T61 purchase questions - HELP! :D

ThinkPad T61 15 Widescreen - 3 Yr Depot Warranty
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz 800MHz 4MBL2)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
15.4 WSXGA+ TFT
NVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M (128MB)
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
120GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
9 cell Li-Ion Battery

$1,313.10 w/ 10% coupon. It will be ~$150 less with AMEX Tailormade 7% discount and Fatwallet discount

Any suggestions? Should I upgrade to the 100gb 7200rpm or 160gb 5400rpm drive? I was looking at the Compal IFL90 but at this price I can't pass it up

I have a few worries though:
1) Shipping date- I go back to school 8/17 and would like this laptop a week in advance or at the latest a few days before. Would this be possible?
2) Off center screen- like symmetrical things so hopefully it doesn't bother me
3) Screen brightness- Don't need something very bright but would want it to be easily visible wherever I use the laptop

Thanks in advance

 

DO you need the Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN ? I downgraded to Intel 3495.
I'd also recommend 7200rpm drive.

 

The 3945 card is not an option. Some of the newer 5400RPM drives offer similar throughput to the first gen 7200RPM drives though I am not certain on the 120GB. I'm not sure on the ship dates. You could call and ask. I'm fairly certain there's a ship date thread around here somewhere with people more knowledgeable on the subject than myself.

 

The 3945 wifi card is an option but I thought in the long run the AGN card would be better. Downgrade to 3945 or keep the 4965?

 

You won't get it by 8/17 unless you know somebody inside lenovo.