T61: 15.4 vs 14.1 (6-cell) widescreen

I just bought a 15.4 T61 with a 6-cell and it's OK in terms of weight and size. Physically, I wish the notebook could be a little smaller so that I could use it more often in my lap on the couch. Weight really isn't bugging me that much.

The hard part is that it's from work (so it may be hard to return) but I was thinking of seeing if I could exchange it a 14.1 with 6-cell battery. Going that route, weight difference is only about 300g (0.6 pounds) less on the 14.1 and it turns out that the dimensions are pretty much the same in depth once you factor in the protruding 6-cell battery. Width is still a little more on the 15.4 by about a inch.

So my question is, even though the 14.1 is relatively smaller, would it be uncomfortable to hold in your lap since you have this oddly shaped 6-cell battery sticking out the back? Can anyone comment?

On another note, my eyes aren't great without glasses so I purposely went with a WXGA 15.4 screen so I would go with a WXGA 14.1 screen too. Screen seems decent enough on my 15.4, icons and text are about the same size of my desktop monitor even though I realize I'm loosing some real estate with such a low resolution.

P.S - On completely different note for those of your Googling out there, I was successfully able to use a 24' Benq @ 1920x1200 external monitor through DVI on the advanced mini dock with X3100 graphics on my T61, using XP. Went nuts looking for this answer before buying the damn notebook..

 

I have the 14.1" WXGA and it's really comfortable for me. I have a 7-cell battery (I believe it's identical in size with the 6-cell) and it's very comfortable on my lap, no awkwardness at all. As for the screen, it's just right for me and I don't have great eye sight either. You're gonna love the switch if you decide to.

 

I went from a 15.4" to a 14.1" and I couldn't be happier. I spend most of the time with my laptop on the sofa then in my office. I have a 6 cell battery which sticks out. Even with the 6 cell battery sticking out, it feels alot more comfortable and portable then my 15.4". I'm definately happy with the 14.1".