Toshiba M30?

I've been looking into getting a low-end-ish (<$1000) laptop lately, but would like to get one that could still handle the occasional game. My first hope was the Acer AS1691 that CompUSA is offering for $999, but (as I found out thanks to the folks here) it only comes with integrated graphics in the US. Next, I've been thinking about a Compaq r4012, which comes with a powerful CPU, but not so good GPU (Radeon 200m). Now I'm looking at the Toshiba M30. For $1043 I can get a Celeron M 1.3, 256 megs (they want $80 for another 256 module, so I'll get one seperately*), 40 gig 4200 rpm drive, XP Pro (the only choice), 15.4" WXGA monitor, and a 64 meg Mobility Radeon 9700.
In a lot of ways, this is exactly what I've been looking for, a stripped down system with a (I think) good GPU. I figure all the other things I can upgrade later (HD, memory, even CPU). However...
-- Am I insane for getting the Celeron M? The Pentium M (1.6) is another $150, which is getting out of my comfort zone. I'm not overly worried about the increase in battery life (the C-M seems pretty low power in use). My current desktop is an XP 2600, and it seems like the C-M 1.3 may not be that much different.
-- Is it possible to upgrade the CPU to a Pentium M later?
-- Is the 64megs on the 9700 going to cause problems (that's all they offer on the discounted model)
-- Any thoughts on the M30 in general?

Thanks for any insights. Hopefully soon I'll actually be buying something!

Andrew

* Edit: I just noticed they sell a 256 module as an "accessory" for $43, but if you ask for it as part of the configuration it's $80...

 

The Celeron is similiar to the PM, just that it has lower cache, L1 256kb, L2 512kb, while PM has L1 1MB L2 2MB, a weaker battery life, weighs a bit more and generates a tad more heat.

I dont think you can upgrade the chip to a PM, as its not within the same family(Correct me if im wrong someone?)

The GPU is kinda weak, but we don't know what you'll be playing, so we can't say for sure.

And nowadays Toshiba isn't exactly the best brand to buy from..

 

Sorry, should have included this in the first post...
The CPU is the Celeron-M 350 (1 meg of L2)

The only graphics intensive games that I play are City of Heroes and occasionally World of Warcraft. I saw someone post that they were getting about 5 fps in CoH with a x200 on (I think) Compaq r4025us, soif I go the Compaq route, I certainly won't be playing on the laptop.

Could someone elaborate on what's bad about Toshiba (support? hardware?)?

Thanks,
Andrew

 

i tihnk u should get the Pentium M processor...if its 2 much 4 the toshiba brand...check a diff. brand as well

6/14-Ordered Inspiron 9300 wit:1.86 GHZ Pentium M | 512 MB DDR RAM | 80 GB hard drive | 256 NVidia GeForce Go 6800
6/29: Expected Shipping