Thinkpad R50e...need your opinions

I am overseas (in Kuwait) and am looking for a laptop to fit my budget ($1000). At the moment the best i can find on the range is this R50e with the following specs:
Intel Pentium M Processor 715 Centrino 1.6Ghz -400MHz FSB
256 MB RAM
40GB 5400rpm HDD
DVD ROM/CDRW combo
Intel Extreme Graphics 2---Upto 32MB
XGA screen
Windows XP Professional

Is it a little dated?IS there a big difference between the 715 and 725?
Can i possibly upgrade the CPU later down the road?

What other upgrades can i do to improve the system?RAM seems the obvious one i guess.

Thanks!

 

As long as you are not gaming on it, I think you'll be fine. The R series are liitle more plasticky and heavier but still well built with a great keyboard. Defintely upgrade the memory. If you want you could upgrade to a faster hard drive, but they are expensive right now.

 

The most "outdated" component I see is the graphics. Not only is it integrated, but it isn't even the most recent version. Of course, if you mainly just use office apps and go online, it is OK. The memory is easily upgradeable; no need to get it with the notebook, as buying separately is much cheaper. The difference between P-M 715 and 725 is also small. However, I would suggest that with your tight budget, you may want to look at some Dell's and HP's too. Those often have more up-to-date components, at a cheaper price than ThinkPads. The tradeoff is of course quality and durability.

 

Thanks for the replies sirs.

Actually am looking at the possibility of some gaming. And on the IBM side, it should be at least the T41/42...Which would push my budget over the limit.

Did take a look at the HP L2000 (AMD Turion/X300).

Again thanks for the inputs

 

Yeah, if you're looking at playing games, and you have a tight budget, it would be almost impossible to find a ThinkPad to fit your needs.

 

If you want to consider used, a T series with the ATI 9600 might be a choice, but $1k might be pushing it.

 

Thanks again for your opinions; they greatly appreciated.

Well it seems that at the moment $1000 for a t40-42 is really hard to get, so i might consider other brands like Dell or an HP.

Just the same if someone can still hook me up with a T40-42 for $1000 with the basic configuration (IGMA), it will be well appreciated.

Regards and again my thanks kind sirs!

 

I'd definetly look on ebay. Just make sure you buy from a a reputable seller.