The 2nd system is vastly superior for several reasons:
Both have dedicated video but the ATI 7500 is way too old. The ATI 9000 is decent and that is what I have (actually ATI 9200 but it is basically a 9000). 32mb dedicated is better than shared video but 64mb is vastly preferable for any newer games and it is an effective minimum for Doom 3, etc.
The 2nd notebook has the Sonoma Pentium M (as the chip # ends in a 0) while the first does not (ends in a 5). Also, the 2nd one has the new a/b/g wi-fi card which is supposed to have less interference than the older b/g but I have not problem with it.
You are also getting a 50% larger hard drive and bluetooth internally is a big plus -- you may not use it right away but you may want it later and internal is preferable.
You can easily add a 512mb RAM stick (example Kingston) at retail for under $100 to go from 256mb to 768mb - you definitely want at least 512mb but you are fine ordering 256mb from the manufacturer (leave the 2nd slot open)
That seems like a decent price especially for an IBM but if there is any way you can get 64mb dedicated video (it only may be $50 or less more if you can upgrade the option) you will not regret getting that and scrimping on the other stuff you can upgrade later.
Note that 15.4" widescreens are great for DVD's and Excel spreadsheets but 15" square LCD's are better for internet use as many webpages don't stretch.
By the way, you are also getting an SXGA resolution on the 2nd notebook while the first is only XGA -- make sure your eyes can handle SXGA as the pixels are smaller but it will allow more data on the screen and for most younger people your eyes should be sharper.
Some web page small lettering, however, may be small....(but DVD's will look even better and you will see more of Excel speadsheets, etc).
You should be able to get the student Microsoft Office or they have Microsoft Office Basic for only $99.......
I've just about had it! I come to you from notebookforums.com Hoping that someone, anyone can help me since they won't answer my q's over there. I have been researching for many weeks, and am looking to purchase my first notebook. I am a college student, and will mainly be using it for word processing, powerpoint presentations, spreadsheets, surfing, email, etc. Don't really play games, but would like to burn a CD (legally) here and there. My main concern is quality, durability, price, etc. I know that I want at least 512 of ram, and preferrably 60 gig HD, but budget will probably require 256 and 40. Originally was going for the HP/Compaq DV1000/V2000. After taking a look and configuring w/student discount, too much for so so quality. I have the opportunity to purchase an IBM w/EPP discount, and would like to know what would be better in the long run. I know that the new Sonoma is out, and most would probably say wait. However, I don't have the time, nor do I feel that I would need anything of that caliber. Sorry for the extra long post, but here is what I'm looking at.
Thinkpad R51
Part# 1830H3U
$1,136.85 Your price* Excluding Tax
$1,749.00 IBM Web price*
System specifications:
Intel

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