Upgrades to T43 possible? HD/DVDRW...

Hi guys,
I want to order a T43.
However, IBMs upgrades are crappy (only 4x DVDRW, for example) and expensive.
I'm going to get a 15" flexview screen, 1.86mhz CPU.
I plan to order a base configuration with CDRW/DVD and 40 GB, 5400 RPM HD.

The two upgrades I wish to make are:

1. 8x DVDRW - must be dual layer
2. 7200 RPM HD - 60GB minimum.

Please advice if this is possible, where to get the parts, etc.

Thanks!

 

You might want to consider buying one with the 7200RPM already in it. Right now the 7k60s are running $200 minimum and there are known bios issues upgrading hard drives on T43s. They are fixable if you have some technical skill. I don't know you'll save any money here by upgrading yourself unless you want to wait until they come down in price which will hopefully be soon. There are more T42s with 7200RPM drives than T43s. If you can get a copy of the tabook, it is IBMs listing of all the models offered with the configurations. The T42 will offer better battery life and runs cooler. The T43 has a 10% performance increase and is noisier. If you want spend a lot of cash, there are some T43ps with the new 100GB 7k100 drives being offered. Here is my T42 with 7200RPM drive:

http://www.costcentral.com/proddetail/Lenovo_ThinkPad_T42_2379/2379R9U/E95391/

or a slightly different model with six cell battery and slightly cheaper:

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/specs.aspx?EDC=647321

As for a DVD burner, I would recommend a NEC drive. They are the best laptop DVD burners I have seen. The ND-6650A runs about $110 on NewEgg at the moment. You can get a USB power external case for around $20. I just leave the extra battery in the bay. Good Luck.