Which model of thinkpad R51 for college?

Planning to order one of the new Thinkpad R51 express models for my daughter in college and undecided about which one. If you are up-to-date on this technology please give your advice. She has seen the thinkpads in the bookstore and like the way they look. Also, reliability and service are the two most important things to her. The laptop will hopefully last her 4 years and maybe longer. This laptop will be her only pc and stay in the dorm most of the time. She plans to run basic windows software, office, burn cds, play dvds, and maybe hook up a digital camera in the future. So far she isn't into games. There is ethernet in all the buildings and wireless on campus but not in the dorm. The issues of firewire, bluetooth, and dvd recorder are not understood by us as to why she might need these in the future so if you know anything about that please reply also. I was wondering if the dvd recorder would record cds as fast and as well seeing as she hasn't found the need to burn dvds yet.
Here is the express model I was going to order for her:
Right now I'm thinking the 1st one listed below which is 1836H8U
It has the new flexview screen with wider viewing angles and the new penium M dothan processor. There are two more expensive models below it. One gets you for $100 (retail) a little faster processor, 20 more G, better graphics,IEEE 1394 (firewire), and Gigabyte ethernet. The last one gets you for $400 more than the one I was gona order, a little faster processor, 40 more G, better graphics,IEEE 1394 (firewire), Gigabyte ethernet, DVD recorder, Bluetooth, IBM wireless a,b,g.
Here are the three models:


ThinkPad R51(IBM Think Express Program)
1836H8U
Customize
& buy
$1,499.00*
Within 2-4 weeks**
Intel® Pentium® M Processor 715 1.50GHz
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
256 MB
40 GB
15.0"
1400x1050
32MB ATI Mobility RADEON 7500
6.4-6.8
UltraNav
Ultrabay Enhanced
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo V
None
10/100 Ethernet
56K V.92 designed modem
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG
IBM Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0



ThinkPad R51(IBM Think Express Program)
1836H9U
Customize
& buy
$1,599.00*
Within 2-4 weeks**
Intel® Pentium® M Processor 725 1.60GHz
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
256 MB
60 GB
15.0"
1400x1050
32MB ATI Mobility RADEON 9000
6.2-6.6
UltraNav
Ultrabay Enhanced
CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo V
None
Integrated Intel PRO/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
56K V.92 designed modem
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG
IBM Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0



ThinkPad R51(IBM Think Express Program)
1836HAU
Customize
& buy
$1,899.00*
Within 2-4 weeks**
Intel® Pentium® M Processor 725 1.60GHz
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
256 MB
80 GB
15.0"
1400x1050
32MB ATI Mobility RADEON 9000
6.2-6.6
UltraNav
Ultrabay Enhanced
DVD Recordable
None
Integrated Intel PRO/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
56K V.92 designed modem
Bluetooth
IBM Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0


She will be getting a small discount off of these prices but she doesn't want to spend an extra $100 or $400 on something she will never need or use. We are planning to add RAM to bring the system to 512K as recommended on so many other systems.

Please post your advice.
Thanks!

 

Hi momintn,
Take a look over at my mint condition R40 over in the buy/sell forum.
http://www.notebookreview.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4807
It would be more than enough notebook for any college student, is in perfect condition with the original packaging and box at a bargain price.

Jack

"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" (Ben Franklin)
http://pbase.com/joneill