T400 pricing -- what gives?!

I'm speccing out various laptops, and I've run into what appears to be a common gotcha. I just want to make sure I'm not missing something.

I configured two identical (as near as I can tell) T400s on the Lenovo site. Specs:

One system was configured from the standard "discrete graphics" option. The second was configured from the "custom enhanced" option. Both systems came to a "total" of $1,515.00, but with the savings...

Standard savings: $302
Enhanced savings: $351

There is a $49 difference between these two identical systems, and from what I can tell, Lenovo isn't the only manufacturer doing this. Am I missing something, or is it possible to pay more than you should if you aren't careful?

 

Yeah, they often come out to slightly different results depending on which base configuration to modify. Its usually best to choose the base model that has most of the stuff you want so you just need to upgrade a couple things, because you'll tend to get bigger discounts on the more expensive systems.

It really makes sense if you think about it.

 

Just be a smart shopper and pay attention to prices...

 

In general, if you know the specs you want, it's cheaper to start higher and add a few upgrades than to start with the lowest and tack on a ton of upgrades.