So Im gunna buy a lenovo T61, wut do I need on it?

Hello,
I never owned a laptop before, so I'm hoping you can help me out. I think Im going to take advantage of the deal that lenovo is offering right now, but I have a few questions. First off,I'm going off to college in the fall. I use my computer for research, internet surfing, downloading/listening to music/movies, etc. My budget is b/w 8 and 900. Heres the base model I made that came to a total of 800.92.
Processor: T8100(2.1ghz) (is it worth $36 to upgrade to a T8300(2.4 ghz)?
Hard drive: Cant decide b/w 160 GB at 5400 rpm or 100 GB at 7200 rpm?
optical drive VD recordable 8x max dual layer(does this mean I can burn cds and dvds?)
Im gunna upgrade the memory as soon as I get it, so thats not an issue. So, is there anything there that you would change/add? Like I said, this comes out to 800 even, so Id really apreciate any insight. Thanks alot.

 

That's just fine, as long as you don't game or do any intensive graphic design.

 

Like Han said that is good if your not gaming or doing anything graphics intensive.

Not really worth the CPU upgrade if your not going to do anything CPU intensive.

You'll want the 160GB for downloading music

Yes you can burn CDs and DVDs

It look like a good config congrats on your future ThinkPad!!!!!

 

Memory: Select 1GB-1Dimm (the default is 1GB-2dimms. It's better to have one 1GB stick than 2 512MB sticks.) Then buy a 2GB stick thirdparty.

CPU: Upgrading from the T8100 to a T8300 gains you 300Mhz. For just $38 I think that gives you a good bang for your buck.

HDD: Go with the 160GB 5400rpm. I think to go from 160GB 5400rpm to 160GB 7200rpm costs about ~$30 more. Might be worth it. Not sure.

Optical Drive: Yes, the DVD 8x Recordable allows recording of both CDs and DVDs. Honestly, I don't know why they don't make them standard.

<strike>What model are you getting? An R61?</strike>

Screen: For the 14.1" I highly recommend WXGA+. For the 15.4" I highly recommend WSXGA+. I would put money toward the screen before putting money toward the T8300 or the 160GB 7200rpm.

 

The title tells you he is getting a t61

 

Whatever you do, make sure there are three components maxed out so that they last you for a long time. One is the processor, another is screen and third is graphics card. Everything else can be swapped out or exchanged

 

very good price for your specs