn't afford it and I switched to Vostro 1500