Thinkpad Z61t vs Sony SZ203P/B

Hi Guys, I wanted to get your opinion on these two laptops. I did post this also in the SONY message area to get their opinions as well. So I apologize if that goes against any rules.

I am deciding between a IBM Z61t ( http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/notebooks/thinkpad/z-series/index.html) & a Sony Vaio SZ203P/B
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=8eFgq_Py9n5gOrc1hlBqoLz9YxyvwdsbgFE=?ProductSKU=VGNSZ230P%2fB&Dept=computers&CategoryName=cpu_VAIONotebookComputers_SZSeries

Spec wise they will both be receiving dual core processors (1.83ghz), 1gb - 2gb of ram, 100-120gb of HD Space. Basically the specs will be very similar to each other.

PRICE Is also comparable within $100-$200 of each other. I am looking for something to take me through law school (about 3 yrs). I wont be playing games, just basic MS Word, and some multimedia (dvd viewing/burning). Will be doing a LOT of back and forth travelling with it. I would love a core 2 duo, but am not sure if they will be available in the next two weeks in lightweight notebooks.

Noteable differences from what I can see is the Sony has a switchable dedicated video card and is 0.5-1lb lighter.

The IBM has a larger LCD (IBM 14.1" vs Sony's 13.3"), and im hoping will be much easier to do a clean install of XP.

My basic requirements were a dual core CPU less than 5lbs weight and priced less than $2000. I did consider the IBM X60 but i would definetly require a built in optical drive. Any comments/suggestions? What do you guys think? The sony I can walk into any store and pickup and the IBM has about a 7-10 day lead time after I order it. I start school August 10th (orientation) so I need to make a decision fairly quickly. Thanks guys, appreciate it.

-Neil

 

Please do not cross post. I am closing this one and the one in the Sony forum, but I will leave the other open.