Need a laptop...what do you think about IBM?

Hey everyone, (thanks for helping me out). I have approx. $1400 to spend. I want a rather portable laptop (~5lbs), at least a 14.1 inch LCD, at least 40 GB (preferably more), and minimum 512 RAM. As for the processor, i don't really know...(is there that much of a difference b/t a 1.5 and 1.7 GHz Pent. M?)
Anyway, my friends have been telling me to get a dell but i've used dell computers before and they feel kinda cheap (not to offend anyone). I hear dell gives the most bang-for-the-buck. I'm also considering the SONY VAIO B-series. I really want to find a good bargain. I really like the Thinkpad T42. For $1400, i could get a Pent M 1.7 GHz, 40 GB (5400 rpm), 512 MB, 15 inch LCD (5.7 lbs.) Can anyone help me find a better--preferably thinkpad--deal than this one?

Also i'm considering the Sony VAIO B100B03 laptop for about $1400. It has a Pent M 1.5 GHz, 80 GB (4200 rpm), 512 MB, 14.1 inch LCD, AND a DVD burner (5.1 lbs). Should i get this over the IBM T42 considering the Sony laptop will get me more for my $1400? Thanks a lot!

General Usage

What will you be using the notebook mainly for? Will you be using it to play games? Will you be using it for word processing / general productivity? etc.

Used mainly for word processing and watching videos

Are you looking more at a very small notebook, a standard notebook, or a large desktop replacement?

Small or standard...just not too heavy

Will you be carrying the notebook around a lot or be keeping it stationary most of the time?

Will be carrying around the computer a lot

How important is battery life to you?

Pretty important

How long do you intend on using this laptop?

For at least 4 years

Features

Do you need lots of hard drive space?

I would like at least 60 but 40 GB is good

Will you be burning DVD's or just CD's?

I'd love to burn DVDs though it's not a priority

Do you tend to work with a lot of applications at once?

Not really. Just some surfing the web and word applications. Sometimes i watch movies too. Not a gamer

Graphics & Display

How big would you like your screen to be? Do you care if it's widescreen or not?

I don't want a widescreen display. I'd like it to be at least 14.1, preferably 15 inch.

Are you willing to pay more for premium screens enhanced by XBRITE, Crystal View, or Bright View? (Go to the bottom of this post for an explanation)

Yeah, though not THAT much more

(If applicable) Will you be playing casual games or the latest games?

Nope

(If applicable) Will you be doing work in a 3D modeling program like 3D Studio Max or Maya?

Nope

Miscellaneous

Do you care if your notebook looks good or not?

No, but i do want a very solid feeling/looking computer

Are there particular brands you prefer or won't buy from?

I'd like an IBM thinkpad though Sony and Toshiba are pretty good too. Dell and Gateway are OK while HP i don't like from past experiences

How much are you willing to pay for this notebook?

AT MOST 1400 (including taxes and shipping can't be over 1400).

Are there particular models you have already looked at?

Yeah, i REALLY like the thinkpad T42 but i can never seem to get the configurations i want because of my $1400 budget. I know if i got a DELL my $1400 would probably get me a lot more but i still think i can find a good value with IBM. I just need help finding one close to my needs

 

Please do not cross post.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=19508